The New England Patriots are off to a 1-1 start in the 2025 season, but have allowed the two opposing quarterbacks to throw for over 300 passing yards.
The defense allowed Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith to throw for 362 yards in the season opener and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw for 315 yards. The Patriots have allowed 677 yards per game in the first two weeks, the second-highest in the NFL.
New England is also without their All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has yet to play this season and has been slow to return from his hamstring injury. The former Oregon Duck usually shadows opposing teams’ primary receiving threats.
With how the Patriots‘ defense has played so far this season, one NFL writer has a bold prediction for the team entering Week 3.
Patriots Predicted To Be “Shredded”
GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
The New England Patriots will play the Pittsburgh Steelers during Week 3 and are predicted to be shredded by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
FanSided’s Justin Carter predicts the Steelers QB will have a bounce-back game against the Patriots‘ defense after his Week 2 performance.
Aaron Rodgers was really good in Week 1, throwing four touchdowns in a win over the Jets, but he crashed back down to earth in Week 2 against Seattle as he was picked off twice in a 31-17 loss,” Carter wrote.
But Rodgers is set for a huge bounce-back effort this week as he takes on a New England Patriots defense that has just been shredded to open the season… and it’s not like they’ve even faced good quarterbacks. The defense has struggled against Geno Smith and Tua Tagovailoa. Neither guy is a scrub, but to rank where they do in passing yards allowed, you’d think the defense had faced at least one elite quarterback.”
Rodgers this season has 447 passing yards with 5 touchdowns. While not in his prime, the four-time MVP appears to have some gas left in the tank and could have a good performance against New England.
How Will The Patriots Play?
GettyNew England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis (left) and head coach Mike Vrabel (right)
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is listed as questionable to make his debut in the 2025 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If the cornerback were to return, the secondary would see a significant drop in yardage allowed.
The Pats would get their first look at the cornerback duo of Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, one of the team’s key signings this offseason.
The presence of those two players alone will allow the front 4 to have more time to get to opposing quarterbacks with tight coverage.
If Gonzalez were to play this weekend, the Patriots‘ defense could hold Aaron Rodgers to low yards and not get shredded.
Patriots Receive Bold Prediction Ahead Of Week 3