Patriots Have New Defensive Leader And He’s a Real Beast

It was well-known that replacing Matt Patricia wasn’t going to be easy.

As the “unofficial” defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, Brian Flores had some big shoes to fill. The former New England Patriots defensive coordinator was perceived as a cult hero in New England, but so far Brian Flores has stepped up to the plate and seems to be beloved by his players and in a quick period of time has garnered a lot of praise from them.

Dont’a Hightower has expressed his love for Flores before, but talked about the defensive coordinator again on Thursday.

“Coach is definitely different. I think guys are learning a lot better, a lot easier. A lot of young guys are stepping up and able to pick up for some of the older guys. It definitely works in our favor.”

“Maybe it’s just the way that he teaches it,” Hightower said about Flores. “The way that the guys kind of absorb it a little bit different. We meet a little different, talk about things a little different. It’s just small quirky things that you can’t necessarily put a finger on, but it’s obvious whenever you can kind of have first-year guys come in or even guys who maybe got signed that can pick things up.”

If Flores is as good as his teammates say, the team may not give up a single point this season.

But he’s not the only one they count on.

The Patriots are primed to have a great pass rush, having signed Adrian Clayborn, Deatrich Wise and Trey Flowers. It will be hard to gain yards as an opposing running back.

And let’s not forget the fact that Hightower is returning, giving the Patriots a solid front seven.

All that’s left to work on right now is their defense. The last time we saw New England’s defense they were struggling to stop Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles. If the defense performs as in February, Tom Brady will have to throw for 500 yards every game.

Let’s hope Brady won’t have that much weight on his shoulders.