- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 15,208
- Reaction score
- 12,977
I'm interested in what the "starting lineup" will be if this were the "base" defense this year.
Disclaimer: I'm well aware that the Patriots adjust based on matchups, that this is nothing new, and that the "starting lineup" and "base" defense would not be on the field at all times. The following is an attempt to predict what players will be on the field most often and in what position, assuming they're all healthy and performing as expected.
DT: Wilfork / Fanene
LB (Right to Left): Jones, Mayo, Hightower, Ninkovich
Some may disagree with this grouping, but I'll take Hightower and Ninko over Spikes based on versatility.
CB: McCourty, Arrington
Safety: Chung, Wilson, Gregory
As Andy noted, the LB grouping is especially unpredictable given the sudden influx of talent at the position. I can't begin to predict at this point how players like Scott and Bequette will shake out for this season. But I feel pretty confident that whatever group they choose should be a force.
At DB, I surely hope Dowling cracks the top 5. Injuries have obviously been a problem, but this is a guy who has the field awareness of a safety, the speed and coverage skills of a corner, and stands a good 2 inches taller than anybody in your proposed 5-man backfield. When it comes to the Heisenberg defense, that's a guy you want.