Frustration boils over for defense - New England Patriots Forums

SVN · 12-01-2009, 12:42 AM

Frustration boils over for defense - Extra Points - Boston.com

clearly the lack of veteran leadership hurts.

MrNathanDrake · 12-01-2009, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVN

Frustration boils over for defense - Extra Points - Boston.com

clearly the lack of veteran leadership hurts.

They looked confused as hell out there the entire game except the first drive.

Itsallovernow · 12-01-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVN

Frustration boils over for defense - Extra Points - Boston.com

clearly the lack of veteran leadership hurts.

Yeah, New Orleans made them look down right silly on the field.

***Patjew*** · 12-01-2009, 12:59 AM

It was weird how they kept whiffing on tackles.

MrNathanDrake · 12-01-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patjew

It was weird how they kept whiffing on tackles.

...and couldnt get a finger on Brees

...and couldnt break up a pass

...and were calling out "ITS A RUN ITS A RUN" when it was really a pass

terrible all around Defense. Only Wilfork played well.

***ausbacker*** · 12-01-2009, 01:12 AM

There's no way to sugar coat around the fact that we don't have a playoff caliber defense with game breakers at the moment. It's a work in progress and a couple of elite pass rushers short of what we need it to be.

It's a work in progress... but we knew that before the season had started.

nashvillepatsfan · 12-01-2009, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ausbacker

There's no way to sugar coat around the fact that we don't have a playoff caliber defense with game breakers at the moment. It's a work in progress and a couple of elite pass rushers short of what we need it to be.

It's a work in progress... but we knew that before the season had started.

Yep, before the season we were all scared of that defense. I've been surprised by their play this year. I think they'll learn from tonight, and keep getting better. Like you said, its a work in progress. Kinda makes me excited for next years draft.

***ausbacker*** · 12-01-2009, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashvillepatsfan

Yep, before the season we were all scared of that defense. I've been surprised by their play this year. I think they'll learn from tonight, and keep getting better. Like you said, its a work in progress. Kinda makes me excited for next years draft.

I think it's just about being realistic with expectations. So many people thought the success of 2007 would be there as soon as Brady walked back onto the field.

The reality is, there are too many holes in this side to fix in one offseason and the 2010 and 2011 drafts are going to be our boom crops, unless we pull a savvy vet pass rushing core in free agency and address it immediately in 2010.

The Patriots are in good shape. The fundamental building blocks for greatness are there once more. It's more being patient enough to put the finishing touches on the canvass and let it take a little time to set.

The Saints weren't built overnight...

BillBelichickFan79 · 12-01-2009, 01:48 AM

the number of missed tackles and poor tackling techniques are amazing. i love meriweather but he has trouble tackling in the open field. a lot of the guys in the secondary were just diving at guys with one arm out. not to mention adalius gettin juked outta his jockstrap by meachem. the only guy that showed up tonight was big vince. the guy is just a playmaker. i want to see more of chung he wraps up well and lays the wood when given the chance.

Patspsycho · 12-01-2009, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashvillepatsfan

Yep, before the season we were all scared of that defense. I've been surprised by their play this year. I think they'll learn from tonight, and keep getting better. Like you said, its a work in progress. Kinda makes me excited for next years draft.

That's the best thing about tonight. Our D is young.

Let's pick Bruschi for comparison. He was drafted in '96 but did not really start playing his best ball until '02 when he suddenly got a nose for interceptions and became a real ballhawk.

Likewise for Ted Johnson, who came in '95 and even though he led the team in 117 tackles the next year (think Mayo) he didn't really become a force until the 2000 when he transitioned to MLB.