Defensive lines a measure for playoff success
By Keith Kidd
Scouts Inc.
Updated: May 29, 2008
During my time as a scout in New England, head coach Bill Belichick told me that the defensive line is the place to start when studying teams that are potential playoff contenders. Belichick's contention is that the teams with the best defensive lines will be the ones with something to play for late in the season.
Why? Because the ability to control the line of scrimmage, stop the run and generate a pass rush with the front four allows a defense to give the opposing offense a lot of different coverage looks and to limit both the run and the pass.
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3. New England Patriots
The Patriots rely on multiple defense fronts that allow them to exploit mismatches along the interior, especially in running situations or against teams with effective running games. The Patriots have one of the most talented lines in the league led by LDE
Ty Warren, NT
Vince Wilfork and RDE
Richard Seymour. Wilfork is one of the best nose tackles in the game because of his combination of size and quickness, and Warren has all the dominating traits you look for in a defensive lineman. Seymour was hindered somewhat by injuries last season but when healthy is still one of the most dominating linemen in the NFL. Backup DE
Jarvis Green could easily start for a lot of other teams and gives New England the ability to mix in four-man fronts.
