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The Pats have used 186 different combinations of players on defense this year, and 34 different combinations on just the defensive line. Of those that are still available to play, there is only one group that has logged more than 30 snaps together as a unit. In addition the Patriots have used eleven different starting lineups in twelve games.
As mind boggling as that stat is, consider this: the 186 combinations on defense is only the 11th most in the NFL!
With 186 different combinations this season, the New England Patriots defense is still looking for the winning formula | masslive.com
As mind boggling as that stat is, consider this: the 186 combinations on defense is only the 11th most in the NFL!
With 186 different combinations this season, the New England Patriots defense is still looking for the winning formula | masslive.com
The problem being forced to play a constant game of "next man up," is that it has forced the Patriots to adapt and transform on the fly. Before linebacker Jerod Mayo (chest) and defensive tackles Vince Wilfork (Achilles) and Tommy Kelly (knee) went down with injuries, New England planned to use a base 4-3 defense. That plan has since changed.
In recent weeks, due in part to the available personnel, the Patriots have shifted to a base 3-4 defense, with Joe Vellano, Chris Jones, Isaac Sopoaga and Sealver Siliga serving as the defensive lineman. In the 4-3, Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich served as the defensive ends, but have moved to outside linebacker with the digits flipped in the formation. While finding the right mix of players has likely been a headache for New England, in an odd way, it has provides the team with a bit of mystery that makes things difficult for opposing coaching staffs.
"The hard thing about this team, watching this team, is that there are a lot of guys that have been hurt or are coming back from being hurt," Carolina Panther coach Ron Rivera, who faced the Patriots in Week 11, said. "So, it's hard to really get a good gauge as to who they are or what they are going to be."
In recent weeks, due in part to the available personnel, the Patriots have shifted to a base 3-4 defense, with Joe Vellano, Chris Jones, Isaac Sopoaga and Sealver Siliga serving as the defensive lineman. In the 4-3, Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich served as the defensive ends, but have moved to outside linebacker with the digits flipped in the formation. While finding the right mix of players has likely been a headache for New England, in an odd way, it has provides the team with a bit of mystery that makes things difficult for opposing coaching staffs.
"The hard thing about this team, watching this team, is that there are a lot of guys that have been hurt or are coming back from being hurt," Carolina Panther coach Ron Rivera, who faced the Patriots in Week 11, said. "So, it's hard to really get a good gauge as to who they are or what they are going to be."
