Official Steelers vs. Pats POST game thread

[lillloyd]

One question I have always wanted to ask you guys is why the insistence on zone defense and blitzing? Is it because that's the best use of the personnel you have on the team, or simply because LeBeau, at the age of 74, just isn't capable of a top to bottom overhaul? It works for the most part but is nearly always fatally exposed by a high-caliber QB.

I think that at one point the "this is what we do, see if you can beat us at this" would have worked, but there is a point where technique and design has to compensate for talent and physical ability (especially with age).

Let me answer your question with a question: would you have overhauled the Patriots offense after the SB loss to the Giants? Or after playoff losses to the Ravens or Jets? Clearly, no team "owns" the Patriots the way the Patriots own the Steelers currently, but that said there are teams out there can match up well. They're just few and far between. There's no need to completely overhaul an outstanding scheme when they're limited by another outstanding scheme.

Brady's had great success, and obviously Rogers (who continues to play out of his mind) did in last year's SB. But our defense has also frustrated and limited QBs like Manning and Rivers (most notably in our playoffs road win in Indy in '05). For all of Warner's success in the SB, it was the zone drop by Harrison that produced a game-changing TD before the half. So Brady's success is pretty unique.

I think Brady's complete ownage of the Steelers may be skewing your perspective. I wouldn't denigrate what's been an outstanding defense over the years on account the Patriots' success. To say otherwise actually (unfairly) diminishes the elite skill of Brady and the NE offense; it's not just any passer or offensive scheme can dismantle the Steelers defense.

We need better talent at the CB position, and we may need to tweak our single game tactics against QBs like Brady and Rogers (which may require better CB personnel and more youth at LB). But frankly HoF QBs are going to get theirs...there's no perfect defense. So no, I don't think we should fundamentally "overhaul" a perennially top tier defense, their dismal efforts against the Pats notwithstanding.

Good luck today...here's hoping for a well played, *injury free* game!

 

[condon84]

Well, this game was pretty drastic. The Steelers eschewed their zone defense, played man, and pressured us all day. I guess they read this thread and got some ideas...

 

[Deus Irae]

****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

This should be interesting.....

 

[carolinatony]

Our defense is bad

Its very simple guys.

 

[PatsFan24]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

Let's get nuts!!!!

 

[patsinthesnow]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

CUT OCHO AND GIVE PRICE MORE SNAPS ON LONG PASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!

/Vent

 

[onegr8om]

Time to bring in a DC and change of Defensive Philosophy

I think we've had enough of a sample size now to see that the way we play defense is pathetic. We've got the greatest QB of all time, but this "bend but dont break" defense is wasting Brady's last good years. I hate to see Belichick's reputation as a "genius" tarnished so much. We haven't won a superbowl without a DC. I think its time(and i mean RIGHT NOW) to start seeing who's out there. I hate the way this defense allows teams to go up and down the field pretty much at will. I want to see some agression, some FIRE on D. The way this team in currently constructed on defense I just cant see us winning in the playoffs. The recent track record proves as much.

 

[Dufflebagz]

Re: Our defense is bad

Thanks, Tony. I blocked out every defensive drive, so I don't remember what happened.

 

[Mossed]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

I don't care how cancerous they are but TO or Moss on one leg would be more useful to this offense than Ocho is right now.

 

[BaltimorePatsFan]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

The New England Patriots are the Indianapolis Colts of the past...only worse.

Good/potentially great offense + possibly the worst pass defense ever.

 

[patsfan06]

Re: Time to bring in a DC and change of Defensive Philosophy

This thread shouldn't get moved, like mine did, but it will.

The results speak for themselves this is 100% true.

 

[DropKickFlutie]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

The defensive scheme doesn't make any sense. I think Belichick is spread too thin. He's trying to do 3 jobs all at once because he has nobody capable under him except for Scar coaching the O-line.

I am completely convinced that the confusing, terrible looking defense and lackluster offense is because the team is partially run by very green coaches like Matt Patricia and O'Brien. Look at Belichick on the sidelines, he's barely talking into his mic, he's not really making these terrible play calls.

The red zone defense was actually EXCELLENT. The scheme outside of the red zone makes no sense.

Jonathan Kraft - OPEN UP the check book and get Belichick some help on the coaching staff.

 

[QB12]

This one's on Bill

For one of the most uninspired defensive game plans I've seen in a long time. It's his defense that chose to allow free releases of the TE all first half long. Putrid.

 

[Guts]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

Our offense was the scapegoat in my opinion in this game. The defense limited the Steelers to field goals and allowed the offense a chance to catch up. Hats of to the Pittsburgh D though lost two veteran linebackers and had good coverage preventing our offense from moving. I think overall was a good game plan by the Steelers and poor execution from us. On to the Giants.

 

[Mossed]

Re: Time to bring in a DC and change of Defensive Philosophy

Agreed, but with 2, maybe 3 starting caliber DB's and the rest undrafted practice squad players it's kind of hard regardless who the coordinator is.

 

[West Philly Patriot]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

trade brady and a 1st for cam newton

 

[Modest]

Re: Time to bring in a DC and change of Defensive Philosophy

Homer censorship incoming in 3......2.......1........

 

[Patjew]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

Offense played terrible. They woke up too late but did show signs of life.

Defense gave up tons of yards but like a great porn actor stiffened when it counts.

Played a good team on the road.

Still had a chance to win it and was never really out of the game.

They'll be OK.

 

[BaltimorePatsFan]

Re: Time to bring in a DC and change of Defensive Philosophy

I agree but at the same time I don't think BB's ego will allow him to admit his failure.

 

[PatsFan24]

Re: ****** Official unofficial Patriots/Steelers postgame thread ******

This team is set up to win shootouts. That is all. They don't have anything on defense so if the offense has a bad game they are in trouble. Can we get back to what was winning titles in the early 00s? Good defensive play and an average offense.