PATSNUTme

As the season approaches what is the most important for the Patriots to improve over last year?

I know that the most important key is keeping Brady healthy followed by no major injuries to key people. So we won't get into those.

Here are some options

The front 7 being able to dominate the LOS and putting pressure on the QB. We have the 3 best DL players in the league as a group. With the addition of Hobson and Mayo our LB's should be improved. The loss of Rosey is a factor but having AD at OLB should negate that. If Crable can serve the role of a pass rusher from the OLB it will add some things that we can do.

The DB's are a group that should be good but not great. They can have a very good year if the front 7 can put pressure on the QB. If not, they could be a problem.

The OL is a solid group but can be beaten by inside and outside speed rushers. Not many team have the DE's to move inside as the Giants have with Tuck and Cofield.

The running game showed well in the early season and late in the season. Maroney is in his 3rd year and showed that he now is ready to step it up and Morris being healthy all year will be a plus. This is a key to keep teams from loading up for the pass rush.

So which do you think is the most important improvement to be made. I rank the front 7 along with the running game as the most important.

gomezcat

I tend to agree about speed in the pass rush. Three very big guys can only create so much pressure and the QB can generally escape if they penetrate, hence the need for someone who can run down a QB.

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CamNeely8

Which key to the season is the most impotant?


Well that really seems like a personal issue between the players/coaches and their significant others sir!!!

Metaphors

Coaching.

Hard to argue with last year since the philosophy and play-calling came within 35 seconds of 19-0.

Constant attack mode on offense. Score TD's and not FG's. Go for it on 4th down when possible. Make the other team's offense play beyond their capabilities to keep up and make the other team's defense change what they are good at doing in an effort to slow you down.

Bend but don't break defense. Focus on stopping the run and force the QB to be efficient and intelligent. Save the attacking playcalls until the 4th quarter (if needed at all). Turn the other team over when they make mistakes late.

Special teams...don't give up big plays. Don't allow big returns or cough up the ball on returns. Basically be mistake-free and stay out of the way.

Again, no complaints on 2007 but I would like to see all 3 phases of the game take a more equal responsibility in being successful. So far I like the acquisitions in the off-season. Now let's see if the coaching steps up as well.

KontradictioN

I actually think the keys to the season are...

1. The ability of the linebackers to handle running backs and tight ends in pass coverage over the middle better than we did last year.

2. The ability of our coaching staff (esp. McDaniels) to make adjustments to what defenses are doing.

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CREDIT - Sicilian

Rob0729

1.) The development of the ILB position. I think that is the biggest question mark right now. I have high hopes for Hobson and Mayo, but if those expectations aren't met we will be in trouble. If those two struggle to pick up the defense and contribute, we have Tedy Bruschi and maybe Junior Seau both another year older. We will be really thin and old at ILB if Hobson and Mayo don't come through.

2.) The CB spot. I think Hobbs will benefit from Capers' agressive style because he is more of man/press coverage CB than a zone coverage CB which has been his role the past few years. I am concerned about the other corner. Bryant looks to be the immediate heir apparent. He should be adequet, but I really haven't followed his career.

3.) Safety. Harrison has lost a step and was being a liability in coverage. Can Meriweather step up and be a solid starter. Sanders has his own coverage issues. Which one will win the FS position. Will Tank Williams rebound from the second year of his injury and be a solid SS?

DW Toys

great post.
DW Toys

DW Toys

Superb post.
DW Toys

Mike the Brit

If I have to pick just one, that's it for me too.

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They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well, Pats fans should be invincible by now. [Fitzy, 16 November 2009]

Still here to learn

Sean Pa Patriot

Health on the O line and the back 7, if it stays as healthy and as effeictive , with the exception of that game in Feb.. No doubt we will be back.

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We going to take it one game at a time