OT: Interesting ESPN Article on 4-3 Defenses

[Phoenix111]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=2995887

It's funny that this article features some information about the linebackers in Denver's system in relation to their speed used to drop into coverage and run to plays. The thing is, you know that they were built with the idea of stopping pass happy teams (Especially The Colts) and The Colts have ripped that defense in half in 3 of the last 4 meetings.

Maybe its time for a new philosophy in Denver.

I will say that, aside from the Indy game last year, early on, Denver's defense was pretty impressive. They just wilt when faced with the old blue and white horseshoe.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Sando: there used to be an alleged reporter on one of the Boston papers who used his work. An interesting read - Thanks!

 

[cstjohn17]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=2995887

I will say that, aside from the Indy game last year, early on, Denver's defense was pretty impressive. They just wilt when faced with the old blue and white horseshoe.

Know any other defenses like that?

 

[Phoenix111]

Know any other defenses like that?

Yeah, a lot of them. But if you're talking about the Patriots I'm going to have to disagree.

The Broncos were beaten like rented mules in two consecutive years in the playoffs. And last year, despite the game itself being very competitive overall (due to Indy's poor run defense), Indy's offense still ran up and down the field on the Broncos.

The Patriots defense had one bad half of play versus the Colts. They played very well in the first half of the AFCCG. Earlier in the year they lost 27-20 and that can really be attributed to Brady's 4 picks.

If you go back a little farther, again, yes bad game against Indy in the 05 regular season, but that was a depleted defense, much like last year's defense in the second half of the AFCCG. Denver's defense has essentially been in tact during their visits to the woodshed.

Prior to 05, the Pats handled the Colts for the most part.

 

[cstjohn17]

Yeah, a lot of them. But if you're talking about the Patriots I'm going to have to disagree.

The Broncos were beaten like rented mules in two consecutive years in the playoffs. And last year, despite the game itself being very competitive overall (due to Indy's poor run defense), Indy's offense still ran up and down the field on the Broncos.

The Patriots defense had one bad half of play versus the Colts. They played very well in the first half of the AFCCG. Earlier in the year they lost 27-20 and that can really be attributed to Brady's 4 picks.

If you go back a little farther, again, yes bad game against Indy in the 05 regular season, but that was a depleted defense, much like last year's defense in the second half of the AFCCG. Denver's defense has essentially been in tact during their visits to the woodshed.

Prior to 05, the Pats handled the Colts for the most part.

I am talking about the Patriots (and a lot of other teams). Prior to 2005 doesn't count, that ship has sailed.

The last three meetings Manning has owned the Patriots. Our defense is better this year and it damn well better me if we expect to beat Indy.

1) November 07, 2005
Colts 40 - Pats 21
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=28654&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2005&week=REG9

453 Total yards
Time of Possession 36:41

2) November 05, 2006
Colts 27 - Patriots 20
354 total yards, a couple of missed field goals kept this from being a blowout

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=28984&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2006&week=REG9

3) Colts 38 - 34
Total Net Yards 455

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29191&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2006&week=POST20