Run Defense

mgteich said:

It really isn't anywhere near as bad as it looked last night. Belichick took away the outside pass and Welker. He challenged DEN to win with the run. There were 6 in the box instead of 7. This strategy worked very well indeed. Holding DEN to 17 points (after the 14 point spot given DEN by our offense) was excellent work.

Yes, we need improvement in our run defense. HOWEVER, the play that we got last night was good enough to win the Super Bowl. Spikes and Fletcher played fine. Nothing will make up for the loss of Wilfork and Kelly in the middle. Given the situation, these guys are doing fine, especially if Fletcher and Spikes continue to play at the level they played at last night.

Belichick is all about situational football. The defensive game plan was evidence of that plan.

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jmt57 said:

Here are the defensive snaps from the Denver game. How much is due to scheming and how much is due to unknown injuries is anybody's guess.

Defensive snaps - New England Patriots Blog - espnBoston

1. S Duron Harmon – 90 of 90
2. DE Chandler Jones – 90 of 90
3. DT Chris Jones – 90 of 90
4. S Devin McCourty – 90 of 90
5. DE Rob Ninkovich – 90 of 90
6. CB Kyle Arrington – 85 of 90
7. CB Aqib Talib – 80 of 90
8. DT Joe Vellano – 70 of 90
9. CB Logan Ryan – 69 of 90
10. LB Brandon Spikes – 68 of 90
11. LB Dane Fletcher – 57 of 90
12. LB Dont’a Hightower – 33 of 90
13. LB Jamie Collins – 22 of 90
14. CB Alfonzo Dennard – 21 of 90
15. DT Isaac Sopoaga – 14 of 90
16. CB Justin Green – 8 of 90
17. CB Marquice Cole – 7 of 90
18. DE Andre Carter – 6 of 90

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captain stone said:

One obvious problem with the run defense: Joey Vellano. This JAG absolutely sux.
At least Chris Jones gets to the QB every once in a while.
Bill needs to sign another fatbody, ASAP, or at least promote Sealver Siliga from the PS.

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scout said:

Did Sopoaga play last night? I don't remember hearing his name called.

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Brady6 said:

Although he has been quiet in the stat sheet department in recent weeks you have to continue to be impressed when you see Chris Jones playing 100% of the snaps.

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SVN said:

Dont think McCourty has missed more than a handful of snaps this yr ....kinda like MVP of this defensive backfield IMO

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Brady6 said:

Vellano doesn't suck he just isn't a big guy at 285 pounds so when he ends up in the one technique he has a hard time standing his ground.

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captain stone said:

Bill needs to sign another fatbody, ASAP, or at least promote Sealver Siliga from the PS.

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