Who will lead the Pass Rush??

[BlitzFritz]

I was constantly frustrated by the Pats inability to get to the QB in the second half and post season last year. Is anyone else concerned about this?

-- the real pass rushers were Colvin (with McGinest previously); with Colvin gone, we lost our one speed rusher

-- AD was OK. he seems to just have the bull rush move, which a strong tackle can blunt. He seemed to get close but not enough to make the sack. I didnt see the short distance burst that would get to the QB. i think he is fast, but more in space like in coverage

-- our line is great w Jarvis and Vince and Richard. but that is up the middle.

-- Vrabel is very good. and has his moments. just not elite

Unless one of these new guys (Crable, Mayo) is going to be a beast of a rusher (which they likely arent), our rush is going to be WORSE than last year due to the loss of Colvin.

As we know, that puts more pressure on a new secondary. All the pieces are interlinked.

That Gholston pick looks more intriguing to me now.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

I'm still concerned that Vrabel only had one game in which he had a sack (3) after Colvin was out.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I'm still concerned that Vrabel only had one game in which he had a sack (3) after Colvin was out.

I think he became too worn down because he wasn't getting enough sub outs. With Woods and Crable here, that should give our starters more minutes to rest.

 

[patriotsdynasty12189]

Adalius freakin Thomas.*knock on wood*

 

[tombonneau]

Adalius freakin Thomas.*knock on wood*

That's what I'm thinking. But by mid-season it would be great if Crable was coming on on passing downs as a solid edge rusher.

 

[BradyManny]

AD's production at OLB was excellent, particularly in the pass rush.

Hopefully a healthy Seymour makes a difference in the pass rush as well. I agree in the concern over Vrabel's disappearance in the 2nd half of the season. Was he injured? Gassed? Or what? Because his inability to get pressure on his edge was a big factor in the Super Bowl. Will using Woods & Crable at OLB give Vrabel a break and allow him to be fresher during the season.

Also, the most improved aspect of our pass rush will be when we have AD, Vrabel, Mayo and Hobson on the field at the same time. There are 4 guys who could rush the passer, and the O-Line really has to be guessing where the rush is coming from. A pass rusher up the middle will be a welcome dimension.

 

[patchick]

Adalius freakin Thomas.*knock on wood*

Ditto. He should be a force playing from day one at OLB.

 

[PonyExpress]

AD is a better pass rusher than Colvin post-hip injury. Colvin was usually a step slow. AD doesn't use his hands as well but his speed is exceptional. As he became more comfortable in the system he had some monster games. His performance vs the Jets was awesome. He was very good in the SB. Once he adjusted to moving back outside, after the Baltimore game, he was better than advertised vs the run too.

Mayo is also a very good blitzer, when given the opportunity. Same with Crable.

I don't have any real concerns with the starting OLBs, just the depth.

 

[BlitzFritz]

AD is a better pass rusher than Colvin post-hip injury. Colvin was usually a step slow. AD doesn't use his hands as well but his speed is exceptional. As he became more comfortable in the system he had some monster games. His performance vs the Jets was awesome. He was very good in the SB. Once he adjusted to moving back outside, after the Baltimore game, he was better than advertised vs the run too.

Mayo is also a very good blitzer, when given the opportunity. Same with Crable.

I don't have any real concerns with the starting OLBs, just the depth.

maybe i dont remember it all clearly, but my impression was of AD trying to blast thru the tackle, which collapses the pocket but doesnt get to the QB. I think he got some sacks once things broke down and the QB had to try to move. Colvin (and Vrabel) usually had the outside speed move that just got to the QB fast. Colvin especially. (Vrabel has a nose for the ball tho!! wow) I dont remember any outside AD speed moves.

 

[MKats31]

I think it will be this kid Jered Mayo

 

[ausbacker]

AD wasn't healthy for the majority of the season though wasn't he?

 

[RayClay]

I think it will be this kid Jered Mayo

The occasional rush up the middle by Bru is what really discombobulated offenses. That's what made the presnap wandering effective.

With mayo's athleticism, BB will be able to scheme with his bag of tricks making the OLB even more effective.

Yeah, they wore out too. Still had the second most sacks in all the NFL, so I wouldn't be too concerned.

AD more comfortable and more speed seems to be the ticket.

 

[RayClay]

AD wasn't healthy for the majority of the season though wasn't he?

He also wasn't playing OLB most of the season.