Sunday Patriots Notes: Defense keeps searching for takeaways
Notes and thoughts on the Patriots defense, the home opener blues, Mike Smith’s connection with Aaron Rodgers, and more.
The New England Patriots will look to bounce back after a losing Week 1 with a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team's defense, while strong, has struggled in generating takeaways such as interceptions and fumble recoveries. Last year, they finished 19th in the league with just 19 takeaways, failing to recover any fumbles or interceptions in the season opener against the Seahawks.
Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of opportunities to create turnovers. Free agent Kevin Byard, who led the NFL in interceptions last season, stresses the need to focus on getting attempts at the ball carrier rather than forcing plays. The injuries and communication gaps on defense have been problematic, with interceptions ranking 18th in the league and nine of the 19 takeaways coming from fumble recoveries.
The Patriots will be without starting cornerback Carlton Davis due to a neck injury, making Marcus Jones and Charles Woods even more important in the starting lineup. Coach Mike Smith, a former NFL player and current Patriots linebackers coach, reminisces about his connection with fellow 2005 draft pick Aaron Rodgers, with whom he will face on Sunday.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
