Coaching Against Our O-Line
 

Others will be able to answer this better than I can, and I expect the answers will be really interesting....

OK, you're an opposing DC or Defensive line coach. How do you attack the O-Line of (let's just say) Light (LT), Mankins (LG), Koppen (C), Neal (RG), Kaczur (RT)? To what extent do you move one of your D-linemen around to get him opposite a particular part of our O-line? Do you just engage and figure you won't get blown off the line, and thereby contain our running game? Through whose territory does a blitzing LB have the best chance of reaching Brady?

Then after answering, ask yourself "Now what do we try to accomplish with our O-line in this year's draft?"

I think Light may be "vulnerable to power."

The middle of the line
 

The Pats seemed to be very vulnerable to blitzes up the middle of the line. Could be that with Mankins being a rookie, Neal being very inexperienced and with a sub center for much of the year, blitz pickup was a real problem. Hope the return of Koppen and Mankins maturation will help. Neal does not seem to have a real feel for pass protection though.

Hmmmm.... Line should be pretty solid, with a full camp and no injuries. Even Neal. MAYBE, just maybe, you attack the right side of the line. Lack of experience and technique there may be exploited if not properly coached up before the season starts (:rofl:).

So I guess I draft for depth and competition, all second day stuff.

re
 

A good question.
I think an important factor is Tom Brady's quick release, pocket presence, and movement. He always knows when the hit is coming, and is able to either dump it off or buy some seconds.

Call me foolish, but I think it's a lost cause to attack a healthy Patriots O-line. I would rather rush 4, have 7 sit back in zone, force Brady to throw underneath a lot, and PUNISH receivers and backs when they caught the ball.

I think with a healthy O-line and Brady's elusiveness, it is not worth trying to blitz or stack the line.

.

The Patriots use a zone blocking scheme as opposed to man to man. The only sure bet are the outsides where you can isolate the tackles.

It's going to be interesting to watch the line this year. This could well be the most mobile and athletic line we have had since John Hannah was here.

The Patriots had one of the most effective screen play last year. That looks likely to improve even more. So, any coach who thinks he has the grand scheme better pick the right play. This line can get out and block on the screens better than we have had in many years...so go ahead...blitz...Brady will make you pay...real large.

What worked for Denver was when they sent John Lynch blitzing on the edge. That seemed to disrupt us for awhile. Just for the record I think John Lynch is one of the most overrated players in the NFL.

re
 

What happened last year has no bearing on this season. We were playing with half our starting line missing in 05, and two rookie starters. Before last year, the Patriots O-line was very strong against any kind of pressure, especially in the playoffs.

If I were a D-coordinator, I would force the Pats into long, grueling drives where they would have to grind out points. I wouldn't play risky and I would hardly blitz. I would basically hope that the Patriots would not be able to put together multiple long drives consisting of short gains per play.

Agreed. We didn't make him play honest, we were passing WAY too much. Lynch sucks as a safety, they send him to blitz or he takes someone's head off and people think he's great.

Assuming Light and Koppen are 100% recovered, I think Neal is the weak spot.
I would have several plays ready to take advantage of him and pull the
trigger when I most needed to make a play. Kaczur still needs more experience
and may have problems at times. I would test him often.

On passing downs:
Unless I have a very good speed rusher or Light is not fully recovered he is not going to be easy. It really depends on the defense guys you got. Sometimes Blitzing may be very effective sometimes just bringing 4 will work well. But in general I would work the middle of the PATs Oline.

On rushing downs:
I would be more concerned with the off tackle runs. Force the PATs to run
up the middle and you should keep them to 80yds or less. If they get an
upgrade for neal that may change.
IMO.