New England Patriots

Patriots set record for most sacks under Bill Belichick in one season

Published Jan. 3, 2016 1:53 p.m. ET

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It's been the offense getting most of the attention for the New England Patriots this season, but the defense has quietly played extremely well. Entering Sunday, they were ranked second in the NFL in sacks as a team, trailing just the Denver Broncos by one. 

To put into perspective how solid the defense -- particularly the pass rush -- has been this season, they set a team record against the Miami Dolphins in the regular season finale. With rookie Geneo Grissom's first-quarter sack -- the first of his career -- the Patriots set a record for the most sacks under Bill Belichick in one season (49).

In addition to that record, the Patriots extended their streak of consecutive games with at least one sack to 29 -- the longest in the NFL. They have at least one sack in every game this season.

Chandler Jones leads the team with 12 1/2, but free-agent acquisition Jabaal Sheard is close behind with eight of his own. This is arguably one of the best defenses Belichick has had in recent years.

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