Good stuff from NESN’s own Doug Kyed…
Last year’s Patriots finished with 43 sacks, 54 QB hits and 164 QB hurries for 261 total QB pressures in 1134 plays according to Pro Football Focus. They were able to generate a QB pressure on 23 percent of plays. Carter was the most successful at rushing the passer – despite missing 2 ½ games – with 51 total pressures and Anderson was close behind with 45.
This season, the Patriots are on pace for 36 sacks, 48 QB hits and 130 QB hurries for 214 total QB pressures in 1096 plays. They’re generating a QB pressure on 19 percent of plays. Jones is the leading pass rusher, on pace for 62 total pressures, while Ninkovich is second, on pace for 31. Nink finished last year with 39. The problem is, the Patriots have filled Carter and Anderson’s roles with Jones and Ninkovich, but they simply aren’t blitzing linebackers like they did last year with Nink. The Patriots will have to start blitzing their linebackers, and rushing five or six players more often.