Can our D improve by scheme/act of will? - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 11-27-2008, 01:20 PM

So I saw an article at the Herald today (by Karen G) in which Vince talks about the D. Some choice quotes:

Vince Wilfork & Co. vow defense will stiffen - BostonHerald.com

Excerpts:

Quote:

“We will improve,” nose tackle Vince Wilfork said yesterday. “Because if we don’t improve, we’ll be looking at a long offseason. But we will improve, I promise you that. If it takes extra time in the film room, extra time on the field, meeting time, walkthroughs, whatever it may take, we’re going to put the time in. I think everyone understands that. I know it will get better.”

Quote:

“We know what we’re capable of doing in here, especially the defensive unit. I like it when people doubt us, because when we turn it around, and we will turn it around, they’ll be eating their words. We like it. It’s cool. It don’t get to none of us in here. Trust me.”

I like this attitude. Obviously, attitude isn't enough, but I wonder if Sunday will be the beginning of a new vibe on defense?

My question to those of you who are long time fans with heads full of football memories: can a defense improve quickly, without "upgrades", through scheming, studying and force of will?

I think we've seen it in our offense this year. The thing is, our D has ONE game to show progress. They might be able to be soft against Oakland or Seattle (maybe) but this Sunday they have to show something, some kind of spark. Is there precedent or is it simply the rare stuff of Disney movies I'm hoping for?

Fanfrom1960 · 11-27-2008, 01:27 PM

The Colts did (improve their D) late in the year they (having trouble typing it) won the super bowl.

***maverick4*** · 11-27-2008, 01:28 PM

Yes we can improve if we play more bump and run. I don't remember us bumping receivers at the line since 2004.

***KontradictioN*** · 11-27-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick4

Yes we can improve if we play more bump and run. I don't remember us bumping receivers at the line since 2004.

Oddly enough, that was the year Crennel left. Do the Browns play more bump and run with their 3-4? The only Brows game I watched this season was v.s. the Giants and I didn't notice to be honest.

***maverick4*** · 11-27-2008, 01:38 PM

It is a lot harder to convert 3rd and long when your receivers are getting bumped.
It is a lot easier to get interceptions because you screw up the QB's timing, and it also helps the pass rush because you slow their plays down.

Basically bump and run dramatically improves pass defense and pass rush, IF you have the personnel to do it.

Unfortunately since Law left we've had a bunch of less physical smurf corners.

BionicPatriot · 11-27-2008, 02:04 PM

What you people fail to understand is we improved by leaps and bounds in 2005. Going into the playoffs, outside of that fluke Dolphin game, the Pats were a scary team. They were absolutely terrible and then they had something like the best 3 weeks stretch in franchise history. It was because they changed up the scheme. They found ways to bring pressure.

It's a scheme problem. Yes we're just hurt, but we need to adjust our scheme. The whole falling back in coverage just doesn't cut it against the elite of the NFL. We need to bring more heat, and I imagine they'll start drawing some things up. I think they'll improve. How much is the question.

Look, that 05 defense was worse than this defense. Duane Starks made anyone in this secondary a HOF. McGoo was on his last leg. If Bill turned that D around, I think hes more than earned our optimistic beliefs.

RoughingthePasser · 11-28-2008, 08:30 AM

Good thread.
We need some new guys to step it up and apply some heat. I think we'll be seeing some new stuff on D and that we'll be prepared.

I'm just hoping we can minimize mistakes this Sunday against a great team. He need this win......
and we'll beat the Jets if we play them again-GUARANTEED!

***Rob0729*** · 11-28-2008, 08:45 AM

I sure hope the Pats can shure up their defense. It has been a long. long time since a team won a Super Bowl without a very solid defense (at least come playoff time). Even the 2006 Colts' defense became fairly dominant during the playoffs after sucking for the entire regular season.

The old saying that defenses win championships isn't just a saying.

JSn · 11-28-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob0729

I sure hope the Pats can shure up their defense. It has been a long. long time since a team won a Super Bowl without a very solid defense (at least come playoff time). Even the 2006 Colts' defense became fairly dominant during the playoffs after sucking for the entire regular season.

The old saying that defenses win championships isn't just a saying.

How did they improve?

***MoLewisrocks*** · 11-28-2008, 08:52 AM

We have historically improved heading into the stretch. That's the hallmark of a BB team. They coach and scheme better as their tapes of teams pile up and the players get better and work harder as the game reps pile up. Some years it isn't enough as injuries or fatigue mount. You need look no farther than the team that beat us last February or the one that won in 2006 and 2005 for evidence that improved scheme and act of will can combine to vastly improve any teams performance heading into the second season...