Tackling

[cstjohn17]

When the Patriots lost to the Seahawks last year I remember saying "Wow, this time can really tackle".

Fast forward and getting to see them more and more I am impressed with their tacking fundamentals.

Hopefully this is a point of emphasis for the Patriots, the defense was on the field a lot against Denver but also missed a ton of tackles. Those small yards really add up.


Team Yards After Catch Allowed - 2013 - NFL Season Statistics

 

[SalemPats]

This also a product of a good D-line.

 

[SalemPats]

It's tough to work on tackling with the new off-season and practice rules

 

[cstjohn17]

This also a product of a good D-line.

That helps for sure, I thought it was also interesting that Seattle's base defense is basically 3 DTs and a speedy DE.

Base
LDE - Bryant 6'4, 323
LDT - Tony McDaniel 6'7, 305
RDT - Brandon Mebane 6'1, 311
RDE - Chris Clemons 6'3, 250

Sub - sprinkle in some more pass rushers
LDE - Cliff Avril - 6'3, 260
LDT - Clinton McDonald 6'2, 297
RDT - Michael Bennett - 6'4, 275
RDE - Chris Clemons 6'3, 250

Irvin can be added to the mix as an extra rusher but at least in the Superbowl the Seahawks didn't blitz much.

 

[Kontradiction]

That and team speed was one of the reasons why this defense absolutely, positively, could not stop the screen in 2013. How many times did we see 3rd and 15+ turn into a first down this season off of a screen?

 

[Froob]

Patriots are great at tackling runners as soon as they hit the 1st down marker.

 

[bigballas]

That and team speed was one of the reasons why this defense absolutely, positively, could not stop the screen in 2013. How many times did we see 3rd and 15+ turn into a first down this season off of a screen?

Or a draw run...or a run off the edge....or a deep pass etc. we sucked ok third down all around

 

[Froob]

Or a draw run...or a run off the edge....or a deep pass etc. we sucked ok third down all around

Has to be one of the worse stretches of 3rd down defense of all time since 2008.

 

[Kontradiction]

Or a draw run...or a run off the edge....or a deep pass etc. we sucked ok third down all around

The screen comes to mind immediately. Off the top of my head, I could think of two occasions where the defense gave up a first down on third and long off a screen. Against Denver and Miami. And I'm absolutely sure I'm missing at least three other occasions (I believe one way against the Jets but can't say so with much conviction if I'm just going off the top of my head).

 

[BennyBledsoe]

Too many attempts at 'highlight' tackles. Not enough wrap your arms and pop through them.

Memo: the shoulder is one of the stupidest ways to try to make a tackle when not combined with ARMS.