I look at this Patriots defense and see little seasoned leadership, plus little cohesion (esp. at cornerback and linebacker) coming out of the gate. Unless BB is keeping something under wraps, seems to me we're going to need every point the offense can muster. If anyone here can make a case for this defense being anything but average, I'd like to hear it.
Well, in recent years, the defense was hurt by a lack of speed. Seau lost some steps. Bruschi lost some steps. Eugene Wilson forgot how to play. Harrison lost some steps. Lost some steps is being kind. They got slow, as much as we all love what they were.
Merriweather and Sanders have some speed, and now some experience. Guyton has speed/Mayo has speed (and both aren't rookies anymore, so they can USE their speed). And, was I the only one that felt much better watching Bodden cover guys in the preseason, compared to what Hobbes brought?
Burgess has been trying to learn the defense. If he does, and then becomes a force rushing the passer, the entire defense will improve.
I am not predicting anything, but one case for being anything but average will be, improved speed, along with a year under the belts of Guyton, Mayo, Willhite., and several others Along with the fact that the defensive backfield will be better, I think. Just an improvement from what Hobbes brought (though I did love his kickoff return ability) has got to be significant. I expect, by the way, Butler is going to surpise with his skill set. He's got the speed and loose hips, and if he gets "coached up", they could really hit with him. It's just my hunch on the player. Time will tell if I'm right.
If Burgess gets double digit sacks, the defense will end up being above average, because all the DBs will benefit. We've not had pressure like that in quite some time.