An Independent Patriots Blog
While some might be wondering if Hightower is regressing, the view from here is different. It’s rare to see a player his size (6-foot-3, 268) asked to cover regularly down the field, but similar to Mike Vrabel when he once moved to inside linebacker because the team had injury issues, Hightower is often carrying out a role for the betterment of the team that doesn’t necessarily tap his best assets (size, physicality).
https://www.patspropaganda.com/while-some-might-be-wondering-if-hightower-is/
Just depends on the game. They’ll run a 34 when they want to focus on stopping the run. They’ll run more 43 or nickel if they’re a little more focused on stopping the pass.
They played no 34 against the Broncos and were gashed. They could’ve changed to it if they cared, but that was the game plan. The Broncos game truly illustrated where they miss Wilfork.
There was a reason that Wilfork became a three down defensive lineman, because he was good insurance against the run in the sub defense. Sub runs killed the early 2010 Patriots and once they locked it down they went on an impressive win streak. That was all because of Wilfork.
Peyton’s definitely gotten his shots in too. ‘05, ’06 x2, ’09, ’10. But I think it comes down to the how much talent was in the secondary. No question, this is the Pats best secondary since 2004, which is impressive.
But this game was a lot about the elements and how the game unfolded. Manning and the passing offense never got warmed up and when they fell behind and had to start throwing the ball, they were still cold.
However, in the big picture, I think you have to wonder if Manning should even want homefield advantage. His ball just didn’t have the same zip that Brady’s did and while a rematch is very possible, I feel pretty confident Brady is the better quarterback if elements come into play.
I think if last week’s first-half Patriots show up it could be tight. If the second-half Patriots show up, NE wins 14+.
Dane Fletcher Filling Coverage Void for Patriots Defense
In case you missed it from yesterday… Finally some love for Dane.
In Sunday’s 34-31 overtime win over the Denver Broncos, the Patriots played a sub defense (mostly a nickel) for all 90 snaps. This was a contrast from the prior week against the Carolina Panthers, when the team played a high total of snaps in base defense (42 of 58 snaps, including penalties, 72.4 percent). The reason is obvious: The Patriots were most concerned with the Broncos’ passing attack.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/in-sundays-34-31-overtime-win-over-the-denver/
