Actually, I didn't realize that, and I'm curious as to what you're seeing (in terms of both recent Pats personnel changes and general NFL offensive changes) that leads you to that hypothesis.
Sure. I'll break down my thoughts in bullet points.
1. It's a complimentary game.
- The Patriot's offense is elite. The defense doesn't need to be although it has the potential to be very good this season.
2. When I say 3-4 or 3 - anything it means the following:
- You have a big bodied NT that can command double teams. (I know that is hard to find) (I hope VV can fill this role on a rotational basis but still need that main guy AND I'd be willing to spend spend a lot for that guy.) (Poe is interesting but may be too expensive even for me) (If Vita Vea dropped within range I'd be tempted to move up for him but I'll leave that for the draftniks to discuss)
- You have DT's that can maintain 2 gap discipline. (The Pats have Brown, VV, etc..)
- You have two intelligent solid LB's that can plug running lanes. (The Pats have Hightower and KVN)
2a. If you have the NT and DT's who can 2 gap and control the LOS it allows you to become much more flexible in a situational sense:
(I separated this point because this involves personnel needs)
- (3-4) Need a solid LB/DE with speed. Can Rivers handle this role? Rivers, T.Flowers, KVN, Hightower.
- (3-3) Gilmore, Rowe, Chung, Harmon and McCourty are a solid group.
- (3-2) Need a DB. (Patriots may already have him on the roster)
3. If you have the NT and DT's who can control the LOS the 4-3 becomes a whole different animal.
- If you're running a 4-3 because you lack the NT or power to control the LOS it's out of necessity rather than schematically.
- If you have the personnel to effectively run a 3-4 you have so much more flexibility at the LOS. 4-3, 5-2 etc.. Not the same vice versa.
- If you have DT's that can two gap you have more ways to create pressure imo. OR I'd rather the opposing teams offensive line guess where the pressure is coming from when facing 3-4 personnel rather than more of a man vs man situation when facing a possibly slower 4-3 personnel. (I hope that makes sense)
It does have it's weaknesses but it's by far the most flexible which includes the ability to run the hybrid defensive fronts. I think that also gives you the best ability to match up or game plan for the various offenses the Patriots face on a game to game basis.
Lastly, when I say I would approach the defensive personnel differently if the Pats had a rookie QB I mean that I would invest more cap space positionally on the defensive side but would still want to use the 3-4 base.
Those are my thoughts.