Depends on how you define success. I’ve pointed out a couple times the parallels to the 2010 secondary who was lit up by the passing game unlike any Patriots defense before or after, and even the 2011 one who wasn’t much better. Those teams both had the best record in the AFC. We know how both those seasons ended. Were they successful? On some levels, certainly. But neither won the Super Bowl, and that’s what it’s all about.
Think about all the single plays that could’ve gone the other way in this playoff run that would’ve ended the Patriots’ season just like those 2010 and 2011 teams. If that happens, are we still infatuated with having press man corners like Revis/Browner? Maybe not.
But ultimately, can this be a Super Bowl winning defense as currently constituted? Sure, and there will certainly be more moves coming. What if a rookie corner comes in and has a great season like McCourty did? That certainly changes things a bit.
I think the talent up front has to continue to elevate to help these corners moreso than they did last year. I don’t think anyone would’ve called the Pats’ pass rush “lethal” last year. Yes, Collins and Hightower blitzing up the middle was a nice twist, but they’re going to have to get more consistent rush out of the two Jones’, Ninkovich, Easley and Sheard, along with a hopefully healthy Mayo and his fellow linebackers. If Mayo comes back it will open up the door for more Hightower edge play and he could put up 7 or sacks if he can do that all season.
Belichick is a conservative defensive coach and he’s played far more seasons with a more zone-based, pattern reading philosophy than he has had playing Cover 1 press man the majority of the time.
So yes, I think they’ll be fine, especially if the front seven elevates to the next level and stays healthy.
