Mike Dussault

Epic breakdown from Frenz here breaking down the nuts and bolts of the transition from the last days of the dynasty defense to what we saw on the field this past Sunday.

This has really been one of my main focuses since I started blogging about the Pats during the 2007 season. The most interesting thing to me is how the current incarnation of the defense was not built in the model of what worked in the early 2000’s, it’s something completely of it’s own.

Still they have a lot of similarities. The nose tackle is arguably the most important piece of the old 3-4 defense, and while that’s no longer the base defense Vince Wilfork is still the most vital piece on the board.

Chandler Jones is a different kind of player than Richard Seymour was, but just as vital in a Willie McGinest-type role at defensive end.

Finally Rodney Harrison was absolutely vital to the old defense as the safety who was most commonly employed in the box or as a “robber”. The biggest question the Pats will have to face next on this defensive evolution is whether or not Patrick Chung is the player that can fill that role long term.