captain stone
PatsFans.com Retired Jersey Club
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Captain, this is a ridiculous statement. There aren't 4 teams in the league that have 2 dominant outside pass rushers. You are on the verge of sounding like a delusional Jet fan who demands that there be all pros at EVERY prosition.
Last season the Jets had exactly ONE more sack than the Pats defense that you so deride. You know the one that was 6th in scoring D last year. You should be encouraged, as I was in finding that Burgess was so productive at the end of the season, as he got more comfortable. If he gets us 6-8 sacks this season he will provide a productive bridge for our younger prospects like Cunningham and Crable.
I would encourage everyone NOT to get caught up in who the "starters" are on this defense. The defense has become very SITUATIONAL these days. Different situations means different people. Very few of our players should expect to play 90% of a game's defensive snaps. Its just not how they do things these days.
BB spotted TBC last season brilliantly and got great production out of a guy who most of us thought was being brought in to improve our special teams play. I remember the post that compared TBC's stats with Freeney, Peppers, and some other "dominant" rusher, and we found that he compared VERY well.
Well Burgess is THIS year's TBC. He's a guy who will take situational snaps and be part of the 16 or so "regulars" who will play defense for us this season.
Again, It was impressive to read about Burgess' impressive December numbers. It bodes well.
I really hope you're right, PFK. But don't forget that the same defense which was 6th overall in points allowed, was also near the bottom in 3rd-down %, and maybe RZ %, too.
When I look at this group of OLBs, they just don't strike any fear into my heart; and I kinda doubt that they strike much fear into any DC's heart, either.
The success or failure of our defense going forward - and perhaps Bill's reputation as a judge of defensive talent - might hinge on the success or failure of Crable & Cunningham, 2 top-80 draft picks over the last 3 years. Chicken Legs must stay healthy enough to show what he can do over the course of an entire season, if for no other reason than to let Bill know whether he needs to acquire more OLBs ASAP; and Cunningham must show during his first season that he understands what being a professional here is all about, and that he at least has enough athleticism to make some contributions while still learning all the nuances of the position.