Don't Panic about defense

[micronin127]

Best stat for the defense in the 1st half was an offensive stat. Time of possession was 17:22. First drive was 6 straight running plays for a TD!

Patriots last year played hurry up a lot and even when they huddled they always seemed to snap it with close to 20 seconds on the clock.

Defense can wear down.

If we milk the clock a little more in general, just by staying in the huddle a little longer, and break out the hurry up more strategically than as a default behavior, the defense will be better because they'll be fresher.

My concerns are the same for the defense as they have always been. LBs can't really cover. CB depth an issue. Pass rush more a product of scheme and creativity than studs running base defense. Thin at DT, depth-wise, cause none of those guys are actually thin.

We'll be middle of the road in the traditional 'yards allowed' and a little lower in pass defense because teams playing from behind tend to chuck it, but we'll be up there again in takeaways and points allowed.

The time of possession thing and running game will help a lot in January, so I hope they make that part of their regular season identity.

 

[Rob0729]

I am actually encouraged for the defense. Don't read too much into the preseason. I think this could be the best defense the Pats have had since at least 2007. Maybe earlier.

 

[jmt57]

So the Broncos allowing just six points is an absolutely meaningful tell-tale sign, but their scoring all of ten points in that very same week one preseason game is meaningless and not worth mentioning.






Waiting for a 'Foam Fingers Unite" and 'Blind Homers' response in 3...2...1...

 

[Bruins29]

So the Broncos allowing just six points is an absolutely meaningful tell-tale sign, but their scoring all of ten points in that very same week one preseason game is meaningless and not worth mentioning.






Waiting for a 'Foam Fingers Unite" and 'Blind Homers' response in 3...2...1...

Amazing isnt it. People focus on and ignore the strangest things. Preseson means zilch when it comes to points and stats. All it was good to see is TB not frustrated and a bunch of rookie WRs not completely lost.