I agree with that, and at this point they’ll really need something out of Marcus Forston since DT3 looks like the biggest defensive problem spot at the moment. Love what Tommy Kelly could and should bring to the party, but one more stud defensive tackle would truly make for a special interior rotation. I’ll have an eye on Forston, Cory Grissom and Joe Vellano in the coming games. The door is open for two of them to not only make the team, but the gameday roster.
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With more versatility on the defensive side of the ball, what do you expect? More blitzing, taking more chances, more man coverage etc
I don’t think Belichick will ever run an overly aggressive defense, it’s just not his style, and really it just comes down to having better players so you don’t have to manufacture pressure.
When the Patriots’ defense was at it’s best last decade, they could get pressure with just four guys and as a result, the secondary always looked better than they might’ve really been (with the exclusion of 2003, when the secondary was the best it ever was).
To me, the keys are generating good pressure with Ninkovich-Kelly-Wilfork-Jones, and allowing Mayo, Hightower, Spikes and Collins to make the plays. Having their entire defense return nearly intact bodes well, especially in a system like Belichick’s that is all about communication and reading route combinations.
Ideally they’d love to be able to run man-to-man on the outside, and with Talib and Dennard they should be able to.
The defense should be better from the front to the back, but it’s less about versatility and more about just having better and more experienced players who can win their matchups.
if the rookies flourish and the RBs do their jobs, would this be one of the most balanced and effective offenses in recent memory? would brady be, as brian billick said, enshrined in canton immediately after the season?
Yeah, if this offense doesn’t miss a beat, it will certainly be one of the crown jewels of Brady’s career. Brady’s already a lock for Canton, but doing it with another entirely new set of receivers sets another precedent.
I’m fully expecting it at this point given Brady’s still in his prime and the offensive line looks poised for a great season. It all starts with those two keys, weapons can be cycled in and out if the QB and OL are great.
Tale of the Tape: First-Team Glance at Patriots’ Preseason Victory over Eagles | NEPatriotsDraft.com – 2013 NFL Draft
Good film breakdown of some key plays from the Eagles game from Oliver Thomas at NEPatriotsDraft.com. I never get too excited or concerned after preseason games, but there are certainly plenty of things to work on and build on.
Five things we learned about the Patriots after Friday’s win over the Eagles – Sports – The Boston Globe
Good stuff here and I agree with all, especially the pass rush problems. Getting pressure with your front seven will make any secondary look better than they are.
Updating Patriots’ Key Position Battles Halfway Through Training Camp
Updating Patriots’ Key Position Battles Halfway Through Training Camp
Here’s our Monday B/R piece, updating where we’re at with some of the bigger position battles. All still very fluid, but here are guys that are rising to the occasion first.
What’s next for the Patriots? – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
What’s next for the Patriots? – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
When looking closer at the Patriots’ rotation at defensive end on Friday night, it caught the eye that 2013 seventh-round pick Michael Buchanan came on before 2012 third-round pick Jake Bequette. Buchanan, who looks the part at 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, caught our eye with a nice combination of speed and power off the defensive left side. He got sucked inside on a Matt Barkley quarterback keeper for 8 yards in the second quarter – which was a good learning experience for him when it comes to discipline in maintaining the edge – but otherwise showed up with some solid work. He’s a player we want to see more of this week.
