- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 37,537
- Reaction score
- 16,314
This defense is almost completely revamped and yet they are allowing 17 points a game. I think that is incredibly good for a team that is replacing Seymour, Harrison, Bruschi, Vrabel, and Hobbs.
This group will have growing pains, perhaps even in the next two weeks. HOWEVER, there should be improvement as they work together more.
Many disagree with the defensive philosophy, preferring a much more risky defense with more sacks, more touchdowns and more 50 yard completions given up. I'm fine with this defensive philosophy. In any case, this defense will be a solid one, and could very well be better by mid-season that any since the Super Bowl years.
DEFENSIVE LINE
This is a fine DL with a couple of kids being developed. I would like to see Burgess more, but that is nitpicking. Wright has looked great. Green has been solid and workmanlike.
LINEBACKERS
The loss of Mayo has been disruptive. However, I think that we will be solid with Mayo, Thomas, Guyton and Banta-Cain. We were so worried about depending on Woods. Well, he is our #4 linebacker and fine in that role. Guyton improves with every game. Of course, I'd like to see an additional veteran. We do have one developing youngster (Ninkovich) who could step up if needed.
SECONDARY
This is the best we've had since we last won a Super Bowl. Bodden and Springs have been solid, even against Buffalo's top receivers. Wilhite could start if needed. Butler is already a solid contributer and a stud. The safeties are a really good group of three, with a rookie in training.
BOTTOM LINE
This defense could be awesome. It is more than good enough NOW for the patriots to be expected to get into the playoffs. It is not good enough to keep the opponents to less than ten points a game. The offense needs to do its part.
This group will have growing pains, perhaps even in the next two weeks. HOWEVER, there should be improvement as they work together more.
Many disagree with the defensive philosophy, preferring a much more risky defense with more sacks, more touchdowns and more 50 yard completions given up. I'm fine with this defensive philosophy. In any case, this defense will be a solid one, and could very well be better by mid-season that any since the Super Bowl years.
DEFENSIVE LINE
This is a fine DL with a couple of kids being developed. I would like to see Burgess more, but that is nitpicking. Wright has looked great. Green has been solid and workmanlike.
LINEBACKERS
The loss of Mayo has been disruptive. However, I think that we will be solid with Mayo, Thomas, Guyton and Banta-Cain. We were so worried about depending on Woods. Well, he is our #4 linebacker and fine in that role. Guyton improves with every game. Of course, I'd like to see an additional veteran. We do have one developing youngster (Ninkovich) who could step up if needed.
SECONDARY
This is the best we've had since we last won a Super Bowl. Bodden and Springs have been solid, even against Buffalo's top receivers. Wilhite could start if needed. Butler is already a solid contributer and a stud. The safeties are a really good group of three, with a rookie in training.
BOTTOM LINE
This defense could be awesome. It is more than good enough NOW for the patriots to be expected to get into the playoffs. It is not good enough to keep the opponents to less than ten points a game. The offense needs to do its part.