Metaphors

I'm not sure I understand all these threads that implicitly or explicitly describe how the Pats are in a state of decline with little realistic hope for improvement. Even worse, they seem to suggest that Belichick either is unwilling (traitor) or unable (incompetent) to improve the team.

Instead of arguing that point, how about listing what the Pats have going for them to improve the team:

1) 4 top 50 picks in a very deep 2010 draft
2) 2 top 30 picks in a top-heavy 2011 draft
3) 3 top 100 players from previous drafts that have yet to suit up (Crable, McKenzie, Tate)
4) Enough cap space (assuming a cap is part of the next CBA) to re-sign their own free agents and add a key free agent or two
5) Only 1 bad big-money contract (AD) that will be recycled this off-season. (Note: I don't count Kaczur or Sanders, though some would argue I should)
6) Stable hands-off ownership with the revenue to do pretty much whatever is needed

So people are suggesting the Belichick is going to take a team that (when healthy) is a championship contender with no major age issues, sprinkle in the above assets, and out will pop a team that is worse? I don't get it.

Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Yep...along with improving every other aspect of the team that hasn't already been addressed.

patsfaninpittsburgh

This is patsfans.com. At patsfans.com the only thing that matters is the pass rush. Games are won through the number of sacks.

Points allowed means nothing. It's all about the subjective measurement called the "pass rush".

JoeShmoe

Thing is though, if our offense had converted plays against the colts, dolphins, denver, texans etc we win those games hands dowm. When it mattered most we couldnt keep thor offenses off the field.

Manning against the jets showed that a great QB finds a way whatever packages you throw at them or recievers you shut down

We have a potential GOAT at QB and to me giving him the time, protection and weapons he needs beats out a couple of DE/OLB's who Manning, Brees etc will beat anyway given time in a game

patsfaninpittsburgh

Here's the critical point:

All things equal, Brady is a better QB than Manning and Brees. The 2007 offense with three new receivers was truly historic. However, as fans we expect TB to be super human.

TB's 2009 was better than Goober's 2008 "MVP" season. Goober plopped another "one and done" in 2008 and everyone rushes to blame it on no training camp.

TB has a much more severe injury, misses a season yet somehow rehab and minimal chance to work with the receiver corps doesn't apply. Add to that losing Welker.

ACL's are a two year rehab. This offseason gives TB the chance at a full off season and the ability to work with the receivers. Does anyone really think Goober didn't work with Garcon and Collie?

Also, there is a chance that TB might NOT make it all the way back.

If this tean had a 2002-2007 Brady, the Dolts don't get within 2 touchdowns.

Prufrock

Did this defense even get any sacks this season? I'm sitting here trying to remember at least one and I can't.

The Dynasty

The Patriots were actually 23rd in the league in sacks with 31. The Jets were just above them with 32 sacks. That shows that the key to a good defense isnt all about sacks, all you have to do is get pressure on the QB to make him force throws and be uncomfortable

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"It is what it is" -Bill Belichick

"...as the head coach I can kind of do whatever I want. If I want to coach the punters, I can go coach the punters. If I want to watch the offensive guards, I can watch the offensive guards." - Bill Belichick

KontradictioN

Exactly. Sacks are good but they aren't the end all of a pass rush. Even if you aren't getting sacks, it would do some good to get QB hits. It's a proven fact that if a QB gets roughed up enough in the pocket, either during or immediately following a throw, he will begin to dance in the pocket and hurry his throws. This season, we didn't really even manage to get hits on the QB on a fairly consistent basis.

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CREDIT - Sicilian

captain stone

The latter, I fear.

Bill is unwilling, or incapable, of improving our pass-rush...and I don't know which is worse.

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Question Authority.

Deus Irae

The team was 2nd in the NFL in sacks in 2007.

But your post does serve as a reminder that the silly season has begun, so thanks for that.

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"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius

celticboy04

Greetings,
I tried to tell some people on this board these points a few times, but was met with many counter-arguments like those points did not matter. I guess with many people sacks are sexy because they are numbers. I even brought up how the Pats finished second in sacks in 2007, but many people acted is if it was a worthless fact. Now I am not going to sit up here and act like this team does not need an upgrade with the pass rush, but some people think that is the ONLY area that needs improvement.
Shalom,
Celticboy04