The Defense: Why I'm Relatively Optimistic

[mosi]

I'm not sure where this idea that newton sucks comes from. He had shoulder surgery and is obviously just getting into sync. He was the MVP of the NFL 2 years ago and has more weapons now than ever.

I live in Carolina and have seen most of his games this year. He was terrible in all of them except for yesterday's game. Most of his throws were simple check downs with no zip. People actually wondered if he would ever get back to his old form.

The thing I will say about yesterday's game was the offense did play well. The carolina D is very, very good and to put 30 up on them is a great accomplishment.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I don't think that the form seven lacks talent. HOWEVER, your assertion that the personnel hasn't changed much doesn't make much sense.

On the DL, we are counting on Wise, Guy, Butler, and Marsh. We've even added Hightower to the DL.

As of now, we do have Van Noy, Roberts back at linebacker and have added Harris and Flowers. Do you consider that a major plus? Personally, I'd like to see Hightower back at LB.

Based on the 2016 Front 7 roster, in 2017 they returned Brown, Branch, Flowers, Hightower, Roberts and Van Noy. They lost key players in Valentine, Sheard, Long, Nink, McClellin.

They added Guy who has been good. They added Wise who has been good. You could argue they offset Sheard and Long.

We can certainly say they have lost a decent # of players but none of the defectors were top talent.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Yep.

You are panicking and we are 2 days into October.

 

[condon84]

You must be, this is on course to be the WORST defense in the history of football, it's on that pace right now.

They did predict this will be a historic team. So at least we got that going for us

 

[Ring 6]

I get that you're saying people need to have faith in BB and patience a quarter way into the season. Maybe that is all we need and I hope you're right. But I question whether suitable talent is there on the front seven.

What else are you going to do? Complaining about games that haven't been played is silly. So far it is what it is but what it is is 2 losses. We will see where it goes from here.

Front 7 has as much talent as it did last year.

 

[Ring 6]

Yeah I'm willing to admit the Bills could win the division.

Hey Fourier series would you like to bet. Lol.

 

[PatriotsNumero1Fan]

We could use a LB/ pass rusher right now. Harris's wasting a roster spot right now.

 

[Pats1989]

You are panicking and we are 2 days into October.

I'm panicking because this D isn't goung to get better over night. By the time they figure it out, the damage could be done. Damage meaning another bleepin trip in the AFCCG to Denver.

 

[mosi]

I think every year we complain about the defense and how horrific it is. And every year, it gets better and the Pats do OK. Are the Pats going to win the SB? I don't know but I have faith that they will get it together. It might take a while, like till December, but they will. This is the same broken record people.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'm panicking because this D isn't goung to get better over night. By the time they figure it out, the damage could be done. Damage meaning another bleepin trip in the AFCCG to Denver.

If you tell me the Pats are in the AFCCG every year I will gladly take it every time.

 

[PatriotsNumero1Fan]

I think every year we complain about the defense and how horrific it is. And every year, it gets better and the Pats do OK. Are the Pats going to win the SB? I don't know but I have faith that they will get it together. It might take a while, like till December, but they will. This is the same broken record people.

Can it get better? Yes but by how much? We need something idk. I wanna know what's missing on this defense right now. Is it another DL player or a secondary player?

 

[PatriotsNumero1Fan]

If you tell me the Pats are in the AFCCG every year I will gladly take it every time.

They have to find a way and win out until the bye. That would make us 6-2. That means beating the falcons. Have to win on thursday.

 

[Tunescribe]

What else are you going to do? Complaining about games that haven't been played is silly. So far it is what it is but what it is is 2 losses. We will see where it goes from here.

Fair enough. I think what has people mystified and concerned is how consistently badly the defense has performed, unusual for a BB-coached team.

Front 7 has as much talent as it did last year.

Well, that is a matter of opinion but it's also reasonable to suggest the jury's still out on this.

 

[AvocadoIceCream]

If by "borderline bad GM" you mean "indesputably one of the best GMs of his time" then yes, we can agree.

Nope, that’s not what I meant.

His off-season was one of the worst I’ve dver seen

 

[kennyb]

If you're optimistic, i want what you're drinking or smoking. This team couldn't beat a div 2 college team. Not all of them anyway. They are egregiously, horrifically bad.

They may be the first sb winner to not make playoffs. Sorry, could happen.

 

[Oswlek]

Nope, that’s not what I meant.

His off-season was one of the worst I’ve dver seen

Even if this off-season is the worst in the history of the sport, Bill is still an excellent GM by every objective measure.

 

[mgteich]

I get that you're saying people need to have faith in BB and patience a quarter way into the season. Maybe that is all we need and I hope you're right. But I question whether suitable talent is there on the front seven.

The secondary is absolutely dreadful and we're discussing the front seven.

OK.

Some players on the DL have been down (Brown, and Branch). Flowers is fine. IMHO, the new guys are doing fine and will improve: Butler, Wise, Marsh and Guy.

The LB's are a mystery. IMHO, Van Noy is OK as he takes on new roles. Harris can't beat out Roberts for reps. And now Marquise Flowers is getting reps.

We need Hightower to be healthy. IMHO, we also need Hightower to play linebacker.

 

[mgteich]

Based on the 2016 Front 7 roster, in 2017 they returned Brown, Branch, Flowers, Hightower, Roberts and Van Noy. They lost key players in Valentine, Sheard, Long, Nink, McClellin.

They added Guy who has been good. They added Wise who has been good. You could argue they offset Sheard and Long.

We can certainly say they have lost a decent # of players but none of the defectors were top talent.

We've also added Butler and Marsh.

 

[Bruins29]

They may be the first sb winner to not make playoffs. Sorry, could happen.

Yeah, in fact is has. Many times.

Super Bowl IIGreen Bay PackersFinished 6-7-1Super Bowl IVKansas City CheifsFinished 7-5-2Super Bowl XIVPittsburght SteelersFinished 9-7Super Bowl XVOakland RaidersFinished 7-9Super Bowl XVISan Francisco 49ersFinished 3-6 (NFL Players Striken Season)Super Bowl XXINew York GiantsFinished 6-9Super Bowl XXIIWashington RedskinsFinished 7-9Super Bowl XXVNew York GiantsFinished 8-8Super Bowl XXXIIIDenver BroncosFinished 6-10Super Bowl XXXVINew England PatriotsFinished 9-7Super Bowl XXXVIITampa Bay BuccaneersFinished 7-9Super Bowl XLPittsburght SteelersFinished 8-8Super Bowl XLIIIPittsburght SteelersFinished 9-7Super Bowl XLVINew York GiantsFinished 9-7Super Bowl XLVIIBaltimore RavensFinished 8-8

 

[Bcc66duece]

It just seems like the defense is playing with no passion right now. They all look lethargic and lack attitude. I remembers reports out of training camp said that this seemed like a real relaxed team.