Should Capers replace Pees in 2009

[BradyToMoss]

Not sure what's going on with this guy, but in past seasons, we've always had some crafty, disguised blitzes that we used to throw at teams especially on 3rd and longs. Yet, for some unexplained reason, we haven't them at all so far, and we can't get off the damn field on 3rd down. This sit back and hope for a QB mistake with the classic 4 man rush (with the rare, occasional 5th man LB) is just allowing teams to keep drives alive. We have to start bringing the heat with some crafty schemes. I watch the Steelers and LeBeau does a fantastic job of disguising the heat and it's origin. Our D is so damn predictable. Sitting back in that prevent zone on 3rd and longs is preventing all right, it's preventing us from forcing a punt.

Why we didn't bring the kitchen sink on that critical 3rd and 15 is anyone's guess. In past years, we're sending 6 at Favre and forcing a really quick throw on that play.

I'm hoping Pees gets let go and Capers takes over after this season, because I'm starting to question how much pull Capers has in this defense. If I had to guess, it's not much at all because this definately isn't a pressure oriented Dom Capers scheme.

 

[Jimke]

Not sure what's going on with this guy, but in past seasons, we've always had some crafty, disguised blitzes that we used to throw at teams especially on 3rd and longs. Yet, for some unexplained reason, we haven't them at all so far, and we can't get off the damn field on 3rd down. This sit back and hope for a QB mistake with the classic 4 man rush (with the rare, occasional 5th man LB) is just allowing teams to keep drives alive. We have to start bringing the heat with some crafty schemes. I watch the Steelers and LeBeau does a fantastic job of disguising the heat and it's origin. Our D is so damn predictable. Sitting back in that prevent zone on 3rd and longs is preventing all right, it's preventing us from forcing a punt.

Why we didn't bring the kitchen sink on that critical 3rd and 15 is anyone's guess. In past years, we're sending 6 at Favre and forcing a really quick throw on that play.

I'm hoping Pees gets let go and Capers takes over after this season, because I'm starting to question how much pull Capers has in this defense. If I had to guess, it's not much at all because this definately isn't a pressure oriented Dom Capers scheme.

The question is how much imput Pees has in the schemes. Although

he may call the individal plays, Belichick probably determines the overall

strategy.

 

[DefenseRules]

Not sure what's going on with this guy, but in past seasons, we've always had some crafty, disguised blitzes that we used to throw at teams especially on 3rd and longs. Yet, for some unexplained reason, we haven't them at all so far, and we can't get off the damn field on 3rd down. This sit back and hope for a QB mistake with the classic 4 man rush (with the rare, occasional 5th man LB) is just allowing teams to keep drives alive. We have to start bringing the heat with some crafty schemes. I watch the Steelers and LeBeau does a fantastic job of disguising the heat and it's origin. Our D is so damn predictable. Sitting back in that prevent zone on 3rd and longs is preventing all right, it's preventing us from forcing a punt.

Why we didn't bring the kitchen sink on that critical 3rd and 15 is anyone's guess. In past years, we're sending 6 at Favre and forcing a really quick throw on that play.

I'm hoping Pees gets let go and Capers takes over after this season, because I'm starting to question how much pull Capers has in this defense. If I had to guess, it's not much at all because this definately isn't a pressure oriented Dom Capers scheme.

I don't know what is going on with our defense, but I know that this defense as currently constituted is not a Championship Caliber defense. We have the talent up front, but the talent in the secondary is weak, IMHO. That being said, when Crennel was here our defense could still produce at a high level no matter who was out there. For a while I questioned the talent, this is the first season that I've started wondering if it's coaching. Without really knowing what's going on behind the scenes it's hard to tell. I don't think that our defense is that bad, but when the game is on the line I've noticed a trend that really bothers me, especially in BIG GAMES. It seems like whenever we need this defense to make ONE STOP, they just can't execute it for some reason. From the AFC Championship loss in Indy, to the Super Bowl loss last year, it seems like our defense struggles in "Clutch" situations. The game against the Jets is a prime example of it. I've tried not to overreact about it, but it is really starting to bother me.

Maybe a change in defensive coordinators or even defensive scheme might help.

 

[Jimke]

I don't know what is going on with our defense, but I know that this defense as currently constituted is not a Championship Caliber defense. We have the talent up front, but the talent in the secondary is weak, IMHO. That being said, when Crennel was here our defense could still produce at a high level no matter who was out there. For a while I questioned the talent, this is the first season that I've started wondering if it's coaching. Without really knowing what's going on behind the scenes it's hard to tell. I don't think that our defense is that bad, but when the game is on the line I've noticed a trend that really bothers me, especially in BIG GAMES. It seems like whenever we need this defense to make ONE STOP, they just can't execute it for some reason. From the AFC Championship loss in Indy, to the Super Bowl loss last year, it seems like our defense struggles in "Clutch" situations. The game against the Jets is a prime example of it. I've tried not to overreact about it, but it is really starting to bother me.

When Crennel was here, there were six good linebackers who could be rotated and much better defensive backs.

 

[borg]

It's all about the pass rush. You saw how Favre folded when he heard footsteps. Dropping back 8 and having a bunch of 300 lb DLs rushing the QB is not attack football. BB needs to roll the dice the rest of the season and force the issue. Stack the line, blitz from every angle and create turnovers. The Chad will not be going deep this weekend. Clog the middle and bull rush the big eared hick. On offense, 100% shotgun and no huddle. The season hinges on this game. This is no time to win it at the end of the game. The Colts and the Jets showed that the Patriots D is mediocre during crunch time. Time to go Comanche. wooowooowoooowooo.

 

[WhiZa]

It's not that Pees does a bad job. The Pats are 12th in overall defense. He just doesn't do an outstanding job. He certainly won't get fired for the work he has done so far. It could be worse.

I always wonder what Pees is thinking when BB goes to talk to his defense. Shouldn't Pees be doing that? BB never sits the offense down.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

When Crennel was here, there were six good linebackers who could be rotated and much better defensive backs.

it's not the defensive coordinators job to make sure there are good LB's on the roster.........

that said, I think pees lacks creativity and tries to get away with 'vanilla' all the time......under crennel, there was much more movement by the defensive front 7

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

It's not that Pees does a bad job. The Pats are 12th in overall defense. He just doesn't do an outstanding job. He certainly won't get fired for the work he has done so far. It could be worse.

I always wonder what Pees is thinking when BB goes to talk to his defense. Shouldn't Pees be doing that? BB never sits the offense down.

Yes but BB has ALWAYS coached up the D during games, even with Romeo here. If there's criticism of the coaching of the D, it needs to start with Belichick. He hired the DC, sets the strategy and philosophy and participates substantively in the coaching. I suppose I sould delete that remark because with the idiotic threads here (suggesting we trade Brady and keep cassel) some frontrunner MOron here will start a thread suggesting we fire BB if we miss the playoffs.

 

[Deus Irae]

1.) Rodney Harrison lost for the season

2.) A revolving door at the #2 cornerback position

3.) Rookies and 'rookies' at the nickel corner position

4.) Adalius Thomas missing time with injury

5.) Ty Warren missing time with injury

6.) 2 rookies playing significant time at ILB

7.) Wilfork apparently fighting a toe injury

All this and the defense is still, somehow, #10 in the NFL.

 

[DarrylS]

It's not that Pees does a bad job. The Pats are 12th in overall defense. He just doesn't do an outstanding job. He certainly won't get fired for the work he has done so far. It could be worse.

I always wonder what Pees is thinking when BB goes to talk to his defense. Shouldn't Pees be doing that? BB never sits the offense down.

BB has always done this, he coaches the trench guys up.. that is his strength..

Criticize Pees all you want, but no Ty Warren, no Rodney, no Adalus Thomas.. injuries are not an excuse, but there were gaps and instead of just taking off.. the D lineman had to stay home to help with the LB's and to watch Thomas who had gained a lot of yards recently..

The D did not fumble, did not drop passes.. did not miss Leon Washington..

BB is not listening to Jon Bon Jovi on the headsets, he knows everything that is going on. on the play in question it looked like someone missed their assignment.

 

[DefenseRules]

1.) Rodney Harrison lost for the season

2.) A revolving door at the #2 cornerback position

3.) Rookies and 'rookies' at the nickel corner position

4.) Adalius Thomas missing time with injury

5.) Ty Warren missing time with injury

6.) 2 rookies playing significant time at ILB

7.) Wilfork apparently fighting a toe injury

All this and the defense is still, somehow, #10 in the NFL.

That is exactly why I said that our D is not that bad.
However, when the game is on the line, they have not covered themselves in glory lately. I'll agree that the loss of Warren and Thomas hurt us, but we couldn't stop them on 3rd and 15? That was just awful. When the Jets converted that 3rd down we all lost it at my house. We couldn't believe it. That is not what we are used to seeing from the Patriots defense. Many in this forum have to admit at least that. It's not the first time that we have seen this either. Third down is the Achilles heel of this defense, IMO.

 

[Tunescribe]

When Crennel was here, there were six good linebackers who could be rotated and much better defensive backs.

Yup, much of it still comes down to personnel. That point is lost in these attempts to identify trends, such as the defense lately being unable to make stops at critical times in critical games. For an example, remember who we had in coverage at the end of the AFCCG two years ago in Indy.

 

[Deus Irae]

That is exactly why I said that our D is not that bad.
However, when the game is on the line, they have not covered themselves in glory lately. I'll agree that the loss of Warren and Thomas hurt us, but we couldn't stop them on 3rd and 15? That was just awful. When the Jets converted that 3rd down we all lost it at my house. We couldn't believe it. That is not what we are used to seeing from the Patriots defense. Many in this forum have to admit at least that. It's not the first time that we have seen this either. Third down is the Achilles heel of this defense, IMO.

But we ARE used to seeing this from the Patriots defense. The defense 'failed' against the Rams in 2001 and against the Panthers in 2003. The defense 'failed' (though clearly wasn't quite as zoned in) against the Eagles in 2004, but it went unnoticed because the Eagles needed 2 scores, not 1.

As for the 3rd down situation, I agree that it's been a problem. The Patriots are among the worst in the league on 3rd down. This should really come as no surprise, however, given the question mark that is the secondary, and given the lack of experience at ILB any time Bruschi is not in there.

 

[DefenseRules]

But we ARE used to seeing this from the Patriots defense. The defense 'failed' against the Rams in 2001 and against the Panthers in 2003. The defense 'failed' (though clearly wasn't quite as zoned in) against the Eagles in 2004, but it went unnoticed because the Eagles needed 2 scores, not 1.

As for the 3rd down situation, I agree that it's been a problem. The Patriots are among the worst in the league on 3rd down. This should really come as no surprise, however, given the question mark that is the secondary, and given the lack of experience at ILB any time Bruschi is not in there.

I have to admit that you have a point. I place the blame for our defensive personnel deficiencies firmly at the feet of BB/Pioli. For years we all waited with baited breath for them to draft linebackers, we all chanted "it's time to draft a replacement for Rodney". They waited too long to start rebuilding this defense, IMO, but at least they have started. Our secondary needs a COMPLETE makeover in 2009. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together. This is a list of the players that will be free agents as of 3/1/09.
Notice that there are a lot of DBs on that list. I don't know how hard they will try to bring Sanders back. If he will settle for a fair market deal, then we should keep him. Otherwise, it won't bother me in the least if he's gone. I think Rodney's playing days might be over. That injury looked bad.
BB/Pioli have a lot of holes to fill on this defense, IMO.

Miguel's UNOFFICIAL 2008 Patriots Free Agency Page
Matt Cassel, QB
Heath Evans, FB
Jabar Gaffney, WR
Chris Hanson, P
Rodney Harrison, SS
Russ Hochstein, G
Larry Izzo, LB
Lamont Jordan, RB
Deltha O'Neal, CB
Lonie Paxton, LS
James Sanders, S
Lewis Sanders, CB
Kenny Smith, DE
Jason Webster, CB
Tank Williams, S
Mike Wright, DT

 

[Deus Irae]

I have to admit that you have a point. I place the blame for our defensive personnel deficiencies firmly at the feet of BB/Pioli. For years we all waited with baited breath for them to draft linebackers, we all chanted "it's time to draft a replacement for Rodney". They waited too long to start rebuilding this defense, IMO, but at least they have started. Our secondary needs a COMPLETE makeover in 2009. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together. This is a list of the players that will be free agents as of 3/1/09.
Notice that there are a lot of DBs on that list. I don't know how hard they will try to bring Sanders back. If he will settle for a fair market deal, then we should keep him. Otherwise, it won't bother me in the least if he's gone. I think Rodney's playing days might be over. That injury looked bad.
BB/Pioli have a lot of holes to fill on this defense, IMO.

Miguel's UNOFFICIAL 2008 Patriots Free Agency Page
Matt Cassel, QB
Heath Evans, FB
Jabar Gaffney, WR
Chris Hanson, P
Rodney Harrison, SS
Russ Hochstein, G
Larry Izzo, LB
Lamont Jordan, RB
Deltha O'Neal, CB
Lonie Paxton, LS
James Sanders, S
Lewis Sanders, CB
Kenny Smith, DE
Jason Webster, CB
Tank Williams, S
Mike Wright, DT

Ok, but here's what I think Patriots' fans need to ask themselves:

Why is anyone to "blame"? As a by-product of being the best team in the NFL this decade, the Patriots have been in the worst draft position. The league is, after all, set up to penalize success. Nonetheless, the team has had year after year of excellence and, had Brady not gone down in week 1, this season would be yet another of those years.

The notion that the team waited too long to rebuild the defense is just not accurate, in my opinion. Teams only have a limited number of high round draft picks to use, and all it takes is a quick glance to see where the team's been using them:

Seymour
Warren
Wilfork
Mayo
Meriweather

That's 5 first round picks going to the defense since 2001. There's only so much that can be devoted to one side of the ball at any time. They need to keep the offense going as well as the defense, after all.

I would, however, point to the Samuel situation as the defensive equivalent to the Branch situation, in that a problem posed itself that the team was unable to successfully fix quickly enough.

 

[upstater1]

I've probably watched more of Pees than most. I watched him was he was a head coach in the MAC in college. I saw him live one day when he threw a tantrum at UConn's coach Randy Edsall because UConn ran a TD in late in the game when they were up to scores.

What Is aw of him did not leave a positive impression.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

Ok, but here's what I think Patriots' fans need to ask themselves:

Why is anyone to "blame"? As a by-product of being the best team in the NFL this decade, the Patriots have been in the worst draft position. The league is, after all, set up to penalize success. Nonetheless, the team has had year after year of excellence and, had Brady not gone down in week 1, this season would be yet another of those years.

The notion that the team waited too long to rebuild the defense is just not accurate, in my opinion. Teams only have a limited number of high round draft picks to use, and all it takes is a quick glance to see where the team's been using them:

Seymour
Warren
Wilfork
Mayo
Meriweather

That's 5 first round picks going to the defense since 2001. There's only so much that can be devoted to one side of the ball at any time. They need to keep the offense going as well as the defense, after all.

I would, however, point to the Samuel situation as the defensive equivalent to the Branch situation, in that a problem posed itself that the team was unable to successfully fix quickly enough.

This post should be stickied :rocker: