What about the Defense's speed?

[AzPatsFan]

For years the Pat's Defense was based on size and smarts. But it was criticized for Team Speed on Defense. How much has that changed?

Below is the list of nominal starters on Defense, before the Draft. Rate them as -, =, or + for below average, average and above average NFL speed. Here is my list of nominal starters, and at some positions rotation starters who share a position, my estimate of their NFL speed:

RDE Seymour + Green +
NT Wilfork =- Wright +
LDE Warren =-
ROLB Thomas ++
WILB Mayo ++
SILB Guyton ++ Bruschi - -
SOLB Woods =+
RCB Hobbs = Bodden =
FS Meriweather + Springs +
SS Sanders = Harrison --
LCB Springs - Wheatley =
Nickle Wheatley =

I end up with 5 starters, at above average, 2; to well above average, 3; when compared to their NFL contemporaries. And 4 starters with average speed. And 4 rotation starters with below average speed.

The Patriots lean toward powerful and big Defensive linemen, so I am sure that there are faster, smaller Defensive lines elsewhere. I am not sure there are better ones though.

Off of my analysis they are no longer a slow Defense, nor a particularly fast one either. But slightly above average in both size and speed. Although the change in team speed at LB is striking.

Rate the Defense yourself, and compare.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

if hobbs is average speedwise why is he returning kicks? he's actually pretty fast with hi end speed

 

[crowell33]

Looks good except Wilhite and Wheatley. Both super burners. Wheatley ran a 4.37 at combine, Wilhite a 4.38. Both ++ speed.

 

[eom]

if hobbs is average speedwise why is he returning kicks?

because of his smarts.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

because of his smarts.

well i'm sure that is part of it. if it was just smart i want BB back there or brady

 

[crowell33]

Hobbs ran a 4.38 at the Combine. I've seen him listed as fast as 4.33 but according to NFLdraftscout his official combine 40 yard was 4.38. I'd say we could probably bump him up from "=" to ++.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Hobbs ran a 4.38 at the Combine. I've seen him listed as fast as 4.33 but according to NFLdraftscout his official combine 40 yard was 4.38. I'd say we could probably bump him up from "=" to ++.

he continues to get very little love on this board. i'd take him. he's a gamer

 

[eom]

why do I feel like al davis has taken over this board?

 

[crowell33]

According to NewOrleansProFootball.com Hobbs ran a 4.36 and a 4.39 at his Pro Day. Blackandgold.com lists Hobbs Pro Day 40 yard at 4.37.

 

[crowell33]

why do I feel like al davis has taken over this board?

Good call. Wheatly, Wilhite, and Hobbs are 3 extremely fast corners. However, Springs and Bodden could be the best two.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I don't know how you think Woods has above average speed. He's very average.

DL - Not expected to be fast.

LB - Thomas, Guyton, Mayo have all shown to be fast. Crable has shown some speed in last year's preseason.

DB - Hobbs is fast on kick returns, Wheatley and Whilite have fast timed speed and Merriweather is fast for a safety.

However, as a team, their still not that fast. They need one more ILB and one OLB and a SS so Merriweather can move back to FS.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Based on your coments and data, i will amend the analysis somewhat:

RDE Seymour + Green +
NT Wilfork =- Wright +
LDE Warren =-
ROLB Thomas ++
WILB Mayo ++
SILB Guyton ++ Bruschi - -
SOLB Woods =+
RCB Hobbs ++ Bodden =
FS Meriweather + Springs +
SS Sanders = Harrison --
LCB Springs - Wheatley ++
Nickle Wheatley ++ Willhite ++

Does that make everyone happier?

If your data is correct the secondary is much faster than I thought. The best players might still be Springs and Bodden who are only average in speed though. If Springs goes to Safety he isfaster than most Safeties I would think.

The summary picture is a DEfesenthat is slower on the DEfesnive linebut much bigge rthan average.

The LBs are faster than an average corps of LBs.

The secondary isloaded with speed for the reserves; but the starters appear to be bigger than average, but only average in speed.

The overall picture is of a bigger and faster Defense though.

 

[Number 2]

Ellis Hobbs doesn't get much love around here. He is fast and he does have smarts. He also has a few kick returns for touchdowns which is a product of both.

Hobbs has the record for longest kick return td in history 108 yards. Which was the longest play in history for two months.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I don't know how you think Woods has above average speed. He's very average.

DL - Not expected to be fast.

LB - Thomas, Guyton, Mayo have all shown to be fast. Crable has shown some speed in last year's preseason.

DB - Hobbs is fast on kick returns, Wheatley and Whilite have fast timed speed and Merriweather is fast for a safety.

However, as a team, their still not that fast. They need one more ILB and one OLB and a SS so Merriweather can move back to FS.

I rated him as average plus, because he was supposedly timed at a 4.68 and 4.75 when measured. That is is not 4.5+ or sub 4.6 speed, but the average SOLB is some where around 4.75-4.8 speed. So he is average plus, in speed and plus plus in size.

I agree that AD, Woods, Crabel, TBC and Redd are there and we could add another better candidate. Its a nice blend of experience and youth . At ILB Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi and Alexander. I agree that we need another ILB, as Tedy is way past his prime and Alexander is a scrub. But overall, we have 4 playable OLBs and three palyable ILBs. That is deeper than our Superbowl clubs.

I question whether we really need a S. I think Springs is a S more than a CB, now. I suspect BB wants him for his above average speed as a S, and his old pro experience, to captain the young secondary.

 

[RoughingthePasser]

Don't forget the human brain.