Good article from Bedard: Defense Wasn't the problem - New England Patriots Forums

**Ian** · 02-06-2012, 12:30 PM

A good read if you haven't seen it:

Much-maligned defense wasn’t the problem - The Boston Globe

***MoLewisrocks*** · 02-06-2012, 01:28 PM

I disagree in that while they weren't as big a problem as some anticipated they still had their moments. Like he said, the pass rush evaporated in the 4th quarter, the Ninkovitch penalty was a killer, three forced fumbles are meaningless if you can't capitalize by recovering even one, and even when they didn't give up as much as a FG they bent just enough that the offense was consistently losing the field position battle and a facing a rapidly ticking clock.

I think he's right that the future is less concerning now than it was mid season for this defense overall. They have several pieces in place. They need to resign or replace a couple of parts and infuse some more talent. Same deal on offense, though. A healthy Gronk might have made a big difference, but that just proves the margin remains too tight on the side of the ball routinely counted on to not only hold their own but outperform opponents.

I'll wait to see if and how his film review changes his perspective. Although I don't anticipate much of a change in his early assessment of Mankins.

***Brady_to_Moss*** · 02-06-2012, 01:30 PM

The D stepped up when they had too..just like vs the ravens..they got better with each game in the playoffs IMO

PATSYLICIOUS · 02-06-2012, 01:33 PM

Defense definitely did it's job. In today's game, the offense always has the advantage down the stretch of games when the defense is required to make the stop. Our offense had a chance to put the game away against a tired and injured Giants defense, they should have put it away. Not only did they not put it away, they couldn't even get 3 which would have made the Giants need a TD at the end. When Brady couldn't connect with Branch on that 3rd down, I knew the game was lost.

sambam94 · 02-06-2012, 01:33 PM

the defense was absolutely a problem allowing 9+ play drives all game long. They kept Brady off the field. Not one 3 and out. I realize they only allowed 19 points, but they did not give this team's strength, their offense enough drives. Time of possession was a key factor in this game...and that is on the defense.

Bella*chick · 02-06-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambam94

the defense was absolutely a problem allowing 9+ play drives all game long. They kept Brady off the field. Not one 3 and out. I realize they only allowed 19 points, but they did not give this team's strength, their offense enough drives. Time of possession was a key factor in this game...and that is on the defense.

That is very true.

***Mike in 333*** · 02-06-2012, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambam94

the defense was absolutely a problem allowing 9+ play drives all game long. They kept Brady off the field. Not one 3 and out. I realize they only allowed 19 points, but they did not give this team's strength, their offense enough drives. Time of possession was a key factor in this game...and that is on the defense.

This was the key to the game. We're successful when the offense is on the field, this defense just doesn't get the job done.

SoonerPatriot · 02-06-2012, 01:44 PM

With all due respect to Bedard there's plenty of room for improvement from a talent perspective on this defense. PLENTY.

He makes way too many of assumptions about a group that collectively played above their heads.

sambam94 · 02-06-2012, 01:44 PM

just checked the log...Giants had 8 drives the entire game and the shortest was 9 plays. The D did not allow the Pats offense to see the field enough times..our strength. The long drives also led to their punter to trap the Pats inside the 10 3 times.. Just a few 3 and outs would have dramatically changed this game.

PATSYLICIOUS · 02-06-2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambam94

the defense was absolutely a problem allowing 9+ play drives all game long. They kept Brady off the field. Not one 3 and out. I realize they only allowed 19 points, but they did not give this team's strength, their offense enough drives. Time of possession was a key factor in this game...and that is on the defense.

Well it goes both ways. When the defense made a stop on the first drive of the game, then our offense goes 1 and out putting our D right back out there, makes it tough. We had a couple more 3 and outs, not to mention the Giants getting to start in our territory once. Offense had plenty of chances yesterday and they had something to do with the TOP disadvantage as well.