Darrelle Revis is a big proponent of identity theft

Doug Kyed, NESN:

“That’s our No. 1 identity, just make turnovers and play aggressive,” Revis said Sunday after the Patriots’ win.

Week 2 was a dream for defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia. There was constant pressure on Minnesota QB Matt Cassel from all angles. Four turnovers, six sacks and only 217 total offense yards allowed in Sunday's game with the Vikings would put the 2014 New England Patriots defense in a class with the 1985 Chicago Bears.

Wikipedia:

"I think we were just a group of guys that came together at a point in time, that really loved the game, and really loved each other. We had so much passion for the game, and so much pride in what we did."
~ Chicago Bears linebacker, Mike Singletary

The 1985 Chicago Bears loved the game so much that they destroyed Super Bowl XX for New England viewers. The Bears defense forced four turnovers just like the Pats did this week against the Minnesota Vikings. That was a normal day for the 46 defense from Chicago. The defense coached by Buddy Ryan, named their defense after safety, Doug Plank who wore number 46. Plank had retired due to injuries prior to the 1985 season.

The hard hitting style of Doug Plank carried on after he left the Bears. The 1985 unit allowed only 16 touchdowns while intercepting 34 passes. They recorded 64 sacks and recovered 20 fumbles. They allowed only 198 points on the season for a single game avearge of 12.3 while been penalized on defense only 21 times.

The 2013 New England Patriots defense was hurt by key injuries to DT Vince Wilfork, LB Jerod Mayo, and CB Aqib Talib. Aqib was in and out of the Patriots lineup, including most of the AFC title game in Denver. Most of the pressure on the QB was generated by outside rushers Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones.

The predictability of the 2013 defense was easy for opponents for to stop. Jones and Ninkovich are back on the edges forcing the pressure, and this year it looks as though they may have some help. Wilfork and Mayo are now part of an aggressive unit that features ballhawks in Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan. Rookie DT Dominique Easley has worked alongside Vince on the defensive front and LB Dont'a Hightower has used his talents to wreak havoc in the offensive backfield. With the help of all of these players, this should make the third leg of CB Darrelle Revis' journey a real treasure.

The 2014 New England Patriots defense is on pace for 40 interceptions and 56 sacks for the regular season. While it can't match the '85 Bears, it should make Darrelle Revis part of a topflight unit.

Maybe the New England Patriots’ defense can be “elite” after all.

Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.

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