– The line between linebacker and safety seems to be disappearing. Linebackers used to only need to be slightly more athletic than offensive linemen, but now they must be able to run and cover tight ends, running backs and sometimes wide receivers, all of which run the gamut of size and speed. Belichick has long experimented with big safeties in the dime linebacker role, but that has seeped into many of the subpackages.
– This speaks overall to the total athleticism of the defense now. There are just four defensive tackles, each a little different than the other, but generally where the only size exists on the defense. The defensive ends, linebackers and strong safeties all have plenty of crossover in coverage and need to be able to play in space at times.
– The Patriots have always been a gameplan defense but it’s going to be extreme this year. You simply can’t pencil in anyone in a particular side or position. The defensive tackles will be mixed however best fits to attack the offensive line whether it’s having two space eaters inside or using Easley to attack gaps.
– Then there’s the cornerbacks who I think will be in more man-to-man than any of us anticipated, but it will be about matching features, not just Butler on the left/ on the best receiver, etc. The safeties will factor into this as well. Put it this way, tracking the snaps and coverage is going to be a headache this year.
– With Stork back at practice I really have no idea what the OL looks like Thursday night. Although Jackson looks a little better than Mason, I wouldn’t rule out Solder-Mason-Stork-Wendell-Vollmer.
– Travaris Cadet is a wild card because there’s no tape on how the Pats plan on using him. He’s receiver-like in his route running and I think the Pats are going to use him to create a lot of favorable matchups.
– Remember September is always about experimentation, even to the point of losing games unfortunately. Guys are going to get chances in the first four weeks that don’t represent how good they actually are. Guys could be seen in September, get their chance, and never be heard from again if they don’t seize it. So don’t read too much into the lineup week one especially.
– Wouldn’t mind some number changes for Tre Flowers (74), Rufus Johnson (70) or Geneo Grissom (48) today. 52, 58, 59, 90, 98 are open.
– Dion Lewis is the RB to watch vs. Pittsburgh I think.
