Huge Defensive Improvement

[ivanvamp]

First four weeks
- KC: 42 vs NE, 27.5 vs others (+14.5 against NE)
- NO: 20 vs NE, 30.2 vs others (-10.2 against NE)
- Hou: 33 vs NE, 28.8 vs others (+4.2 against NE)
- Car: 33 vs NE, 16.3 vs others (+16.7 against NE)
- AVG: 32.0 vs NE, 25.7 vs others (+6.3 against NE)

Last four weeks
- TB: 14 vs NE, 26.2 vs others (-12.2 against NE)
- NYJ: 17 vs NE, 20.0 vs others (-3.0 against NE)
- Atl: 7 vs NE, 24.2 vs others (-17.2 against NE)
- LAC: 13 vs NE, 19.7 vs others (-6.7 against NE)
- AVG: 12.8 vs NE, 22.5 vs others (-9.7 against NE)

Through four weeks, the Pats were 32nd in the NFL in points allowed. They are now 18th. Massive move up. Wouldn't be shocked if they finish top 10 when all is said and done.

 

[SalemPats]

BB is should be coach of the year (he should be coach of the year every year)

Despite the injuries and slow start, we know that we will be better as the season goes on

 

[BobDigital]

I also feel part of this turn around has been luck falling their way.

Some of those early games offenses just executed certain plays against them with the Pats showing either the perfect right (or wrong look depending on your POV). I remember the first few plays they had a streak of plays like that.

In the last 4 games they have had a number of key screw ups by opposing offenses on key plays. 3rd down drops and TDs called back.

Every team has these but it seems over the last 4 games they have been very fortunate where as the first 4 I found them to be very unfortunate.

Just eye ball test (I know some fans hate it but it is a real thing imo) they are doing much better on D. I won't say they are playing like a top 10 D yet but not to far off. Actually for all the issues this year it is a pretty strong year for defenses in the NFL so not being top 10 doesn't mean you still can't be good.

 

[brdmaverick]

I also feel part of this turn around has been luck falling their way.

Just eye ball test (I know some fans hate it but it is a real thing imo) they are doing much better on D. I won't say they are playing like a top 10 D yet but not to far off. Actually for all the issues this year it is a pretty strong year for defenses in the NFL so not being top 10 doesn't mean you still can't be good.

Right, there is always going to be an element of luck to it just thinking about.....

1.) The Chargers had a long TD or at least completion negated b/c a player stepped out of bounds

2.) The ASJ fumble/touchback

3.) Benjamin's crazy, bad punt return for a safety

4.) Winston missing open receivers

But that will happen, luck will always be involved. Those were some good breaks but we've had some bad breaks as well. I agree that overall they are certainly getting better based on 'the eye test' (I agree that it's a thing).

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Starting to get a 2016 feel for this defense, which is a very good thing. They are not dominant by any means but they operate well as a unit and limit points. 4 straight weeks now holding opponents to 17 or fewer, thats about as good as it gets. BB and Patricia deserve a ton of credit considering the losses at DE and Hightower not providing much of anything this year.

 

[Username]

I still think McCourty is looking well off the pace, especially in coverage. Other than that they've all stepped it up.

 

[zydecochris]

I still think McCourty is looking well off the pace, especially in coverage. Other than that they've all stepped it up.

It takes time to adjust to changes in the secondary just like the offensive line. McCourty has spent the last couple of years as the QB of the secondary playing next to a couple of other hard hitting, smart fellow Rutgers alums Harmon and Ryan, along with Chung and Butler. All are smart players, and I think they all achieved a level of comfort with each other, and they usually knew where everybody would be.

Ryan is gone now, and BB paid a bundle for Gilmore, a much different type of player, bigger and much more athletic. Butler was unsure of his role early on, Gilmore had trouble getting on the same page with the other db's. Then, there was more change as Gilmore and Rowe got hurt and Bademosi became the other starting corner.

Things have already improved, especially with Butler. Assuming that Gilmore is able to get familiar with the Patriot defense and McCourty gets used to his new db's teammates I think the secondary is going to see a gigantic improvement if everyone stays healthy.

 

[mgteich]

BB is should be coach of the year (he should be coach of the year every year)

Despite the injuries and slow start, we know that we will be better as the season goes on

???

Almost the only ones who doubted that the patriots would be fine are patsfans posters. Everyone else understood that the patriots would improve on offense and defense throughout the year, despite injuries.

IMHO, this is a very normal year for Belichick and staff.

 

[SalemPats]

???

Almost the only ones who doubt that the patriots would be fine are patsfans posters. Everyone else understood that the patriots would improve on offense and defense throughout the year, despite injuries.

IMHO, this is a very normal year for Belichick and staff.

There were only a few of us (AJ, myself, etc...) that weren't freaking out

 

[mgteich]

There were only a few of us (AJ, myself, etc...) that weren't freaking out

It does seem strange that almost all the media and the bettors had little doubt. There was the occasionally contrarian who thought that we were only a weak playoff team. Most had us as a top 6 pick to win Super Bowl throughout.

I haven't checked but I expect that most have us as the #1 favorite again. although obviously a case could be made for PHIL.

 

[Uptown]

I called it...now just more consistency.

Prediction:

NE will finish the season between #14-18 in YPG.

AND

Between #13-17 in PPG

 

[ALP]

the saints delta has a typo, its 10.2 not 20.2, and that also affects avg for top 4

 

[Uptown]

 

[Adam Seward]

This thread is too congratulatory for my taste.

We're onto Dwayne Allen.

 

[luuked]

I also feel part of this turn around has been luck falling their way.

Some of those early games offenses just executed certain plays against them with the Pats showing either the perfect right (or wrong look depending on your POV). I remember the first few plays they had a streak of plays like that.

Things are never as bad or as great as they seem. They are a solid unit that can tighten up when it counts and thats the most important trait for me. They showed it even in those early games (vs. Texans, vs. Panthers).

 

[JayNM]

Since Tampa, i feel like we do have a good defense...
The explosive plays are hurting and our pass-rushing is lackluster, but we are playing a lot better.

Reading stuff around the league, i think there are a lot of people who are underrating this D, which is something i wont complain. Hopefully we continue with this upward trend, we are going to need'em to win it all

 

[Keyser Söze]

Still feel like we needed one more defensive piece at the deadline. Would have loved another pass rusher or LB depth.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Since Tampa, i feel like we do have a good defense...
The explosive plays are hurting and our pass-rushing is lackluster, but we are playing a lot better.

Reading stuff around the league, i think there are a lot of people who are underrating this D, which is something i wont complain. Hopefully we continue with this upward trend, we are going to need'em to win it all

I wonder if the improved defense has anything to do with gilmore and rowe not seeing the field. It seems like when those two were playing it led to a lot of confusion in the secondary...

 

[JayNM]

I wonder if the improved defense has anything to do with gilmore and rowe not seeing the field. It seems like when those two were playing it led to a lot of confusion in the secondary...

Correlation doesnt imply causation. As i said, we saw an improvement against TB, so before Gilmore (and Rowe) went out.

I dont think they are the reason we sucked at the beginning of the season, but we'll know for sure once they return

 

[BTTA]

There were only a few of us (AJ, myself, etc...) that weren't freaking out

You overlook the silent majority and focus only on those who had the interest and energy to post about it, which is going to trend toward those who freak out.