FOXBORO — One of the most notable defensive difficulties encountered by the New England Patriots in recent years has been finding consistency to effectively stop the run.
In 2021, the Patriots ranked 22nd in rushing yards allowed and 25th in opposing yards per carry.
While New England’s irregularities with setting the edge are partly to blame, success [or lack thereof] when stifling the run typically begins in the interior of the defensive line. In an attempt to combat its lack of presence in the middle of the defensive line, New England signed defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to a two-year, $16 million deal in the 2021 offseason.