PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for August 15, 2013

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Tommy Kelly: Had a sack of Freeman in 11-on-11 work for a second consecutive day. The Patriots aren’t used to getting a consistent pass-rush from the defensive tackle spot, so Kelly’s emergence has been key. They are razor thin at defensive tackle right now, but with a healthy Kelly and Wilfork anchoring things in the middle, they’re in great shape.

Training camp stock report: Tommy Kelly could be missing piece for Patriots pass rush – Going Deep – Boston.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/tommy-kelly-had-a-sack-of-freeman-in-11-on-11/

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Not a bad day for the defensive backs. After a down day, Aqib Talib bounced back and fared well against the Buccaneers receivers, and recorded an interception. Logan Ryan and Marquice Cole also had interceptions. Steve Gregory dropped an interception. Ryan could have added another interception in one-on-ones, but he never located the ball until it hit him in the chest.

New England Patriots training camp notes: Brandon Spikes returns to practice | masslive.com

Every report of good pass rush pressure or secondary play is a huge positive.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/not-a-bad-day-for-the-defensive-backs-after-a/

Do you think this defense is better than the 07-08 Patriots. I really like Collins versatility and Chanler Jones is making the leap Plus is one of the youngest defenses in the NFL. The offense has always been a threat I think this is the year of the 4 ring

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It’s a good question but they’re definitely different defenses. The 07 defense was a veteran-laden crew, clearly trending downwards. A lot of their deficiencies were hidden by the fact that the offense was putting up record amounts of points in nearly every game.

The defense now is younger, but trending upward, so I guess in some respects the comparison is pretty close. You’re right, Jones needs to make the leap to close the gap. The other big hole I see is the lack of a Rodney Harrison. McCourty and Adrian Wilson should combine to bring some of Hot Rod’s fire and leadership, but the back end of the pass defense has never been as bad as it was the last two seasons.

I’ve followed this defensive transition very closely since 2008, it was really a huge impetus when I started blogging about the team, and I think they’ve gone about it the right way. The full turnover was inevitable, and now there are plenty of high-round picks who have gained experience playing together and on big stages.

I have a lot of confidence that this defense is going to take a big step this year, and as I’ve said many times this offseason, go from a defense that just doesn’t lose games to one that actually can win games.