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I am extremely high on Kenny Phillips, as I have been for years. I think he is worthy of a top 15 pick, though he certainly won't be.
One thing that would concern me about his addition is that he is more of a FS than a strong safety. The Pats D really relies on having someone like Rodney or Tank on the field, and I'm not sure Kenny or Meriweather can fill that void. They seemingly play the same position in our defensive scheme.
What's the problem though? Pats cover 3 dictates that they need a good coverage safety, they have that in Meriweather. They also need a good run support safety who can come up in the box, they have that in Harrison, Sanders or Tank.
We're doing just fine at the safety position. If they are thinking of moving Meriweather to CB - and I don't think they are - then they would want to think about drafting Phillips or another FS, as none of the Sanders, Harrison, Williams group has the speed to cover at that position.
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Capers is not just a position coach, but a special assistant. That usually means he is in a consultation role as well as a position coach. I assume he has been brought in to revamp the defense and bring his agressive style.
I'm with you, though when I suggested this in another thread, it was met with a lot of protest from some posters. I think the Patriots had a very good defense last season, and it was one of the best in the league. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. As you said, defenses were down last season. Given the amazing offense we have, if BB could put together the type of dominating, stifling, terrorizing defense he had in the previous 3 SB runs, then he will have successfully created the Best Team Ever, and the team would be unstoppable. That is the goal isn't it?
Last edited by BradyManny; 03-20-2008 at 02:00 PM..
Hard to say but we have slipped a notch since Mangini left ... I did not think we would, and it may be just coincidence ... but we have slipped in the area of being a bit soft on 3rd downs ... when we won our 3 SB's we were always tight on 3rd down.
Hard to say but we have slipped a notch since Mangini left ... I did not think we would, and it may be just coincidence ... but we have slipped in the area of being a bit soft on 3rd downs ... when we won our 3 SB's we were always tight on 3rd down.
Yeah, that 2005 D under Mangini was great. We really miss him.
I mean they were 26th in the NFL the only year he was DC and that ranking actually went way up after BB basically took the DC job over himself down the stretch.
Capers is a good coach. BB did not decide after 30 years of coaching defense every effectively in the NFL that his principles are wrong and he is going to adopt someone elses.
Capers will adapt to BB, not the other way around.
To suggest that things will change and we will abandon BBs defensive philosophy to adopt Capers' is ludicrous. You would have to conclude that BB decided one day that he knows nothing about defense and the guy who failed twice as a HC and some decent success as a coordinator knows more than him, and he has decided his defensive philosophies are stupid.
Not likely.
I think that's one of the greatest things about BB though--his ability to adapt what his style is to fit circumstances, whether that be league rules or personnel.
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Hard to say but we have slipped a notch since Mangini left ... I did not think we would, and it may be just coincidence ... but we have slipped in the area of being a bit soft on 3rd downs ... when we won our 3 SB's we were always tight on 3rd down.
I never ever know when you're serious (hat tip to you!). If you are, I wonder if it's got something to do with the aging of the defense?
If you're not...same point, but who cares.
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Hard to say but we have slipped a notch since Mangini left ... I did not think we would, and it may be just coincidence ... but we have slipped in the area of being a bit soft on 3rd downs ... when we won our 3 SB's we were always tight on 3rd down.
We were the best defense in the NFL in 3rd down conversions in 2007.
I think the safeties are all big hitters and there are very few CBs that are known to "lay the wood". I think it is more of a teaching and technique issue. How many times did you see a Pats DB (Gay especially) dive to knock down a pass in the middle of the field and whiff? Quite a few I would wager. Instead, stay on your feet, take a better angle and put your shoulder pad on the receiver's hands. Doesn't have to be a de-cleater as long as the ball ends up in the air or on the ground.
Didn't see enough of that in 2007. It only leads to good things...tipped passes in the air, alligator arms later in the game, QB hesitation, etc. I think the draft will be the primary place where this aggression will be acquired. Webster/Sanders/Bryant are short-timers that allow the Pats to shop for CB value without reaching for need.
If the Pats draft killer speed on the outside (Gholston, Groves, etc.) and aggressive, risk-taking corners (Talib, Cason, etc.) then I think it is clear this is the direction the defense is going. If we see solid, productive inside linebackers and technically sound zone corners, then you can probably ignore every post I've made in the last couple of months (if you haven't already).
I wanted to bring up your comments now that (a) the draft is over and (b) we're starting to see Capers teaching the techniques that lead to tight coverage. Obviously you didn't mean 'technically sound corners' means corners that don't look for the turnover.
Wilhite is known to be a gambler. Wheatley had 14 interceptions. The Pats didn't have the opportunity to get Gholston (at least, not at any reasonable price), but I'd argue that they needed Mayo, regardless. No rush is quick enough if you can't cover the short middle.
I liked this thread at the time and now that the draft is over, I'd like to hear more reactions to what looks like a more aggressive direction for the defense.
Hard to say but we have slipped a notch since Mangini left ... I did not think we would, and it may be just coincidence ... but we have slipped in the area of being a bit soft on 3rd downs ... when we won our 3 SB's we were always tight on 3rd down.
IMO, this defense has never been the same since Bruschi came back from his stroke. While still effective at times and an important leader, he hasn't been able to create the same type of plays that he did after the last SB win. Combine this with Crennel leaving, the turnover in that spot and the various injuries to aging players, this years infusion of youth via the draft will help ignite a once proud defense with some new ideas and schemes from a guy known for his defensive prowess in Capers.
Last edited by fair catch fryar; 05-04-2008 at 09:29 AM..
IMO, this defense has never been the same since Bruschi came back from his stroke. While still effective at times and an important leader, he hasn't been able to create the same type of plays that he did after the last SB win. Combine this with Crennel leaving, the turnover in that spot and the various injuries to aging players, this years infusion of youth via the draft will help ignite a once proud defense with some new ideas and schemes from a guy known for his defensive prowess in Capers.
It's odd how much we worried about dropoff but then we quickly dimissed it as the team seemingly rolled on. The playoffs are another level as we all know ... I think you're right on and perhaps Capers will be even better than Crennel.
Re: BB's curious Capers caper
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