Schmo

Our D has looked pretty crappy for the majority of the season, but going into the playoffs, we could have a pretty complete group of players. Our D-line has been solid, with 300 lb linemen actually getting a pass rush (including Ellis today and Deaderick). Assuming we get Spikes back, we will have a run-stuffing LB in addition to the middle pass rush that Fletcher brings (I'm really impressed by him in the last 2 games).

As far as our absolutely sh***y secondary, Arrington has been solid all year, Chung SHOULD be coming back, but FS is a question mark. When I saw McCourty make the INT, I thought that all he needs is a little confidence to own the WR's he faces. His main weakness as of late has been the deep zone coverage when he depends on the safeties, otherwise he has been in-stride with his man on most pass plays. Admittedly, he's had a sophomore slump, but I think he's this close to being a very effective man-coverage corner.

I see our D being in much better shape for the playoffs. Dissenting opinions?

JackBauer

I agree with you. I think they can tighten up the run defense, and having Spikes is key there.

The only thing that really worries me is the safeties. I like Ihedigbo's resilience in playing through injury but he's not really a starting-caliber NFL safety. Obviously, the other spot is a revolving door. We'll need these guys to up their games if we plan on beating a Brees or Rodgers-led team.

PATSYLICIOUS

My main concerns are how effective can Chung/Spikes be after coming back and FS. Ihedigbo is a trooper and all but he hasn't been the most solid tackler, not great in coverage either.

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PatriotSeven

I LOOOVE the Pats D. They are proving one of the biggest myths in football wrong. And so are GB's. That yards actually don't matter, never did, and that "total defense" in yards allowed is NOT a team's TOTAL defense. It's just their yards allowed. And that's all that stat is. And it only represents a part of your team's defense anyway.

They are at the top of the league in points allowed, and were the 2nd most efficient defense in the league going in today.

The worst possible thing that an offense can do, which directly leads to losing games is to go up the field, and not score. To get yards without scoring. The Patriots defense, GB defense are exactly those types of defenses that forces opponents offenses to play inefficient.

Pats D give up lots of yards and few points. They are proving the stupidity of America's obsession with yards over points or efficiency in football. I feel great about this Patriots defense. A lot of vets who play very smart defensive football instead of physical football. I think this team is in it to win it.

More teams with top defenses in yards allowed have won Super Bowls(but not championships) than those without. However, more teams with efficient offenses than those with top defenses in yards allowed have won Super Bowls. And that's a fact. And 8 out of 10 times an efficient offense will always beat a "top defense in yards".

The 2011 Patriots are one of those teams.

TommyBrady12

They need Chung and Spikes, especially for the AFCCG where they could face a run-heavy team like baltimore or pitt.

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"He’s the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. He goes from being a rookie that nobody is expecting anything from, to taking over with people saying he can’t do it, to winning three Super Bowls....It should already be obvious he’s the greatest quarterback to ever have played. "

- Steelers S Troy Polamalu on Tom Brady

tests

lets hope so

SVN

As bad as our D is ,look at the QB's they might face in the playoffs other then ben roethlisberger..

flacco,sanchez,yates,dalton(good but rookie), matt hasselback,tebows,carson palmer.

really, pats have as good a chance as any of these and better with our QB. Pitt is the most complete team on offense and defense and probably the toughest out.

condon84

The great thing about our D is their ability to take the coaching and adjustments that is asked of them during the game and going out there and executing it. Our D is what it is. We don't have the front line talent in our defensive backfield, but we have a top of the line nose tackle in Wilfork, a decent linemate in Love and solid LBs that will be even better with Spikes coming back. I don't expect us to shut offenses down in the playoffs, but I do expect them to make necessary adjustments to give our offense a chance. Our offense just needs to show up and we'll be all right.

Mack Herron

My big concern is the D's propensity to give up big plays. There is always the real possibility the other team will fire one over the defense for 40-50 yards. If Chung returns, the safety play will improve dramatically. But that is a big if. And even with Chung, McCourty has had a bull's eye on his back all season. I keep hoping for improvement, but today was just more of the same. Eventually I see them in a shoot out. Brady will score big--but will it be enough? Let's hope it turns out like 04.

TheBostonStraggler

The D has shown little reason for fans to believe they can win a game on their backs. They have shown moments where they can play but little to suggest a full 60 minute performance. The Patriots will win in the playoffs with a truly complimentary performance. The O moves the ball and scores (O Line performance!), the D gets some stops, ST's keep the opposition from having good field position, no stupid penalties, no stupid turnovers, good game plan by BB and staff. The good news is the Patriots have shown multiple times they can turn in a complimentary performance like I just listed.

No one should be surprised if the Patriots win their two AFC playoff match ups. They have shown enough ability to beat anyone. The confidence, though, of them most likely winning those two games can't be considered abundant. Everyone should just buckle their seat belts and prepare for a wild ride starting January 15th.

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