Mike Wright was one of the unsung heros of the Patriots defense from 2008 through a good part of 2010 until his concussion problems started. His numbers from that time frame won’t jump off the page at you until 2010, when he put up an impressive 10.7 pass rush rating (via ProFootballFocus.com) through the first eleven games.
Wright never missed a game in that three year span before the concussion in 2010, and provided a reliable and versatile back up to Vince Wilfork, while also supplying the necessary push up the middle of the pocket. Wright’s presence helped covered up what were lean years at linebacker and defensive back due to turnover from the dynasty defense.
Ever since Wright went down the Patriots have struggled to replace him, especially the way he caused havoc on the line of scrimmage. The lack of a real interior rush threat has been a major reason the short passing teams have torn the Pats apart and wracked up historic yardage against them.
How will the Pats bring pressure up the middle this year?
The first option has to be former Bengal Jonathan Fanene, even though even he is not really an interior rush specialist. Myron Pryor might be another option, he fits the exact mold of what New England needs, but he has battled injuries for the past two seasons and still hasn’t been back on the field yet.
Perhaps this is why a lot of reporters from training camp have been mentioning undrafted rookie Justin Francis as a dark horse to make the team for his quickness off the ball.
He seems too slow to be a rush OLB or full time 4-3 DE, and too small to be a full time DT. But he has nice agility (7.05 3-cone), burst (1.6 10 yard split), explosiveness (36" vertical) and long arms (34.5") in addition to his versatility, and a good motor.
Sounds like just the kind of guy who could hold up inside but also get off the ball and get through centers and guards.
I truly believe that the Patriots defensive improvement in 2012 is heavily dependent on finding a defensive lineman who can get interior pressure, while also spelling Wilfork. It’s stupid to try and run Wilfork into the ground, especially as he gets older. Losing him would be a tough blow to deal with.
It should be an interesting competition to observe in training camp, but someone must emerge and stay healthy if the Pats defensive fortunes are to improve this season.
Pressure up the middle. Preserve Vince. It’s just that simple.