a defensive coordinator in the NFL, but then again, nobody else here is either. I'm just a random internet guy like everyone else.
That said, defensively, it seems like they have the personnel that is ideal for a particular style of play. They have DBs that are good at press coverage (Revis, Dennard, and Browner - two of whom have been missing the past few weeks), and an excellent free-ranging safety (McCourty). I think their defense should be an attacking style, not a reactive style. They should feature a high number of creative blitzes, utilizing the athleticism of Hightower, Jones, Easley, and Collins.
In years past, when they didn't have the press talent in the secondary, blitzing was problematic because they played soft and the hot receiver always had a cushion, so it wasn't that difficult to beat New England's blitz. But now, they should be able to press cover for a couple of seconds, which should be enough time to let the blitz disrupt things.
I would really like to see this defense become an attacking, set-the-tone kind of defense. Yes, they may give up some big plays in the process, but I think they'll generate a lot of turnovers and wreak all kinds of havoc.
That said, defensively, it seems like they have the personnel that is ideal for a particular style of play. They have DBs that are good at press coverage (Revis, Dennard, and Browner - two of whom have been missing the past few weeks), and an excellent free-ranging safety (McCourty). I think their defense should be an attacking style, not a reactive style. They should feature a high number of creative blitzes, utilizing the athleticism of Hightower, Jones, Easley, and Collins.
In years past, when they didn't have the press talent in the secondary, blitzing was problematic because they played soft and the hot receiver always had a cushion, so it wasn't that difficult to beat New England's blitz. But now, they should be able to press cover for a couple of seconds, which should be enough time to let the blitz disrupt things.
I would really like to see this defense become an attacking, set-the-tone kind of defense. Yes, they may give up some big plays in the process, but I think they'll generate a lot of turnovers and wreak all kinds of havoc.