Pats Defense 2009 - Crazy Vodoo for the NFL

by JonnyNYC on Jul 10, 2009 9:46 AM EDT Comment 6 comments

Was thinking about how the Pats have drafted in the past couple years and how Bill is likely highly motivated to not be caught with his pants down again like he was in week 3 last year and have started to get the feeling he's really rolled up his sleeves this off-season to bring out some new defensive schemes

Much like when he pulled out the 2-2-7 with all men standing on the line look for Peyton in the playoffs, I think Bill will could have a 6 or 7 back look being prepared for Wildcat and spread formations that slow down the reads the QB can make, confuse any audibiles and generally dictate what and where the offense goes with the ball.

I figure if Peyton could be confused with a multiback set, what the F is lesser QB going to do?

Pats have a good blend of youth and experience at corner in Springs, Bodden, Wheatley, Wilhite, Butler and Webster.

Pats have 3 hybrid safeties in Merriweather, Chung and Tank Williams who can play close to the line or back in coverage. They also have Sanders as a more tradiitional Safety.

Lot of good options can be blended from the mix above, and we guys like Adalius Thomas and Mayo who can stay on the field all 3 downs in coverage or rushing the passer - lot of good options here.

Not sure it's going to be a top 5 defense but the unit should be better and hopefully we'll be seeing a lot of coverage sacks and frustration picks this year. Pats need to get back to leading the league in takeaways.

The views expressed in these FanPosts are not necessarily those of the writers or SBNation.

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The defense has been staying on the field for way too long.

Meriweather got in a little blitzing last year. Look for Mayo to do some of that this year up the middle. Guyton is fast and could blitz from multiple locations. When blitzes come up the middle, it makes it easier for the edge rushers to get there.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jul 10, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

These series are stellar

SMP: Before I head off to the wilds of Maine, I just want to say thanks for your posts. There are so many storylines leading up to Training Camp and you’ve nailed all of them with lots to think about.

Just like last season, training camp will make some cuts more obvious (Fernando Bryant) than others (Matt Cassel) to the legion of armchair coaches of Patriot Nation.

I’ve thought that part of Belichick’s defensive genius was to seemingly allow the opposing offense to dictate what they wanted to do, and then managing to interrupt or stop it in some way – forcing teams to sometimes abandon what they did best – thereby giving the Patriots a better chance of winning.

Many times after a win, the analysts would moan about why on earth, for example, the Cardinals would go with a running game. (we know that answer now, but i was just using it as an example.) Anything that could knock a team off it’s game plan or shake a QBs confidence was practiced.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jul 10, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Marima

Nice to know they were read. Have fun in Maine. Never been, but someday maybe I’ll go.

When you can do something to dictate the pace or style of the game, you’ve gone a long ways toward winning.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jul 10, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice breakdown, JohnnyNYC

I think you hit on some good points, re: the blending of youth and experience. I think Belichick has always believed in that formula and uses it successfully.

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Jul 10, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice article

also AT is a lb that could drop to safty he has the skills i think theyll do that somwhat if teams go to wildcat

by Z-money12 on Jul 11, 2009 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You could think of Thomas as a hybrid LB-S too — when he played for Baltimore, they occasionally used him at safety because he’s quick, athletic, and smart enough to handle both positions. We just need him to stay healthy.

by RSNexile on Jul 11, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs