What's with all the big bodies?

[FCB02062]

As a guy who's probably 20-30 pounds overweight....me likey!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PatsFanInVa]

A few "experts" have had articles on this--its BB once again playing chess to everyone elses' checkers, with all the big-bodied dts. It has NOTHING to do with 3-4 or 4-3, since neither of those is used that much anyway. It IS about a rule change-chop blocks have now been completely banned. Before, they were only illegal in certain situations, but legal in many others. Ok, what were chop blocks used for before? Stopping monsters like pot roast et al from steamrolling your ol. They can no longer do that. So now, not just pot roast, but mbrown,branch, valentine-a bunch of big dts that can no longer be chopblocked. The key is having not just one or two, but a bunch-so you can rotate them and wear down an ol. The ol will be wrestling with these guys for 4 quarters-and if , like the pats, you got a constant supply of fresh, big dts-most ols will wilt under the pressure. so teams will be unable to run the ball, making them even more predictable and easier to defend. Thats the theory, anyway, but it makes sense and alot of people who know football agree. Polian, of all scumbags, called BB's move "genius". and it doesnt seem like anybody else followed Bbs lead. So with our dl, added to the monster run-stopping duo of high and jamie, not to mention GREAT runstopping secondary, it should be good.

Specifically it was okay when Denver using them. Wanna bet some teams still get to use them?

 

[Off The Grid]

Maybe others can enlighten me, but I don't get where the "return to the old 3-4" talk is coming from. IMO none of the big DTs seem like natural 5-techs -- they're huge, but on the model of 4-3 DTs.

Combine the massive DLs, the blocking rule change, the loss of Chandler Jones, who was the purest 4-3 DE on the roster, and the shrinking usage of 7-man fronts...I keep picturing a base with essentially a 2-man line that can still be stout against the run.

Makes sense to me: We're playing 5 out'f every 6 Snaps in Nickel or Dime.

 

[BTTA]

Two, more talent generally available if everyone is looking for a certain type of player and BB goes in another direction. Thus he accumulates higher talent per dollar spent and fills his team with more depth.

Been thinking the same thing. There's a financial advantage to building a system that values players that aren't as "in favor" in the league.

 

[Mack Herron]

Been thinking the same thing. There's a financial advantage to building a system that values players that aren't as "in favor" in the league.

Yes, that would account for Vellano as well.

 

[alvinnf]

More sub package snaps, still need to be able defend the run in today's NFL. Not too mention that when you have guys getting doubled you create some tasty lanes for athletic linebackers. Without injuries, this defense should be awesome! We are looking at a very good team here folks.

 

[Tony2046]

A few "experts" have had articles on this--its BB once again playing chess to everyone elses' checkers, with all the big-bodied dts. It has NOTHING to do with 3-4 or 4-3, since neither of those is used that much anyway. It IS about a rule change-chop blocks have now been completely banned. Before, they were only illegal in certain situations, but legal in many others. Ok, what were chop blocks used for before? Stopping monsters like pot roast et al from steamrolling your ol. They can no longer do that. So now, not just pot roast, but mbrown,branch, valentine-a bunch of big dts that can no longer be chopblocked. The key is having not just one or two, but a bunch-so you can rotate them and wear down an ol. The ol will be wrestling with these guys for 4 quarters-and if , like the pats, you got a constant supply of fresh, big dts-most ols will wilt under the pressure. so teams will be unable to run the ball, making them even more predictable and easier to defend. Thats the theory, anyway, but it makes sense and alot of people who know football agree. Polian, of all scumbags, called BB's move "genius". and it doesnt seem like anybody else followed Bbs lead. So with our dl, added to the monster run-stopping duo of high and jamie, not to mention GREAT runstopping secondary, it should be good.

OK. That was interesting but now wonder what the No chop block rule means for the OL.

 

[DarrylS]

Felt for a while that BB's D was morphing into a "swiss army knife" type that defies description.. thought he has been trying to do this for a while, but now he has the pieces to go all in..

There are many mix and match pieces that can be used, many different looks, while other teams are playing checkers.. BB plays chess.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Felt for a while that BB's D was morphing into a "swiss army knife" type that defies description.. thought he has been trying to do this for a while, but now he has the pieces to go all in..

There are many mix and match pieces that can be used, many different looks, while other teams are playing checkers.. BB plays chess.

Exactly. I don't see any evidence of moving one way or another. If there are configurations that we will see the most of it's a 4/2/5, a 3/3/5 or a 4/1/6 w/ Chung or hybrid LB dropping down.

For the line, pick any combination of DTs and DEs and you won't be wrong.

For the LBs, pick Collins, High maybe Shea and Chung.

For the DBs, pick DMC, Malcolm, Ryan and whomever else.

 

[jimnance]

OK. That was interesting but now wonder what the No chop block rule means for the OL.

Well, thats a whole 'nother issue. But i dont think it hurts the pats as much as most teams for 2 reasons: 1. Scar,solder and vollmer are back and the ol should be improved and 2. havent kept tabs on all the other 31, but from what ive heard, nobody else was stocking up on big dts this offseason. so doubt there are many, if any teams that can have big dt depth like the pats.

 

[50-yard-line]

WR: Edelman, Amendola, Mitchell, Martin, Dobson?
-Pretty solid 5 man group there

Chris Hogan?

 

[n6249c]

When everyone goes in 1 direction, BB picks a new direction to counter their moves/match-ups (naturally it depends upon his scheduled and probably more specific to the AFCE).

One, he's better able to play to his strengths and
Two, more talent generally available if everyone is looking for a certain type of player and BB goes in another direction. Thus he accumulates higher talent per dollar spent and fills his team with more depth.

I think I recall seeing an interview with BB where he discussed that. Makes a lot of sense. Also means he's always throwing something new or unusual at the opponents. Many advantages, one big one being financial.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Chris Hogan?

He put Dobson over Hogan? LOL

 

[NewFeep]

Hogan isn't making the team?

 

[supafly]

Hogan isn't making the team?

We're still holding out hope for the awesome level of talent that came with the 2013 rookie WR squad: Dobson, Boyce, and Thompkins.

 

[Nunchucks]

Patriots play a lot of nickel. Teams like to run on nickel defenses, Patriots get big guys up front to help stop the run with only 2 LBs on the field or a 3rd undersized LB.