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Breaking Down Patriots’ Pass Rush Concerns: Where Is New England’s Pressure? | Bleacher Report – Mike Dussault

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Breaking Down Patriots’ Pass Rush Concerns: Where Is New England’s Pressure? | Bleacher Report – Mike Dussault

New article up on Bleacher Report from me Mike D.!

Schematically, the Patriots shifted their defense to a lighter 4-3 front featuring Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love, two traditional nose tackle-types in the old 3-4, in the middle. The advantage is that the Patriots now have at least five athletic linebacker-types on the field at all times, and, in theory, should be able to rush the passer on any down. The key to this switch has been Rob Ninkovich, who, despite being smaller than a traditional Patriots defensive end like Ty Warren, has been able to hold up in the run game. Ninkovich has been timely with his big plays, but the Pats still need a more consistent pass rush from him.

Pats know stopping Spiller is key – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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Pats know stopping Spiller is key – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

“C.J. Spiller, his role has increased. He’s doing a lot more things for them,” Mayo said. “He’s catching a lot more screens. He’s breaking a lot more runs. I don’t think he was averaging seven yards a carry when we played them the last time.” Spiller’s play has caught the attention of nose tackle Vince Wilfork. “This guy is a helluva player,” Wilfork said of Spiller. “He’s running the ball very well, catching the ball for them. He’s really showing explosive plays that we were accustomed to seeing when he was in college and now what they drafted him for. He’s coming into his own, and of course Fred Jackson, more of a power runner, but two good backs. This offense is a very explosive offense.”

Bruschi’s Breakdown — Buffalo Bills shouldn’t pose threat to New England Patriots – ESPN Boston

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Bruschi’s Breakdown — Buffalo Bills shouldn’t pose threat to New England Patriots – ESPN Boston

The Bills aren’t a team that will really test you down the field. There are quick passes. Slants to the receivers. But it’s really built around those two tailbacks and you figure they’ll get the ball in Spiller’s hands early in the game to try to get him going. If you’re the Patriots, you know that is coming because the Bills made an error last week with one of their most explosive offensive players. He’s becoming a player where you have to account for him at all times, even when he doesn’t have the ball. He reminds me of LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia, or like a Marshall Faulk in St. Louis when he played. The Patriots might use a defensive end to chip him, which is a staple of what Bill Belichick often wants to do.