Last night's game made me long for the early Belichick years

[mb6592]

I didn't say I didn't like the players. I like Mayo. I like Mayo a lot, but the Pats have changed their philosophy on defense and I don't know if it is for the better.

It was necessitated by the league becoming a "do not molest the receivers" league. All you can do now is run with them and hope that you are in the proper position.

 

[Ring 6]

Considering we haven't played the 4-3 yet in the regular season. So are you shocked that Burgess would play DE when you have been harping that he has played DE in 4-3 since he was acquired? Thomas has played DE in the 4-3 with Baltimore because they went away from the 3-4 for a time and did do a hybrid 4-3/3-4 for a while. TBC hasn't, but he could.

So no, I am talking there will be times in a straight 4-3 where one or two of these guys could be lining up in the 4-3. Two of the three have had experience at the position.

You said
When the Pats are in a 4-3 and TBC, AD, and Burgess play DE

I took that to mean you felt their position if we played 43 was DE. Burgess if course would be.
I have not said Burgess has played DE in the 43, I have said he was a DE in the nickel and dime.
It seems that every time we have this discussion, you are calling any D with 4 DL a 43. The nickel and dime are not a 43. Thats why it is important to distinguish. Our 34 OLBs line up as DEs in the nickel and dime. That does not constitute playing both 43 and 34 however.