Came across this on a messageboard, it appears to be notes taken by a coach after hearing Dean Pees talk about the things the Patriots preach on defense. It’s in bullett point form, wish it was a little more descriptive, but I felt it was worth sharing regardless:
Dean Pees Defensive Coordinator New England
The Patriots Defense
Defensive Laws:
Leverage
Attack
Wall
SquarePatriots ran 37 coverages and 17 fronts in 2007
Coach’s Fundamentals
Drill work- Does your drill work emphasize the player fundamentals that you want because practice must mimic game.
Evaluation-Does it works? Can your players do it? Does it fit your scheme?
3-4:
Defense must fit together to build a wall to force indecision in the running backs mind.
Separation in the defense creates a seam.
Must stay square if a guy turns sideways it creates seams.
From end zone, should be able to stand behind and see the back numbers of defenders, if you cannot then that player got turned.
Practice what kids are going to see.
Not as much penetration in base.
LBs must attack and come across square.
Press the offensive player and stay square.
Do not use a sled or bags because its not who you play against.
Goal is 3 yards a carry because two gapping penetration causes positive gains.
Never wrong arm anything. Face to face, never give self up.
Make a play by staying square (two gap him). Do not cut offensive player because it causes seams.
Everybody pushes east and west, not north and south.
Safety reads the shoulders of backs-stay square.
Everything is read and react.
#1 coverage is quarters
#2 cover 3PS: One of my former players (All-Pro ILB James Farrior) is the defensive Captain, & signal caller for the World Champion Steelers. Their 3-4 Defense operates on a different PHILOSOPHY. They try to spill (& wreck) EVERYTHING to the outside – to secondary run support, in their ¼, ¼, ½ coverage (S/S to quarter side, & W/C to half side). That is one reason Polomoleau makes so many tackles – he is a “heat seeking missle”!