Yes, we’re just 14 days from the draft which means that the die-easy’s are starting to come out of their football hibernation to weigh in with their just-informed opinions of what the Patriots need.
What do they think? Here’s a hint: PASS RUSH PASS RUSH PASS RUSH!
I think every Patriots fan from far and wide can agree that quarterbacks appeared far too comfortable in the pocket in 2010 against our defense. But there’s a couple things to point out.
You cannot understate the effect that losing Mike Wright and Myron Pryor had. They were the Patriots top two interior rushers and without them the Pats were forced to go with defensive lineman who did not excel in that role. I love Big Vince, and Gerard Warren had some really solid pressure in some games, but neither are ideal there.
Offenses these days have perfected the 3-step drop, quick passing attacks, and it’s simple geometry that the interior rushers are the ones with the shortest and most direct route to disrupting a quarterback who will be looking to throw just six feet behind the center.
Edge rushers have virtually no chance to disrupt the short passing attack, unless they are dropping into coverage, which in a nickel package is rarely happening.
This is why it’s not Robert Quinn, Aldon Smith or bust in terms of upgrading the pass rush. JJ Watt or Cameron Jordan could shift inside on passing downs and really cause some mayhem, pushing the pocket back, while also allowing the outside rushers to get a better angle of attack on the QB, who will be forced off the spot.
As always pass rush is a combination of things. It’s interior pressure, it’s edge pressure, and it’s coverage. So don’t be dismayed if it’s the interior pass rush that gets upgraded early in the draft.
