Fix our DEFENSE: You're the Coach!

[VJCPatriot]

So what do you do?

After the Patriots defense gave up a Superbowl record 41 points and 500+ yards... BB had an entire offseason to fix it however the trend continues into the new season.

Texans: 20 points given up, 300+ yards of offense
Jaguars: 31 points given up, 450+ yards of offense
Lions: 26 points given up, 400+ yards of offense

So let's say you step into BB's shoes, how do you fix this train wreck of a defense so far.

[We'll save the offensive discussion for another thread, I know that's an issue too but at least we are adding Josh Gordon in Week 4 and Edelman in week 5.]

Defense looks soft and can't get off the field on 3rd downs. Run defense was completely exposed vs the Lions. Has the league found the blueprint to beat our D or is there an answer? What would you change about how we defend. Alignment, personnel, play calls?

 

[Uptown]

Again??

 

[Kontradiction]

It has to start with DT but the Patriots don't have much in the way of cap space to trade for one and there aren't any that are worth a damn that are being offered for trade. If Valentine is healthy, bring him up from the practice squad and toss him into the rotation. He was solid against the run in 2016 before missing all of last season. If they can't stop the run, it doesn't matter what they do on the defensive side of the ball. They won't be a championship caliber unit.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

DWToys must have a solution like trading the 2007 AFC Championship and Super Bowls 38 and 39 for three all-pro defensive linemen, Super Bowl 52 and the 2005 AFC Divisional Game.

 

[Kontradiction]

Maybe start drafting LBs like the year is 2018 and not 2001?

 

[FCB02062]

I say take some chances on defense, enough playing conservative bend but don't break... seriously, the defense blows right now...

 

[supafly]

If they can't stop the run, it doesn't matter what they do on the defensive side of the ball. They won't be a championship caliber unit.

Agree with these thoughts, and I imagine that they’ll take a shot with Valentine, but I’m not expecting much. There’s a reason why he’s not on the active roster, and I’m not as sold as you are on his 2016 success. He was mediocre to good at times, but we were also judging him through a rookie lens.

At any rate, you’re certainly right that it’s a key area, possibly even “the” key area depending on who you’re talking to, so fingers crossed that they will get it together. Let’s hope it’s quickly.

 

[supafly]

MossLost must have a solution like trading the 2007 AFC Championship and Super Bowls 38 and 39 for three all-pro defensive linemen, Super Bowl 52 and the 2005 AFC Divisional Game.

@DW Toys

 

[Kontradiction]

I say take some chances on defense, enough playing conservative bend but don't break... seriously, the defense blows right now...

You're actually not far off here for once. With Edelman out and Gordon getting up to speed, the Patriots could not afford to have a GTFB strategy. All that does is help gas the defense. With an offense that's ringing up points on the scoreboard like a pinball machine, that strategy is optimal because you force the offense to go on long drives in order to score and eventually the clock strikes midnight. With an offense that can't get out of its own way, you need to get exotic. Overload the weak side and disguise. Come after the QB and force him to hit his checkdowns off his back foot. Yeah you may get burned from time to time but you'll also force stops before the ball crosses the 50.

 

[jah]

I never asked to be coach. I resign as HC of the NEP.

 

[RobertWeathers]

We need to play better. We need to coach better. Need better execution. Need to gameplan better. Its a long season. Alway have room for improvement. Need to tackle better. Stop the run. Stop the pass. Limit 3rd down conversions. Tighten up in the red zone. Just gotta keep working hard and improve.

 

[jimnance]

We need to play better. We need to coach better. Need better execution. Need to gameplan better. Its a long season. Alway have room for improvement. Need to tackle better. Stop the run. Stop the pass. Limit 3rd down conversions. Tighten up in the red zone. Just gotta keep working hard and improve.

Thanks,Bill.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

@DW Toys

You’re right, wrong guy. I fixed it.

 

[Bourne Again Christian]

Get in a time machine never sign Clayborn
Never trade for Mccourty
Trade Devin Mccourty before people knew he was cooked.
Trade Eric Rowe or cut
Trade for Jadeveon Clowney
Sign George Illoka
Sign Tre Boston
Draft Jessie Bates
Draft Avery
Trade for 2 cover linebackers
Never make a trade for any Browns defender.
Sign Zach Brown trade Hightower.
Sign Dontari Poe
Sign Kenny Vacarro.
Sign Wilkerson
Sign demario davis

 

[borg]

For starters, allow the DL to lift weights and eat meat again. Are these guys on the Guerrero Program? This group looks weak and small.
Get 'em some Arby's

 

[PF_SU]

There is no magical quick fix. The front seven just blows. It's not just the obvious thing of the slow LB corps. In my eyes the more concerning thing is the inability of the DL to hold up against the run. Teams rush for 4.5 yards per play on 1st down against the Patriots in the first three games. If your D gives up that many yards against the run on 1st down it makes everything else much more difficulty to stop.

Danny Shelton's been a massive disappointment. It was said he was utilised wrongly in Cleveland. Seems more like he's just that bad a player.

 

[Soliel]

Send them all to Ohio for three weeks. That should get them playing. Take away cell phones and of course anything else

 

[Observer]

The only solution is “Adderall”

 

[iapatsfan]

There is nothing they can do. Their defense is built to defend offenses of 2001, not 2018. Tbey have no proven talent outside of Gilmore and Flowers. The rest have never shown anything or are slowing down.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I never asked to be coach. I resign as HC of the NEP.

You forgot "written on a paper napkin".