The one defensive bright spot for the Patriots on Sunday? It came early in the second half. Considering the two guys who made the play, it could create some hope the defense might just get things turned around sooner rather than later.
The Lions were up 13-3 with just over 14 minutes left in the third quarter. On a second-and-2, Deatrich Wise delivered a nice tackle for loss on Detroit running back LeGarrette Blount, knocking him back a yard. The defensive end then let loose with a whoop, a move designed to provide a spark for a lifeless New England defense. On the next play, rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley stepped in front of a Stafford pass intended for tight end Luke Willson deep down the middle.
The pick was the first of Bentley’s NFL career and helped set the Patriots up with some nice field position. New England cashed in seven plays later when Tom Brady hit James White on a 10-yard touchdown pass to cut the Lions’ lead to 13-10.
Unfortunately, it would be as close as the Patriots would get on the evening, but the back-to-back sequence was somewhat encouraging, as it was two young defenders at the heart of the action. Wise also added a sack of Stafford.
Deatrich Wise Jr.’s inside fake kills Taylor Decker’s half-man relationship. Chop + rip to clear his hips and corner. pic.twitter.com/QhjWgOMDrD
— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) September 24, 2018