Honestly have no idea how that Defense can be fixed

[UGAPatsfan]

I love this team, and Offense nearly did enough at the end. But that was, no hyperbole, there worst defense I remember seeing in years. What is concerning is that many of the few 3 and outs had more to with Seattle botching that us making a play. In the secondary I truly don't know what can even be done at this point in a season.

So for the sake of being constructive, what are some thoughts on what could be done specifically to improve. I'll start:

1. Gotta find a way to manufacture pressure/disruption somehow-Mingo packages?

2. More man coverage as we are losing people all over our zones

3. I have a hunch that Jabal Sheard is not long for this team...Lombardi eluded to Collins not being the last move and it was striking to see Sheard play so little and be silent when he did.

4. Secondary has to be coached better at every level. Safeties were late coming over to help in coverage

What else?

 

[ausbacker]

I'm not entirely sure what I make of Devin McCourty at the moment. For 10 million per, I'd like him to arrive a step or two earlier than what he is. I understand he's got a lot of territory to cover but he seems to be missing atm.

 

[DaBruinz]

It's easy. Players need to do their jobs. Plain and simple. Breakdowns like they had tonight come from players not doing their job and focusing on what others are doing..

Also, I don't understand why they were playing so far off the line. None of Seattle's receivers are that physical. They should have been bumping them at the line and forcing their timing off instead of giving them free releases.

 

[Joey007]

I'm not entirely sure what I make of Devin McCourty at the moment. For 10 million per, I'd like him to arrive a step or two earlier than what he is. I understand he's got a lot of territory to cover but he seems to be missing atm.

I can't put the blame on him. He's not getting a lot of help back there with a weak supporting cast outside of Butler in that secondary. It's also extremely difficult for a secondary to do well when the QB has all day to throw.

 

[UFGatorPat]

DTs
Ryan
Long

Can't fix those

Safeties apparently not in position to make a play 1 time in an entire game?

Sheard AWOL

Cyrus has shot any development at CB this year it seems. We could use him badly even if he is going to get beat some and make some high upside plays.

Butler and Flowers may be the only bright spots.

 

[ScottishPatriots]

Not trading 2 of your 4 best players on D would of helped.

Part of the problem was self inflicted, you massively downgraded at two positions and the secondary had holes even before then.

 

[UGAPatsfan]

Interesting point on DMac...I couldn't help but compare him to Earl Thomas given they are similar in stature...remember years ago when folks were shocked that Milloy was cut? Reason as detailed in the Holley book was that BB was not happy with lack of "impact plays" when compared to the salary... I couldn't name a player which fits that category more that DMac at the moment

 

[UFGatorPat]

Not trading 2 of your 4 best players on D would of helped.

Part of the problem was self inflicted, you massively downgraded at two positions and the secondary had holes even before then.

Still not sure on the Collins trade but the talent trade off at DE with Jones is significant

 

[pherein]

please send your D to NO so we can only have a couple bad games lol

 

[UGAPatsfan]

I can't help but wonder if our only way forward is a more attacking style. We'll give up some plays sure, but dang maybe we can create some turnovers

 

[Pats1989]

It isn't going to be corrected with new personell. What you see is what you get. If Tom Brady has an off day in January.. it's over...

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

Your players have to be good. Idk how you can cover some of these guys. The scheme's very vanilla. Honestly i don't see much changing. Let's hope they can get off the field on 3rd down. Middle of tbe pack defense. I been saying it all year. Brady and this offense will have to be our best defense. They need some defensive playmakers in the offseason.

 

[ViperGTS]

I can't help but wonder if our only way forward is a more attacking style. We'll give up some plays sure, but dang maybe we can create some turnovers

That's the only way. On 3rd and medium, man up. This defense we saw tonight was amateurish.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Our defense hasn't been elite in 9 years. That isn't changing this year.

Despite that we've played in 2 SBs, won one, and also played in many AFCCGs.

It'll come down to Brady once again. He delivered in 2014 with 35 points vs. Baltimore and 4 TDs vs. Seattle.

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

Our defense hasn't been elite in 9 years. That isn't changing this year.

Despite that we've played in 2 SBs, won one, and also played in many AFCCGs.

It'll come down to Brady once again. He delivered in 2014 with 35 points vs. Baltimore and 4 TDs vs. Seattle.

Doesn't it always? He has to be perfect it seems.

 

[JMC00]

41-14

 

[ScottishPatriots]

Still not sure on the Collins trade but the talent trade off at DE with Jones is significant

I agree i don't mind the whole not paying them top 3-5 money at their position but i would of rather kept them both and just let them leave in the off season, Tom Brady is 39 years old, time is running out.

I just don't understand the rush to ship guys out of time for very little more than you could of got anyway by letting them walk in after the season.

It's week 11 next week and there's problems in the secondary, no pass rush and now we've added linebacker depth/quality to the already glaring problems.

 

[celticboy04]

Greetings,
Tonight was just bad, I mean every level of the D contributed to this mess. I mean they are still going to the playoffs, but I have a good feeling if they do not do much their it will be because the defense is not up to stuff!!
Celticboy04

 

[patsinthesnow]

Doesn't it always? He has to be perfect it seems.

Yup. Maybe the most frustrating aspect of the team. There is so much on Tom's shoulders.

 

[Jangles]

It's easy. Players need to do their jobs. Plain and simple. Breakdowns like they had tonight come from players not doing their job and focusing on what others are doing..

Also, I don't understand why they were playing so far off the line. None of Seattle's receivers are that physical. They should have been bumping them at the line and forcing their timing off instead of giving them free releases.

I hate the standard Belichick responses some of you give

Doing their job doesn't work if the assignments given to them by the coaches aren't going to work. Your suggestion also assumes that the players are all up to the job. I don't think that's likely.