Can Andre Carter and Mark Anderson provide a CONSISTENT pass rush?

[Shockt327]

I don't think I'm alone in believing that the lack of a pass rush has been what's primarily holding back this D for the past few seasons. We've seen guys like Banta Cain post double digit sack numbers or guys like Burgess have their brief flashes. But that's not something you can hang your hat on. I don't think we've had a legit pass rush since 2007; when Vrabel was in DPOY contention and Colvin was still solid. I really don't want this to turn into a thread on trading Seymour or passing on Clay Matthews or anything that cannot be undone.

So, what about the pass rush of 2011?

Cause they looked fantastic against the Jets. Obviously no one can realistically expect 4.5 sacks per game from Carter or Anderson. I just want to know if this pass rush can consistently pressure the QB. I've wanted to see Anderson as a starter for awhile now; yesterday was his first start and I thought the pass rush was much improved. I thought his ability to get off the LOS was really impressive. He looked fast. Andre Carter totally dominated D-Brick. We haven't had that in a long time in NE.

But was it something we can expect in the games to come; or was it simply a result of playing a crappy Jets offense? I'm 'on the fence' myself. I'm really not sure. I'm skeptical about such a rapid 180 and cannot help but think its a pipe dream. But, then again, I really do not think there is any way to down play Anderson's ability to get off the LOS. He's quick. He has moves. He's been doing it all year (when given the chance). Carter has been a great pick up too. Both, on the field at the same time, should be a quality tandem.

If those two edge rushers can get the job done; then I really think our D will be good. Like playoff caliber. We do have playmakers (when healthy). Mayo, Spikes, Chung, McCourtey. These are quality playmakers. You just cannot expect them to do much when the QB has all day to throw. That's been the case in years past. Is it behind us? If Carter and Anderson - along with Big Vince - can make our 4 man rush legit. Then I really think you'll see a rapidly improved Patriots D. FS is still a hole. Lack of depth is still a concern. But the good heavily outweighs the bad if we have a pass rush.

So, do you think have a consistent pass rush with Anderson and Carter?

 

[Betterthanmost]

Yes they can, but we will need Spike to clean up the run. Tarp could not provide the strength nor the reaction to stop 5yd ave run of the Jets.
vince and Love were consistently getting double teams when we went four front. It was up to Carter and Anderson to win their one on one match ups and they did for most of the time. Anderson missed a lot of sucks. I wonder how Sanchez can escape against us like that.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Yes but like the above poster said..you need spikes in there also for the run. With him and Chung back hopefully next week..i think the D will be even better with carter and anderson getting more snap together

 

[randomk1]

I'm a believer!

 

[strngplyr]

Lets just hope that the coaching staff doesn't decide to switch something up. Seems like sometimes they don't care to break away from something that is working.

Carter and Anderson were nearly unstoppable out there for much of the game, would love to see them get some more starts together and see some consistency on the defensive personnel for a change.

 

[boston22407]

Yes .I dont expect a killing like that every week but carter and anderson can keep getting around the qb will help

 

[BradyManny]

Carter has been a beast all year. People are just noticing now, but he's been pressuring QBs from Day 1 in a Pats uni.

 

[Dessalines]

Finally teamed together. We need to keep that up. Some of Carter's sacks came because Anderson's rush drove sanchez into Carter's arms. No doubt Vince, Deadrick and some of the others had something to do with it as well. So nice to see that for a change.

 

[ralmat55]

Lets just hope that the coaching staff doesn't decide to switch something up. Seems like sometimes they don't care to break away from something that is working.

It wasn't just anderson and carter. I noticed more twists and stunts than I've seen all year as well. This team needs to just keep on attacking the pocket. Playing the run should be secondary. Most teams, like the patriots, will rarely commit to the run. The Jets are actually one of the teams that will and it worked against them. This goes against everything I've believed in my 40+ years of watching football but it's a recognition of how offense is played in 2011.

 

[PatsFan24]

I voted yes, but mostly based on hope.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

I really like Anderson paired with Carter. Normally we're playing someone who is more like a 3-4 de opposite from Carter (Ellis, Deaderick), to stop the run (I assume that's the idea). Adding another pass rusher opposite Carter will really help.

 

[RayClay]

Don't see why not, the rats were keeping 7 in protection and those two were still getting in.

 

[mgteich]

The "real" question is whether a competent quarterback will destroy our secondary from the shotgun.

 

[IllegalContact]

The "real" question is whether a competent quarterback will destroy our secondary from the shotgun.

True.......but Carter was beating a pro bowler....


My answer is still no, but with less conviction......

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

They may end up sacrificing somewhat on the run D (although Carter has been good at it), but together I'm confident they can generate a consistent rush.

In 2007, the combination of Rosey and Vrabel coming off the edges produced some great sack totals for Vrabel. Then Colvin got hurt and it affected Vrabel's productivity going forward. It's not like Vrabel got worse, but rather he benefitted from the attention Colvin was getting plus the chaos the two created combined.

Carter and Anderson can have that same dynamic. As long as BB is willing to take the bad with the good. With this secondary, protecting them with a pass rush becomes more important than the weaker run D that may come as part of the decision.

Regards,
Chris

 

[RobertWeathers]

They may end up sacrificing somewhat on the run D (although Carter has been good at it), but together I'm confident they can generate a consistent rush.

In 2007, the combination of Rosey and Vrabel coming off the edges produced some great sack totals for Vrabel. Then Colvin got hurt and it affected Vrabel's productivity going forward. It's not like Vrabel got worse, but rather he benefitted from the attention Colvin was getting plus the chaos the two created combined.

Carter and Anderson can have that same dynamic. As long as BB is willing to take the bad with the good. With this secondary, protecting them with a pass rush becomes more important than the weaker run D that may come as part of the decision.

Regards,
Chris

I'd like to think that if they can force the runners to the inside waiting will be guys like Wilfork, Spikes, etc., they'll be OK. In 2006 when Anderson was a rook, the Bears D allowed about 4ypc on the ground. With that said, if good team defense is played, even with a pass-rush specialist on one side you can still have a decent run D.

 

[ausbacker]

Finally teamed together. We need to keep that up. Some of Carter's sacks came because Anderson's rush drove sanchez into Carter's arms. No doubt Vince, Deadrick and some of the others had something to do with it as well. So nice to see that for a change.

And the fact that the interior of the Jets OL committed to blocking Wilfork often leaving the edge rushers with one on one match ups. I can't recall the Jets using two tight end formations giving Sanchez protection (or he's too dumb to slide protection assignments).

Carter gave D'Brickashaw a whooping yesterday. It was most pleasing.

 

[RobertWeathers]

And the fact that the interior of the Jets OL committed to blocking Wilfork often leaving the edge rushers with one on one match ups. I can't recall the Jets using two tight end formations giving Sanchez protection (or he's too dumb to slide protection assignments).

Carter gave D'Brickashaw a whooping yesterday. It was most pleasing.

I hate to bemoan his unceremonious departure but if Fat ***** Albert played up to even 75% of his ability, with Carter and Anderson on the edges and Vince and AH on the inside pressuring the middle of the line would have been scary.

 

[the Patriot]

Consistent? Probably not, but I'm sure we can expect some big plays out of them. The defense played great, but I doubt we'll see consistency from them yet. I wouldn't trust this defense with a yard of string.

 

[JJDChE]

Carter has been a beast all year. People are just noticing now, but he's been pressuring QBs from Day 1 in a Pats uni.

Yup, I don't understand why people are freaking about the pass rush so much. Carter has consistently been pushing the pocket, he finally really broke through against the Jets. How could you expect more from him? He's not DeMarcus Ware. There were only a few times early in the year that I felt the opponent really made him a non-factor.

Considering our upcoming opponents, Carter is going to have a good chance for some serious stat padding if they don't start double teaming him quite a bit. 5 of our last 7 opponents are in the bottom half of the league in sacks allowed.