Mike Dussault

My question is on the DT position. Like you, I have been saying that this is where we need the pass rush to come from? I like the Tommy Kelly signing and think he will help. What free agent DTs do you think could be brought in at this stage? How much would you pay Seymour? (I would give him a Shaun Ellis contract). Kelly, Seymour, Wilfork with Forston would be a great roation and allow the rest of the front seven to fall into place (kinda like the Talib aquisition). Any chance this might happen?

August 16, 2013 by Mike Dussault

Sadly the Seymour ship has definitely sailed, but I agree, just in terms of what he’d bring on the field and what he has left, he’d be a good addition. I’m pretty sure we’ll see an addition at the DT spot on cutdown weekend. Justin Bannan? Sione Pouha? There aren’t a lot of options. Perhaps a trade might be possible similar to what Belichick pulled off with Jarrad Page.

Even that might be a long shot. The Pats not only need Armond Armstead back, but they need him to be good. Forston and Grissom are okay, but are closer to should-be 4th options, not 3rd. If Wifork or Kelly get dinged Forston or Grissom would then start? Yikes.

Kelly and Wilfork should improve the base down interior pass rush, and Marcus Benard should be a good interior option (as well as off the edge) on passing downs, but ideally Armstead can still be an ideal #3 in the rotation, while also bringing a larger inside pass rush presence so they can avoid going the “move a DE to the inside” option like they did last year with Cunningham and look likely to do with Benard this year.

W2W4: Five things we’ll be focused on – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

August 16, 2013 by Mike Dussault

W2W4: Five things we’ll be focused on – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Good list, and I’ll certainly be focused on all the rookies who get in, especially in the early going. Some other things I’ll be watching:

– the pass rush, from both the edges and inside, especially on early downs. Can Tommy Kelly continue to be a force next to Wilfork?

– the backup defensive tackles, especially Foston, Grissom and Vellano. None blew me away upon the re-watch. Vellano is a try-hard type and did a good job holding his ground, can he do it again?

– the safety play, especially with Devin McCourty likely to sit again. Can Duron Harmon build on some of the good things he did last week? Can Tavon Wilson start to make some noise? The safety position seems to be still very much up in the air after McCourty.

Patriots need to improve their pass rush – Sports – The Boston Globe

August 16, 2013 by Mike Dussault

Patriots need to improve their pass rush – Sports – The Boston Globe

I agree with the premise, however to judge the pass rush off a preseason game is a little premature when you consider they are running straight-forward defensive calls. We all know the Pats D excels at disguise, and that will be a big help to the pass rush.

Marcus Benard is the key guy, and he should move all over the line in the nickel and dime packages. Along with Ninkovich and Jones they should be a pretty good threesome. Could another DPR make a splash like Michael Buchanan or Jake Bequette? The roster door is certainly open.