Is this the best linebacking corps we’ve had?

[MrCasual]

Let's reserve judgement until they face a better O-line such as Dallas (even though GB is currently blowing them up). It is looking like a special unit thus far though.

 

[Horace's Ivories]

I would say yes based on the total sum of its parts including depth

 

[SBLIII]

No. 01-04. But it's still a darn good group.

yeah not really.

These linebackers are complete as heck. Pass rush, coverage, rush defense. Can't get much better

 

[SBLIII]

Let's reserve judgement until they face a better O-line such as Dallas (even though GB is currently blowing them up). It is looking like a special unit thus far though.

They already faced a top 3 offensive line.

 

[BelichicksHoodie]

yeah not really.

These linebackers are complete as heck. Pass rush, coverage, rush defense. Can't get much better

That’s what I’m thinking. They can cover, they can hold up against the run and they can rush the passer. It gives our scheme so much more flexibility and makes us a nightmare to game plan against.

 

[glm]

And Baltimore, Houston, Cleveland, and Philly. It's really hard to call them "elite" until they do this against the big boys. I feel like they are going to do a decent job against them though.

Since when is a defensive passer rating of 41.0 and allowing only 2.6 PPG (taking out all TDs allowed by non-defensive units) with no passing TDs allowed only "a decent job"?

 

[Nunchucks]

Hightower definitely looks like a different player than the last few years. Group looks amazing. But best? Hard to say right now.

 

[TommyD4207]

Tippett, Blackmon, Nelson, McGrew.

Current crew is next best but Tippett is the difference maker.

This is absolutely the right answer. Ed Reynolds and Johnny rembert off the bench.

They would love this defense.

 

[woolster22]

Since when is a defensive passer rating of 41.0 and allowing only 2.6 PPG (taking out all TDs allowed by non-defensive units) with no passing TDs allowed only "a decent job"?

And if 5 guys don't assume sims is getting tackled yesterday you can knock a ppint and change off that 2.6 figure. This defense is loaded top to Jordan Richards. Opposing offenses would be wise to start injuring our safeties. Get him on the field and he'll start taking out corners. The gift that keeps on giving.

Jokes aside, they really are loaded. The "front 7" bodies are loaded enough that Bennet has thus far played 37% of snaps. How's that for "Can he rush the passer?" Winovich looks like a baller. And he's down the list of sub rushers. HT, Collins and Van Noy give you an incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, skilled LB trio. If any of the 3 go down, theres 2 guys who can easily replace him/his role. The exception is likely Collins, as his athletic ability cannot be replaced.

Gilmore is a stud, JC Jackson is a stud, J Jones is finally getting the attention he has earned. He was a monster on STs as a rookie and has carved out a huge roll on an excellent, stacked defense.

It's right up there with the 01-04 unit, but time will tell. If they continue to keep teams out of the EZ, they will go down in history as one of the best units ever.

 

[DropKickFlutie]

This entire defense is on pace to easily be the best Pats defense ever. How do I know? When articles reference teams from 1921 as the last time the D gave up so few points.

.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

It reminds me of 03/04 in the way that it’s a really smart, heady group, but having an SS like Harrison or Chung that are really just smaller faster linebackers make the whole unit incredibly special.

I remember Harrison’s record in those games when he was healthy was almost unbeatable.

 

[scott99]

Tippett, Blackmon, Nelson, McGrew.

Current crew is next best but Tippett is the difference maker.

That crew was deadly. Tippett was a monster, the AFC's version of Lawrence Taylor, in the Hall Of Fame like Taylor. Nelson was a tackling machine, Similar to Lambert, but without the notoriety. Blackmon was good coming off the edge as well. McGrew was pretty good.Back in the 1980's, it seemed like whenever we had good linebackers/defense, it seemed like we didn't have a good offense.

 

[patsinthesnow]

2004

ILB Tedy Bruschi age 31
ILB Ted Johnson age 32
ILB Roman Phifer age 36
OLB Mike Vrabel age 29
OLB Willie McGinest age 33
OLB Roosevelt Colvin age 27
OLB Tully Banta-Cain age 24

2019

ILB Dont’a Hightower age 29
ILB Ja’Whaun Bentley age 23
ILB Elandon Roberts age 25
OLB Jamie Collins age 30
OLB Kyle Van Noy age 28
OLB John Simon age 29
OLB Chase Winovich age 24

Factoring in age & athleticism I’ll take 2019. Can’t speak to the 1980s

 

[TommyD4207]

2004

ILB Tedy Bruschi age 31
ILB Ted Johnson age 32
ILB Roman Phifer age 36
OLB Mike Vrabel age 29
OLB Willie McGinest age 33
OLB Roosevelt Colvin age 27
OLB Tully Banta-Cain age 24

2019

ILB Dont’a Hightower age 29
ILB Ja’Whaun Bentley age 23
ILB Elandon Roberts age 25
OLB Jamie Collins age 30
OLB Kyle Van Noy age 28
OLB John Simon age 29
OLB Chase Winovich age 24

Factoring in age & athleticism I’ll take 2019. Can’t speak to the 1980s

1985 Patriots:

OLB Andre Tippett age 26
OLB Don Blackmon age 27
ILB Steve Nelson age 34
ILB Larry McGrew age 28
ILB Johnny Rembert age 24
OLB Ed Reynolds age 24

WR Stephen Starring age 24 (d. Callahan Tunnel)

 

[RobertWeathers]

1985 Patriots:

OLB Andre Tippett age 26
OLB Don Blackmon age 27
ILB Steve Nelson age 34
ILB Larry McGrew age 28
ILB Johnny Rembert age 24
OLB Ed Reynolds age 24

WR Stephen Starring age 24 (d. Callahan Tunnel)

Between 85, 04 and 19 it's like chosing which Victoria's Secret supermodel to date.

 

[ivanvamp]

I think so.

We've never had anyone as athletically gifted as Collins. Collins this year has played better LBer than any other LB has played for BB as a Patriots HC.

I don't think there's ever been a Pats' LB with the athleticism to match Andre Tippett. I don't know if you're not old enough to remember Tippett, but he was basically not-so-poor-man's Lawrence Taylor. Absolute freak athlete who also happened (happens, actually) to be a sixth-degree black belt.

 

[State]

I don’t think we are appreciating our current crop of LBers. They are difference makers. They have size, athleticism, and versatility.

KVN, Collins, and a rejuvenated Hightower are better than any other three in Patriots history. And I loved the Tippett, Blackmon, Nelson group.

But facts are facts.

 

[Triumph]

No. 01-04. But it's still a darn good group.

McGinest Vrabel Bruschi Phifer

3 Super Bowl Rings

Yeah, Tippett was easily the 2nd best Linebacker of his generation (LT being #1). He was an absolute stud. Think of how good Collins looks and double it. That was Tippett.

He wears a yellow jacket.

 

[pats_premi]

What’s changed for Patriots defense for them to play at the current level ? Is it the scheme/coaching ? Players ? All of the above ?

Earlier part of last season, I thought the Patriots defense lacked speed and their LB’s couldn’t cover RB on swing passes. I don’t see that anymore. They added Collins and lost Flowers.

 

[Nikolai]

The more I'm (very slowly) learning some of the Xs and Os and watching the all-22, the more I'm convinced the results against top offenses are going to be equally mindblowing.

There's always the chance of a game where everything goes wrong and they look terrible, but the rule with this defense is going to be...pain.