Pats defense....

[mgteich]

This is the best defense I've seen in many years. The coaching was truly unbelievable. We had the defense of old, with the opponents not knowing who would be coming, and with defensive shifts.

 

[A Defiant Goose]

Pliable

Man WTF was that about. EASILY BENT? Call Brady a fudgepacker already ESPN it's what you're trying to do anyway!!

...NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT

 

[meatface]

Loved the game plan, which would have been even more manifest had the special teams not botch two returns. The disguises worked this week just like they did last week. Stout against the run; Loved seeing them fly to the football and gang tackle. They are trending in the right direction and at the right time.

Outside of those two special teams gaffes they held them to 9 points on four field goal tries. Pretty awesome

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

They matched up well tonight. Not sure why Flacco kept throwing screens to his backs and TE's all night - The Pats D was shutting that down quite effectively.

 

[rads2005]

The D gave up 9 points off of non turnover drives. The 2 TD drives were scored on short fields after the turnovers. To nitpick they need to shore up their tackling but other than that a really solid effort.

On the flip side of the "tackling" thing, that Baltimore Ravens running back is the new Beast. Wow he's hard to bring down.

 

[mgteich]

They matched up well tonight. Not sure why Flacco kept throwing screens to his backs and TE's all night - The Pats D was shutting that down quite effectively.

Perhaps the 7-8 guys in coverage weren't leaving anyone open.

 

[rads2005]

Flacco under threw an open Wallace on one play....Cyrus obviously got Ras-I Dowling'ed on big play to Perriman (that could've given them a 1 point lead). Other than that pass coverage was fine, they gave up a lot of short stuff, tackling was excellent in first half. Second it deteriorated but as above poster said, they were on field for 2/3 of the half.

Promising effort, not sure we will see a QB that good until second round of playoffs (unless you think Siemian and Tannyhill are better than Flacco - spoiler they aren't), so good litmus test here. They did get carved up on both touchdowns on the short fields (did the second one remind anyone else of the one to Forsett to make it 28-14 in 2014?).

Tannehill though plays really well against the Patriots. I swear every time they flash his stats up in a Pats game he's like 10 for his last 11 or something and I'm throwing stuff against the TV.

 

[mgteich]

On the flip side of the "tackling" thing, that Baltimore Ravens running back is the new Beast. Wow he's hard to bring down.

What were his amazing stats?

 

[rads2005]

What were his amazing stats?

You're right, 11 carries for 39 yards. Although, logically one could argue an average running back would have had even less than 39 yards, like 20.

 

[BobDigital]

Though this D is #1 in PPG (AFC) I still do not believe it is the best in the NFL. That being said it seems to have turned a corner recent and judging by the eye test has been top 5. That should be plenty good if the O represents and STs is a plus or neutral. Right now I am happy with the D. No real complaints

The LBs have come along well. Can we get Flowers more reps? Dude is our best pass rusher. I hope to see him more in the playoffs. This team is going to be hard to run on generally.

 

[moejr]

Tannehill though plays really well against the Patriots. I swear every time they flash his stats up in a Pats game he's like 10 for his last 11 or something and I'm throwing stuff against the TV.

Tannehill is done for the season so we won't see him till next year

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

The lack of a pass rush still concerns me but i like our secondary when we have rowe in there.

 

[JayNM]

The last two games are proof that Patricia (Who is criticized a lot here and, in all fairness, with some justice to it) is a really good DC. He does not have prime talent. But ALL his schemes, formations, blitzes and zones are being executed by EVERYOBODY.

Back in the 80's, the Netherlands was known for a Carousel playing style (In soccer, obviously).

This D actually reminds me of it, in a way. Everyone can blitz or drop back, at any moment. Hell for the offense.

 

[Addictive]

The last two games are proof that Patricia (Who is criticized a lot here and, in all fairness, with some justice to it) is a really good DC. He does not have prime talent. But ALL his schemes, formations, blitzes and zones are being executed by EVERYOBODY.

Back in the 80's, the Netherlands was known for a Carousel playing style (In soccer, obviously).

This D actually reminds me of it, in a way. Everyone can blitz or drop back, at any moment. Hell for the offense.

I guess most people who are aware of this philosophy refer to it as Total Football
Total Football - Wikipedia

Total Football's tactical success depends largely on the adaptability of each footballer within the team, in particular the ability to quickly switch positions depending on the on-field situation. The theory requires players to be comfortable in multiple positions; hence, it places high technical and physical demands on them.

For a team who can play Total Football and it is a rarity because it requires all members of the team to be hugely skilled and disciplined it is a joy to watch.

 

[patsbrasilpatriotas]

I only blame them for giving up 17 points. They have an excuse for 3 points on each TD after the ST fumbles.

7? How about Slater fumble?

 

[fair catch fryar]

I don't what defense you were watching. They have no chance. Come see me when they can hold the other team to under 3 points and 10 yards.

 

[1960Pats]

Tannehill is done for the season so we won't see him till next year

He could be late getting back next year also.

 

[Clonamery]

Lots more behind his ear I guess.

The pencil abides.

 

[long distance]

The lack of a pass rush still concerns me but i like our secondary when we have rowe in there.

So sorry you couldn't watch the game. The pass rush was great even with 7-8 dropping in coverage.
Brilliant, spectacular, “rocket science“ design .. very good, consistent execution.
Much better than the opposing elite talent pass rush vs Pats “suspect” OL, you'd be glad to know ...

 

[long distance]

The last two games are proof that Patricia (Who is criticized a lot here and, in all fairness, with some justice to it) is a really good DC. He does not have prime talent. But ALL his schemes, formations, blitzes and zones are being executed by EVERYOBODY.

Back in the 80's, the Netherlands was known for a Carousel playing style (In soccer, obviously).

This D actually reminds me of it, in a way. Everyone can blitz or drop back, at any moment. Hell for the offense.

Great observation and comparison.

It was called - Total Football (Dutch: totaalvoetbal) - In Total Football, a player who moves out of his position is replaced by another from his team, thus retaining the team's intended organisational structure. In this fluid system, no outfield player is fixed in a predetermined role; anyone can successively play as an attacker, a midfielder and a defender.

Total Football's tactical success depends largely on the adaptability of each footballer within the team, in particular the ability to quickly switch positions depending on the on-field situation. The theory requires players to be comfortable in multiple positions; hence, it places high technical and physical demands on them.

During this era Ajax played some of their finest football ever, achieving home wins (46–0–0) for two full seasons (1971–72 and 1972–73), just one defeat in the whole of the 1971–72 season, and celebrating four titles in 1972 (the Netherlands national league, KNVB Cup, European Cup and Intercontinental Cup).

The magus of totaalvoetbal was Rinus Michels .. and the TB of that system was of course Johan Cruyff.

If you want to see the greatness of football/soccer .. take your time and watch any Ajax or Dutch National Team game in early 70's. I wonder if BB had a look at that ..


More: Total Football - Wikipedia