PATRIOTSFANINPA

AFCE: Defensive Focal Points for the Pats

After seeing those figures by this Jets analogy,One of which says that the Patriots Red Zone defense was their worst in Franchise since 1972, I can't see us going anywhere but up in 09

I also think this played a big part in getting rid of Hobbs who was very generous to opponents inside the 20 and not even thinking twice about releasing O'Neal and getting some veteran help in who know better on how to keep opponent off the scoreboard when they need to.

Box_O_Rocks

Right, because Jim Johnson can't watch game tape and had no idea Hobbs was the only reason NE ever gave up a score in the red zone.

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patriot lifer

i have an inkling that redzone defense might be a point of emphasis this tc.

Box_O_Rocks

More likely Third Down defense.

Part of the problem with both defenses last season was experience, NE had Mayo, Meriweather, Guyton, Wheatley, Wilhite, Richardson, and Woods working in and out of the lineup, the kids were often still "thinking" and not "reacting" or "reading & 'proacting'" (to coin a word), this meant they were behind the play. Those slow veterans have their place in close quarters where their experience let's them take action before the play is over. Just that one year of extra playing time for the kids will have a huge impact, add in Bodden and Springs, and Thomas coming back, and it looks just like BB was working to build for the future while continuing to use transition veterans.

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maverick4

Like 2002 when we didn't make the playoffs, Belichick has identified our weak points and made aggressive moves this off-season to fix:

1. Tight end
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. O-line.

HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Hobbs was horrible! Thank the lord the Pats cleaned house with the secondary from '05-'08. Not only was Hobbs a penalty magnet, he would fall down for no apparent reason while trying to guard WR's. Finally, I'm tired of watching the Pats DB's play 10 yards of the line of scrimmage because they couldn't jam their grandma. Bodden and Springs bring their physical play to the secondary, which should allow their pass rush that extra split second to make a play.

farn

Hobbs was easy to pick on - but he wasn't as bad as some people suggest. Having said that, I am looking forward to the new crop (especially the first and second year players) as I feel it is an area the team can improve (though I still think Hobbs got too much of the blame at times).

maverick4

He was average at worst. The guy was a tiny warrior who played in big games with MAJOR injuries and muscle tears.

HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Don't get me wrong, Hobbs wasn't the only one. While Asante Samuel got the picks, he gave up a lot of plays as well. Wheatley and Whilite are similar players to both Samuel and Hobbs. I don't mind if your 3rd and 4th corners are smurfs because slot recievers are usually small, but your starters should be able to be big and tough enough to jam WR's when necessary.

spacecrime

IMO, big corners are a bad idea unless they are exceptional athletes. They can't change direction quickly enough, and a double move by a WR leaves them out of the play totally.

Then when a small quick CB comes over from his area to help out, people think he had responsibility and blame him.

There aren't many big WRs, and jamming is a double-edged sword anyway. The WR evades the jam and it's 6 points.