JSn
Experienced Starter w/First Big Contract
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- Jun 22, 2008
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We've laboured heavily on the offensive woes (woes which many a team would be happy to share) and we have a historical record that shows they will improve. Microscopic adjustments make all the difference.
We've slipped and slopped through defensive talk, but I think it might be high time for a personnel evaluation.
Today's big news wasn't just the signing of Seau, but the release of Sands, who seemed like a capable D-Lineman (at least through a high-end set of beer goggles).
Add one 3-4 LB (because I'd be worried if Seau was part of any plan at 4-3) and drop one ENORMOUS lineman.
I know I'm not alone in thinking the 3-4 could have been EPIC this year, especially after seeing how excellent our defensive secondary is. We opened in 3-4 and then promptly slammed the door on it when Mayo went down in week one. After that the 3-4 popped up maybe 4 times.
When we heard about the early rumblings about the Seau signing, conjecture said it was because Mayo was down for a while and Guyton was carrying a massive load.
Buuuuuut, Seau comes in as Mayo returns. Hm.
Anyway, that was a long lead-up to my point that I think at this moment we have the personnel for a truly COMFORTABLE multiple D, which not only means nickel and dime, but 4-3 AND 3-4. The value of being able to switch can't be understated and in my opinion, the 3-4 is going to valuable in slowing down the various wild-animal formations we're seeing.
Just looking at the formations through the little bit I know about defense, I see the obvious values thusly:
4-3
Mayo and Guyton can fly around and make plays in this formation. We haven't seen Mayo unleashed at MLB much, but he certainly had some nice plays last week.
Our speedy DL (TBC, Wright, Green) get to make plays. Wright has especially flourished in this formation.
The downside is, we don't necessarily seem to be able to generate tons of pressure out of a four-man front. So...
3-4
With Seau back, we're looking at a pretty good rotation at ILB here with Seau, Guyton, Mayo, and perhaps Ninkovich (who has begun to show up). Alexander is technically an ILB (right?) and if he had to fill in, I'd rather see him paired at ILB than alone at MLB.
This plays to all kinds of strengths on the team. Woods and Thomas can play their more natural positions and especially AD could begin to create more havoc as a pass wrecker. We can also put TBC, Burgess and even Green in there to attack QB's on 3-longs. Weird as it sounds, I think 3-4 is where we could see the Burgess trade make a better impression.
Do we still have the horses on the DL for 3-4? I think so. Pryor is a nice addition and Brace might be better suited to NT than any other position. We already know we have beasts in Wilfork and Warren.
As for DB heavy packages, we already know we have the ammo to run some great stuff there and hopefully the Ravens game dictates future defensive style more than the Broncos game.
I'm not proposing an outright switch, I just think we now have the versatility to be TRULY multiple on D.
Thanks for letting me think out loud and feel free to jump in or even repair my thinking where I may have slipped off track in my assessments.
Also, you're welcome to call me names if it makes you feel better.
Ooooh... Reiss is think the 3-4 might be about as well..
New England Patriots Blog - Seau signing could mean more 3-4 for Pats - ESPN Boston
We've slipped and slopped through defensive talk, but I think it might be high time for a personnel evaluation.
Today's big news wasn't just the signing of Seau, but the release of Sands, who seemed like a capable D-Lineman (at least through a high-end set of beer goggles).
Add one 3-4 LB (because I'd be worried if Seau was part of any plan at 4-3) and drop one ENORMOUS lineman.
I know I'm not alone in thinking the 3-4 could have been EPIC this year, especially after seeing how excellent our defensive secondary is. We opened in 3-4 and then promptly slammed the door on it when Mayo went down in week one. After that the 3-4 popped up maybe 4 times.
When we heard about the early rumblings about the Seau signing, conjecture said it was because Mayo was down for a while and Guyton was carrying a massive load.
Buuuuuut, Seau comes in as Mayo returns. Hm.
Anyway, that was a long lead-up to my point that I think at this moment we have the personnel for a truly COMFORTABLE multiple D, which not only means nickel and dime, but 4-3 AND 3-4. The value of being able to switch can't be understated and in my opinion, the 3-4 is going to valuable in slowing down the various wild-animal formations we're seeing.
Just looking at the formations through the little bit I know about defense, I see the obvious values thusly:
4-3
Mayo and Guyton can fly around and make plays in this formation. We haven't seen Mayo unleashed at MLB much, but he certainly had some nice plays last week.
Our speedy DL (TBC, Wright, Green) get to make plays. Wright has especially flourished in this formation.
The downside is, we don't necessarily seem to be able to generate tons of pressure out of a four-man front. So...
3-4
With Seau back, we're looking at a pretty good rotation at ILB here with Seau, Guyton, Mayo, and perhaps Ninkovich (who has begun to show up). Alexander is technically an ILB (right?) and if he had to fill in, I'd rather see him paired at ILB than alone at MLB.
This plays to all kinds of strengths on the team. Woods and Thomas can play their more natural positions and especially AD could begin to create more havoc as a pass wrecker. We can also put TBC, Burgess and even Green in there to attack QB's on 3-longs. Weird as it sounds, I think 3-4 is where we could see the Burgess trade make a better impression.
Do we still have the horses on the DL for 3-4? I think so. Pryor is a nice addition and Brace might be better suited to NT than any other position. We already know we have beasts in Wilfork and Warren.
As for DB heavy packages, we already know we have the ammo to run some great stuff there and hopefully the Ravens game dictates future defensive style more than the Broncos game.
I'm not proposing an outright switch, I just think we now have the versatility to be TRULY multiple on D.
Thanks for letting me think out loud and feel free to jump in or even repair my thinking where I may have slipped off track in my assessments.
Also, you're welcome to call me names if it makes you feel better.
Ooooh... Reiss is think the 3-4 might be about as well..
New England Patriots Blog - Seau signing could mean more 3-4 for Pats - ESPN Boston