New England Patriots Blog - First half a complete success for Patriots - ESPN Boston
Defensively, we've seen a return to the 3-4 for the Patriots. This is a bit of a surprise given that their top edge-setter, Adalius Thomas, is inactive. But Derrick Burgess, Pierre Woods and Rob Ninkovich have combined to play outside linebacker, with Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton manning the inside linebacker spots.
The Patriots' run fits seem better out of the 3-4. The run defense was surrendering 4.4 yards per carry entering the game, which is high for a Bill Belichick-coached defense. The Patriots are also pressuring better out of the standard four-man rush from this alignment against a solid offensive line.