Less moving parts on defense and, Buchanan and Vellano strong play

[Brady6]

This thread is to discuss 2 topics:

1. The first is to say I really like that Belichick has shortened up the rotation on defense, in years past we’ve had so many moving parts and players subbing in and out depending on downs and situations. This season the sub rotation is simplified with only the front having any moving parts, which Belichick has basically kept routine.

Defensive line rotation
Series #1 – Ninkovich | Kelly | Wilfork | Jones
Series #2 – Ninkovich | Kelly | Wilfork | Jones
Series #3 – Ninkovich | Vellano | Wilfork | Jones
Series #4 – Ninkovich | Kelly | Vellano | Jones
Pass-rush situation – Buchanan | Jones | Wilfork | Ninkovich

2. The second is to recognize the strong play of Buchanan and Vellano in the first 2 games of the season, Buchanan looks like an absolute beast out there, and him and Jones coming from the right side in passing situation was dominate on Thursday. Vellano looks great in my opinion, I was very impressed with him in both games this season, he is all over the field making plays which is something Love and Deaderick were not doing last season.

What are your thoughts on these topics?

 

[Archeryaddict12]

Buchanan looks like a steal 7th round pic (I think). The defense of line looked great. But Vince wasn't his usual self, does he have a injury that hasn't been let out??

 

[mgteich]

I agree with your comments. See below for some additional thoughts.

DEFENSIVE LINE
It would nice if Bequette actually did something.

LINEBACKER
Could Mayo and Hightower use a series off? This won't happen when the backups are Fletcher and Collins.

SECONDARY
We might need more than 5 defensive backs on the field in some game. Maybe we'll play a real quarterback soon. BTW, I think that last time an NFL team started against two rookie quarterbacks was in 1950. I think that Belichick is fine with using Harmon and Ryan as backups and as the 6th and 7th back. However, it could just be that we are vanilla because we trust so few players.

 

[Mac&Barmore FTW]

Yeah I like what I've seen so far. I think Buchanan's gonna be a very good pass rusher.

 

[VrabelJr]

Vellano had a "welcome to the NFL" game in Week 1 versus the Bills. He got pulverized on all of Fred Jacksons longer runs. He looked improved against the Jets, even though our run defense on a whole kind of sucked so it's hard to give him too high of a grade. The Jets are great at running it up the gut which is a tribute to how incredibly good Nick Mangold is.

Buchanan is looking like great. The little rotation of moving Chandler Jones inside and inserting Buchanan at RDE on 3rd down is a great look.

In the two games we've seen so far we've used a small rotation of defensive players. I think it's a kudos to our top 3 DEs that we don't see much Bequette. Also, Bequette would likely be a LDE and NInkovich is just too much of a game changer (yes I said it) to take off the field. I believe he's played 100% of the snaps so far.

 

[ausbacker]

I'm interested to see what the addition of Armstead will mean for the defensive line. Buchanan has looked rather promising and could turn out to be something if he continues to add bulk. Vellano was a pleasant surprise against the Jets. He held his own at the point of attack.

Let's hope a little more chemistry works in the Patriots favor in coming weeks. They'll need to disrupt Matt Ryan and Drew Brees in the pocket.

 

[blackglass3]

I remember seeing Vellano on a few plays and he looked good. I remember saying to myself "Who is 99?" more than a few times because he was moving very well out there. Its just one game, but he looks promising.

A bit OT, but I only recall seeing Jamie Collins on ST's. Have I just not noticed him or is he being slow to develop? Not a criticism, not everyone can be drafted to a team that was just in the AFCCG and make an immediate impact.

Sorry, I don't have time to rewatch the games or the all 22, which is why I am asking. It's one of the reasons I love this site, there are lots of posters with great X's and O's knowledge.

 

[VrabelJr]

I remember seeing Vellano on a few plays and he looked good. I remember saying to myself "Who is 99?" more than a few times because he was moving very well out there. Its just one game, but he looks promising.

A bit OT, but I only recall seeing Jamie Collins on ST's. Have I just not noticed him or is he being slow to develop? Not a criticism, not everyone can be drafted to a team that was just in the AFCCG and make an immediate impact.

Sorry, I don't have time to rewatch the games or the all 22, which is why I am asking. It's one of the reasons I love this site, there are lots of posters with great X's and O's knowledge.

So far Mayo and Hightower have consumed just about all of the snaps at LB. Spikes has played exclusively in the base. Our best hope for Collins this year is that later in the year he can get some snaps next to Mayo in nickel packages, but if Hightower is holding down that spot so well, why bother?