Allow myself to quote…myself…
“This defense needs to become one that doesn’t just ‘not-lose’ games, they need to be one that wins games.”
https://www.patspropaganda.com/allow-myself-to-quotemyself-this-defense-needs/
Why Vince Wilfork is so hard to replace – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Why Vince Wilfork is so hard to replace – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
The point of this vignette is that it illustrates Wilfork’s rare athleticism for a man of his stature, proof that men who stand 6-foot-2 and well over 300 pounds can be exceptional athletes, not merely human mountains. But not all defensive tackles have Wilfork’s movement skills. In fact, maybe a handful of others around the league do. And that is – at least in part – what makes Wilfork such an invaluable member of the Patriots’ defense. It’s the ability to align in a variety of spots on the defensive line, the quickness and agility to disrupt as a pass-rusher and, yes, the hands to make a play on the ball as a pass defender, as we saw against the Chargers back in 2011 when he nearly returned an interception for a score. Three down defensive linemen are hard to find, especially among interior defensive tackles.
Vellano played 30 of his 33 snaps after Wilfork left the action. The majority of his plays came combating the run. And he finished with three tackles and his first NFL sack – which was netted from right defensive tackle. Vellano is well-versed in both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses, as he worked within both during his days with the Terrapins. He’s not known for his size, strength or measurables, but he knows how to get to the football. Vellano is far from College Park now, but the All-American did tally 219 total tackles and 13.5 sacks over four years in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/vellano-played-30-of-his-33-snaps-after-wilfork/
With wilfork out for what looks like the season, do you think the patriots might go to more three man fronts or do you think that they stick with a four man front with they have or do you think they might get someone else
I think they’ll stick with the Double Nose 4-3 base with Kelly and Vellano and then put Kelly-Vellano-Jones as the odd front. It’s not horrible, but certainly a lot different than if Vince was in the middle. I’ve actually been impressed with Vellano’s ability to hold his ground.
The 4-3 is just a better fit overall given the kind of tackles they have left, but they can still put some 3-4 in if it serves the gameplan. I just expect everything to be a little more straight forward now, whereas before BB would put Wilfork wherever he wanted to take away an aspect of the offense.
If the patriots for whatever reason decided to have be more aggressive by blitzing and all that good stuff, how I your opinion would the defense look, good, bad, the same
Well what you’re asking is if Bill Belichick suddenly had a major shift in philosophy how would it look? There’s no question both kinds of defenses can be successful, but let’s look at it this way.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Rex Ryan has done a phenomenal job with the Jets defense just about every season. His style is pretty much the antithesis of Belichick’s (and that’s kind of why I love him). But think back on all the Pats-Jets games since 2009. How many times can you recall a busted play on the Jets defense where the Pats had a big score? Shane Vereen on Thanksgiving, Dobson this year are just two that immediately pop to mind.
Now there have been a couple matchups where the Jets pressure really gave Brady problems, but when you look at the overall record (7-3), I think it shows why BB prefers a more conservative approach.
That is the weakness of an attacking defense, you’re susceptible to screen passes and misdirection, and the smart teams will use your aggressiveness against you. Think about some of the Pats-Steelers’ matchups as well in regards to this.
Does it look sexy to have an all out blitz? Sure. Until the QB dumps it off and the running back takes it 50 yards.
Belichick’s defense is more predicated on having smart players who can be in the position every time, while also using disguise. He also prefers physical players. That combination is not always easy to find.
The weakness of the read-and-react style is that they’ll give up yardage, but it’s often contained. When run correctly it should not give up big plays, and especially not on broken plays. The key is being able to stiffen in red zone and keep touchdowns off the board.
For teams to light up the Patriots defense (and it doesn’t happen often) they have to play flawlessly. Despite all the yards they gave up from 2010-2012, they were still one of the best teams in the NFL.
So both styles have their weaknesses and strengths. If the Pats were more of an attacking defense it might look better to fans, but the results might not be what everyone expects.
Ultimately, Belichick has to stick with what he’s had success with, but that doesn’t mean he’s averse to mixing in pressure from time-to-time. He just prefers to pick his spots when it’s less likely to get burned for a big gain.
Wilfork has successful surgery
Thanking God for a successful surgery pic.twitter.com/matpmHlcgH
— bianca wilfork (@mrs75) October 1, 2013
The status of rookie defensive lineman Armond Armstead will continue to come into focus in the wake of Wilfork’s injury. Armstead is on the non-football illness list because of an infection that was discovered during the offseason, and he is eligible to return to practice as early as Week 7. It’s still unclear if Armstead will be ready that early, but there is optimism regarding his progress, and the belief exists that he will be able to contribute in 2013.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-status-of-rookie-defensive-lineman-armond/
