Yes, it was a good read here from Doug Kyed.
This is a three part answer, first comes the defensive line. The Pats were just killed by injuries this season but the Seahawks had so many specific tools that they mix and match to exploit whatever they want. The Pats should be in better position at DL to mimic this in 2014, and in some ways it flashes back to 2010 when the Pats were very much a specialized front. They just weren’t very talented.
But similar to Seahawks, you might have Wilfork two-gapping and Kelly one-gapping, with Nikovich/Jones either rushing or dropping. The biggest difference is the Pats need at least one more defensive end who can rush the quarterback, and more depth at defensive tackle. Chris Jones and Siliga are good pieces to getting closer to what the Seahawks did.
The next part is linebackers, where the Seahawks feature closer to traditional 4-3 backers and the Pats are more 3-4 guys playing in the 4-3. Mayo is a good piece, but Spikes, Hightower and Collins would either not play for Seattle or not be linebackers. Collins and Hightower would probably be defensive ends. Spikes wouldn’t have a position.
I think this difference is an overall philosophical one. Belichick leans toward physicality at linebacker over speed. At least in recent years. Maybe that will evolve, though with Mayo and Collins they have two unique pieces that will be interesting to watch.
Finally comes the secondary. While the Pats prefer physicality in their linebackers to speed, the Hawks prefer physicality in their corners and strong safety opposed to speed. Earl Thomas’ range enables them to do this in large part. Perhaps McCourty is headed to that kind of play as well, though I’d still put him a tier below Thomas.
Talib could play anywhere, but Arrington/Dennard/Ryan would not fit in Seattle. All are pretty physical and can play man, but are undersized.
The biggest takeaways I see from the Seattle defense is to find a bigger, more intimidating strong safety than Gregory or Harmon. Add as many pass rushers as possible, and shift the linebackers to more speed than size. Letting Spikes walk is a step towards this.
There is more than one way to put together a good defense, but what the Super Bowl proved to me, once again, is that it is all about pass rush. You can cover any deficiency in the secondary with a consistent pass rush. But you have to do it with four guys and not with some exotic blitz scheme.
The Pats didn’t have the rotation upfront, especially playing in Denver, to get pressure like they needed to against Peyton. Maybe with renewed health and a couple additions, their pass rush will take the next step.
