Mike Dussault

Okay, so it’s not the 50th anniversary one that is impossible to find, but it’s a suitable substitute. Your ears will thank you.

New England Patriots NFL Cuffed Knit Hat With Pom

This season I’ve been trying to keep track of just what the Pats are doing on defense and as you can see, it’s get a little complicated. With so many young players there’s a constant shift in personnel from week to week. 

But last night’s game was one of the most straightforward defensive game plans we’ve seen in a while and is a good place to reset where we’re at.

BASE 3-4 DEFENSE

Brace – Wilfork – Deaderick

Ninkovich – Spikes – Mayo – Cunningham

McCourty – Meriweather – Chung – Arrington

This is the run stopping formation. While there will be some rotation with the line and Tully Banta-Cain, this is emerging as the best 3-4 look the Pats can put together.

NICKEL DEFENSE

Crable – Wright – Warren – Banta-Cain

Mayo – Guyton

McCourty – Wilhite – Meriweather – Chung – Arrington (Sanders rotating in)

DIME DEFENSE

Crable – Wright – Banta-Cain

Mayo – Guyton

McCourty – Wilhite – Brown – Meriweather – Chung – Wilhite – Arrington

(Sanders rotates in here as well)