The Inconsistency of the Defense in Numbers

ALP said:

Cmon guys we see this every year

Other defenses are plateau from beginning of season to end, but we are not and haven't been in years, our D's have always started weaker/slower and about halfway through the season, evolved into what they truly are for that season

I think this year it's going to happen earlier because of the small amount of turnoever this past offseason, but this is not our true playoff defense, so let's hold off on the comparisons at the moment

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I swear its like the X-mas Frosty the Snowman cartoon. Everytime Frosty wakes up he says, "Happy Birthday" and has no clue what happened 15 minutes ago. People need to use history as guide here.

While it is reasonable to be critical of the pass rush, Ryan, Malcom and a few other players I do think they are still trying to figure out their personnel groupings and as always are more inclined to give up the 6yrd pass and not the 60 yard one

This D always starts slow and builds as the year goes on.

They've only allowed 3 red zone trips in the last 3 games

I think it's important to also factor in game situations. The Patriots were ahead by a lot against the Texans and Dolphins, leading to more passing situations and garbage time scoring. Consider the Seahawks, who have been in 2 very close games, then a 10-point win against the Jets and a blowout against the 49ers. In that game, they held the 49ers to only 3 points in the first half, 15 in the 4th quarter. The Broncos run D is actually in the 20s, but only a few teams have been able to attack that way, and those are the teams that have had good success against that D.

There's also a huge difference in scoring values between a FG and a TD. Red zone has been the one area I'm worried about. Last year, 56% of red zone trips ended in a TD. This year, it's up to 80%. Trading some of those TDs for FGs will help with that "consistency" of the D.

But realistically, defenses aren't consistent. Neither are offenses. This isn't Madden. There are adjustments and re-adjustments, injuries that factor into it scheme changes, game situations too.

convertedpatsfan said:

Last year, 56% of red zone trips ended in a TD. This year, it's up to 80%. Trading some of those TDs for FGs will help with that "consistency" of the D.

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Like I said in another thread hard to improve red zone defensive efficiency when you are in fact not letting teams into the red zone.

Just look at Minnesota, best D in the league right now and they have been almost the same as the Pats in red zone defensive efficiency at 7 of 11 (63%) Pats are at 8 of 10.

AndyJohnson said:

The defense is allowing 15.25 points per game. It is already very good.

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NE Defense #1 in AFC, #2 in NFL in points allowed (five games).

We need our secondary to play like they did yesterday, create turnovers and hit them hard.
Our d-line played better but we have to generate more pressure with our front 4, at times I noticed they just stall and they can't generate pass rush without linebackers going in.

UptownPatsFan said:

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Jamie Collins is the key to their defense.

captain stone said:

Jamie Collins is the key to their defense.

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He's a very gifted player. Love him, but sorry sir; Hightower is the Just look at the DEF, stats, & use the eye test. Tells you all you need to know.

Also, remember when Hightower got injured @ DEN last Nov???? That second half run defense??? Yeah, every single person on this forum does chief .....

Say bye bye to Homefield Advantage..

Actual Pats Fan said:

NE Defense #1 in AFC, #2 in NFL in points allowed (five games).

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Yep, I saw the same thing and it's the only stat that really matters. Actually they are still #1 in AFC but 4th in NFL after weekend totals 14.8points/game. They are allowing 2.4 points/game fewer than the hyped up Denver D. I get frustrated with teams moving the ball on the Pats but when it matters the bottom line is they don't let teams score many points. I do wish BB had grabbed Jim Schwartz after Buffalo fired him.. Look at what he's done with a real no name D in Philly, they are nailing it in yards and points.

But even adding in the Buffalo Brissett thumb disaster shut out, the Pats are still 5th in the league (again tied with the mighty Broncos) in scoring differential. That's sure to improve greatly with Brady back.

BB has said it before - the plan is to score more than your opponent, the rest is fluff.