If the Pats don't tweak their defense this season I will be shocked. Historically the Pats would play multiple big off the ball linebackers on most downs, now Bentley is really the only big off the ball linebacker on the team.
It looks like they are replacing their big linebackers with fast ones this season. If the Pats do that without making any additional changes they are going to get absolutely dominated by the run and by extension the play action. It also seems like they have replaced their large man cover corners with quicker/faster corners that probably will play better in zone. I expect a lot more zone, more blitzing, and maybe even a move to have the d lineman attack rather than two gap/read & react.
Morning Cousins!
Great breakfast this AM. so stay tuned.
The Pats did not address their issues in setting the edge or more run defense. The front group got worse as the season went on. How many punts did the Bills have in the last two games? It starts with those guys up front. I am afraid 32 year old Guy is in decline, "ups and downs" described his 2021 season and Godchaux has been a disappointment. Grade him mediocre. Both not terrible but replaceable. We need someone alongside the ascending Barmore. Cowart has been an enigma. Anderson might have really been missed. Davis and Ekulae are backups. They keep Bill Murray. Does he have value? Wise did not raise his game.
Back to food. Breakfast was delightful but filling. Started with a short bowl of fruit of strawberries and bananas. Then had an egg, cheddar cheese, salami and veggie (onions, tomatoes and broccoli [have to have some "good for you" stuff!]) omelet with some medium salsa on the side. As an accompaniment, I had a buttered English muffin with a dollop of very nice blackberry jam. Plus orange juice and Hazelnut coffee.
OK I'm full. Let's start with aggravating the haters. Other than Barmore, the rest can be duplicated like Wise, Godchaux and Guy (stays in the rotation) :
DT Larry Ogunjobi former the Bengals was offer a $10mm contract by the Bears. They bounced it after his operated foot was not quite right upon signing. 49 tackles, 7 sacks, 16 QB hits 6'4" and 305. Talk about
under the radar and people worried about his foot Seems like a perfect BB Gamble. I am sure a prove it deal can be structured into a long term offering pending incentives. Only 27. Yes I want this guy. He takes Godchaux place at RDT. Speed and pocket pressure happen now.
DE Clelin Ferrell Raiders. Never fit their ideal of a pass rush 'sack" guy. Best at setting the edge and good against the run........but he had 35 QB pressures the last two years in a rotation. Bill says he values that more. Can play inside as well 6'5" and 280lbs. Again speed.
Former pick #4 did not have his fifth year picked up. Only 25. The Raiders will trade him. This might be the best 'no brainer" for the Pats this year. He takes RDE over Guy.
DE Jedeveon Clowney. Yep I said it. One of the best run stopping DE's in the game. Like Ferrell was Drafted as a main pass rusher. His health has always been at issue. He's only 29. Give him a three years deal. 11 sacks in 2021. 37 tackles 6'5" about 260lbs. Speed.....4.54 40. If Pass rush was not his forte he was pretty good. 19 QB hits and two forced fumbles. Imagine he and Matt Judon. Expensive? Set him at LDE for Wise.
Put these guys with Barmore and you should be pretty sporty. Pretty young and talented D line.
One last Item. Would you rather have James Bradberry over Jalen Mills as your starting CBs with Butler?
DW Toys