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If the pats didn’t add another CB, how do you think the secondary would fare with the players that they currently have on the roster?

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I’ve been thinking a lot about this this week and I went back and looked at some 2010/2011 film to get a sense of how they played with similar cornerbacks.

No one wants to hear about 2010, when the Pats gave up whopping amounts of yardage and were by far the worst defense on third down in the NFL. But when you start in the secondary, there are some parallels. 

The corners were Arrington, Darius Butler, Jonathan Wilhite and rookie Devin McCourty. They were backed up by a veteran safety crew of Meriweather/Sanders/McGowan and rookie Chung.

The corners currently on the roster are probably a wash, but I like the safeties much better now, with four guys all experienced in the system with good versatility. 

So as far as the secondary goes, as we sit here on March 13th, things are still probably better now than they were then. I know this is not reassuring because that pass defense was epically bad, but there are two big things to remember:

First, the biggest difference between these two teams is up front, where the talent and versatility, especially in the pass rush, is night and day than what was cobbled together in 2010. There was certainly no one even close to Chandler Jones or Jamie Collins anywhere on that team. Throw in the potential of Dominique Easley and Jabaal Sheard and there’s no comparison.

It’s been a popular point all week, that the front seven will have to be better to make up for the losses at cornerback, but at least this group looks, on paper, like they can do it.

Second, is that there are still additions to come. In 2010, they started rookie McCourty and he made the Pro Bowl. So it’s not out of the question that either a rookie or a free agent could still be added and make a big impact.

Ultimately, let’s remember that severely flawed defense went 14-2 and had the top seed in the AFC. Yes, they bowed out in an ugly loss to a Jets team that knew them very well, but they were still in good position to compete for the Super Bowl.

There’s no question that the 2015 team will be more talented on both sides of the ball, and that’s not even one week into free agency and before the draft. There’s no need to panic. They’ll make it work in the secondary and the front seven will play a big part in making sure of that.

Since the Pats have some cap space, do you honestly think there is a chance they could sign Wilfork back? I think it’s important to have him since he can stop the run, and he’s definitely the leader of the defense. Really hope we don’t let him leave for the Texans or Colts…

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When they first declined his option I thought he was gone, but as time goes by I’m starting to think there is a chance he comes back. Reports yesterday said he had offers from three AFC teams for about 2 years, $10 million. Not sure where the Pats fall in that range.

Obviously I’d love to see Wilfork back and they still need at least one big defensive tackle. If not him, guys like Red Bryant, Randy Starks, and Ahtyba Rubin would make sense.

I feel like the AFCE is gonna be more of a challenge this year. Which actually makes me excited. With all the meat that’s been added to the Dolphins, jets, and bills and how much turn over there is with the Pats it looks like it’s gonna be a fun ride to the AFCE crown this year

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I agree. I know it kills you when you see your rivals making splashy moves in March while your team stays relatively quiet, but the NFL season is so much more fun when your rivals are good or at least have some hype going into the season. Who wants 16 games a year against the Jaguars or Titans? That’s no fun. 

There’s also a reason why a team like the Jets has the money and the need to rebuild almost their entire secondary through free agency – because the Pats blew up yet another AFC East team. And I really though Rex Ryan was closer than any other AFC coach to figuring out how to beat the Pats. Yes, the Pats looked dominant on paper, but just about ever game, save a couple, went right down to the wire. 

It will be interesting to see what he does with Buffalo to replicate how close he got the Jets to challenging the throne. But that’s the unknown with Todd Bowles. He’s a defensive coach who likes to blitz. Can he and his new coaching staff figure out the same kind of scheming Rex did to slow down the Pats? Those game plans have been out there since 2009 and not many teams can reproduce the *fairly* consistent success Rex had in slowing down Brady, which centered on a confusing mix of pressure and coverage, coming from all directions.

The Dolphins have a good front four, but the depth and talent everywhere else on their defense is very questionable. 

It should be a fun year in the AFC East. I’m very much looking forward to it.

Pats Posits: Regrouping on the Free Agency Front

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The initial rush of free agency is over and yet, even more holes remain for the Patriots than when it started. Yes, they signed Jabaal Sheard, a slam dunk fit for them by all accounts. But significant questions remain at guard, running back and cornerback. Here are some thoughts on what the current rumors and what the Pats might do next.

– There were reports on Thursday that Eagles guard Evan Mathis could be available via trade, and then a later report said the Pats were “interested”. Who know what “interested” really means. If it means they made a call to see what the Eagles want for him, it’s one thing. If it means they’re ready to actively pursue him, it’s something else. Still, the fit makes sense and if they could get him and Connolly back, they’d be in good shape headed into the draft, where I’d still expect them to take a guard by the fourth round. Mathis would be similar to Brian Waters in 2011, who gave them one great year at the end of his career.

– The next shoe to drop could be at the running back position where Reggie Bush and CJ Spiller remain available. Even if it’s not one of those two guys, the Patriots will almost certainly make an addition at this spot. I don’t really have a favorite of the two, though Spiller is three years. Both have had their injury issues and would bring an element of risk.

– As for cornerback, I don’t know what the immediate answer is. There are still a couple names out there, but with new free agents getting released every day, maybe the Pats are waiting for something we can’t predict. 

Of course, that’s the optimistic approach, although Chimdi Chekwa, despite doing nothing of note in Oakland was once a pretty highly regarded cornerback taken in the 4th round.  Far from a lock he even makes the team, much less plays cornerback, but this is what the Pats do. Most of us felt the same way about Rob Ninkovich when he was signed.

Still, I know the thought of a Dennard-Arrington-Ryan-Butler starting secondary is scary at the moment. There will be changes.

– Terrence Knighton came off the market late Thursday, not that I really saw him as a target. Instead I think Red Bryant is more intriguing and a lower-risk signing. Of course the could also bring back Alan Branch as well. Still veteran options out there, but the core is likely going to be Chris Jones/Siliga/Easley and possibly a high-round pick. Randy Starks would be another guy who’d fit, or they could just bring back Wilfork.

– Just don’t see the need for any of these big name wide receivers like Dwayne Bowe or Stevie Johnson. Michael Crabtree would probably make the most sense to me.

– Still would love to see Scott Chandler come to New England. He’d be a perfect addition with Gronk and Wright, essentially upgrading Hooman both as a blocker and receiver. Not to mention he’s killed the Pats recently. BB always seems to go after guys like that. Anthony Fasano would be another good choice.