Would you like to see that Pats change defensive philosophies? - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

everlong · 01-29-2007, 10:31 AM

The 3-4 is what BB does and does well so it isn't changing. I would like to see them be more aggressive with it as they have been in past years but I think they were hindered by personnel. Their 3-4 doesn't attack like Baltimore or SD. That's because they lack team speed in the back 8 so they have no recovery speed. Also they don't have a lock down corner. Assante is very good and improving but BB wasn't going to put him on an island.

I'd like to see us get some more team speed so they could do more of that. You didn't see the pressure packages on 3 and 7+ as much as the past.

ATippett56 · 01-29-2007, 10:33 AM

Would you like to see that Pats change defensive philosophies?

No but, this year, I would like to see the Patriots change their drafting philosophy ......... linebackers, linebackers, and more linebackers.

PatsFan37 · 01-29-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stokes

I agree with you here, though I think #1 was just a typo, really meant the opposite. 2 is correct, although from the original post I don't think you need to be a veteran, just smart (guys like Seymour, Wilfork, Hobbs, Gay, Wilson, etc. all stepped in and played significant time their 1st year). You are right on about #3 as well, although if you limit it to a discussion of the D-line it makes more sense, as the 2 gap scheme is more about making sure you keep good position and take on blocks than firing through a gap to break up the play yourself.

Too right, Stokes, #1 was an obvious typo. I agree with Box (as usual, I can be quite the sycophant of the breakdown folks) that physical defenses win football games and that the Colts D has won when it has brought that physical element.

What gives the Patriots their winning edge is the ability to bring that dominating physical presence, year after year. The Steelers had it for a while, and then it dissipated. Jax and Baltimore had it this year, and SD, and it's benefited them. Will it be there next year? I don't know. But it will for the Pats, count on it. And I think that accounts for some of the injuries among the smaller D players -- they play with the same attitude of the bigger teammates without as much of the meat.

As much as a good LB, I'd like a big fast safety. Hawkins, at 195 is small. Sanders at 210 packs more of a wallop. Rodney, at 6-1 220 is perfect, but they need to groom someone young to follow along. The Colts have a great player in Bob Sanders, but he's an injury risk when he takes the field.

Guys like Hobbs and Gay and Samuel are always at risk because they trade size for speed and agility. It's riskier with the Pats because these guys don't stop for red lights.