Improvements (So Far) To Top 10 Defense

[TomPatriot]

Our top 10 Defense should improve considerably. Of course, we don't know about 2024 injuries or about additional acquisitions.

OVERALL
Defense should be on the field less.
There should fewer locker room and coaching issues.

FRONT SIX
OUT: Guy, Wilson
IN: Ekuale, Watts, Judon, Takitaki

SECONDARY
OUT: Bryant, Mills, Phillips
IN: Gonzo, Marcus Jones, Bolden, Hawkins

Still need a free safety, though.

 

[reflexblue]

I think the biggest concern on D has to be coaching. No knock on Mayo or Covington but I think the obvious needs to be considered.

Do you mean because we lost the Mullet the d might not be as good?

 

[signbabybrady]

Do you mean because we lost the Mullet the d might not be as good?

I was thinking more about the grand master

 

[mgteich]

Still need a free safety, though.

That would be my choice also.

However, the team has had an effective secondary without a "free safety" for awhile now. So, I guess that we don't NEED to add a free safety.

 

[Wozzy]

Still need a free safety, though.

I said this on another thread but they ought to bring Kai Nucua, Puka's brother in for a look, the guy is doing really well in the UFL and is a plus athlete.

They could also get by converting a CB to the position, if they find themselves deep at the corner position one would think Jon Jones might be the smartest choice... especially as he gets older.

 

[TomPatriot]

That would be my choice also.

However, the team has had an effective secondary without a "free safety" for awhile now. So, I guess that we don't NEED to add a free safety.

Fair. I struggled with the terminology. But there is a need for a guy like McCourty.

 

[captain stone]

Our top 10 Defense should improve considerably. Of course, we don't know about 2024 injuries or about additional acquisitions.

OVERALL
Defense should be on the field less.
There should fewer locker room and coaching issues.

FRONT SIX
OUT: Guy, Wilson
IN: Ekuale, Watts, Judon, Takitaki

SECONDARY
OUT: Bryant, Mills, Phillips
IN: Gonzo, Marcus Jones, Bolden, Hawkins

You call that improvement? Over half of your IN guys are those who were already IN the building; and among them Eukalele's a 'Roid cheat, Watts wishes he could be Lawrence Guy, Marcus the Midget has yet to show that he's capable of playing NFL Slot CB, Hawkins is a backup-caliber JAG, and Isaiah Bolden & "improved defense" should Never be used in the same post never mind the same sentence.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

rock bottom since before Bledsoe was drafted in 1993

The Macpherson Era, how can we forget, no matter how hard we try.

 

[ivanvamp]

There is a fallacy at work here; in any NFL unit, if you go into the following season without upgrades, you will not have the same success or record. Players age very quickly in the NFL. You need to continually upgrade the players to just maintain the same level of competance. With that in mind, I doubt that the defense can be as good as last year, but the offense should be much improved if the Patriots can find a LT.

Depends on where they are on the aging curve.

To use an easy example, I expect Pop Douglas to be better in 2024 than he was in 2023, yet he will be older - aging, as it were. Conversely, I'd expect David Andrews to be worse in 2024 because he's on the wrong side of the aging curve.

 

[Uptown]

Thought this was funny..

 

[mgteich]

You call that improvement? Over half of your IN guys are those who were already IN the building; and among them Eukalele's a 'Roid cheat, Watts wishes he could be Lawrence Guy, Marcus the Midget has yet to show that he's capable of playing NFL Slot CB, Hawkins is a backup-caliber JAG, and Isaiah Bolden & "improved defense" should Never be used in the same post never mind the same sentence.

ROFL

Gonzo, Judon and Marcus Jones are coming back and you think that this isn't an improvement.

Even, if you prefer Wade as our 6th DB, Jones will significantly add to the return game. That is my argument for Bolden also. But, sure, I'm more than fine with adding Gilmore or another vet for FURTHER improvement.

I guess that you prefer the OUT's to the IN's.
IN: Gonzo OUT: Bryant
IN: Judon OUT: Board
IN: M. Jones OUT: Wade

The minor changes, which are likely a wash
IN: Takitaki OUT: Wilson
IN: Ekuuale and Watts OUT: Guy
IN: Hawkins OUT: Phillips
IN: (Bledsoe OUT; Mills Yes, we need to sign a safety before Game One

 

[TheRainMaker]

I'll preface by saying the defense had to be neglected this off-season because the offense was in dire need of addressing.

But the only improvement I see is that Barmore will now be a full time starter now given his contract. He will be an upgrade over Guy.

Judon could give them a boost, but he's going to be 32 in August coming off an injury. He may be motivated as he wants to get paid one last time.

Gonzalez is coming off an injury and only played 4 games last season as a rookie. If he emerges as a shutdown CB, then that will be a big boost to the D.

Marcus the midget is only effective at CB unless the QB throws the ball directly to him. He was easily getting swatted like a gnat by
competent WR's. Jon Jones needs to move back to slot and Marcus should focus on being a good returner.

They need a FS. They have too many box S's and a guy in no man's land (Mapu).

They are still slow at LB. I hope Mayo tries Mapu at his original more natural position.

No 2nd outside CB.

 

[mgteich]

I'll preface by saying the defense had to be neglected this off-season because the offense was in dire need of addressing.

But the only improvement I see is that Barmore will now be a full time starter now given his contract. He will be an upgrade over Guy.

Judon could give them a boost, but he's going to be 32 in August coming off an injury. He may be motivated as he wants to get paid one last time.

Gonzalez is coming off an injury and only played 4 games last season as a rookie. If he emerges as a shutdown CB, then that will be a big boost to the D.

Marcus the midget is only effective at CB unless the QB throws the ball directly to him. He was easily getting swatted like a gnat by
competent WR's. Jon Jones needs to move back to slot and Marcus should focus on being a good returner.

They need a FS. They have too many box S's and a guy in no man's land (Mapu).

They are still slow at LB. I hope Mayo tries Mapu at his original more natural position.

No 2nd outside CB.

I agree with all of your comments.

My point was that this year's roster is a significant improvement over the roster we had for the 2nd half of 2023.

We haven't had a free safety in awhile, but I would certainly favor that addition.

And, yes, while we have a significant improvement with Gonzo instead of Bryant (ya think), an additional CB would be welcome.

 

[Vindicate]

There is a fallacy at work here; in any NFL unit, if you go into the following season without upgrades, you will not have the same success or record. Players age very quickly in the NFL. You need to continually upgrade the players to just maintain the same level of competance. With that in mind, I doubt that the defense can be as good as last year, but the offense should be much improved if the Patriots can find a LT.

I may be misunderstanding, but this isn't true. Many players take time to hit their prime. For this to be as case closed as you're presenting it, player's rookie years would be their ceiling and their best. Some entire units downgrade while another upgrades between seasons. There are some "benchmarks" you need to hover around to stay competitive, but the construction of your team around that has a billion different combinations to get it done.