Milquetoast defensive schemes? - New England Patriots Forums

cavtroop · 10-15-2012, 11:37 AM

I wasn't sure wether to create a new thread or add this to an existing one. So (obviously!) mods feel free to consolidate if you think this belongs in an existing thread. I think it merits it's own discussion though.

Now, I'm no expert on football. I like to think I know more than the average fan about coverages, schemes etc. But I'm far from an expert truth be told.

But to my laypersons eyes, what is going on with the defense? Remember the days when we'd *salivate* about going up against a rookie QB? We'd pressure him early - blitz 5,6 or even 7 - get in his face and rattle him a bit.

Now, and for the last few years, our defense seems to be completely milquetoast. 3 or 4 man front, and either a cover 2 or a 2 man under defense behind. Very little scheming, very little blitzing. Every once in a while, they'll send 5. However, very little (if any) stunting/scheming etc, rarely see a DL drop into a zone blitz coverage etc.

Is this stuff happening, and Im just not seeing it? If its not happening, why not? any theories? Do we not have the personnel to be more aggressive? Is it coaching?

NENGFAN · 10-15-2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavtroop

I wasn't sure wether to create a new thread or add this to an existing one. So (obviously!) mods feel free to consolidate if you think this belongs in an existing thread. I think it merits it's own discussion though.

Now, I'm no expert on football. I like to think I know more than the average fan about coverages, schemes etc. But I'm far from an expert truth be told.

But to my laypersons eyes, what is going on with the defense? Remember the days when we'd *salivate* about going up against a rookie QB? We'd pressure him early - blitz 5,6 or even 7 - get in his face and rattle him a bit.

Now, and for the last few years, our defense seems to be completely milquetoast. 3 or 4 man front, and either a cover 2 or a 2 man under defense behind. Very little scheming, very little blitzing. Every once in a while, they'll send 5. However, very little (if any) stunting/scheming etc, rarely see a DL drop into a zone blitz coverage etc.

Is this stuff happening, and Im just not seeing it? If its not happening, why not? any theories? Do we not have the personnel to be more aggressive? Is it coaching?

Totally agree with you. I was going to add a thread like this. Our Defensive schems are plain vanilla. Opposing QBs are s

NENGFAN · 10-15-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NENGFAN

Totally agree with you. I was going to add a thread like this. Our Defensive schems are plain vanilla. Opposing QBs are s

Opposing QBs are do comfortable in the pocket. Even the Jets D shows different designs to keep the O guessing. We cannot force a 3 and out when it counts. All teams will now torch our CBs big time. No pass rush, poor coverage downfield = losing games.

And yes - our offense cannot hit the final bail nail in the coffin.