What are reasonable expectations for the Patriots

[Rondo2287]

I understand that their run defense hasnt been that great in the presseason, but trust me, they will stop the run. 

[Big_Matt34]

Yeah while im worried about their ability to get to the QB the one thing i feel very good about is their ability to stop the run. Ron Brace has missed the whole pre-season but i think you will see alot of 4-3 with a line of Seymour/Wilfork/Brace/Warren, that will be great against the run.

I think them getting to the QB will be the key for their defense, if they can then i think  the defense will be very good.

[Chris]

I understand that their run defense hasnt been that great in the presseason, but trust me, they will stop the run. 

They didn't do a great job of it last year either (well, they were middle of the pack anyways).  But I agree, they should be able to stop the run.  I think the 4-3 will really help with that.

I just want to see more from their pass defense, and pass rush.

[Brickowski]

I understand that their run defense hasnt been that great in the presseason, but trust me, they will stop the run. 

I trust my own eyes.  Their run defense has been poor.  IMHO the 3-4 is a better defense against the run.  It's much harder for opposing backs to get outside, and the linebackers have better angles to tackle the ball carrier.

[Fafnir]

I understand that their run defense hasnt been that great in the presseason, but trust me, they will stop the run. 

What makes you think that. Faith doesn't tackle opposing RBs.

The Patriots D clearly has to pound itself into shape.

[Rondo2287]

Again its got alot to do with Brace.  As well as we havent seen them play a full game.  Nor have we seen how the effect of having the pats offense on the field for a full game has on their defense.  Because the Pats offense scores so many points it dictates how the other team plays offense.  Also when the pats offense controls the ball like they did in 2007 and gives their defense time to rest on the side, they are much better. 

Also Brace being out for so long has alot to do with it.  And how often have we had our first string defense out there together?  I dont remember alot of times where adalius and Jerod were in their together. 

[Big_Matt34]

I just want to see more from their pass defense, and pass rush.

I think those two things go hand and hand. Last year the secondary got bashed like hell, mainly Ellis Hobbs. But QB's had so much time last year it would have been hard for even the best CB to stay with a WR.

If they got to the Qb, the secondary would have looked much better last year. Same for this year, if the QB has all day then the secondary will look bad again. Burgess, Seymour, Adilius, and Banta Cain need to all step up. I think Seymour has a VERY good year, playing for his last big contract most likely.

[Chris]

Again its got alot to do with Brace.  As well as we havent seen them play a full game.  Nor have we seen how the effect of having the pats offense on the field for a full game has on their defense.  Because the Pats offense scores so many points it dictates how the other team plays offense.  Also when the pats offense controls the ball like they did in 2007 and gives their defense time to rest on the side, they are much better. 

Also Brace being out for so long has alot to do with it.  And how often have we had our first string defense out there together?  I dont remember alot of times where adalius and Jerod were in their together. 

Of course the problem is, if their offense is as good as it can be, then it won't matter if they can stop the run, because teams will always be playing from behind, and forced to pass the ball.  So the pass defense is really the most important thing to see.

I just want to see more from their pass defense, and pass rush.

I think those two things go hand and hand. Last year the secondary got bashed like hell, mainly Ellis Hobbs. But QB's had so much time last year it would have been hard for even the best CB to stay with a WR.

If they got to the Qb, the secondary would have looked much better last year. Same for this year, if the QB has all day then the secondary will look bad again. Burgess, Seymour, Adilius, and Banta Cain need to all step up. I think Seymour has a VERY good year, playing for his last big contract most likely.

Agreed.  I hope its just a matter of them taking it easy in the preseason, because if they don't put on a pass-rush, they are just going to continue to leave the D-backs out to dry.

[crownsy]

Ssspence, you see that receiver drop the Eli Bomb the other day.  Thats a shame, he throws his one good pass a game, and surprise, without toomer or Burress, it gets dropped, just like I said.  Oh and by the way, In my 10 team fantasy league Eli went undrafted yesterday.  One team actually took two kickers over him. 

things in Foxboro really haven't been the same since, huh?

meh.

I'm still disappointed they lost, but at the end of the day they are still the class of the AFC with the colts and steelers, are 3/8 in SB wins over the decade in a game where more than one win a decade is pretty rare, and should be a prime SB contender again this year.

the whole 18-1 attempted diss by other jealous teams would hold alot more weight with me if it wasn't for the whole 3 SB's in 4 years. It's one thign if that season was our first shot inyears at a SB, quite another when we're competing neck and neck with the steelers for "franchise of the decade". Would it have been nice to get that one and end the debate? you bet, but  I'm  very happy with this team on balance.

I think 12-4 is very reasonable. The defense is actually something im happy about, they wont be as solid early, but most of the young kids the've slowly put in place (mayo, merriweather, guyton, sanders, thomas ect) combined with what remains one of the best D lines in the game should see them trending upwards nicely right around playoff time, assuming health, which is the wildcard with all 30 NFL teams.

[Rondo2287]

Im aware that the pass d is an issue but he asked me about the run defense.  But im also confident that with the emergence of Merriweather(Who was named by ESPN to have a breakout year, you all should check out the article) and probably one if not a couple of the young corners should be much improved this year.  

And if we have a healthy Ty Warren, Seymore, Burgess, and Wilfork in a 4-3 which he said he loves because it frees him up to rush the passer, I think we can be effective there.  

[Big_Matt34]

But im also confident that with the emergence of Merriweather(Who was named by ESPN to have a breakout year, you all should check out the article) and probably one if not a couple of the young corners should be much improved this year.

You and me are the drivers of the Meriweather bandwagon it seems. Dude is gonna have a HUGE year, i expect him to play at pro bowl level, may not make it but i think he becomes an elite safety. Like it said in that article i linked a few pages ago, he was one of only four defensive backs last year with at least two interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. The others were Adrian Wilson, Antoine Winfield and Quintin Mikell. Wilson and Winfield went to the Pro Bowl. Pretty impressive considering he didnt start until the season was halfway over.

As for Cb's, i think Wilhite can become a legit #1 CB and will have a good year. One of Springs or Bodden need to step up as that 2nd corner because Wheatley and Butler arent ready.

[Fafnir]

I understand that their run defense hasnt been that great in the presseason, but trust me, they will stop the run. 

They didn't do a great job of it last year either (well, they were middle of the pack anyways).  But I agree, they should be able to stop the run.  I think the 4-3 will really help with that.

I just want to see more from their pass defense, and pass rush.

You can't assume that you'll always be ahead. Though, and all it takes is one or two bad series on D then suddenly not stopping the run will lose you game.

[Rondo2287]

But im also confident that with the emergence of Merriweather(Who was named by ESPN to have a breakout year, you all should check out the article) and probably one if not a couple of the young corners should be much improved this year.

You and me are the drivers of the Meriweather bandwagon it seems. Dude is gonna have a HUGE year, i expect him to play at pro bowl level, may not make it but i think he becomes an elite safety. Like it said in that article i linked a few pages ago, he was one of only four defensive backs last year with at least two interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. The others were Adrian Wilson, Antoine Winfield and Quintin Mikell. Wilson and Winfield went to the Pro Bowl. Pretty impressive considering he didnt start until the season was halfway over.

As for Cb's, i think Wilhite can become a legit #1 CB and will have a good year. One of Springs or Bodden need to step up as that 2nd corner because Wheatley and Butler arent ready.

I agree and for the record I think Merriweather had 4 picks last year which makes that stat line even more impressive

[Chris]

I understand that their run defense hasnt been that great in the presseason, but trust me, they will stop the run. 

They didn't do a great job of it last year either (well, they were middle of the pack anyways).  But I agree, they should be able to stop the run.  I think the 4-3 will really help with that.

I just want to see more from their pass defense, and pass rush.

You can't assume that you'll always be ahead. Though, and all it takes is one or two bad series on D then suddenly not stopping the run will lose you game.

Oh, I agree.  I am not saying stopping the run isn't important, I am just saying its not enough.  If they can stop the run, but get torn up in the passing game, it just won't work.

[Brickowski]

No, run ofense is more important, particularly when the weather turns cold.  The run eats up clock and increases your time of possession.  Being able to run-- and to stop the other team from running-- is critical for keeping your defense off the field and well rested.