ESPN 'scouts': Chargers D has changed

[SVN]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/notebook?page=sundaycountdown07

Chargers D is much more aggressive

The Chargers' defense has completely changed since playing the Patriots in Week 2. During that game, the Chargers were in a bend-but-don't-break scheme and never pressured Tom Brady nor challenged the Patriots' WRs. Even more surprising, LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips were dropping back and playing man-off zone coverages rather than attacking the quarterback. This soft defensive scheme is how the Chargers played up until Week 10.

After being destroyed in Week 9 by the Vikings, San Diego changed its defensive philosophy the next week against the Colts. The Chargers became more aggressive. Merriman and Phillips started attacking off the edges and getting pressure on the quarterback. During this game Peyton Manning threw six interceptions, including three to CB Antonio Cromartie, who took over the starting role. With Cromartie starting, the Chargers had three quality cover corners because CB Drayton Florence became the nickel back. With three good CBs the Chargers have been able to play more tight man-to-man coverage schemes with two safeties in zone over the top. This is very important because it doesn't compromise the team's ability to pass rush.

Since the Chargers' defensive turnaround, they are attacking more, creating a great pass rush, running some creative schemes and using zone blitzes. They are even bringing Merriman and Phillips through the same gap. Overall, the defensive adjustments the Chargers have made make them a better team.

 

[BelichickFan]

That's fine, we've faced every type of defense already. Coverage, blitz, name your defense. I like Jammer, he's pretty good, Florence can clearly be thrown on and I think Cromartie can be too - you just can't miss because he's like a hungry dog waiting for the slop; if you make a mistake he'll make you pay but I don't think he's a tight man to man coverage guy.

 

[PatsSox363804]

and yet the Colts still put over 400 yards of offense on them last game and only lost because of three inept plays by receivers, 2 which led to INTs and 1 a fumble. The Chargers may blitz a lot now but they still don't disguise it, you know who is coming every play pretty much. I have faith in the Pats to handle it.

 

[Grogan's neck roll]

and yet the Colts still put over 400 yards of offense on them last game and only lost because of three inept plays by receivers, 2 which led to INTs and 1 a fumble. The Chargers may blitz a lot now but they still don't disguise it, you know who is coming every play pretty much. I have faith in the Pats to handle it.

This is what gives me confidence, if Indy can go up and down the field on the Chargers D, why can't the Pats? And my confidence in the Pats to score points once they get to the red zone is very high. The Pats need to continue their trend of not turning the ball over, and they will be fine.

 

[PatsDeb]

This is what gives me confidence, if Indy can go up and down the field on the Chargers D, why can't the Pats? And my confidence in the Pats to score points once they get to the red zone is very high. The Pats need to continue their trend of not turning the ball over, and they will be fine.

The only thing that truly worries me is the prediction of heavy wind for this weekend. If Brady can't throw deep, it will keep everyone in tight and the short passing game may be affected. I bet the Pats try the deep ball several times, even if they know an incompletion is likely, just to back them off. Weren't the Steelers an aggressive blitzing team last time we played them in the AFCCG? Brady absolutely killed them with that long pass to Branch. There are ways to exploit an over-agressive D, and if anyone can do it, it's TB. GO PATS!!!

 

[Grogan's neck roll]

The only thing that truly worries me is the prediction of heavy wind for this weekend. If Brady can't throw deep, it will keep everyone in tight and the short passing game may be affected. I bet the Pats try the deep ball several times, even if they know an incompletion is likely, just to back them off. Weren't the Steelers an aggressive blitzing team last time we played them in the AFCCG? Brady absolutely killed them with that long pass to Branch. There are ways to exploit an over-agressive D, and if anyone can do it, it's TB. GO PATS!!!

This is a good point, but my confidence in LM is also soaring, I do think with an aggressive D it's possible to run on them. Look for the Pats to mix it up if it ends up being windy.

 

[BelichickFan]

This is a good point, but my confidence in LM is also soaring, I do think with an aggressive D it's possible to run on them. Look for the Pats to mix it up if it ends up being windy.

Not just run on them but we're pretty good at those short passes Maroney, Faulk, Watson, Welker give Tommy a lot of options to slow the blitz down.

 

[PatsSox363804]

I have to agree with Reiss and say that Faulk plays a big role in this game because of his blitz pickups.

 

[Funktopus]

If SD changed their tactic prior to the Indy game, I can see that catching Indy off guard. BB on the other hand has all the game tapes since then to analyze what SD has been doing to be successful.

It's like a big lopsided game of rock paper scissors. If SD throws scissors BB throws Rock and so on...

 

[makewayhomer]

The only thing that truly worries me is the prediction of heavy wind for this weekend. If Brady can't throw deep, it will keep everyone in tight and the short passing game may be affected. I bet the Pats try the deep ball several times, even if they know an incompletion is likely, just to back them off. Weren't the Steelers an aggressive blitzing team last time we played them in the AFCCG? Brady absolutely killed them with that long pass to Branch. There are ways to exploit an over-agressive D, and if anyone can do it, it's TB. GO PATS!!!

what he said.

Indy was able to move the ball in a hermetically sealed dome...HUGE dif. from 15 and windy

 

[SeymourTrophies]

They may be more agressive, but they won't have enough push from the nose tackle. Jamal Williams isn't healthy even if he plays, and that's what killed them in week 2. That key aspect is still the same which is why I'm not convinced all this talk about their defense holds warrant.

Jason Smith on all night was convinced they could give Brady trouble based on the fact the eagles and ravens did. Those defenses show a lot of what people call exotic looks and blitzes that are orchestrated by two of the best DCs in the game in Jim Johnson and Rex Ryan. The chargers lack a top notch DC with unpredictable blitz packages. You have to be able to outscheme tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and Norv Turner won't do that. Johnson and Ryan did.

 

[sebman2112]

This blitz scheme isn't much different from what they where doing last year, so it's nothing surprising or new to BB.

I think some people/mediots still fail to realize NE has at least 6 different versions of their offense, and they'll run which ever version gives them the best chance of winning, at any point of the game. And, within that offense NE will install particular plays based on their oponents weaknesses, or what their giving up.

That might seem like a "duh!" statement, but it's not something every NFL team does. Some just don't have the personnel to be that flexible, and others are more willing to die using their best stuff, instead of falling short while using something new or different.

 

[DefenseRules]

What the hell are these people talking about? Do they think that the Patriots won't game plan of study film? Give me a break. Why is it that every time we play a team it goes from the Patriots can't lose-to-the Patriots might lose-to-the Patriots will lose. Whatever.

 

[Jacky Roberts]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/notebook?page=sundaycountdown07

Thats fine. Pats defense has changed, too. In week 2, neither Rodney or Seymour played vs. SD.

 

[sebman2112]

Thats fine. Pats defense has changed, too. In week 2, neither Rodney or Seymour played vs. SD.

That, and Meriweather's pregressed throughout the season, seeing a lot more playing time in recent weeks. The Patriots are also starting to use him as a blitzer, which I like.

Maroney's also running stronger, and seems healthy.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

If the Chargers bring 5 or 6, that will almost assuredly mean single coverage on the receivers.

Moss could have 4 TD's by half time if Cromartie is covering him one on one. Moss will out and up Cromartie all day and Cromartie will bite on it all day.

Also in single coverage, one missed tackle and a Patriots receiver is busting it big time. Jacksonville wasn't playing the nothing deep, nothing cheap defense just to see Brady set the highest completion % record.

However if the wind is blowing strong, then the Chargers may have something with this defense as long throws become more likely to drift or get cut down by the wind.

 

[patpatriot]

It could be really interesting seeing Cromartie go one on one with Moss. He's the only Bolt DB with the athleticism to match up with Moss. Those jump balls could be great fights.

I agree that the Bolts wil probably go with their "Balls Out" attack defence rather than the Jacksonville slow but steadyretreat approach. I'm trying to remember what Cottrell's MO was in his Buffalo days. he had Bruce Smith which made pretty easy but I don't think they were an attacking D.

 

[lander]

I have to agree with Reiss and say that Faulk plays a big role in this game because of his blitz pickups.

Faulk concerns me more than anyone else.

 

[Grogan's neck roll]

Faulk concerns me more than anyone else.

You're smart, Faulk is an overlooked (by many) BIG PART of this offense. I commend you for noticing.

 

[BigHoss67]

So what happens when they use all these creative blitzes and we run for 100 yards in the first half and they are forced to back off?