Patriots' defense ignored critics on the way to Super Bowl (Yahoo Sports)

There's a mantra that players quickly come to learn when they play for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Perhaps no other unit for the Patriots has embodied Belichick's go-to phrase more than his defense this season. Defensive back Duron Harmon, who had a huge touchdown-saving tackle in the second quarter of the Patriots' 36-17 AFC championship game win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, said that even in their tightknit world they couldn't help but notice the criticism that surrounded the defense earlier this season.