With key injuries, Patriots defense fails to make the plays – Patriots – Boston.com

If you think coverage is a determining factor, then the injury to cornerback Aqib Talib in the first quarter made a huge difference. If you believe affecting the quarterback regardless of who’s in coverage is a bigger factor, then the lack of an effective pass rush without rookie end Chandler Jones loomed larger. The fact is, coverage and pressure work hand in hand. You need both to win the biggest games. You can make the case the Patriots didn’t have enough of either.