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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.The Patriots open in the 4-1-6 dime package with three “bigs” and Banta-Cain up front, while mixing in the 3-2-6 dime for one play, before introducing a new-look 4-2-5 nickel package that is more rush-based with Jermaine Cunningham and Tully Banta-Cain joining Mike Wright and Vince Wilfork on the line.
Anybody with gametape know who the three "bigs" were?
I believe Brace, Pryor, and Wilfork, though I could be wrong. Wright might be in for either Brace or Pryor.
My NFL thought of day: Pats look faster, meaner and more athletic than ever. If TB stays upright...look out.
Pryor and Brace, Defensive starters, who knew?
Brace's escape from the jaws of bustdom really warms my heart.
One thing that I hope can continue: Our DL are not going to turn into Justin Tuck overnight. They aren't going to be penetrating DTs who knife in between linemen. They just sacked up and shoved the OL backwards into Palmer most of the game.
I'm not sure if this is a long term recipe for success as the season wears on, but I certainly hope it keeps working.
One thing that I hope can continue: Our DL are not going to turn into Justin Tuck overnight. They aren't going to be penetrating DTs who knife in between linemen. They just sacked up and shoved the OL backwards into Palmer most of the game.
I'm not sure if this is a long term recipe for success as the season wears on, but I certainly hope it keeps working.
It looks like Brace, Pryor and Wright if I'm watching the right play.
One thing that I hope can continue: Our DL are not going to turn into Justin Tuck overnight. They aren't going to be penetrating DTs who knife in between linemen. They just sacked up and shoved the OL backwards into Palmer most of the game.
I'm not sure if this is a long term recipe for success as the season wears on, but I certainly hope it keeps working.
Warren, Wilfork, Wright started the game.I believe Brace, Pryor, and Wilfork, though I could be wrong. Wright might be in for either Brace or Pryor.
Warren, Wilfork, Wright started the game.
Brace came in for the 3rd series.
Pryor played nose in sub
Cunningam played DE in sub
We played sub most of the 2nd half
I havent gone back and rewatched, thats just from memory
Definitely makes our 2nd rounders from the last two years look pretty damn good so far:
Chung
Brace
Butler
Vollmer
Cunningham
Spikes (or was he a 3rd rounder?)
Gronk
Got a mix of potential starters at all three levels of the defense, as well as two players that impact both the running and passing game for the offense.
Makes me extremely excited at what we can do with 2 firsts and 2 seconds in the next draft too.
Yeah, I also think he clearly prizes controlling the line of scrimmage with all those big d-lineman, to free up the linebackers and safeties. It's interesting that statistically the Patriots are always at the bottom of the league at blitzing on first and second down, but at the top on third down. They also used to always be at the top of the league in giving up the fewest 20+ yard plays, but that might have changed in the last year or two. That's the "bend but don't break" defense. I think Belichick's defense thrives with really good safeties, it really opens up what he can do. I'm looking forward to the Meriweather/Chung years.As many of us expected over the offseason, Belichick recognized that the OLBs were not reaching the QB and built a defense that could generate interior pass rush. Thus the signings of Warren and Lewis.
This defensive strategy won't put up huge sack numbers but as long as the back 7 plays smart and holds the fort it should be good enough.
But that's the difference between a 4-3 and a 3-4.