This argument can be completely flipped on its head.
They played Manning in the Superbowl. This year they played Rodgers, Rivers, and Romo. They have played fine against top level QB's. If you are going to penalize Seattle for playing against scrubs, then the New England defense should receive the same criticism, because A.F.C. East QB's are terrible.
Add up Rodgers, Rivers, Peyton, Eli and Romo's #s vs SEA and collectively they have completed 67% of their passes for 262 ypg, 9TDs 3INTs and a 95 QB rating. SEA went 3-2. Ave score SEA 29-23
For the Pats, add up Peyton, Luck, Stafford, Rodgers and Rivers # vs NE and collectively they have completed 56% of their passes for 311 ypg, 6TDs 5INTs and QB rating of 79. NE went 4-1 in those games. Ave score- NE 33-18. I don't consider Tannehill a bad QB. He was good this year and the Pats kept him pretty much under wraps. NE's QB rating vs him was 76 and picked him off 3 times.
The numbers show that vs upper-echelon QB's, the Pats have allowed less passing TDs, intercepted the ball more, allowed less of a completion %, less points a game and have a lesser QB rating against.
BB could care less about yards. As you can see, he cares about having his D force opposing QB's to try and make tough throws to spots and not take what's there and have the urge to be greedy. We've seen this style of D for over 15 years.
You could also argue that the yards allowed are inflated as the Pats were involved in more blowouts and play much more of a bend-don't break defense than SEA.
If we are going to mention unprepared, then New England is unprepared to deal with a scrambling quarterback like Wilson, who is almost un-sackable and also has an ability to make plays and avoid mistakes when on the run. The last quarterback we played with those talents (Rodgers) scorched this defense.
The Patriots allowed 26 points to Rodgers and 3 in the second 1/2. It easily could have been 19 points (where they usually score 43ppg) if Nelson doesn't push off and McCourty doesn't have a brain freeze. How is that torching? Because they allowed yards?
Wilson has been sacked 39 time this year. Pats have faced scrambling QBs before and have done fine. The flood the field, stay disciplined in their coverage and stop the run by staying in their lanes.
Wilson certainly does those well. You can also say that b/c of SEA's D, he doesn't need to take risks- like Brady in 01-04.
Additionally, Wilson is clutch when it counts, and seems to avoid focusing on one receiver, this makes game planning more difficult. What I worry about is handling broken plays and mitigating defensive holding and pass interference penalties when Wilson scrambles. Our coaching staff and defense will have their hands full if we meet in the big game.
Last two years, SEA is 3-4 when rushing for less than 110 yards. You stop Lynch you beat SEA. As you say he is nowhere close to being at Rodgers's level in the passing game. I really have no issue if Wilson scrambles around for a few yards. What it means is that he is not finding open receivers and not making plays down field. If Wilson is forced to stay in the pocket and he needs to throw more than 25 times, SEA is 16-11 and is very, very beatable.
