PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

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The Patriots primarily used a 3-4 base in this session. Vince Wilfork was on the nose and flanked by Chandler Jones and Tommy Kelly, who is gigantic, by the way. Rob Ninkovich and Dont’a Hightower were the outside linebackers, and Jerod Mayo and Dane Fletcher were inside.

The Blitz with Jeff Howe & Karen Guregian | Boston Herald

While this is an interesting schematic note, it’s also important to understand that we’re in a teaching period at this time of year, and Belichick has historically used the 3-4 as what he teaches first, with the exceptions of 2011 and 2012, although 2012 featured more 3-4 twists on the 4-3 front with Ninkovich playing defensive end, but also having some coverage assignments. 

Again, they will always be a multiple defense. Are we really going to see them go extensively to the old 3-4 base more than 40% of the snaps this season? Probably not, but it would be an interesting adjustment to address the problems they’ve had covering the middle of the field that last two years.

It’s really more semantics. Just because Ninkovich suddenly stood up pre-snap last year doesn’t suddenly mean it’s a 3-4 defense because there are only 3 defensive lineman with their hands in the dirt. What truly differentiates defensive schemes are the techniques being played by the lineman, whether they’re playing one-gap or two-gap. 

The real 3-4 we saw back in the 00’s featured a 3-4 with all three lineman two-gapping. Now, regardless of what we’ve seen in OTAs or even camp, they’ll mix and match who’s playing which gaps, often playing a 3-4 look on one side of the defense, and a 4-3 on the other.

Here’s a must read article on the Pats defense for more on this if you missed it:

In the traditional 4-3, there are two basic fronts: over and under. In Belichick’s hybrid 4-3 “over,” Wilfork is responsible for controlling (that is, destroying) the center and thus the gaps to either side of him. To Wilfork’s left, the defense functions just like a regular 1-gap 4-3 scheme, with the other defensive tackle attacking the gap between guard and tackle and the defensive end covering the tight end. The strong-side linebacker aligns to this side, and there will often be further run support, either from a safety or a cornerback. To the other side, however, it’s all 3-4. The defensive end to Wilfork’s right is a 2-gap player, and there are two linebackers to that side as well, lined up as they would be in a traditional 3-4.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-primarily-used-a-3-4-base-in-this/

Observations from Patriots practice – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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Observations from Patriots practice – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Two most interesting nuggets to me:

Aaron Dobson presented an intriguing mix of “flash” plays (in which he catches your attention for something good) and rookie mistakes. Dobson elevated over Alfonzo Dennard and Steve Gregory down the sideline for a terrific catch in a 7-on-7 drill, followed up by a concentration drop just a few plays later. He again made a catch down the sideline later in practice that impressed, but like any rookie, he’s a work in progress. The size, speed and ability to make catches outside of his frame are evident.


After working last week with the outside linebackers/defensive ends during the individual drill period, top draft choice Jamie Collins was working alongside Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower to start the period today. During team drills, Collins was back on the edge working as an outside linebacker. It’s too soon to tell, but Collins could be a case where the Patriots are experimenting with him to tap into his raw natural skill set to find out where he fits best.

Patriots OTA Tweets of Note

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Here’s some of the interesting tweets coming out of OTAs today…

What Happens in Vegas (Ends up on CNN)

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What Happens in Vegas (Ends up on CNN)

I also saw the famous dance that landed him in the headlines. I saw the bar-tab and the parties. And, we all watched the round-the-clock coverage of his short vacation. We were incredulous at the negative press. And, the inaccuracies. He kicked a friend. He kicked a stranger. He re-injured his arm. He was out partying and drinking all night. In fact, he was with his brothers and playfully flipped one brother to the ground. He was not wasted and he did not injure his arm. It may be a minor point but who doesn’t wrestle with their brothers? Also, minor misstatements from the press are rarely insignificant. The story doesn’t quite sell as well if it is framed as ordinary horsing around.

Here is what he will never tell you. He spent four hours each day in the gym carefully working out after a long rehabilitation. Four hours. I cannot think of a single thing that I can do for four hours. This guy cares about his body. He cares about his team and his career. And the fans. Trust me, I am sure he would have preferred to sleep in but his work ethic and his commitment to his fans wouldn’t abide such reasonable behavior.

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