Patriots Interior Defensive Line Play Will Be a Key to Success in 2015

[aluminum seats]

Sanders returned at playoff strength earlier, I believe it was against the Titans and the Colts still allowed near 200 yards and 6 ypc. This isn't just a case of September or a hobbled half week, he played a full game at near full strength and the team still couldn't do anything.

The biggest change is that the DEs used more controlled rushes instead of giving up the outside on every play. Neither KC nor Baltimore even seemed to notice, KC didn't call a single PAP on first down the entire game!

Sanders made a difference, but his impact has become more legend than fact; an easy story line for the media to rally around.

Well, I'm not sure if a guy comes back for a game then misses a bunch after that he can really be considered full-strength. And again, they were giving up 200+ ypg at the end of the season, Sanders came back for the playoffs, and that turned around.

I won't argue your recollection that they set the edge better, but at the time I remember thinking the guy was making a difference just watching the games. Again, "catalyst" doesn't mean he did it all himself, just that his return was a significant factor.

Sometimes one guy can do that...I recall we had a safety here not long ago whose presence in a game changed everything...

 

[Oswlek]

Well, I'm not sure if a guy comes back for a game then misses a bunch after that he can really be considered full-strength.

They delayed his return and he left for a separate injury the following week. Sanders was as healthy for that Titans game as he was in the playoffs.

Again, "catalyst" doesn't mean he did it all himself, just that his return was a significant factor.

Of course, he was a hell of a player. But I just get rankled when I see it painted as if his return was what prompted inspired play that was only dormant all season. Indy's run defense would have been steamrolled had they played a team like the Chargers, Sanders or no.