My Blueprint for the Defense

[mayoclinic]

Nice breakdown of Brandon Browner vs. Denver by Oliver Thomas:

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014...e-to-the-patriots-illustrated-vs-broncos.html

 

[mayoclinic]

Doug Kyed with some nice breakdown of the Pats' 4-2-5/2-4-5 hybrid sub scheme against Denver:

http://nesn.com/2014/11/akeem-ayers-rob-ninkovich-make-patriots-defense-tough-to-predict/

 

[manxman2601]

Doug Kyed with some nice breakdown of the Pats' 4-2-5/2-4-5 hybrid sub scheme against Denver:

http://nesn.com/2014/11/akeem-ayers-rob-ninkovich-make-patriots-defense-tough-to-predict/

It's an excellent breakdown and I loved what the Patriots did but I have two negatives:

1.

Ninkovich: 50 rushes, 13 drops
Ayers: 47 rushes, 16 drops
Hightower: 12 rushes, 51 drops
Collins: 12 rushes, 51 drops

I would love to see Hightower and Collins with about 5-7 more rushes. Both are outstanding shock and awe inside blitzers.

2. If this scheme becomes the norm, Easley was a wasted pick. He suits playing the 3-gap so much more than an effective NT. I like him but this scheme is not optimal for him.

One other positive though is Wilfork's ability to get upfield by two to three yards without one-gapping. That made Ayers' sack. That's one of the key attributes I'm looking for now when I scout a NT/DT type. I'm so glad this board wasn't listened too when they wanted to cut Wilfork this year.

 

[captain stone]

I'm not sure why they'd have to remove Hightower, they didn't earlier in the season. Personally I think Hightower id our best front seven player right now - he does everything; can drop into coverage, can rush off the edge or A gap blitz and is outstanding against the run.

Rush off the edge, A-gap blitz, strong vs the run: check.

Drop into coverage…ah...

 

[manxman2601]

Rush off the edge, A-gap blitz, strong vs the run: check.

Drop into coverage…ah...

He's absolutely fine covering TEs and some RBs. I think only Wilfork is playing better within the front 7 right now. And that includes Chandler Jones.

 

[mayoclinic]

It's an excellent breakdown and I loved what the Patriots did but I have two negatives:

1.I would love to see Hightower and Collins with about 5-7 more rushes. Both are outstanding shock and awe inside blitzers.

I completely agree. Hopefully we'll see more unpredictability with this kind of thing in the future.

2. If this scheme becomes the norm, Easley was a wasted pick. He suits playing the 3-gap so much more than an effective NT. I like him but this scheme is not optimal for him.

One other positive though is Wilfork's ability to get upfield by two to three yards without one-gapping. That made Ayers' sack. That's one of the key attributes I'm looking for now when I scout a NT/DT type. I'm so glad this board wasn't listened too when they wanted to cut Wilfork this year.

I've been wondering whether a true NT is needed in sub situations. My traditional idea of a 2-4-5 required 2 really big run stuffers to plug the middle. But given how things are evolving, I wonder if someone like Nick Fairley (playing at a higher weight, not in the under 300# range) or Jared Odrick would do as a "NT" who can generate pressure, as opposed to a more traditional NT like Terrance Knighton. I'm not at all sure that Easley is a "wasted" pick in this scheme, either; there are 2 DTs, so there's no reason that he can't generate interior pressure. Remember, I thought Hightower was being wasted and didn't fit with what we were doing. Easley is a rookie and is still recovering from injuries. It's too early to tell - I think this is something to watch and see how things unfold.

 

[manxman2601]

I completely agree. Hopefully we'll see more unpredictability with this kind of thing in the future.



I've been wondering whether a true NT is needed in sub situations. My traditional idea of a 2-4-5 required 2 really big run stuffers to plug the middle. But given how things are evolving, I wonder if someone like Nick Fairley (playing at a higher weight, not in the under 300# range) or Jared Odrick would do as a "NT" who can generate pressure, as opposed to a more traditional NT like Terrance Knighton. I'm not at all sure that Easley is a "wasted" pick in this scheme, either; there are 2 DTs, so there's no reason that he can't generate interior pressure. Remember, I thought Hightower was being wasted and didn't fit with what we were doing. Easley is a rookie and is still recovering from injuries. It's too early to tell - I think this is something to watch and see how things unfold.

Easley's game is a penetrator. Watch that video of Ayers' sack, Easley is getting blocked by three linemen. That just isn't his game. I'm sure BB will find a way to use him but this scheme doesn't suit.

 

[manxman2601]

The 'OTTO' linebacker is new to me. It didn't workout for Dekoda Watson at the Jags, but it's the type of role I'd love to see Jamie Collins playing when Mayo comes back next year. A role where Collins drops into coverage or rushes the passer from the edge, a role suited to his athleticism.

"OTTO is kind of going to be on the edge, we'd like to have some pass rush ability, in a pinch he could go down in a third-down situation to blitz him off the edge,"

......

"He can be strong or weak and most of the time he's going to be on the line of scrimmage, standing up."

....

The OTTO position sounds similar to that of the JACK linebacker in the old 46 defense, where the linebacker is up on the line of scrimmage and will either rush the passer or buzz back in coverage,

http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2014/5/22/5741638/explaining-46-defense-jaguars-otto-linebacker

 

[mayoclinic]

The 'OTTO' linebacker is new to me. It didn't workout for Dekoda Watson at the Jags, but it's the type of role I'd love to see Jamie Collins playing when Mayo comes back next year. A role where Collins drops into coverage or rushes the passer from the edge, a role suited to his athleticism.

http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2014/5/22/5741638/explaining-46-defense-jaguars-otto-linebacker

Thanks for an interesting read. I'm not sure I fully understand it, or whether this is mostly speculation or based off of inside knowledge. Obviously, some of the Otto stuff is based on direct input fro, the Jags' DC. But the "Bear" defense that Bradley ran in Seattle was a 5-2 front, not a true 4-6:

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/10/1/4787546/the-seahawks-and-multiple-defensive-fronts

The Otto sounds like jargon for the strong-side LB:

There’s no more strong-side linebacker. The Jaguars are using the term, “Otto,” for the linebacker whose primary job is to hold the edge against the run. Second-year veteran LaRoy Reynolds worked there this week, and unrestricted free-agent signing Dakoda Watson likely will start there. That once was termed the strong-side linebacker position, but that’s out of the vocabulary around EverBank Field for now.

http://www.jaguars.com/news/article...One-OTAs/e1d5e3c9-d2d7-4788-aacf-9f2c47e85056

 

[manxman2601]

Thanks for an interesting read. I'm not sure I fully understand it, or whether this is mostly speculation or based off of inside knowledge. Obviously, some of the Otto stuff is based on direct input fro, the Jags' DC. But the "Bear" defense that Bradley ran in Seattle was a 5-2 front, not a true 4-6:

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/10/1/4787546/the-seahawks-and-multiple-defensive-fronts

The Otto sounds like jargon for the strong-side LB:



http://www.jaguars.com/news/article...One-OTAs/e1d5e3c9-d2d7-4788-aacf-9f2c47e85056

Well if they were using Watson to hold the edge against the run, then no wonder he got cut. Using him in a role that rushes the passer and drops into coverage makes more sense. I can't say I've watched their defense so I don't know.

I'm not unhappy in the direction this defense is going at all and I'm perfectly happy for BB to continue as he is but, as with Easley, I'm not sure Collins is optimally used and I'd love to get him in a position where he's using that explosion and athleticism to put more pressure on the QB. This 'OTTO' position seems to help with that. Maybe it's the Seattle SLB but for a passing NFL - the AFC South is a different, more pass-happy beast to the NFC West.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I'm telling ya. I see BB using Collins to replace Ninko's role as Ninko ages and Collins gets a little stronger. Allows you to keep the two thumpers inside. Hightower and Mayo. Hopefully, Mayo returns and re-works his contract. If not, I'm all in on McKinney. Right now, I think DT is our top priority on defense if we keep Revis and McCourty. We don't have a suitable replacement for VW on this roster. And, most rookie dt's aren't ready. That's why I'd look to take one early if we don't sign one in free agency.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm telling ya. I see BB using Collins to replace Ninko's role as Ninko ages and Collins gets a little stronger. Allows you to keep the two thumpers inside. Hightower and Mayo. Hopefully, Mayo returns and re-works his contract. If not, I'm all in on McKinney. Right now, I think DT is our top priority on defense if we keep Revis and McCourty. We don't have a suitable replacement for VW on this roster. And, most rookie dt's aren't ready. That's why I'd look to take one early if we don't sign one in free agency.

Interesting what you say on DT because I'm just in the process with falling in love with Texas Jnr Malcolm Brown. Not watched him fully yet but really liking what I see. 6'2" and 320lbs, has the quickness to penetrate and the strength to rag doll offensive linemen. Texas' Snr DE Cedric Reed is also interesting at 6'6" and long arms. Really looks the part build wise. His bio say's 258 but I think he looks bigger than that. He's had a down year but had 10 sacks last year and just had three sacks against WVU.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Only game I watched Texas so far was OU. He was a handful for them and OU has a good OL. Not sure if he's going to declare. Some players returned to Texas whom I thought would leave early like Vaccarro. They have it pretty easy down there. Though, Charlie Strong is trying to change that culture a little from a laid back one to a stricter one.

 

[mayoclinic]

Interesting what you say on DT because I'm just in the process with falling in love with Texas Jnr Malcolm Brown. Not watched him fully yet but really liking what I see. 6'2" and 320lbs, has the quickness to penetrate and the strength to rag doll offensive linemen.

I've been interested in Brown for a while. Latest reports are that he will ask for an evaluation from the NFL Draft Advisory Board and will come out if he has a 1st or 2nd round grade:

http://www.statesman.com/news/sport...com-brown-ill-bite-on-1st-or-2nd-round/nh5W3/

Definitely someone to keep an eye on.

 

[manxman2601]

I've been interested in Brown for a while. Latest reports are that he will ask for an evaluation from the NFL Draft Advisory Board and will come out if he has a 1st or 2nd round grade:

http://www.statesman.com/news/sport...com-brown-ill-bite-on-1st-or-2nd-round/nh5W3/

Definitely someone to keep an eye on.

I'm tempted by a first round grade and would definitely give him a second.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm tempted by a first round grade and would definitely give him a second.

I agree. But I - irony or ironies - really don't want to spend a 1st or 2nd round pick on a DT unless absolutely 100% convinced that he is far and away the best player, value and fit on the board. So for now, I've just been keeping him in the background.

 

[captain stone]

Well if they were using Watson to hold the edge against the run, then no wonder he got cut. Using him in a role that rushes the passer and drops into coverage makes more sense. I can't say I've watched their defense so I don't know...

Speaking of Watson, looks like he'll sign with Dallas.

Edit: Whoops, just saw that you mentioned this in the Final Exams thread.

 

[Marinlik]

It's an excellent breakdown and I loved what the Patriots did but I have two negatives:

1.



I would love to see Hightower and Collins with about 5-7 more rushes. Both are outstanding shock and awe inside blitzers.

2. If this scheme becomes the norm, Easley was a wasted pick. He suits playing the 3-gap so much more than an effective NT. I like him but this scheme is not optimal for him.

One other positive though is Wilfork's ability to get upfield by two to three yards without one-gapping. That made Ayers' sack. That's one of the key attributes I'm looking for now when I scout a NT/DT type. I'm so glad this board wasn't listened too when they wanted to cut Wilfork this year.

I don't think that our defense really have a norm in the scheme. Where players line up and how they play at that spot can change every week. We aren't a 4-3, 3-4, 2-4 or 4-2 defense, we are a flexible defense. It seems that BB has been on the hunt for a couple of years now after flexible players that can play multiple positions and play a position multiple ways and that allows him to morph the defense to whatever is needed. I don't think Easley is a misfit because he is a player that can line up all over the line, as we have seen.

 

[manxman2601]

Not particularly revelatory but I just realised that, if you take a starting defensive front 7 of:

RDE. Chandler Jones
DT Dominique Easley
DT. Vince Wilfork
LDE. Rob Ninkovich
SLB. Dont'a Hightower
MLB. Jerod Mayo
SLB. Jamie Collins


Every player aside from Ninkovich is a first round pick or first draft pick.

 

[mayoclinic]

Not particularly revelatory but I just realised that, if you take a starting defensive front 7 of:

RDE. Chandler Jones
DT Dominique Easley
DT. Vince Wilfork
LDE. Rob Ninkovich
SLB. Dont'a Hightower
MLB. Jerod Mayo
SLB. Jamie Collins

Every player aside from Ninkovich is a first round pick or first draft pick.

Add in Darrelle Revis (#14, 2007) and Devin McCourty (#27, 2010) and you have 8 1st round draft picks plus a 2nd rounder in Collins.

What's nice is that the defense is backing up those high selections, and they're doing it the BB way - with a ton of versatility and lots of discipline. Not just making splashy plays, but playing really good team defense.