catent
In the Starting Line-Up
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2013
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Specific schemes aside, as a general matter, this team, for the past several seasons, seems too timid and passive coming into big games. When they encounter well-coached teams with a chip on their shoulder (like JAX) they seem to mentally and psychologically crumble a bit. This is reflected in their play-calling and demeanor. When they do mentally 'check in' it's often too late.
They need to do a better job of getting mentally and psychologically prepared for the challenge, matching their opponents intensity and setting a strong tone from the outset. Too often they take the first punch and play on their back foot for the better part of the game, which has a trickle down effect for the remainder of the game.
On to specifics...
Whatever message these defensive players are getting from the coaches is clearly problematic. They don't seem cohesive or in sync. They seem passive and regularly on their heels. I think Belichick needs to churn his defensive coaching staff. The pass rush and LBs appear indecisive and ineffective.
And perhaps reflective of this issue is the apparent inability to effectively play zone coverage. Anytime they play zone, there appears to be a lack of communication and cohesiveness amongst those in coverage.
As great as Belichick is some of his philosophies and principles defensively may be antiquated. I think he could benefit from some new voices around him.
Outside of that, an improvement at LB and S would be nice although I'm not sure if that's easily achieved at this point. Would take a helluva trade.
McD's play calling and situational awareness was really bad today. He often has duds like this throughout a given season, where he seems to out think himself. He'd seemingly get comfortable and too 'cute' with his play calling, for lack of a better term.
When we look back at what lost this game we'll point towards leaving points on the field in the red zone as a result of poor play calling, combined with the decision (or lack thereof) to go for it on 4th down midway through the 4th quarter.
With all that said, I'm willing to give them a pass because it's early in the season, but more so because of the heat. It sounds like it was truly miserable and coming from an area of he country that doesn't often get that kind of heat and humidity, I'm willing to chalk up a lot of their mental and physical issues to the weather.
A few other observations ...
D. McCourty, Chung and Hightower are shells of themselves. Would've preferred to see younger, more athletic players in these roles.
J. Jones need to see the field more. He's darn good.
Flowers is extremely important to this defense.
Gilmore is damn good. Great signing.
James White should not carry the ball often. His only utility is as a pass-catcher and pass-blockers. He goes down in a stiff wind running the ball.
I'd like to see Karrass get a look over Andrews. He has looked good in his limited time and is bigger and stronger than Andrews, who routinely gets overpowered.
They need to do a better job of getting mentally and psychologically prepared for the challenge, matching their opponents intensity and setting a strong tone from the outset. Too often they take the first punch and play on their back foot for the better part of the game, which has a trickle down effect for the remainder of the game.
On to specifics...
Whatever message these defensive players are getting from the coaches is clearly problematic. They don't seem cohesive or in sync. They seem passive and regularly on their heels. I think Belichick needs to churn his defensive coaching staff. The pass rush and LBs appear indecisive and ineffective.
And perhaps reflective of this issue is the apparent inability to effectively play zone coverage. Anytime they play zone, there appears to be a lack of communication and cohesiveness amongst those in coverage.
As great as Belichick is some of his philosophies and principles defensively may be antiquated. I think he could benefit from some new voices around him.
Outside of that, an improvement at LB and S would be nice although I'm not sure if that's easily achieved at this point. Would take a helluva trade.
McD's play calling and situational awareness was really bad today. He often has duds like this throughout a given season, where he seems to out think himself. He'd seemingly get comfortable and too 'cute' with his play calling, for lack of a better term.
When we look back at what lost this game we'll point towards leaving points on the field in the red zone as a result of poor play calling, combined with the decision (or lack thereof) to go for it on 4th down midway through the 4th quarter.
With all that said, I'm willing to give them a pass because it's early in the season, but more so because of the heat. It sounds like it was truly miserable and coming from an area of he country that doesn't often get that kind of heat and humidity, I'm willing to chalk up a lot of their mental and physical issues to the weather.
A few other observations ...
D. McCourty, Chung and Hightower are shells of themselves. Would've preferred to see younger, more athletic players in these roles.
J. Jones need to see the field more. He's darn good.
Flowers is extremely important to this defense.
Gilmore is damn good. Great signing.
James White should not carry the ball often. His only utility is as a pass-catcher and pass-blockers. He goes down in a stiff wind running the ball.
I'd like to see Karrass get a look over Andrews. He has looked good in his limited time and is bigger and stronger than Andrews, who routinely gets overpowered.
