4 toughest defenses Justin Herbert and the Chargers face in 2023
By Jason Reed
1. New England Patriots
Talent-wise, many would probably rank both the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys ahead of the New England Patriots on defense. If you just look at the depth charts of all three teams the other two teams have the star names that jump off the page that the Patriots don't have as much of.
That being said, the Patriots have the advantage of having the greatest coach in NFL history running the defense. Not only that, but New England put together an exceptional draft last season that has added several difference-makers to this defense, even if they are not household names at the moment.
This cornerback room was already one of the best in the entire sport and it got even better in the 2023 NFL Draft in adding Oregon's Christian Gonzalez in the first round. He joins the likes of Jack Jones, Markus Jones, Jonathan Jones and Myles Bryant as solid corners.
Then we have to factor in the likes of Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger in the secondary. In the pass rush, New England has Matthew Judon leading the way with a stout defensive line that can stop the run and get pressure on the quarterback.
It all comes together for a complete defense under Belichick's vision that is going to be hard to beat this year, even with a mediocre offense. While the team only ranked 11th in points for and eighth in yards allowed last season, it also ranked third in defensive DVOA. It would not be surprising if they ranked first in 2023.
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