The Patriots have lost several tone-setting defenders for various reasons that are keeping those players off the field this season.
Heading into the year, New England announced six captains: QB Jacoby Brissett, LS Joe Cardona, DE Deatrich Wise, C David Andrews, LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, and S Jabrill Peppers. Of those six, three aren't currently available. Andrews (shoulder) and Bentley (torn pectoral) suffered season-ending injuries, while Peppers is on on the commissioner's exempt list.
With those major absences, the Patriots needed other veterans to fill the leadership void. Although that hasn't always been easy or reflected by the team's win-loss record, there are players who deserve credit for leading the team through significant adversity.