Sign the beast post SB edition!

[50-yard-line]

I really do believe there is something to the idea that a killer front 7 trumps everything else in football.

We saw mediocre defensive backfield play shut down two supposedly potent offenses last night.

We saw Tampa do it to KC last year, we saw New England do it to the Rams 2 years before that, Denver did it to Carolina, Seattle did it to Denver, the Giants did it to us in 2007, etc.

This is a recurring theme.

Brady overcoming the Seahawks and many other Ds 3x is probably the only reason the obvious has been cloaked for so long.

I really truly believe Belichick recognizes this.

It's why he went after Judon, why he has spent capital on players like Barmore, Uche, Perkins, Jennings, even Winovich, even though it hasn't always worked out.

So don't be surprised if Belichick lets JC Jackson go, if he thinks the focus needs to be on the front 7.

Last night's game and last year's game (Tampa & Cincy in particular are weak in their defensive backfield) are showing that a front 7 that causes problems is the best way to win. I'd add San Francisco into the mix.

Another point about this is that I honestly believe that mediocre DBs benefit from "playoff rules." TB's DBs grabbed everything in sight last year and rarely got flagged. Saw it last night, too, with Apple (until the last 2 minuntes). Meanwhile, a top guy like Ramsey tried to play it straight and got smoked two games in a row.

 

[DaBruinz]

I really think you're on the money here. While I do think I am starting to get worn down by the "we need a WR1", we saw last night with the Bengals and all their shiny toys, winning the battle up front is the key. I think at some point, Mac is going to need to need that weapon outside, but that is probably the icing on the cake.

The Pats need a major upgrade for the O-LINE coaching. It was clear that Bricillo and Yates weren't up to the task without Popovich and Dante. The line was inconsistent all year. Even with Karras in at LG. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bengals try and add him as a replacement for Adoniji. Adding a high quality O-line coach who can bring along Onwenu, Herron, Cajuste, Sherman while helping them gel with Andrews, Mason, Wynn. I mentioned some really well-respected up and coming College O-line coaches in the other thread. I also wouldn't mind the Patriots thinking outside the box and bringing in someone who can help with the hand techniques the way they brought in an expert in Martial Arts to help the D-linemen learn to disengage from blocks. (Which would be useful again).

As for the players, the Pats need to make a final decision on Onwenu. Is he the LG or the RT. Once that decision is made, they need to keep Onwenu at that spot. The O-line should have been a strength for the Patriots last season and it was inconsistent. Part of that was the injury to Brown and the Patriots reluctance to put Onwenu at RT. Part of it was the coaching. One will stabilize the other..

If the O-line holds up, then the offense will move. That was shown during the moments that they played well, last year. Both in the running game and the passing game.

I would love a replacement for Andrews because I'm getting tired of the delayed blitzes and twists/stunts that blow by him because he's turned his body in such a way that he doesn't see them.. But the Patriots have bigger issues before that can be addressed long-term. I fully expect them to draft an OT in one of the top 3 rounds. Someone who can play both Tackles and possibly OG and develop behind Wynn/Onwenu and take over for Wynn if he moves on after this year. I say this because I don't believe that Cajuste or Herron can step in as a starter long-term. Unless there is a huge uptick in the coaching.

 

[DaBruinz]

Another point about this is that I honestly believe that mediocre DBs benefit from "playoff rules." TB's DBs grabbed everything in sight last year and rarely got flagged. Saw it last night, too, with Apple (until the last 2 minuntes). Meanwhile, a top guy like Ramsey tried to play it straight and got smoked two games in a row.

The officiating was decidedly inconsistent last night. From the Missed call on Higgens face-masking Ramsey to the missed call of Ernest Jones getting his hand up under the chin of the Bengals LG on the 2nd to last Bengals series that would have extended the drive inside the 20.

 

[Sicilian]

I don't know...I think AJ Brown and Deebo were both pretty sure things.

I know a lot of people liked them, but if they were sure things they would have gone in the top half of the first round. Teams don't pass on stud WR's for no reason. Everyone in the second round (and typically several towards the end of the first) have warts.

 

[Bruins29]

The Blind Homers would disagree.

Point one out a sshole

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I know a lot of people liked them, but if they were sure things they would have gone in the top half of the first round. Teams don't pass on stud WR's for no reason. Everyone in the second round (and typically several towards the end of the first) have warts.

The closest thing to Samuel in this draft is Robinson of Kentucky. He is a hybrid running back/wide receiver. Perfect to take over the James white role, he has speed and is electric with the ball in his hands. High grades for courage and playmaking.

Robinson is a must for us in this draft! He will make jones so much better.

 

[scout]

That 33 percent is way better than what we have done though. We have hit on how many WR in the BB era? Branch/Edelman/Givens? Mitchell was promising too

How many Super Bowls have the Patriots won....

 

[Guts]

How many Super Bowls have the Patriots won....

With the greatest player ever...Mac is not in that conversation he needs talent around him. Specially when the AFC competition is stacked on offense

Bills- Diggs/Knox/Davis
Queens- Kelce/Hill/Hardman
Chargers- Allen/Williams/Ekeler
Bengals- Chase/Higgins/Mixon

You get the point. Problem is we have to get faster on defense too

 

[Ochmed Jones]

With the greatest player ever...Mac is not in that conversation he needs talent around him. Specially when the AFC competition is stacked on offense

Bills- Diggs/Knox/Davis
Queens- Kelce/Hill/Hardman
Chargers- Allen/Williams/Ekeler
Bengals- Chase/Higgins/Mixon

You get the point. Problem is we have to get faster on defense too

We need more bullies on the defensive line. I am tired of watching godchaux and guy being pushed back and thrown on the ground.

 

[scout]

With the greatest player ever...Mac is not in that conversation he needs talent around him. Specially when the AFC competition is stacked on offense

Bills- Diggs/Knox/Davis
Queens- Kelce/Hill/Hardman
Chargers- Allen/Williams/Ekeler
Bengals- Chase/Higgins/Mixon

You get the point. Problem is we have to get faster on defense too

Only one of those teams won a Super Bowl.

 

[Guts]

Only one of those teams won a Super Bowl

Rams Kupp/Beckham/Jefferson
Bucs Evans/Brown/Godwin
Chiefs

Past 3 SB winners legit talent on offense

 

[scout]

Rams Kupp/Beckham/Jefferson
Bucs Evans/Brown/Godwin
Chiefs

Past 3 SB winners legit talent on offense

Two out of those three teams won because of their defense.