Patriots Pregame Thread Week 1 pregame discussion: On to Cincinnati

[Real fan 02]

I am on board with the defense being aggressive and blitzing more than they have in the past without totally selling out for the pass rush. Blitzing all the time falls down when the other team has the lead and doesn't need to score more points to win. At a minimum they would need to be more careful against teams that can run the ball.

Agreed. For example what I've been posting is our defense is unique in they change formations every snap, they don't stay in the same defense.. so it makes it difficult for the QB to point out the Mike LB and or the FS.. Brady even said himself the defenses that gave him trouble were those types. Like the red Reed Ravens.. you never knew where he'd be at. We still have a solid front to stop the run.. Cincy doesn't have Joe mixon. Guy had 12 TDs last season. And was a do it all back. I've said mayo should put gonzo on Higgins, double chase with J. Jones and Hawkins. Make Burrow check down.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

Agreed. For example what I've been posting is our defense is unique in they change formations every snap, they don't stay in the same defense.. so it makes it difficult for the QB to point out the Mike LB and or the FS.. Brady even said himself the defenses that gave him trouble were those types. Like the red Reed Ravens.. you never knew where he'd be at. We still have a solid front to stop the run.. Cincy doesn't have Joe mixon. Guy had 12 TDs last season. And was a do it all back. I've said mayo should put gonzo on Higgins, double chase with J. Jones and Hawkins. Make Burrow check down.

Great point. When the team had Gronk and AH on offense the defense never knew what was coming because they could run all of the plays without changing personnel. Having players that can function in multiple roles is a great advantage. On the surface Dugger and Peppers seem like the team is paying two players to play the same position. With this style of play they can coexist, especially when considering the "fast linebacker" role.

 

[signbabybrady]

Agreed. My guy PF2 isn't as high on the D and I understand why. But call me the total optimism but I still think we have a combination of some good solid pro bowl levels guys and a quiet asssin #0. I'm in not way saying cincy is weak but they average 11 ppg for a majority the season games 1-9.. thier defense was bottom ranked. So we have to blitz as a need, guys in the secondary need to cover. Even if we get beat still speeds up the offense. It makes the QB off Rythym all game. Look at those great Jets rex Ryan defenses they blitzed all game and they had HOF Revis!

We got guys that can man up in the secondary too. Jones and Jones can handle the quicker guys. Gonzo takes on the bigger receivers. And Peppers and Dugger can match up with most TEs.

 

[Vindicate]

It's easy to overrate Mixon, I don't think it will hurt them as much as you might think. Mixon was garbage on pass pro until last year, where he got better but then regressed by end of season. He doesn't create any yards after contact. He's not bad by any means, he's just nothing great. Serviceable and his play is replaceable. If Moss is good at pass pro, that will be a boon. I think Mixon has like six whiffs in one game against the Steelers last season (garbage in both.)

 

[Real fan 02]

It's easy to overrate Mixon, I don't think it will hurt them as much as you might think. Mixon was garbage on pass pro until last year, where he got better but then regressed by end of season. He doesn't create any yards after contact. He's not bad by any means, he's just nothing great. Serviceable and his play is replaceable. If Moss is good at pass pro, that will be a boon. I think Mixon has like six whiffs in one game against the Steelers last season (garbage in both.)

Mixon had 20 plus TDs last 2 seasons.

 

[jimnance]

Cincy averaged 11 ppg for the majority of last season. Wasn't until Burrow and chase were healthy enough to play that they got better. The loss of mixon was huge for thier offense. They still have those 2 burners on the outside. To have a chance blitz Burrow all game take away chase.

Easier said than done

 

[BadMoFo]

Patriots work out free agent CB Caleb Farley

The Patriots worked out free agent cornerback Caleb Farley on Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[Vindicate]

Mixon had 20 plus TDs last 2 seasons.

Well aware! I lived in Cincinnati for the past 11 years.

 

[denverpatsfan]

Is Burrow injured? Has his hand fully healed? Maybe not?

 

[Uptown]

 

[TommyD4207]

Brother I understand how you feel. But week 1 can go either way. I still feel the defense is still top 10 without Barmore or judon. You still have a great secondary, good LBs.. the defense doesn't stay in the same formation each snap also covington will be blitzing the hell out of Burrow.. as I said PF2.. J. Jones and Hawkins on chase. Gonzo on Higgins. Make Burrow check down.

How? No Jack Jones either. Your two best pass rushers are no longer here - that's putting a lot on Keion White, and the middle of that line could be a gaping hole. They were top 10 *with* those guys, but now? And considering both coaches that coached that defense no longer are...what makes you think it's going to be the same, if not better?

 

[Real fan 02]

How? No Jack Jones either. Your two best pass rushers are no longer here - that's putting a lot on Keion White, and the middle of that line could be a gaping hole. They were top 10 *with* those guys, but now? And considering both coaches that coached that defense no longer are...what makes you think it's going to be the same, if not better?

It's 11 men on defense. We aren't talking about the Patricia sit back and tackle after at 15 yards gained defense. We have guys still. We were without judon and gonzo and were still a top unit. I never said it would be the same I've posted that without Barmore i don't have them elite I still think they can be a top 10 Unit. They have played together and they all know the scheme. I'm not panicking..

I'm more con about scoring than I am being able to make stops on defense.

 

[Real fan 02]

Well aware! I lived in Cincinnati for the past 11 years.

Ok. So then you should know he will be missed you don't take 12 TDs in 2023 out your offense and not miss it. Point is mixon had to be accounted for.. yes there is chase and tee Higgins.. but you take one away and live with the results.

Most teams don't have a big, physical, instinctive CB to match up with guys. We do. Gonzo needs to jam Higgins first snap and let him know not today! J. Jones with safety help on chase.

 

[Real fan 02]

Easier said than done

It's a necessity. We don't have judon Barmore... so blitzing is how we are going to have to generate pressure consistently.. I'm fine with covington blitzing... it shows aggressiveness.. forces the opposing offense to speed up.

 

[Real fan 02]

We got guys that can man up in the secondary too. Jones and Jones can handle the quicker guys. Gonzo takes on the bigger receivers. And Peppers and Dugger can match up with most TEs.

Absolutely agree. I'm in no way discounting Burrow and that offense. I'm just focusing on our team and how the defensive unit is still good enough and can match up in the secondary. Opposite gonzo I like Marco Wilson too he's a big CB who can man up and match up with Higgins too.

 

[Real fan 02]

Patriots work out free agent CB Caleb Farley

The Patriots worked out free agent cornerback Caleb Farley on Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

www.nbcsports.com

Former first round pick. Big CB would be nice to have him.

 

[Real fan 02]

Great point. When the team had Gronk and AH on offense the defense never knew what was coming because they could run all of the plays without changing personnel. Having players that can function in multiple roles is a great advantage. On the surface Dugger and Peppers seem like the team is paying two players to play the same position. With this style of play they can coexist, especially when considering the "fast linebacker" role.

Agree. On defense yes we know who we don't have judon and Barmore right now. So my assessment is on the guys we do have. What also helps is having McMillan back that guy can play all LB spots, he can play weak side , strong side, he's excellent against the run as well.

If he can remain healthy he can be a force for us. Uche is going to have to show up. He likely will be a starter.. he needs to use his speed to get around tackles and put heat on the passer. I'm not worried about the edge Jennings and Ximmenes set the edge well. Won't be easy this season but we can be a solid defense this year.

 

[sb1]

Double up Higgins and this game will be interesting.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I just know the Chase situation will resolve one way or another Thursday or Friday after giving me essentially the max time to get my hopes up

 

[slash83]

I just know the Chase situation will resolve one way or another Thursday or Friday after giving me essentially the max time to get my hopes up

Even if a deal is reached, he won’t play more than a handful of snaps, dude hasn’t been practicing with the team for weeks even tho he’s been present.