Belichicks thinking on defense?? (tin hat on)

[Shed83]

I would just like to start by pointing out that im a complete football novice, still trying to learn the game despite rooting for the Pats since my first trip to Boston in 2000 - so be gentle in the beatdowns!! :bricks: (im a european football fan changing codes!)

Back on topic.

I do realise that only Bill B can state difintively why he sets up the defense the way he does and what strategy he is thinking of when applying his game plan but i was hoping some posters can maybe shed light on what hes trying to achieve with the bend but dont break defense other than the obvious.

Im thinking that maybe Belichick, with his upmost confidence that he has the number 1 QB in the league, is inviting shootouts hoping Brady can keep lighting up the scoreboard. It appears that he was intent on shutting down the running threat to stop the other team controlling the clock, T.O.P and therefore the game itself. Then challenging the secondary to get turnovers. If the Secondary dont get the turnovers then at least the oppositions drive will be quick to the red Zone and then hoping the bend but dont break defense really comes into play and limiting the opposition to FG attempts only.

Adopting this defense should therefore mean the offense get plenty drives with the hope Brady outshoots the other guy!

It seems too simple and risky a plan based on hoping his QB is on top of his game each week, therefore could some informed posters explain what the defense is trying to acheive?

(i should have posted this in the stupid football questions thread but couldnt find it!)

 

[Boston Tim]

Your question is spot on, hardly novice level.

But, unfortunately, there is not a single poster on this thread that can provide an explanation that makes the Patriots decision-making appear logical. Many feel that BB has royally messed up. The kool-aid drinkers can't explain it either, but continue to beat the "in BB we trust" drum because they can't handle the truth.

My opinion is that BB's self-scouting in the preseason was utterly flawed, which led to a series of unfortunate events. Unlike the movie of said name, watching it hasn't been enjoyable in the least.


Edit: may I also add that, even if all the decisions made so far were perfect, this strategy that you discuss is excellent for season wins but completely hopeless in the playoffs. See Jets-Pats playoff game last season for example. Which really makes you think - if its true that only the Super Bowl matters, why would BB stick with a losing plan? I can see the Redskins adopting this plan, cause Snyder cares about the business more than the game (i.e. home wins, big names, stat records being what matters).

 

[reflexblue]

I would just like to start by pointing out that im a complete football novice, still trying to learn the game despite rooting for the Pats since my first trip to Boston in 2000 - so be gentle in the beatdowns!! :bricks: (im a european football fan changing codes!)

Back on topic.

I do realise that only Bill B can state difintively why he sets up the defense the way he does and what strategy he is thinking of when applying his game plan but i was hoping some posters can maybe shed light on what hes trying to achieve with the bend but dont break defense other than the obvious.

Im thinking that maybe Belichick, with his upmost confidence that he has the number 1 QB in the league, is inviting shootouts hoping Brady can keep lighting up the scoreboard. It appears that he was intent on shutting down the running threat to stop the other team controlling the clock, T.O.P and therefore the game itself. Then challenging the secondary to get turnovers. If the Secondary dont get the turnovers then at least the oppositions drive will be quick to the red Zone and then hoping the bend but dont break defense really comes into play and limiting the opposition to FG attempts only.

Adopting this defense should therefore mean the offense get plenty drives with the hope Brady outshoots the other guy!

It seems too simple and risky a plan based on hoping his QB is on top of his game each week, therefore could some informed posters explain what the defense is trying to acheive?

(i should have posted this in the stupid football questions thread but couldnt find it!)

Your observation is correct, to much emphasis has been placed on Brady to win. If the opposing team can disrupt or stop Brady the chances are slim that the pats will win. you need balance on offense to get the opposing team off balance. And for to many years now the pats have been pretty much one dimensional especially when they get behind.

 

[hyperpat]

On defense it seems BB is unwilling to accept the all-out passing nature of of the game today. He continues to acquire heavy D lineman who are predominately run stoppers. For a pass rusher he acquires the elderly Carter, who is pretty good, but definitely on the downside of his career and can't get there fast enough to stop a good QB. Watching the game yesterday I was wishing the Pats could get some D lineman like the Gints. Rangy, fast guys who can rush the QB. And get 'em in the draft so they are young and hungry.