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- Sep 13, 2004
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THE OBVIOUS
We've lost Wilfork, Revis and Browner. As some have pointed out, while this was a great defense, they gave up only a few yards and points less than our worst defenses. It would seem that in 2015 will rely more on our offense than in 2014.
OVERALL
The system will be different. Few top teams can run a man defense. Our schemes will change. As of now, I think that the defense is weaker overall. However, Belichick has months to add a key veteran or two, and to draft a couple.
FRONT SEVEN
Wilfork, Ayers and Casillas are gone. A healthy Mayo, Siliga and Easley will be back. Belichick had added Sheard (one of top values in free agency) and STer Freeny.
A veteran DT may or may not be signed. Many of us think it likely that we will draft a defensive lineman in the first three rounds.
As was the case last year, the need for improvement is against the run, especially in short yardage situations.
SECONDARY
The scheme will need to be different. The safeties will be emphasized for the next couple of years (and the front seven). The safeties performed very well last year and they will all be back.
We only had Revis and Browner for one year. Browner was an expensive liability without Revis. We will go back to more normative Belichick defensive schemes.
We have our dime back (Ryan and/or Harmon). We have our nickel in Arrington (one of the best, before and with Revis here).
The obvious question mark is starting outside corner backs. We haven't a clue with regard to who will start. We have Butler, Dennard, Ryan, McLain, a veteran trade to be named, or a top draftee as possibilities for the two starting positions. We also have added Fletcher and Chickwa.
BOTTOM LINE
How will the overall defense make up for the reduction in quality at corner. IMHO, the defense is NOT likely to be a disaster. We are likely to have a top 10 defense. This is worse than last year, but should be enough for us to be one of the favorites for the AFC championship and Super Bowl.
Personally, I want to see a trade for a corner, plus the addition of a defensive tackle. However, I would note that this is my opinion in March. Much can change in the more than FIVE months before the season starts.
We've lost Wilfork, Revis and Browner. As some have pointed out, while this was a great defense, they gave up only a few yards and points less than our worst defenses. It would seem that in 2015 will rely more on our offense than in 2014.
OVERALL
The system will be different. Few top teams can run a man defense. Our schemes will change. As of now, I think that the defense is weaker overall. However, Belichick has months to add a key veteran or two, and to draft a couple.
FRONT SEVEN
Wilfork, Ayers and Casillas are gone. A healthy Mayo, Siliga and Easley will be back. Belichick had added Sheard (one of top values in free agency) and STer Freeny.
A veteran DT may or may not be signed. Many of us think it likely that we will draft a defensive lineman in the first three rounds.
As was the case last year, the need for improvement is against the run, especially in short yardage situations.
SECONDARY
The scheme will need to be different. The safeties will be emphasized for the next couple of years (and the front seven). The safeties performed very well last year and they will all be back.
We only had Revis and Browner for one year. Browner was an expensive liability without Revis. We will go back to more normative Belichick defensive schemes.
We have our dime back (Ryan and/or Harmon). We have our nickel in Arrington (one of the best, before and with Revis here).
The obvious question mark is starting outside corner backs. We haven't a clue with regard to who will start. We have Butler, Dennard, Ryan, McLain, a veteran trade to be named, or a top draftee as possibilities for the two starting positions. We also have added Fletcher and Chickwa.
BOTTOM LINE
How will the overall defense make up for the reduction in quality at corner. IMHO, the defense is NOT likely to be a disaster. We are likely to have a top 10 defense. This is worse than last year, but should be enough for us to be one of the favorites for the AFC championship and Super Bowl.
Personally, I want to see a trade for a corner, plus the addition of a defensive tackle. However, I would note that this is my opinion in March. Much can change in the more than FIVE months before the season starts.
