KC Joyner: New England Patriots' defense underrated - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

RelocatedPatFan · 01-19-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fball

But, it's still tough to gauge. Denver's O is what it is - Tebow played the absolute game of his life against Pittsburgh. It will likely be the pinnacle game of his career, barring major improvement in his skills. Add to the fact that he was playing from behind the entire Pats game. As one announcer pointed out, that O-line just wasn't practiced in pass blocking so much in a game.

They played what was given to them and that was the Steelers selling out to stop the run. Who'd have thought Tebow could throw the ball enough to win. 30 yards per completion average with a low completion %. In some ways they were right, but they should have adjusted better too.

Leemo · 01-19-2012, 04:39 PM

As patriots, we know our defense needs improvements, there were times during the mid season where I was embarressed at how easy teams were passing AND running. But late in the season we improved alot, we still lack sufficient pass rush but there are alot of positives to the defense this year, alot of players who I like and think do a good job. Get a pass rush in FA/draft and this makes things around the entire defense easier.

***ausbacker*** · 01-19-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metaphors

I'll go one further. If the Pats were historically bad (as several mediots have indicated) then they should be getting ripped up in the 2nd half of games. That just isn't happening. In fact, after the 1st Jets game, the Pats have only had 2 games where they surrendered more than 7 points in the 2nd half...24 against the Giants and 21 against the Colts. The Giants game was infuriating with the PI calls and Goober Jr. throwing no-look downfield passes, while the Colts game was just a case of the defense losing focus in a blowout. BTW, the Pats defense gave up only 3 points combined in the 1st half of those games.

Been saying this all year. Belichick is responsible for 2 of the greatest gameplans of all time (Giants vs. Bills and Pats vs. Rams) and yet he continually threw out very basic gameplans this season. I figure it was a combination of focusing on the basics and not wanting to put anything on tape for his playoff opponents.

Now that the playoffs have started? Well the gameplan against the Broncos was pretty much perfect. Doesn't mean he will ace the gameplan against the Ravens or that the Pats have the horses to pull it off, but I'm optimistic.

The tone was set early in the season for defensive issues thanks to the lockout. Defenders are reactive players. Putting them into situations where their mental aptitude may be tested learning complex schemes wouldn't have been a wise decision, especially when you consider the amount of players who would need up skilling.

BB4PRez · 01-19-2012, 04:45 PM

I am not sure if the Raven are the type of team where an exotic game plan defense is going to make a huge difference. The Raven's seem to line up and ask you to beat them physically.

The pats defense has shown flashes of improvement, but with the exception of the Denver playoff game the Pats Defense has looked vulnerable at times in every game.

Mountain_Commando · 01-19-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Money

Lets not forget they played denver and Tebow last week.If Flacco has all day to throw then he will carve this secondary up.They have to make him uncomfortable.

The words "Flacco" and "carve up" should not be used together in a sentence unless it's thanksgiving day.

D-Money · 01-19-2012, 05:23 PM

Did u forget this defense has maded awful QBs look like pro bowlers.Flacco is not that bad as people make him out to be.Put it this way, this team loss to Mark Sanchez last year and Flacco is much better then Sanchez.

TheComeback · 01-19-2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leemo

As patriots, we know our defense needs improvements, there were times during the mid season where I was embarressed at how easy teams were passing AND running. But late in the season we improved alot, we still lack sufficient pass rush but there are alot of positives to the defense this year, alot of players who I like and think do a good job. Get a pass rush in FA/draft and this makes things around the entire defense easier.

I don't understand how anyone could watched this defense for the last four to six weeks and STILL believe we don't have a pass rush. The "pash wush" is not the problem anymore. What do these people want, the 85 Bears?

These Patriots are averaging over 3 sacks a game since the middle of the season. That's a pass rush if I ever heard of one. The problem with it is that even the best defenses don't get to the QB on every play. That's why there's a secondary, and they've been a huge weakness this year.

***patsfan13*** · 01-19-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metaphors

I'll go one further. If the Pats were historically bad (as several mediots have indicated) then they should be getting ripped up in the 2nd half of games. That just isn't happening. In fact, after the 1st Jets game, the Pats have only had 2 games where they surrendered more than 7 points in the 2nd half...24 against the Giants and 21 against the Colts. The Giants game was infuriating with the PI calls and Goober Jr. throwing no-look downfield passes, while the Colts game was just a case of the defense losing focus in a blowout. BTW, the Pats defense gave up only 3 points combined in the 1st half of those games.

Excellent point about the Pats performance on D in the 2nd half of game.

I also read that the sacks/game have gone up a lot over the course of the season.

glm · 01-19-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Money

Did u forget this defense has maded awful QBs look like pro bowlers.Flacco is not that bad as people make him out to be.Put it this way, this team loss to Mark Sanchez last year and Flacco is much better then Sanchez.

Key words being "last year."

Good job.

Ivan · 01-19-2012, 06:41 PM

The defense has come together enough down the stretch to have some confidence in it against the offense remaining in the tournament. In particular it has shown the ability to adjust and get the stops when they have really needed them.

If the Ravens offense plays well Sunday then they have a better shot at winning, however if the Patriots defense plays well Sunday then they are going to win this game.