Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots

The 2028 NFL season has proven to be a rugged test of resilience for the New England Patriots, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. A wave of injuries to key starters—including safety Kyle Dugger (knee), defensive end Matthew Judon (bicep), and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (ankle)—has forced the team to dig deep into its reserve pool, turning a season of high expectations into a trial of depth and adaptability. For a Patriots franchise long known for its ability to reload rather than rebuild, this tough stretch has become a critical evaluation period: not just for winning games in the short term, but for identifying which reserve players can step up and contribute to future success. Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots explores how these unheralded players are performing under pressure, the challenges they face, and what their development means for the Patriots’ defensive identity moving forward.

At the heart of the Patriots’ defensive reserve test is the emergence of young players thrust into larger roles. Rookie defensive end Keion White, a 2028 fourth-round pick out of Georgia Tech, has been one of the most pleasant surprises. After Judon’s injury in Week 5, White stepped into a rotational role and quickly made his presence felt: in his first extended action against the Buffalo Bills, he recorded 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 quarterback hits, using his 6-foot-5 frame and quick first step to disrupt Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Similarly, second-year safety Brenden Schooler—who spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad—has filled in admirably for Dugger, tallying 18 tackles and 1 pass breakup in three starts. What makes these performances stand out is their consistency: White has recorded at least one tackle in every game since taking on a larger role, while Schooler has held opposing tight ends to an average of just 8 yards per catch in coverage. “These young guys aren’t just filling spots—they’re making plays,” Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington said. “They’re learning on the fly, but they’re not letting the moment overwhelm them. That’s the mark of a Patriot.” Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots frames these young players’ growth as a silver lining in an otherwise challenging season.

While young reserves have shown promise, the Patriots have also relied on veteran depth pieces to provide stability amid the chaos. Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, a sixth-year player who was previously a rotational backup, has taken on a leadership role in Judon’s absence, calling defensive signals and mentoring younger linebackers like Marte Mapu. Bentley’s production has surged, too: he’s recorded 32 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble in the past four games, including a game-sealing tackle on fourth down against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. Another veteran reserve making an impact is cornerback Myles Bryant, who has bounced between the practice squad and active roster for three seasons but has finally found consistent playing time in Gonzalez’s absence. Bryant has excelled in the slot, limiting opposing slot receivers to a 52tch rate and breaking up 3 passes in his last two starts. “The veterans know our system inside and out, so they’re able to step in and keep things consistent,” Patriots defensive coordinator Steve Belichick said. “They’re not just playing for themselves—they’re helping the young guys learn, too. That’s how we keep this defense moving forward.” Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots highlights how veteran reserves are bridging the gap between experience and youth.

For the New England Patriots, testing defensive reserves in a tough season isn’t just about winning games—it’s about evaluating long-term roster fit. Bill Belichick and his coaching staff have long used challenging stretches to identify players who can thrive in the Patriots’ system, and this season is no exception. White’s development, for example, has sparked conversations about his potential as a long-term complement to Judon, while Schooler’s performance has raised questions about whether he can compete for a starting safety spot next season. The Patriots have also used this opportunity to test different positional combinations: in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, they deployed a three-safety package featuring Schooler, Bryant, and veteran Adrian Amos, a look that confused Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and led to 2 interceptions. “Every snap these reserves get is a chance for us to learn more about them,” Belichick said in a press conference. “Can they handle the speed of the NFL? Can they make decisions under pressure? Can they fit into our culture? These are the questions we’re answering right now.” For the New England Patriots, this evaluation period is critical for avoiding roster gaps in future seasons and ensuring the defense remains competitive even when key players go down. Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots examines how these tests are shaping the team’s long-term defensive strategy.

Of course, testing defensive reserves in a tough season comes with significant challenges, both for the players and the coaching staff. For young reserves like White, the biggest hurdle is adjusting to the NFL’s speed and complexity: opposing offenses have targeted him at times, using misdirection plays to exploit his inexperience. In Week 6 against the Jets, White was caught out of position on a screen pass that resulted in a 20-yard gain, a mistake he later attributed to “overthinking” the play. For the coaching staff, the challenge is balancing player development with winning games: while giving reserves playing time is crucial for their growth, it also means taking risks that can cost the team in the short term. The Patriots have lost two close games since the injury wave—both by margins of three points or less—where miscues by reserve players (including a late pass interference call on Schooler against the Dolphins) played a role. “It’s a delicate balance,” Steve Belichick admitted. “We want to develop these guys, but we also want to win. Sometimes you have to live with the growing pains, even if they’re tough in the moment.” For the New England Patriots, these challenges are a reminder that building depth isn’t just about having bodies on the roster—it’s about preparing them to perform when the stakes are highest. Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots explores how the team is navigating these growing pains.

As the 2028 season enters its final stretch, the New England Patriots’ test of defensive reserves has begun to yield clearer results. White and Schooler have solidified themselves as core rotational players, while Bryant has emerged as a reliable slot cornerback. The team has also seen improvement in its defensive metrics: after allowing 28 points per game in the first five weeks (with starters healthy), the Patriots have trimmed that number to 22 points per game in the six weeks since the injury wave, a sign that the reserves are adapting and improving. While the Patriots’ playoff hopes remain uncertain—they sit at 5-6 midway through the season—this tough stretch has provided something equally valuable: clarity on the future of their defense. “You never want to go through injuries, but they do reveal character and talent,” Belichick said. “These reserve players have shown us they have what it takes to play for this team. That’s a win in itself, even if the scoreboard doesn’t always show it.” For the New England Patriots, the 2028 season may not end with a Super Bowl, but it could end with a stronger, deeper defense—one that’s better prepared to handle the challenges of future seasons. Testing Defensive Reserves in Tough Season for the New England Patriots concludes by noting that while tough seasons are never easy, they often lay the groundwork for future success—and the Patriots’ defensive reserves are proving to be a key part of that foundation.