cstjohn17

What was up with that? Talk about soft.

The lack of run defense was the most disappointing aspect of a very disappointing game.

mgteich

Given that we haven't replaced Seymour and made believe that Guyton could defend the run, the patriots fun defense was pretty good this year.

BradyManny

I'd say the offensive gameplan and offensive execution was the most disappointing...but that the run defense was certainly the most shocking. It's impossible to make a comeback when the opposing team can line up, effectively declare that they are running the ball, and run over you three times for a first down. Our only chance was to get an early lead, and the exact opposite occurred.

JackBauer

I don't think Guyton is the problem. He's not great against the run, but not atrocious. I think he's more suited to a Roman Phifer role on passing downs.

I think the key problems are lack of quality OLBs to set the edge and Jarvis Green.

upstater1

I'm totally fine with the run defense. They were manhandled yes but that had a lot more to do with desire IMO. The Patriots defense is all about doing your job, and since some guys were out of position, that small lane for Rice became a huge carpet ride to the end zone. And then the air came out of the bag, quickly.

I have concerns about Guyton too, but he may turn into a Phifer type player.

With Bodden and Butler, I think we may have our corners.

I like our D except for OLB pass rush, and the draft can be used for a DE/OLB or two.

PATRIOTSFANINPA

Certainly didn't help Wilfork's stock.....didn't hurt it but didn't help it either.

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mgteich

If Guyton is more of a Roman Phifer, then he should be put in that role and not play on running downs. We would be much better off with a runstuffing ILB next to mayo on first down.

pats1

I agree. They still need one more ILB, and McKenzie can't be counted on yet to be that guy.

They need two more OLBs, in addition to Banta-Cain. One player with AD's skillset is a must, just without his attitude.

They need another DE. The Pats pulled Jarvis Green in the Ravens game and put Wilfork at RE to help against the run. Brace or Pryor can't be counted on to start at this point.

They need to franchise or re-sign Wilfork. He is the key to this run defense.

JackBauer

Indeed. Only problem is we don't currently have one on the roster.

Hopefully McKenzie can step up and fulfill that need.

mgteich

Another way to say this is that this need was clearly known going into the last offseason and Belichick did not fill the position until late in the season with Seau.