I think so, but I think this whole storyline is another one that has been a bit blown out of proportion this week, along with just about everything else.
The Pats have played plenty of man coverage through four games, but just because Revis isn’t following a single guy around people are up in arms. Who’s the elite receiver that we needed to take out of the game those first four weeks? Because to an extent you’re also taking Revis out of the game.
I agree that the Pats passive zone defense can be maddening at times, but things will slowly get more and more diverse. I’m not sure why BB has this kind of progression every year with his defense, but he’s consistent with it.
Man coverage is not the end-all be-all coverage. The best defense can mix and match all coverages because with how good quarterbacks are these days, disguise is the end-all, be-all.
This week has been circled for a while on my calendar because it is the first truly elite receiver we’ve faced this year. But I also heard rumblings that BB thought Revis was misused just manning up the top threat.
I’m not sure if Browner is ready to step out there and play a full game, but there’s certainly a point of view that using his bigger size against Green’s size makes sense.
However Gio Bernard scares me against man coverage. If all your DBs and LBs except the one covering him are turning their backs and running down the field with their guys, it could make for some explosive plays from the diminutive back.
Who knows, maybe Revis does just follow AJ all over the field. I would’t complain, but I think we all need some patience as we get deeper into the season and start facing some really good offenses.
