Will the Pats defense come alive tonight or are they really getting old?

[mossdeep]

I can't help but think these last 7 games have been an anomoly defensively. Pats have historically been one of the best run stopping especially against power run games between the tackles. I can't help but think the Pats have failed to match the intensity of teams down the stretch as every team plays their "superbowl" against the undefeated team.

I personally think the Pats defense will come alive, at home, with the bye and in a playoff electric-like atmosphere. :violent: If this is the Patriots I remember they'll hold the Jags to less than 120 yards on the ground and 14 or less offensive points.

Does anyone agree? ...or do you think the Pats really are now a "swiss cheese" defense with age?

 

[Run it up baby!]

I think the Patriots will have no trouble shutting down the Jags running game tonight because they'll be stacking the box, anticipating the run.

The real problem comes when the Pats play a team that has a running game like the Jags, with a strong passing game to compliment it (someone like the Colts), something that the Jags are missing.

 

[Pats Fan in Indy]

how about we look at the last seven games?

NYG 35pts... with a special team and garbage time TD, so really they didn't score that much.
MIA 7
NYJ 10, with a blocked punt TD
PIT 13
BAL 24
PHI 28
BUF 10

So, that's an average of a little over 16 points a game. I honestly don't care about any stat except for points when it comes to our defensive performance. As long as they make their stops, they are OK with me.

 

[ShrewBeer]

you will see a team tonight that looks like nothing you have seen before. its gonna be ugly for the jags

 

[chrisfx811]

Either way, there won't be any more excuses. If they come out and hold the Jags in check (imo <130yds rushing total), and don't make Garrard look like a HOF'er, I'll be content going into the Indy game.

 

[patological]

are they really getting old?

If all else fails, just hit em' with those canes and walkers.

 

[RayClay]

Broken record.......Other teams need to score a lot to beat the Patriots, so we are in nickel dime packages a lot.

Our defense has allowed us to be in control most of the time and that's what counts.

We are healthy and the vets will use the bye week more efficiently than most.

 

[Michael]

I can't help but think these last 7 games have been an anomoly defensively. Pats have historically been one of the best run stopping especially against power run games between the tackles. I can't help but think the Pats have failed to match the intensity of teams down the stretch as every team plays their "superbowl" against the undefeated team.

I personally think the Pats defense will come alive, at home, with the bye and in a playoff electric-like atmosphere. :violent: If this is the Patriots I remember they'll hold the Jags to less than 120 yards on the ground and 14 or less offensive points.

Does anyone agree? ...or do you think the Pats really are now a "swiss cheese" defense with age?

You've been listening to Shannon Sharpe's half-time comments for too long. If you believe they are too old. He didn't see Indy losing because New England's defense was getting too old. The only way they beat Indy is to get some younger players he said.

 

[NEPatriot]

I hope our D and O come alive tonight. I would like to see what our 'senior' D linemen can do tonight.

 

[VrttSllvn]

I think the Patriots will have no trouble shutting down the Jags running game tonight because they'll be stacking the box, anticipating the run.

The real problem comes when the Pats play a team that has a running game like the Jags, with a strong passing game to compliment it (someone like the Colts), something that the Jags are missing.

You really think the Pats are going to be the first to stack the box against the Jags? Sorry, but its been done... and overcome.

 

[NEPatriot]

our D linemen are senior but they have experiences.

 

[Run it up baby!]

You really think the Pats are going to be the first to stack the box against the Jags? Sorry, but its been done... and overcome.

I never said they would be the first to do it, but they'll have success doing it. Sure it's been overcome when other teams did it, but were those teams scoring 37 PPG? I doubt it. The Patriots also have a very strong secondary. When we shut down the run, Garrard will NOT be able to pass effectively against us, at least not enough to keep up with Tom Brady passing against your sad secondary.

 

[Truck]

Did the team get old all of a sudden over the past 2 weeks? Because as I recall, this defense has played very well this season; and their age hasn't changed much from mid season to right now.

 

[mossdeep]

You really think the Pats are going to be the first to stack the box against the Jags? Sorry, but its been done... and overcome.

I tell you staight out when the Pats drop Rodney down into the box (8th man), they always slow the other teams ability to run. The games you've seen them get gashed there's been 7 in the box or against their nickel and dime packages. When the Pats have a 20+ point lead they'll let the other team run the rest of the game.

 

[DamnYankee57]

I'd wager they come out with the same intensity they've had all season. Why should tonight be any different?

 

[Spirit of '76]

The reason that the Pats games were tight in the 2nd half of the season was because the defense stopped making game changing plays.

The Patriots were great at scheming and making the opposing QB make mistakes. Ever since AJ Feeley shredded the D, no one has stepped up and made a big play on defense. I think the absence of Rosey Colvin has had an impact.

They don't strip the ball like they used too. Dont know why, but they don't.

When was the last time Tedy Bruschi made a huge play on defense????? Maybe tonight.................he's WAY overdue!