Pass Rush?

[Oswlek]

Hightower
Flowers
Branch
Brown
Ninkovich

That lineup had elite pass rush productivity in the playoffs whether you measure it by sacks or pressures. The Pats swapped Ninkovich for Van Noy/Marsh & added Guy/Butler as depth at DE.

They also rush 3 more than any team in the league. The pass rush question is somewhat a broken record as the D rarely blitzes nor utilizes pass rush specialists that blow vs. the run. It's about collapsing the pocket.

Not that I challenge anything you've written here, but shouldn't Long be mentioned in the first group?

 

[Simpelton]

See the description of Houston's 5-man "diamond" front here for a hint of what Belichick might try to imitate:

How Do You Beat the Patriots? The Texans Know How

I just want to take a second to be amused at the premise considering the fate of the Texans every time we played them in the Last 5 Years. If the Texans have an answer to the Patriots offense they sure didn't have it last year when Jacoby Brissett led the team to a 27 to nothing win.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

Those who are concerned about the lack of pure pass rushers on our roster (or "Defensive Ends") ought to listen to Matt Chatham's new podcast. He discusses this topic for the first 10 minutes. Definately some intriguing insights

The REAL THING Patriots Podcast; 2017 Kickoff, Chiefs Preview

Also, these tweets:

 

[Gumby]

Those who are concerned about the lack of pure pass rushers on our roster (or "Defensive Ends") ought to listen to Matt Chatham's new podcast. He discusses this topic for the first 10 minutes. Definately some intriguing insights

The REAL THING Patriots Podcast; 2017 Kickoff, Chiefs Preview

Also, these tweets:

That Branch guy is looking AWFULLY LONESOME on that depth chart.

 

[Brady6]

This is how I see it looking

3-3-5 Base
JACK LB Hightower, Langi, Marsh McClellin (IR)
DE/DT Guy, Brown, Butler
DT/NT Branch, Valentine
RDE Flowers, Wise
MIKE LB Harris, Roberts
WILL LB Van Noy, Flowers

But I also think that Hightower will plan multiple spots throughout the game, and on early downs against rushing teams, we could run a 4-3 under.

LDE - Guy, Butler
DT - Brown, Valentine
NT - Branch, Valentine
RDE - Flowers, Wise
SLB - Hightower, Langi
MLB - Harris, Roberts
WLB - Van Noy, Flowers

 

[Brady6]

I would add that I do not think we will see as much of Branch this season as we did last.

 

[Tony2046]

I would add that I do not think we will see as much of Branch this season as we did last.

Why is that? Just curious.

 

[AvocadoIceCream]

Houston has us figured out?

Why can't they beat us?

You want two of the best pass rushers on the same team? Fine, but they aren't winning SBs. Pats are.

Plus I think Flowers can at least match Chandler Jones production

 

[Brady6]

Why is that? Just curious.

I think we will see more of Guy at the hybrid 3/4/5 tech DT and Brown will play more at the 0/1/2 tech DT.

 

[Tony2046]

I think we will see more of Guy at the hybrid 3/4/5 tech DT and Brown will play more at the 0/1/2 tech DT.

Interesting. If that could work effectively I'd be all for it just to keep Branch fresh throughout the season.

 

[Joey007]

Hey hey. Look who we brought in for a workout! Ayers reunion?

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Hey hey. Look who we brought in for a workout! Ayers reunion?

I would love to have Ayers back. I was sad we let him go in the first place.

 

[jefmblrd]

Hey hey. Look who we brought in for a workout! Ayers reunion?

First thing I thought about when I heard Ayers was released. Would love to see him back if he can still play at a high level.

 

[PatsBoy12]

As the roster is presently constructed, I don't see where a consistent pass rush will come from. Even if Hightower rushes more. There are some FAs available and it is very possible BB is waiting until this Week 1 game to possible make any more significant changes.

Whether you're right or wrong doesn't matter. I guess you just haven't been around long enough to know that you won't get much back up posting something like this.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I would love to have Ayers back. I was sad we let him go in the first place.

I agree completely. I thought he played extremely well for us.

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

Great headline, no one owns the Patriots like Houston does.

When the Houston Texan arrive in Foxboro wearing their High School letterman jackets, the Pats know they are in big trouble.

 

[Marqui]

Ayers would be nice to allow Hightower to move back to ILB. If he was serviceable enough for us a couple years ago I don't see why he wouldn't be now.

 

[luuked]

Ayers would be nice to allow Hightower to move back to ILB. If he was serviceable enough for us a couple years ago I don't see why he wouldn't be now.

Damn, and here I was thinking you moved to the Titans messageboards so you can continue *****ing about Logan Ryan.

 

[Marqui]

Damn, and here I was thinking you moved to the Titans messageboards so you can continue *****ing about Logan Ryan.

Luckily for all of us he's somebody elses problem.

 

[Bonzo]

I figured Ayers to shadow roster / emergency list.

And then Reiss devoted about 300 words to him...