3rd down defense still lacking - New England Patriots Forums

Charles Barwin · 04-27-2012, 02:53 PM

Is Hightower even fast enough to stay on the field on 3rd down? Spikes certainly isn't.

The Pats biggest weakness last year was was 3rd down defense. I suppose Hightower could compete to play 4-3 end on 3rd downs as well as Jones.

Tarpinian is our only above average coverage linebacker on 3rd downs, and he can't stay healthy. Hopefully we get another coverage linebacker in the second round tonight, like Brown.

Otherwise I think the Pats will continue to get picked apart on 3rd downs.

Am I missing something? Hightower is a great player, but I don't recall many people clamoring for another big ILB as a top need for the Pats.

manxman2601 · 04-27-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Barwin

Is Hightower even fast enough to stay on the field on 3rd down? Spikes certainly isn't.

The Pats biggest weakness last year was was 3rd down defense. I suppose Hightower could compete to play 4-3 end on 3rd downs as well as Jones.

Tarpinian is our only above average coverage linebacker on 3rd downs, and he can't stay healthy. Hopefully we get another coverage linebacker in the second round tonight, like Brown.

Otherwise I think the Pats will continue to get picked apart on 3rd downs.

Am I missing something? Hightower is a great player, but I don't recall many people clamoring for another big ILB as a top need for the Pats.

Well Hightowers speed isn't an issue, he runs in the 4.6's. Hightower plays well as a zone defender. For 'Bama, he dropped back to the first down marker and sat there waiting to challenge receivers crossing in front of him and his intelligence and instinct made him good in that role. What he is not however is someone who can cover in man coverage. I would love to pick up Lavonte David if he falls to #48, he's someone who can man cover a TE 40 yds from the LOS and failing that, Mychal Kendricks or Bobby Wagner (please not Zach Brown) but with only two picks it'll take some Belichick magic to create an extra pick to get a cover LB because I think they are targeting other needs as a priority now. Hopefully Lavonte David is BPA @48.

dryheat44 · 04-27-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Barwin

Is Hightower even fast enough to stay on the field on 3rd down? Spikes certainly isn't.

The Pats biggest weakness last year was was 3rd down defense. I suppose Hightower could compete to play 4-3 end on 3rd downs as well as Jones.

Tarpinian is our only above average coverage linebacker on 3rd downs, and he can't stay healthy. Hopefully we get another coverage linebacker in the second round tonight, like Brown.

Otherwise I think the Pats will continue to get picked apart on 3rd downs.

Am I missing something? Hightower is a great player, but I don't recall many people clamoring for another big ILB as a top need for the Pats.

I was about to type something about some people complaining about anything, but you have a really good point here. While Mayo and Fletcher were adequate last year, a Roman Phifer-type (Wagner?) would be nice. Maybe we'll pick one up in the draft, or maybe BB can re-sign Ihedigbo to play linebacker in those situations.

Gronkandez · 04-27-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manxman2601

Well Hightowers speed isn't an issue, he runs in the 4.6's. Hightower plays well as a zone defender. For 'Bama, he dropped back to the first down marker and sat there waiting to challenge receivers crossing in front of him and his intelligence and instinct made him good in that role. What he is not however is someone who can cover in man coverage. I would love to pick up Lavonte David if he falls to #48, he's someone who can man cover a TE 40 yds from the LOS and failing that, Mychal Kendricks or Bobby Wagner (please not Zach Brown) but with only two picks it'll take some Belichick magic to create an extra pick to get a cover LB because I think they are targeting other needs as a priority now. Hopefully Lavonte David is BPA @48.

Didn't he run a 4.87 at the combine?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft...chandler-jones

Charles Barwin · 04-27-2012, 03:10 PM

I guess I'd be happy with another udfa of Tarp's caliber, but we were lucky he chose the Pats last year. Maybe there's some udfa oversized safeties as well, hopefully, if this pass defense need isn't addressed in the 2nd.

manxman2601 · 04-27-2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gronkandez

Didn't he run a 4.79 at the combine?

4.68

10 char

Gronkandez · 04-27-2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manxman2601

4.68

10 char

Quote:

Jones, who was a junior entry, goes nearly 6-5 ½ and 266 pounds and has very long arms (35 ½ -inch arms). He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds. Jones has a great first step. He can do what Bill Belichick wants: stand up to a tackle but also get to the quarterback.

Analyzing the pick of DE/OLB Chandler Jones - Boston.com

manxman2601 · 04-27-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manxman2601

Well Hightowers speed isn't an issue, he runs in the 4.6's. Hightower plays well as a zone defender. For 'Bama, he dropped back to the first down marker and sat there waiting to challenge receivers crossing in front of him and his intelligence and instinct made him good in that role. What he is not however is someone who can cover in man coverage. I would love to pick up Lavonte David if he falls to #48, he's someone who can man cover a TE 40 yds from the LOS and failing that, Mychal Kendricks or Bobby Wagner (please not Zach Brown) but with only two picks it'll take some Belichick magic to create an extra pick to get a cover LB because I think they are targeting other needs as a priority now. Hopefully Lavonte David is BPA @48.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gronkandez

Analyzing the pick of DE/OLB Chandler Jones - Boston.com

I'm sensing a disconnect here.