It’s an interesting question because if the Patriots defense doesn’t generate pressure against these quarterbacks, they’re going to get lit up. I don’t believe that Belichick will suddenly start running all kinds of crazy blitzes, but we have seen him get creative in year’s past when pressure is a problem. And without Chandler Jones it could certainly be a problem.
We’ve seen occasional slot corner blitzes this year, along with the usual dose of linebackers blitzing when the running back stays in to block (called a Green Dog). I’m sure we could see a little more of that, especially from Hightower and Collins.
But it seems clear that at least for the next few weeks, the secondary is the point of strength on this defense so I think they’ll play to that, using Revis/Browner outside, Arrington/Dennard inside, Chung/Wilson in the box, McCourty/Harmon on the back end.
