The 2019 defense > 2018?

[BobDigital]

Can we take a moment to discuss this? Yes they still have a few holes and questions on offense but I don't see a single issue that matters on this side of the ball.

They D lost Flowers but Bennett will probably be just about as good give or take.

Mike Pennel is a step up in the run D. Just sign 4 UDFAs and pick the best one to pair next to him and you're already better than you were with Brown and Shelton.

LB will be just as good and maybe better. Bentley coming back could not matter or be a nice addition. Either way they are fine.

At DB it is the same crew. JC Jackson might even make a big 2nd year jump. There is really only the chance to be better here.

Injuries aside I don't see a level on this D that should not either maintain or improve over last year's D (health permitting), and they didn't need to use a single draft pick to do it.

With 7 picks in the first 4 rounds this team has the luxury to ignore the D completely if they choose.

 

[hornetfb85]

Where I can see them ignoring DB and LB, I could see them going DL 2 or 3 picks. They also do pretty much the opposite of what I’m thinking so 2 CB’s, 3 LB’s and a punter it is.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Was posting something similar in the offseason thread. While I’m not sure the defense is better, the continuity is a nice change.

————————————————————

2018 defense last 8 games including playoffs (JC Jackson inserted into starting lineup):

17.3 PPG (1st)
309.9 yards per game (5th)
29.5% third down pct. (1st)
57.3% comp pct. (1st)
81.6 passer rating (3rd)

Since:

-Trey Flowers, Malcom Brown, Danny Shelton
-McCourty x2, Chung & Hightower a year older
-Brian Flores

+Michael Bennett, Mike Pennel
+Jackson & Bentley year 2
+Wise & Butler year 3
+Simon first full year in system
+Greg Schiano

This offseason is already different defensively from the one following 2014 when the team lost Revis, Browner, Arrington & Wilfork as well as 2016 when they lost Ninko, Sheard & Long (Gilmore & Butler never gelled as a duo too). The D is in good position this time around to continue their high level of play out of the gate especially if they upgrade both Brown & Shelton.

The defense looks to be in great shape even before the draft. Helps when dealing with groundhog day at WR .

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Health matters
Health matters
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Health matters
Health matters

 

[signbabybrady]

I think currently it's a little worse and maybe the same at best. But it has potential to be better with the development of JC and Bentley as well as Dawson and Crossen. Then throw some draft picks or another Vet and it should be better.

 

[primetime]

Maybe?

 

[wizwor]

It has to be. As Brady winds down, the team will have to work like it did when he was a sixth round draft pick. His replacement will 'make no mistakes' until he is ready to lead the team. It's The Patriot Way.

 

[Zuma]

Right on with everything Bob...but i prefer they draft early at DT still. But your right this D group is looking great.

 

[ashley]

Defense is definitely going to be the strength of this team.

I think losing Flowers hurts, but hopefully Bennett can come on and play well. Our secondary is one of the best in the league and if we draft a D lineman early in the draft, we'll be really good.

 

[Snooky97]

The key for this defence is Hightower.

 

[JayNM]

I think Flowers is more important than you are giving him credit for. Still, is possible for us to have a better D, if the D-Line as a whole improves. Still would like to see an upgrade at LB too, someone who can't consistently cover RBs

 

[manxman2601]

I’d still like to see them draft for the future though. DE, DT and S should all be in consideration for our first six picks.

 

[luuked]

The key for this defence is Hightower.

KVN, HT and Bennet not dogging it in the front 7. DBs staying on same level down the stretch.

 

[supafly]

I’d still like to see them draft for the future though. DE, DT and S should all be in consideration for our first six picks.

Absolutely. Without a doubt. I’d be disappointed if they didn’t.

 

[DarrylS]

Always difficult to assess if a D is better or worse at this time of the year.. if you listen to Sportstalk Schiano is a terrible coach and will ruin the defense, Flowers is irreplaceable and there are holes all over the place..

In reality things are not all that bad... still have great leaders on this side of the ball, who are unfortunately aging, would look for a couple of draft picks that can play safety as McCourty and Chung are getting a tad long in the tooth..

The great equalizer, aside from coaching, is the health of the players..

 

[RobertWeathers]

They be drafting front 7 players. Not done yet by any stretch

 

[patsbrasilpatriotas]

Defensive linemen (7/9)

70 Adam Butler DT (2019)
94 Adrian Clayborn DE (2019)
58 Michael Bennett DE/DT (2020)
93 Lawrence Guy DT (2020)
90 Mike Pennel DT (2020)
96 DT
92 ED
91 Deatrich Wise Jr. DE (2020)
55 John Simon DE (2020)

Linebackers (4/4)

51 Ja'Whaun Bentley (2021)
54 Dont'a Hightower (2020)
52 Elandon Roberts (2019)
53 Kyle Van Noy (2019)

Defensive backs (9/10)

23 Patrick Chung SS (2020)
29 Duke Dawson CB (2021)
24 Stephon Gilmore CB (2021)
21 Duron Harmon FS (2020)
27 J. C. Jackson CB (2020)
32 Devin McCourty FS (2019)
22 Obi Melifonwu FS/SS (2019)
31 Jonathan Jones CB (2019)
30 Jason McCourty CB (2020)
34 S

 

[Sicilian]

I think there are some areas where it could get worse (but definitely not guaranteed), mostly to do with the older players. If McCourty or Chung take a step back in their 30's, that cancels out or potentially hamstrings the improvement of the young CB's. Hard to ask Gilmore to have a BETTER season than last year, which was his career year, so potentially he's a half step back too (tends to happen when guys have their best season. Hard to top or maintain that year to year, it's their BEST).

But otherwise I agree. Bennett for Flowers remains to be seen, but he's been a good player for a long time. It would be more surprising than not if he didn't come close to Flowers production. DT has a real chance to improve this year, assuming we can get at least one draft pick or UDFA to pan out. And linebacker (assuming hightower is relatively healthy), should be solid.

 

[Joey007]

Was

This offseason is already different defensively from the one following 2014 when the team lost Revis, Browner, Arrington & Wilfork

I thought the 2015 defense actually did a pretty good job adjusting. The front 7 got much better the following year:
Chandler Jones had a better year than in 2014.

Adding Jabaal Sheard and Akiem Hicks bolstered the pass rush.

Jerod Mayo returned from injury, and Jamie Collins had his best year here in New England.


Butler and Ryan also did a nice job gelling down the stretch in the secondary after a rough start.

 

[mgteich]

agreed

and also TE and QB

Finally, if Van Noy isn't extended, we might even look too drafting a LB.

I’d still like to see them draft for the future though. DE, DT and S should all be in consideration for our first six picks.