What's with the Pats inability to stop passes in the 10-20 yard range?

[sieglo]

All I know is that it used to be fun watching the Pats defense. They had guys who would make big plays in tough situations. Seems like those days are over.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

I totally agree with you. However, in 2001, BB did not have the correct personell he wanted in order to run HIS defense. What did he do? Adapted to the conditions and rotated with a 4-3 defense designed to bring pressure. This year, the defense hasn't adapted to those losses like it has in the past. I think that's more or less the question that's on most peoples minds. People that watch this team KNOW what's going on with the defense. As you said, they aren't asking the right questions. Right now, the question I have is: why are we having such trouble adapting to these injuries on the move?

that's only because he had an endless line of LB's who could play back then............young vrabel, young bruschi, prime mcginest, phifer, cox.......along with a very experienced secondary.......and a top-to-bottom roster of players who were willing to tear anyone's heads off........

right now, the pats lack the right personnel to even go 4-3.......the 3rd down issues come down to the fact that vrabel and green have become largely ineffective, and the middle of the field lacks the experience to read and react.......not only are the safeties not getting to the middle targets fast enough, but most of the time they're not even getting close to make a hit before the target can leverage themselves........so there is no fear in the middle either

I also believe that both on offense and defense, there is a lack of leadership............with harrison gone, and bruschi not out there half the time, the defense has lost its character.......and on offense, suffice it to say that cassel is the closest thing to tony eason the pats have had since tony eason.......total lack of leadership and charisma........regardless of beatdown, brady always goes down swinging..............cassel seemed to accept his fate early in the 4th quarter

 

[Lansdowne]

All I know is that it used to be fun watching the Pats defense. They had guys who would make big plays in tough situations. Seems like those days are over.

If we could only turn back the clock and have the '03 dream defense again.

LE Bobby Hamilton
NT Ted Washington
RE Richard Seymour
OLB Willie McGinest
ILB Tedy Bruschi
ILB Roman Phifer
OLB Mike Vrabel
LCB Ty Law
FS Eugene Wilson
SS Rodney Harrison
RCB Tyrone Poole

With Asante Samuel, Ty Warren, Jarvis Green, and Ted Johnson available off the bench.

 

[CheerforTom]

right now, the pats lack the right personnel to even go 4-3.......the 3rd down issues come down to the fact that vrabel and green have become largely ineffective, and the middle of the field lacks the experience to read and react.......not only are the safeties not getting to the middle targets fast enough, but most of the time they're not even getting close to make a hit before the target can leverage themselves........so there is no fear in the middle either

I think one of the most underrated disappointments of this year has been Meriweather's hitting. The guy came in with the name "Hit Stick" but not only have I yet to see him really light anybody up but he's missed quite a few tackles.

He's had some good games in coverage and his picks have overshadowed everything, but I'd appreciate a more physical game from him.