For the 2016 Pats to be in/win SB 51 the D has to improve ALOT

[FourierSeries]

Fair enough but the playoffs are a different animal my friend, it's all well and good stopping Cincy at home in the regular season....

This defense has already proven it can play in the playoffs. It played very well last year, and a lot of the players were on the 2014 SB team and played well throughout that championship run.

 

[English Patriot]

This defense has already proven it can play in the playoffs. It played very well last year, and a lot of the players were on the 2014 SB team and played well throughout that championship run.

Oh i know that but so were last years panthers and they look like dog s**t right now. All i'm saying is i like my chances with Brady and co but i don't say for sure that if we need big stops that this D will provide it. Guess we'll find out.

 

[Bruins29]

You can say this about any D. I think we are so spoiled by having the GOAT QB playing the best ball of his life that we expect the D to be at his HOF prime level at all times.

That is not how it works.

 

[MitchKumstein]

Relax. The NYJFL has evolved into an offensive league. Every team is going to get tons of yards and score lots of points. The days of the 85 Bears are long gone.

I think that the Patriots defense is fine

 

[sevengables_2207]

Unless the Pats D becomes the reincarnation of the 1985 Bears, then I'm afraid this team is going nowhere fast thanks to the anemic offense averaging about 30 PPG with Tom Brady back at QB.

 

[fightingirish595]

I hear this brought up a lot. Patriots D play more of a contain then just pin back the ears and rush. Its a strategy that seems to work as the numbers prove it.

I can not argue that. It worries me against better teams that we will not be able to score 30 points . As things are currently going, I think Minnesota is better than us. I think nearly all defensive stats are useless. I think it is all eyetest. Stats just really do not tell the whole story. A team might have a good pass rush but it might not show in the sack category.

 

[Tunescribe]

I know we're missing IMO one of if not the best linebacker out there in Collins (certainly the most athletically gifted along with Mack) but this defense is giving me all the vibes of defense's past that let Tom and the offense down for years in the playoffs until we beat Seattle in 2015.

Now i'm not saying that doesn't mean other teams don't have their own s**t to sort out too but i don't care much for the others because we can only control what goes on in Foxborough and the way i see it this offense is only heading one way. The defense on the other hand, although EVENTUALLY coming good in games, can't expect this trick to work in crunch time come January and hope #12, #87 and the others to bail them out once more.

Anyone else concerned that we're not getting that high level of performance we got a few years ago? Also how close is this D to the finished article because i believe that is key, because if there is room for improvement then that's a great sign but if what we are is the way we will be then i'm not ready to coronate yet like many people seem to be doing.

It is much too early for this kind of concern, the team is still building chemistry and communication. Late November is when you start to know what you have.

 

[fightingirish595]

If we play the vikes in the Superbowl and we cant get off the field on 3rd down. We most likely will not win

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

This team need's a consistent pass rusher. Long has been quiet. I still feel this defense has to improve to make a run in the playoffs.

 

[FourierSeries]

vikes in the Superbowl

Good one.

 

[MassPats38]

Oh i know that but so were last years panthers and they look like dog s**t right now. All i'm saying is i like my chances with Brady and co but i don't say for sure that if we need big stops that this D will provide it. Guess we'll find out.

What year are you harkening back to in order to find this defense lacking? What do you want them to be in order to feel they are good enough?

The Pats were worse in passing yards per game, rushing yards per game, and points per game in 2014. The third down conversion percentage is horrible right now, but Belichick has long stated sacks are an overrated statistic. I'd love to see 12 sacks a game, but not if that comes at the expense of points and wins.

 

[FourierSeries]

This team need's a consistent pass rusher. Long has been quiet. I still feel this defense has to improve to make a run in the playoffs.

Who were the "consistent pass rushers" down the stretch and in the postseason in 2014?

 

[fightingirish595]

Good one.

They have more superbowl appearences than almost 2/3 of the league so yeah I think its pretty gkood

 

[fightingirish595]

Who were the "consistent pass rushers" down the stretch and in the postseason in 2014?

An elite corner and safety helps negate that

 

[FourierSeries]

They have more superbowl appearences than almost 2/3 of the league so yeah I think its pretty gkood

Their last appearance was before most of their current players were even born.

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

Who were the "consistent pass rushers" down the stretch and in the postseason in 2014?

They had a guy name revis. Did you forget?

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

This defense has already proven it can play in the playoffs. It played very well last year, and a lot of the players were on the 2014 SB team and played well throughout that championship run.

QB

 

[mitsudriver]

This D is a bit frustrating to watch. Giving up long 3rd downs, not getting the turn-overs it seems they should, etc. But, they aren't giving it up in the one place that really matters, points.

 

[FourierSeries]

An elite corner and safety helps negate that

Revis didn't play like an elite CB in the postseason.

 

[fightingirish595]

Their last appearance was before most of their current players were even born.

Nice cherry pick.