Despite losing Trey Flowers and Malcom Brown, the Patriots brought in enough free agents and rookies, and have enough young veterans returning, that the 2019 squad shouldn’t miss a beat. The 2018 champs were as shutdown as any defense under Bill Belichick down the stretch, but this edition is more talented and deep.
The ability to morph in and out of different fronts and coverages defined the second dynasty defenses. How might this deep and versatile squad get deployed by Bill Belichick and the defensive staff (with unknown playcaller)? Let’s play.
The Additions
Michael Bennett has been a problematic pass rusher that Bill Belichick long coveted. Now that the Hoodie has him, expect Bennett to play to his strengths, which means getting after the quarterback from a variety of spots. The key with Bennett will be trying not to get him beat up in the run game early on in the year. If he’s still fresh in January he could produce the kind of game-changing plays Flowers has for the last three seasons.
John Simon was brought back after carving out a pass rusher role last season. If Simon can develop from there as Rob Ninkovich did he might seize a big role.
Rookie Chase Winovich could be an early contributor who can ease the early-down snaps for Bennett. Bringing an aggressive edge-setting mentality will really lock down a job for Winovich, but there’s also a good amount of competition for him.
Jamie Collins‘ return was unexpected and it sounds like Collins is right back to his old tricks within the Patriots defense. With Kyle Van Noy mastering the defense, the Patriots now have two really athletic linebackers. And that’s not including Ja’whaun Bentley, who showed a ton of promise last year before getting hurt.
Mike Pennel was one of the best run stoppers in the league last season and is a perfect fit to replace what Malcom Brown did. With Lawrence Guy coming off a career year and Danny Shelton also brought back, the middle of the defense looks solid.
Rookie Byron Cowart is another really good defensive tackle fit and could unseat Shelton.
On the back end it’s one of the most proven and deepest groups Belichick has ever had. Only rookie JoeJuan Williams would appear to have a shot at making the roster unless injuries strike.
So how will it all come together?
Run Downs/Regular
Guy and Pennel should anchor things inside when stopping the run is the priority. Behind them Elandon Roberts and Bentley should see plenty of action as the middle linebacker.
Deatrich Wise‘s development in year three is an area to watch. If Wise can emerge into an every-down edge-setting/pass-rushing end, the trickle-down effect will be immense.
The other edge spot is up for grabs after Bennett, who really should be saved from playing in the regular package. Ideally, Simon, Winovich or Derek Rivers wins the job in August. Those three should all see significant snaps early in the season at one time or another.
The outside linebackers finally have some depth, with Hightower, Van Noy and Collins all top-flight NFL players and edge setters in the run game. Collins’ return is great news for Hightower, who won’t have to play every snap right out of the gate.
The secondary core four has one question, who is CB2? J.C. Jackson? JoeJuan Williams? Jason McCourty? That will be determined in camp and the competition will only make a great secondary better.
Passing Downs/Sub
This is where the fun begins. The featured pieces upfront, Michael Bennett and Adam Butler on the line, with Hightower, Van Noy and Collins playing all kind of games behind them.
The versatility of those three linebackers is what will make the Patriots even better prepared to deal with the Chiefs this year.
After those five players, the Pats can search for the most effective combination, with Wise, Simon, Winovich and Rivers all getting opportunities. At least one should make some splash plays with the attention the linebackers will draw.
In sub, the Pats already go six deep with NFL experience and that doesn’t include the stud rookie Williams or last year’s top pick Duke Dawson. They have size, experience and an elite cornerback in Stephon Gilmore.
The key for the back-end are the safeties, especially Patrick Chung, who makes things work with his versatility. If there’s an Achilles Heel to this Patriots’ defense it might be losing Chung to injury. Having good linebacker depth is some insurance.
McCourty’s also versatile as Harmon has spent his career taking care of the back end and allowing D-Mac to move around. As a trio, there isn’t a better safety group in the NFL.
The Patriots have a veteran core that has led them to three Super Bowls and if they stay healthy there’s good reason to project this team back in the big game.
But there are still roles to be won and chances for new players to emerge. The team has a lot of really interesting depth which should make training camp fun.
As Tom Brady embarks on one of his final seasons, it’s nice to know the other side of the ball looks ready to carry things, if/when they have to and are set up to do so for a while.
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