Pats problems on D... - New England Patriots Forums

BPF · 12-19-2008, 11:16 AM

....has more to do with 1st down pass defense than 3rd down. If the Pats played less off coverage and were more competitve holding teams to less than 5 yds on 1st down they would be in a better position to make stops on 3rd down.

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Quote:

They are not a good first-down pass defense, ranking 30th in the NFL, and the Cards are all about passing on first down.

BradyManny · 12-19-2008, 11:18 AM

We'll be in the nickel most of the game like we were against the Steelers, only even more b/c Arizona can't run the ball. The 5th defensive back will again probably be Lewis Sanders, he and also Meriweather can get up near the box so they won't be vulnerable to the run anyway.

***363839*** · 12-19-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPF

....has more to do with 1st down pass defense than 3rd down. If the Pats played less off coverage and were more competitve holding teams to less than 5 yds on 1st down they would be in a better position to make stops on 3rd down.

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That may be true but I've seen a lot of third and long conversions, too.
The secondary is starting to come around(I hope)so I really don't think this trend will continue(I hope).

BPF · 12-19-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyManny2344

We'll be in the nickel most of the game like we were against the Steelers, only even more b/c Arizona can't run the ball. The 5th defensive back will again probably be Lewis Sanders, he and also Meriweather can get up near the box so they won't be vulnerable to the run anyway.

I agree as it pertains to this game but we must get competitve at line by bumping WR's in order to improve on pass D. With O'Neal out of the starting lineup maybe we can do that going forward.

BPF · 12-19-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 363839

That may be true but I've seen a lot of third and long conversions, too.
The secondary is starting to come around(I hope)so I really don't think this trend will continue(I hope).

I have seen a slight improvement, sending 5 to create pressure instead of 3 would help as well.

BradyManny · 12-19-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPF

I agree as it pertains to this game but we must get competitve at line by bumping WR's in order to improve on pass D. With O'Neal out of the starting lineup maybe we can do that going forward.

Yeah, good call, Wilhite definitely seemed an upgrade over O'Neal this past Sunday, but let's see how he is against a different class of receiver. Of course, Boldin getting the weak off to heal wouldn't hurt either...

WhiZa · 12-19-2008, 11:35 AM

They should play nickel on first down verses the Cards

***363839*** · 12-19-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPF

I have seen a slight improvement, sending 5 to create pressure instead of 3 would help as well.

Agreed times 10

BradyManny · 12-19-2008, 11:46 AM

Whoops, just remembered Lewis Sanders will be playing Safety this game w James Sanders likely still sidelined.

So 5th DB will have to be Deltha again...well, he seemed OK in the nickel, to be honest. He might be just fine there.

RayClay · 12-19-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPF

....has more to do with 1st down pass defense than 3rd down. If the Pats played less off coverage and were more competitve holding teams to less than 5 yds on 1st down they would be in a better position to make stops on 3rd down.

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Are you factoring in touchdowns?

I will grant they avoid third down problems, though.