Zak Kuhr De facto DC. How is he doing?

[dliverey44]

I have seen several point to the Pats allowing scores on the 1st drive, but please remember these are the offenses scripted plays. Those are the plays that tend to get practiced to a greater degree.

 

[TommyD4207]

I have seen several point to the Pats allowing scores on the 1st drive, but please remember these are the offenses scripted plays. Those are the plays that tend to get practiced to a greater degree.

This is true, but no one's scripting the coverage busts on the back end. That's kinda what's bothering me the most about it. Like, you shouldn't be super confused if you're going out in a base or typical vanilla package.

Bothering is a strong term, of course, I don't think it's a critical issue.

 

[PP2]

Apparently we are mistaken about that, it has something to do with the 'sample size' making them appear less successful on 1st drives than the evidence before our lying eyes is suggesting to us. Me, I mistakenly thought maybe the opponents scripted plays showed their hands in terms of how they wanted to attack the Pats D and the subsequent adjustments/corrections allowed for what had been shown. But it turns out the problem hasn't been that at all, the problem is the 'sample size.'

Yes the problem is quite literally overcoming the opening script, more specifically, overcoming the psychological aspect, the mind games that opening scripts have played on them.

Kuhr has actually discussed that very thing as have some of the players, Tonga, Gibbens, and Hawkins, for instance, all of who have admitted that the defense often plays on its heels on the opening drive before locking it down. They've talked openly about how they've been trying to tackle that maddening quirk during practice.

 

[Real fan 02]

Big leap from LB coach. I think he has done really well considering.

It's not secret I'm not a fan of the Zone coverage however I've accepted this is the defense that they are.. Kurh has been doing a great job.. a job he was pretty much doing since earlier in the off season when coach T was dealing with health issues..so this likely helped him acclimate.

The defensive numbers have been impressive Zone and all.

 

[Real fan 02]

This is true, but no one's scripting the coverage busts on the back end. That's kinda what's bothering me the most about it. Like, you shouldn't be super confused if you're going out in a base or typical vanilla package.

Bothering is a strong term, of course, I don't think it's a critical issue.

Agreed. We have an all pro and a pro bowl Level CB across from him.. when we get in the low red zone.. there needs to be a shift in coverage .. I'm pretty sure this will be a point of emphasizing during this little mini bye coming up after the Jets game...

 

[Nunchucks]

Worst red zone defense in the league. They have talent. Enough said.

 

[signbabybrady]

Worst red zone defense in the league. They have talent. Enough said.

We are like 5 or 6 in points allowed per game so it would seem to be one of those weird quirky things. I guess we're good at keeping teams out of the red zone then.

Good news is we're a good D and if we clean up that one area we could be even better. But I wouldn't over think it too much either as they are playing good.

 

[Real fan 02]

We are like 5 or 6 in points allowed per game so it would seem to be one of those weird quirky things. I guess we're good at keeping teams out of the red zone then.

Good news is we're a good D and if we clean up that one area we could be even better. But I wouldn't over think it too much either as they are playing good.

That's a cause and effect of having to play soft zone to cover up for the LBs in coverage. We stop the run.. but the lanes are to open in the red area wich in turn allows for scores.

 

[MrTibbs]

The question is what if Kuhr keeps doing well and Williams is eligible to return?

 

[Real fan 02]

The question is what if Kuhr keeps doing well and Williams is eligible to return?

I'm sure Vrabel, Williams and kurh all have an understanding. One thing noticeable is that Williams was very aggressive he was sending exotic blitzing.. seems we play more zone under Kurh.

 

[PP2]

This is true, but no one's scripting the coverage busts on the back end. That's kinda what's bothering me the most about it. Like, you shouldn't be super confused if you're going out in a base or typical vanilla package.

Bothering is a strong term, of course, I don't think it's a critical issue.

The Bucs opening drive was specifically scripted to exploit the coverage busts the defense has been guilty of, lately. You, yourself, have raged over how sloppy this D plays zone. Well, guess what.. The first TD: defense in quarters so what do the Bucs do? Motion Egbuka to the slot (Where have we see this before??? Hint: the NFL is a copycat league) use a wideout to pull Gonzo out of play, and have Egbuka release on a delayed wheel and of course, nobody picks him up and he strolls right in.

 

[Real fan 02]

The Bucs opening drive was specifically scripted to exploit the coverage busts the defense has been guilty of, lately. You, yourself, have raged over how sloppy this D plays zone. Well, guess what.. The first TD: defense in quarters so what do the Bucs do? Motion Egbuka to the slot (Where have we see this before??? Hint: the NFL is a copycat league) use a wideout to pull Gonzo out of play, and have Egbuka release on a delayed wheel and of course, nobody picks him up and he strolls right in.

Exactly correct. The low red area is where the defense is ranked bottom in. That is where the zone hurts them.

I'd expect some changes in that regard to take place going forward.. play this coverage in the playoffs and it could be disastrous.

 

[Wozzy]

They struggle on the first scripted drive by opponents. They have also dealt with coverage issues, especially zone coverages all season.

Part of that ^ might be young DB’s in the backfield with no true vet QB safety back there lining everyone up. Maybe an offseason upgrade?

All that being said, they often bend but don’t break.

10th ranked offense
6th ranked defense

Equals a pretty good team…

 

[PatsFan2]

The question is what if Kuhr keeps doing well and Williams is eligible to return?

Let's up his contract so no Team pouches him...the experience have definitely helped him.

 

[maust]

Let's up his contract so no Team pouches him...the experience have definitely helped him.

Pouches him? My curiosity is piqued. Are we talking some other team putting him in a sack or stashing him in a marsupial?

 

[PatsFan2]

Tommy: C Davis makes me nervous so happy we have Gonzo and Marcus. I hope someone develops and sub plant Davis. He's one of the reasons Why our RZ Defense is shaky against the pass. To me he's Alex Austin without the Contract: Cincinnati is going be a real test for our Secondary. Good thing the Bengals Defense Stink: Maye should throw for 500 that afternoon.

 

[PatsFan2]

Pouches him? My curiosity is piqued. Are we talking some other team putting him in a sack or stashing him in a marsupial?

Sorry maybe I should have said lures him away.

 

[Real fan 02]

They struggle on the first scripted drive by opponents. They have also dealt with coverage issues, especially zone coverages all season.

Part of that ^ might be young DB’s in the backfield with no true vet QB safety back there lining everyone up. Maybe an offseason upgrade?

All that being said, they often bend but don’t break.

10th ranked offense
6th ranked defense

Equals a pretty good team…

Agreed. They break in the low red area. But the numbers are absolutely impressive.

 

[TommyD4207]

Tommy: C Davis makes me nervous so happy we have Gonzo and Marcus. I hope someone develops and sub plant Davis. He's one of the reasons Why our RZ Defense is shaky against the pass. To me he's Alex Austin without the Contract: Cincinnati is going be a real test for our Secondary. Good thing the Bengals Defense Stink: Maye should throw for 500 that afternoon.

The next 5 teams we play would kill for Carlton Davis, and he would be their CB1.

 

[lancerman]

We can say they struggle on the first drive and at the beginning of the games. But they have generally had ice in their veins when it mattered most at the end when the other team could have won the game.