Interesting observation, since we had a team record 47 sacks in 2007. Of course, we benefitted from large leads and being able to tee off on opposing QBs. I'd like to hear you elaborate on how 2007 was a weak pass rush for the Pats.
The reason I think this is due to the situations the team was in. Their opponents were forced to be one dimensional, often by the 1st quarter. When a coach knows an offense has one avenue, it enables them to become far more agressive. They can really open the playbook up, and the players get to pin their ears back and simply get after the QB. When you don't have to read a block, you play at a much faster pace. Up front, the defense is much more athletic than the offense. If the defensive players don't have to make a read, it allows them to seem much faster than they actually are. When I looked at that team, I saw a unit that could not get a stop when they needed to outside of the red zone. This is a function of speed. That team was great in the red zone because when the field gets small, quickness and speed decrease in value. Red zone is about awareness, toughness, and how stout the team is. That team was great in that regard, hence the AFCCG field goal result.
As Coach says, "stats are for losers" and are the single worst representation of what a team actually does. It's about the eye test in football. When that '07 team would try to get after the passer, they seldom finished in situations where they didn't have a read. Further, a lot of those sacks were one guy getting in there and being disruptive. Compare that to this year where they have that swarming sack. A player can avoid one guy, he can't avoid three. Were they stronger from a hand in the dirt standpoint? Yeah, they were. At that point, though, the team speed up front was not at the NFL level. They were still veterans and great opportunists, but the team was in signficant decline. I think this is a major reason behind the offensive spending spree leading up to the season. They knew the D couldn't win games for them anymore so they had to field a silly offense. I know the stats were good, but the stats that season simply did not matchup with what that pass rush was. It sucks to hear it, it sucks to say it, but it is the truth.
mayoclinic said:
This is brilliant stuff. It brings 2 thoughts to mind: (1) I'd like to see more interior pass rush from the safeties and ILBs, especially from Mayo and Chung, who have been very effective at times; and (2) it reinforces my thought that we could get more benefit to our pass rush and defensive pressure from an internal SILB who can get penetration like Rolando McClain than from a lightning quick edge rusher. Thoughts?
Agreed, dude. I think that the Pats could definately benefit from some more inside rushers. Larry English would have been perfect, but alas, he was not there. I do think that Guyton is really picking up the blitzing game as this season progresses. It fits in nicely with his true fit as a passing situation guy. I think he will be a great contributor in his career here, just not a run situation fit.
Here's my take on McClain: I think that he is going to be a special linebacker. He's tough, fast, heady, has tremendous hips, plays with good technique, and is clearly a leader. A real linebacker's linebacker. When I see him play, I see Jerod Mayo. We already have a Jerod Mayo on the team. While I don't dispute the fact that he would be fantastic on this team, his best fit is at the Will in the 34. That position is already filled. The Pats need another Ted Johnson. I think that given today's emphasis on the spread, a thumper Mike would be a cheap find in rounds 2-4. I love McClain, but we can get a guy to fill the Mike role in the running situations much more economically.
mayoclinic said:
If you look at some of our most painful losses, exactly what you describe has happened. The outside rush has been effective at getting to the QB, but the inside penetration didn't collapse the pocket and close off the QB's ability to slide out. That was a factor in Eli Manning's infamous completion to David Tyree in the 2008 SB, and in Brett Favre escaping on 3rd and 15 in the 2008 loss OT to the Jets, which cost us a playoff berth. We got to the QB both times, but we couldn't finish it off because we didn't seal off inside.
Yup.
mayoclinic said:
Honestly, I haven't been doing enough research to say anything about it right now. Before I put my stamp on something, I want to make sure I have done my due dilligence. I'll do some research this weekend and get back to you.
mayoclinic said:
I agree that our defense is good enough, if our offense executes. With some changes for 2010, I believe it can rival 2003 as our best "elite" defense ever.
Completely agree.