As I touched on a bit with my Pats Posits, I think part of the problem with the pressure was the Pats’ concern with the Ravens run game. But another big part of it was that Chandler Jones had a fairly below-average game. I said it during the game and Mike Reiss said it in his wrap up of the AFCDG today that this was the kind of game where you want a guy like Dominique Easley was drafted to be. An interior guy who can win one-on-one matchups. So much of the Pats failure of pass rush has been when they play Wilfork and Siliga in the middle for run protection and then Jones/Ninkovich don’t win their one-on-ones. If pass rushers can be blocked with one blocker you’re dead meat. This is why we’ve seen more disguise with linebacker and some cornerback blitzes.
As for the Colts, I think it’s a better matchup for the Pats. I think we’ll see more of Ayers this week as well. But really Chandler Jones needs to have his “hello” playoff moment. Some more Chris Jones will help as well, he’s the best interior rusher they have now, unless they put in Ayers at end and slide Chandler inside.
Overall I think the best players on the Pats defense were up-and-down at best, and definitely nowhere near to dominating the Ravens. At least they should be motivated to make up for their inconsistencies this week.
