Coming on the heels of Rob Gronkowski’s retirement, the abrupt departure of Greg Schiano just six weeks into his tenure as defensive coordinator was a second significant blow to the 2019 Pats process.
With Schiano leaving, speculation is that Belichick will be forced to take a more active role in the defense, something he certainly did early in Matt Patricia’s career.
Brian Flores was DC for just one season, but clearly brought his own unique personality to the defense. Patricia did the same before him, as did Dean Pees and Romeo Crennel before them.
Although brief, I enjoyed Flores’ spin on things over Patricia’s. Flo was more aggressive, especially on early downs, while Patricia leaned more into playing the odds.
When it all mattered, Flores’ defense was pretty much lights out, turning in the best defensive Super Bowl game since 2001. Yes, it’s a small sample size but it was near perfect.
Even while winning Super Bowls, Patricia’s playoff defenses were often holding on for dear life.
That leads me to wonder who will put their spin on this 2019 defense? I always thought the defense needed that person aside from Belichick to rally around. Who’s leading the defensive room? It can’t be all Belichick.
Does Brett Bielema take a bigger role now? He’s the most experienced of the defensive staff but it’s unclear if he’s even under contract. Bielema was a consultant last year and was rumored to be in line to take over for Flores before Schiano was hired.
The Patriots defense also lost long-time assistants Josh Boyer (conerbacks – Miami) and Brendan Daly (defensive line – Kansas City).
The only thing we really know for sure is Steve Belichick (safeties) and Jerod Mayo (linebackers) are on board and the defensive staff is quite thin for early April. With OTAs beginning this month the Patriots should move to round out their staff. After a few seasons of experience, Mayo could very well be in line to be the DC eventually, but neither he nor Steve B are ready now.
What’s even more clear is that we are about to end a new act of the Belichick/Brady era. No Gronkowski and a new defensive staff will already make 2019 vastly different
The good pieces that return on offense: Brady, Edelman, White and Michel is a very good offensive core, while four starting offensive linemen return in their prime.
Defensively, it all starts with the secondary, a veteran crew with great depth that can match up with anyone in the league. Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower make a lethal tandem, while Jawhaun Bentley’s return will add a new dimension. Michael Bennett is an exciting pass rusher addition.
The flip side for both is the offense must add starters at tight end and wide receiver. The defense must replace the three-down play of Trey Flowers, likely by committee. But it’s replacing the defensive coaching staff that will be most significant.
It’s one of the biggest challenges of Bill Belichick’s career. He’s lucky to have Josh McDaniels, who can handle an increased load should Belichick need more time with the defense, though he did lose receivers coach Chad O’Shea (Miami).
While I’d expect some coaching hires coming soon, I’m also a fan of when Belichick just kind of wings it himself. Seeing a defense more infused with the best coach of all time more than anyone else is certainly intriguing.
Whether they make a significant hire at defensive coordinator like Bielema or just round out the low levels of the staff, it’s going to be different.
It’s been barely two months since the Patriots won the Super Bowl and it’s already clear a new act for the New England Patriots is beginning.
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