thecrazyeye

I think Matt Roth is the most likely candidate from this list. Just seems like a BB kind of signing.
Personally I would love to see Kiwanuka or Lawson on this team. Lawson seems like a better fit but is an odd player. He has all the athletic ability in the world but isn't much of a pass rusher. He is really good at coverage and setting the edge and playing the run. If new cba rules make him a UFA then I think the Pats go after him as he has proven he can cover and play the run in this league. Let him handle tight ends and let Cunninham attack the qb.

E Belichick Unum

Tamba Hali is on the list as UFA. I am not sure that KC franchised him, but even if they did he might be worth two number ones.

IMO, we are a beast pass rusher away from another back to back run.

robertweathers

The three main issues on defense are as follows:

-Last in 3rd down defense
-Opposing QB rating of 102 when the Pats rush 5 players
-Bottom 1/5 in the NFL in short yardage run defense

What are the solutions?

-Better coverage teams
-Better pass rush
-Better edge-setting and gap control

I support acquiring an OLB but with that said, even with acquiring an OLB who can scream off the edge will only solve part of the total problem.

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

jeffbiologist

I like Woodley and Greenway. If there is 1 position that we dont have to be obscure about its OLB in Free Agency. Go big or go home!

E Belichick Unum

A stud pass rushing OLB solves two of your three issues, 3rd down defense and better pass rush. One OLB, he has to be the right OLB, solves most of the issues that has plagued this defense for the past three years. Also, a great pass rush causes teams to rush their plays and add extra protection at the point of attack.

Belichick is always telling people that it isn't sacks, it is pressure. Look at the 2007 Super Bowl and tell me what a stud pass rusher would have done in that game? Priorities have to be set, and in my mind it has to be putting pressure on the opposing offense, and that starts with bothering the QB, sacking the QB, hurting the QB, making the opposition's game plan toilet paper by the end of the half. Last year we did that with offense, but in the end a new scheme and a little wrinkle did the Patriots offense in, and no pressure on Sanchez did the Patriots defense in.

furley

I'm open to anyone who can play in a 3-4 but a lot of these players are 4-3 guys, I believe.

If healthy, Kiwanuka is my top choice.

robertweathers

I don't disagree.

However since you bring up SB 42, IIRC the pass rush was decent and overall the defense did a decent job (3 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF) for most of the game. A big problem was the pass coverage too as the G'ints were 8-16 on 3rd down. As you point out, pass rush helps coverage but coverage helps the pass rush.

I do think that along with the need for a OLB/DE who can pressure the passer, you need DBs than can make plays on the ball in man-to -man coverage.

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

Rob0729

Woodley is not a free agent. He signed his franchise tender. Greenway was franchised. Not sure if he signed his tender, but I don't know if he converts to the 3-4.

BillyD123

If the Patriots are waiting for free agency to address the pass rush. Who's out there? Restricted / Unrestricted?

byfuglien

With this much swag, Tom Brady can play OLB