Nothing really, he’s done it every year outside of 2011. What we’re seeing this summer is as straightforward as you can get and their defense during the season is anything but straightforward.
The better question is how many different options they have for their “sub” defense. There are pass rushers, athletes and big bodies of many varieties. The possibilities are limitless and while that makes speculation kind of pointless and overwhelming, it has the same effect on opposing offenses trying to gameplan for what they’re going to see.
Generally, (and ideally) I think the nickel package will feature Wilfork/Siliga for some run protection and then Easley/Jones (maybe even Worthy) in a pass rush role up front.
Or for an all-out pass rush (third and long, where the Pats have struggled) you could pull the run protection and use two of the interior rushers or even slide Chandler inside and put someone like Will Smith/Buchanan outside.
Mayo and Collins will likely be the linebackers, while we might even see Hightower in a rush role, especially if a DPR doesn’t emerge.
Then on the back end you’ve got some options. I think McCourty and Harmon would make a fine two-deep shell, or swap Harmon out for Chung for a little more presence in the box.
These are just some of the things to consider. Lots of options.