Rob0729

The Pats haven't played the bump and run since 2005. Ever since Pees took over. It actually helped Asante emerge as a CB since he is a great zone coverage CB but a poor man CB. His man skills are not great, hence why he has regressed in Philly. I don't think it is the problem for this year's problems.

I firmly believe that pass defense all depends on the pass rush. It doesn't have to create a lot of sacks, but it has to force the opposing QB to have to throw quickly. If you give a QB all day to throw the ball, even Champ Bailey cannot cover a receiver forever (see the Broncos this year).

tanked_as_usual

or maybe its the 1 for 13 the offense had on 3rd down (the one being meaningless in the last minute of the game)......plus the 4 turnovers

I didn't know one play could cost 33 points

PatsFan37

The three interior lineman have the power to collapse the pocket and prevent the QB from stepping up. They do their job well when all three are healthy.

But it all depends on an OLB pressing the QB from the left or right (whichever side is rushing). Vrabel can no longer beat his man one-on-one, something he did well last year -- I think he's taking too many snaps for an older player. AD is out. Woods is playing his first full-time action and was out for much of the time last week as well.

So it's Guyton, a tired Vrabel, Wright instead of Warren. That's the problem.

This Sunday we'll find out if a guy who was lifting 70-pound boxes a few days ago can knock aside a pissed-off 330-pound left tackle. Two years ago, Colvin led the league in QB pressures, so maybe by the playoffs he'll be effective. But that might be too late.

You have to hand it to the F.O., though. They make their mistakes, but it's not for lack of effort. They NEVER give up on the season.

PATSYLICIOUS

Hey, it ultimately worked. Holmes was so baffled by the pathetic attempt at press coverage that he lost concentration and dropped that pass. Smart play by O'neal.

maverick4

Regarding the lack of safety back-up and no one blasting receivers anymore on deep middle and out passes... why is James Sanders playing free safety? Meriweather is faster, better in coverage, loves to hit, and also smaller/quicker. Sanders should be a strong safety near the line.

Lifer

sometimes people make things so complicated.

the defense sagged against Indy in 2006 title game after Seymour was lost.

the defense wasnt as good last year after Colvin was lost.

this year the defense doesnt have Samuel, Harrison,Colvin ( until now), Thomas, and Warren from the team that was looking so great in early 2007. Not too mention losing Tom Brady and Lawrence Maroney and Donte Stallworth from 2007.

ya think that might have something to do with anything?

maverick4

Were you not following the Patriots and their defensive injuries in 2003 and 2004??

Lifer

The backups they had in 2003 and 2004 were a LOT better than the backups they have now. They could withstand the injuries then, they were deeper and younger.

Its not schemes. its injuries and personnel.

borg

If you look back at week 6 against San Diego, the entire Patriots D was healthy and playing. And Rivers went 18-27 for 300+ yards and was never touched and O'Neal was lit up like a candle. With LT in the backfield and Gates roaming down the middle, the Patriots doubled the middle of the field and left the DBs 1 on 1 down the sidelines. Middle of the road WRs schooled our DBs. Proof that our secondary is bottom of the barrel. Our LBs were so preoccupied with Gates and LT that the pass rush was non existant. A classic talent vs talent matchup that the Pats D failed miserably. The Pats 3-4 achilles heal is covering pass catching TEs and the disruption they cause with the scheme.