The Patriots’ defense has severely regressed in 2024.
Entering Week 14 with the 21st-ranked defense at 23.6 points allowed per game, things continued to erode for the Patriots in Sunday’s 30-17 loss to the Cardinals.
New England relinquished 395 total yards to the Cardinals, including 163 rushing yards. While the Patriots offense didn’t move the chains on six third-down opportunities, the Cardinals went 10-for-15 on third-down chances.
It was a lopsided loss for New England, with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns from Drake Maye creating the illusion that Sunday’s result was slightly competitive.
But the Patriots’ latest loss could have devolved into an even greater blowout defeat had it not been for the one silver lining on New England’s defense: second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez.