So far, Hobbs and O'Neal have been solid

[Leave No Doubt]

Ya know I called this, I knew the credit would go to Capers and not Hobbs.

I don't think anyone's doing that at all. Hobbs has been a valuable player on this team for a long time and, for whatever reason, he's struggled at times. Giving some credit to his coach in no way takes away from Hobbs' ability or value in this organization. Geezuz. I for one am glad Capers put him in better positions, and I hope Hobbs shuts all his naysayers up.

Coaching IS important...just rewatch last night's pats/Jets game if you have any doubt on that

 

[b72s]

Belichick has wanted o"neal for years as he thought he was a good system fit.

We may have just seen a beautiful position improvement and cap saving play instead of signing a more costly guy (Ty??)

 

[dhamz]

The key to CB play in the NFL these days is pressure on the QB. The Pats got pretty good pressure yesterday. With the rules enfored as they are, you simply can't cover guys for long.

You want an example - when Shawn Merriman is in the QBs face all day Antonio Cromartie is a superstar. When he is out and there is no pressure, Cromartie was turned into nothing more than Brandon Marshall's *****.

 

[ALP]

They have done well. Part of the reason is that there has been more pressure on the opposition QBs than during pre-season so the DBs didn't have to put out fires all over the field and could concentrate on their roles in the scheme. More knowledgeable people can correct me but it always seems to me that BB wants his secondary to do a specific job in sync with the pressure from the rest of the defence and if interceptions and big plays happen that is a bonus rather than the criteria for picking them.

The chest thumping stuff has crept into most sports and it stinks, but at least our players don't seem to let it affect their attitude when executing their responsibilities.

i can handle the chest thumping....hobbs did it after making some very good dfensive plays

defeentely better tehn the jets pointing up at the sky after a good play...

 

[Kontradiction]

The key to CB play in the NFL these days is pressure on the QB. The Pats got pretty good pressure yesterday. With the rules enfored as they are, you simply can't cover guys for long.

You want an example - when Shawn Merriman is in the QBs face all day Antonio Cromartie is a superstar. When he is out and there is no pressure, Cromartie was turned into nothing more than Brandon Marshall's *****.

Great call there. Cromartie was near the receiver, but Cutler was just lofting passes right past him. Minus Merriman, Cromartie is nothing more than an above-average CB. With him, he is great.

With that said, though, I'm going to have to Kontradict myself and give Hobbs props. I have openly dogged Hobbs in the past but in these past couple of weeks, he has really matured. I don't know if it's coaching or if it's just that he's a couple of years older but the tandem of him and O'Neal is really eased my pre-season secondary concerns. Hopefully, they are both back together next year with a more complete defense when Brady comes back.

 

[Racervx54]

Hobbs was the MVP yesterday for me! I really love seeing him knock those passes down.

 

[signbabybrady]

Hobbs is Da man!

 

[Seneschal2]

Sure they will get beat from time to time, all corners but they look solid right now.

If we want to continue to see solid play from the corners, then we'll need to have a consistent pass rush -- especially from the edge.

Ellis and Delta are more than capable, as they both have good ball skills. But as is the case for all CBs, they require assistance from the Safeties, and/or a pass rush that disrupts the timing between QB and receiver. Otherwise, average QBs have the ability to throw perfect passes...making plays difficult to defend.

Side note: I also have high hopes for Wheatley. IMO, he has the necessary skills to succeed.

I credit the coaching of Dom Capers for the production coming out of that secondary. Especially Hobbs' production. His technique is so much better than it was last year. That is a credit to him and the coaching that he has received.

I'm confident that Capers coaching experience has (or will) improve the entire secondary. Whether or not he's worked one-on-one with Hobbs remains an uncertainty. Until Hobbs gives credit to Capers for teaching him new techniques, I choose to give props to Ellis for his work ethic. It's common knowledge that Hobbs wants to be considered one of the best at his position. And he has the smarts to know that hard work will only aid him in reaching that goal. He had solid technique coming out of college and now has another year of experience. It's entirely possible what we're seeing now is progress in his development. And I doubt he's a finished product.

JMO.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I'm glad someone made this thread. They both kicked tail yesterday. I was thoroughly impressed with the way Hobbs defensed those balls thrown at Cotchery. He looked like a completely different cornerback.

I knew Oneal was athletic, but I didn't know he was so quick. He was a great pickup and I got a real good feeling about him for the rest of the season. I think he fits the system well and may even excel like Asante did, in time.

As far as Capers, there may be something there. Maybe he does his secondary drills and practice different and possibly he has related well with the 2ndary. At any case I think it is a combination of maturity,skill and coaching and that's the way it should be imo.

 

[DisgruntledTunaFan]

Not to hijack this thread, but...

Obviously, BB/Pioli knew what they were doing when they let Asante go. And they also knew what they were doing when they passed on a trade for Lito.

Again-props to them for knowing full well that they have solid talent at CB.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

The Jets' WRs are no joke either, very impressive. Other than the big play by Coles these guys were fantastic. I know our defenses tend to get better as the year progresses, but right now is there even any room for improvement from the performance Sunday?? Can't ask for much more than 10 PA and getting the ball to the offensive in Jets territory 3 times.

 

[DisgruntledTunaFan]

Is anyone else surprised by how Hobbs bounced back from that Super Bowl?

Really-to be fair, he slipped with his footing on Plax's TD. However-something like that can affect one's psyches for a long time.

With that being said-I felt bad for him, and am glad he's put it behind him.

 

[italian pat patriot]

i was impressed too by both

very very nice

i liked from the first moment the Deltha O'Neal arrival

 

[Mack Herron]

Agreed that hte CB play has been a pleasant surprise. The safeties have not been as good, however.