NEW ENGLAND — After the now 2-3 New England Patriots beat the struggling Detroit Lions in a shutout 29-0 Sunday, it’s clear that the Pats have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Five games into the season and the Patriots’ defense have put up enough points to combat with the offense. Yesterday they made the Lions go 0-and-6 on fourth down with their own touchdown and fumble to go with it. Jack Jones and Matthew Judon have proved to be the two best players on that unit.

Jones, the rookie, grabbed the only interception for the Pats last week. Judon forced a fumble after sacking Jared Goff.

Last week they proved to be a big challenge for the back-to-back MVP in Aaron Rodgers. Despite New England losing that game, it was the defense that kept them in despite having to use their third string quarterback with a limited playbook.

Bailey Zappe has proved to be ok and no scrub at all. The New England defense will continue to get great field position by forcing turnovers (fumbles, interceptions, turnover on downs) that will set up the offense for greatness.

ESPN may the Pats defense ranked 27 in the league since week 4, but that’s utter disrespect.

However, in the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys can make the case that their the best while also playing with a backup and a better record to prove it. But every other squad has a better offense than New England to help out their defense. My take is purely on the defensive side of the ball.