I think there are two big differences. First is the promise of Siliga. He can be paired with Wilfork inside for better run-stopping, or he can be used to rotate with Wilfork as the main space eater inside. I really think he fits this defense well and should eventually replace Wilfork’s role.
The second is Dominique Easley, a player I was drooling over the second I watched some film of him exploding off the ball. The lack of interior rush has been a recurring theme here on the blog since it’s inception and Easley finally looks like the legit answer to those problems.
In the past the Pats relied on more nose tackle/ 3-4 defensive end types inside. Big bodies, but not guys who could get off the ball with great quickness and attack. I think this had a direct effect on the overall pass rush problems, especially the defense’s struggles on third down.
I mean no offense to Wilfork. He was arguably the best defensive interior linemen in the NFL from 2010-2012. But they overused him and as a result he was less effective as a pass rusher, especially at the end of games.
So now you’ve got an interior DL rotation that is versatile, including Chris Jones, who can bring some pass rush as well, and Joe Vellano, who gives you everything he has.
So really, Belichick can do whatever he wants on the interior of the DL, double space eaters or double pass rushers. Depending on the opponent and situation, all options are on the table.
So I still expect a 34/43 hybrid, where half the defense could be playing the 34, two-gap front, while the other half is playing a penetrating 43.
Chandler Jones and Ninkovich are really key, because there isn’t much depth behind them and they’ll be asked to do a lot — including setting the edge and rushing the edge.
Whether or no Buchanan or Moore can become a reliable rotational player behind them is a huge question. An injury to Ninkovich or Jones could be a real problem.
