The NE D bounces back---starting this week (1 Viewer)

[fathermurphy]

After the embarrassing beating they got from Miami (not even taking the bye week prep into consideration) I really expect them to have not only a statement game this week, but a statement season. I envision belichek going ape, screaming "is Brady the only reason we are successful?" and "we were a feared defense and now, because we lost an offensive player, we are a shell of our former selves?"

They have formidable talent (lacking in corners, yes) on that D line. The arrogant do not just roll over and go home...if the arrogance was earned. They fight to prove they deserve your hatred.

I think the NE DST prove themselves all over again and save face for the organization. Their schedule is mostly ridiculous for the rest of the season. NE D will carry them. Starting this week, after traveling cross country, they will destroy SF and then all that follow.

I am benching Buffalo DST for NE and will continue to do so until I see for myself that they have given up. Then I will cut them and never speak their names again. Which will not happen. Because they will prevail. Defense wins championships! The fancy offensive stuff is over via necessity and now, now comes the violent reckoning.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

After getting a big 0 from them vs. Miami at home, I wouldn;t touch their defense with a ten foot pole.

 

[Bears_Man2]

I've seen the NE ranked in the top 10 on a couple sites for this week. i guess I don't see it....at all.

I don't have them ranked in my top 20 for this week.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Pats D is built for NFL production not fantasy production. So the best case outcome for them would probably be very low fantasy points and very low SF points, something like:

NE 31

SF 13

3 sacks, 1 FF, 1 int

~5 fantasy points

 

[blake]

i am starting the patriots defense, but this might be my last week with them. if they don't do too well this week, i'll likely release them and search for another team. the low points that they guarantee are killing me.

 

[the spanker]

Pats D is built for NFL production not fantasy production. So the best case outcome for them would probably be very low fantasy points and very low SF points, something like:NE 31SF 133 sacks, 1 FF, 1 int~5 fantasy points

That's NINE points in my league, speak for yourself. I agree with OP. NE will redeem themselves this week and JTO and that 9'er OL will feel the fury. NE D could very well indeed bounce back strong for the season.

 

[3C's]

I don't get it. Preseason they were ranked in the top 10 all over the internet, #4 here I believe, and were #4 ADP. Yet people have a hard time believing they will bounce back?

 

[facook]

I don't get it. Preseason they were ranked in the top 10 all over the internet, #4 here I believe, and were #4 ADP. Yet people have a hard time believing they will bounce back?

A large part of that was the belief that the majority of games would see the Pats' O run out to a big lead, then rush the passer and cause turnovers. Without Brady, this scenario has become obsolete. In a straight-up, possession-for-possession type game the Pats D looks old and slow. That's not to say they aren't a viable start, just that they don't have the built-in advantage we thought they did pre-season.

 

[Routilla]

If they can't stop SF then I may be cutting them Tuesday morning. They have had 2 weeks to figure it out.

 

[the spanker]

If they can't stop SF then I may be cutting them Tuesday morning. They have had 2 weeks to figure it out.

I agree with you 100 percent!

 

[Traders2001]

Pats D is built for NFL production not fantasy production. So the best case outcome for them would probably be very low fantasy points and very low SF points, something like:NE 31SF 133 sacks, 1 FF, 1 int~5 fantasy points

They can be build for whatever , they are still old , slow and washed out .

 

[Man who'd fire the Yorks]

When looking at their schedule before the season started I figured they'd be a lock to win 14 games and make another SB appearance. Yeah, Brady can't help the defense but his loss seems to be evident on both sides of the ball. Just my opinion but what happens to their defense if they go to San Fran and get beat. My niners aren't a SB contender but I think they're better than the Dolphins. NE probably figured they'd be able to handle the lowly Dolphins without Tom and the Dolphins snuck up on them and really bit them. I think now's the time for Moss to step up and really be a leader if the Pats are gonna do anything. If he returns to the Moss of old the Pats are doomed this year. Don't be so quick to think the Pats will make this a statement game because they've had two weeks to prepare. The Niners are capable of playing well at times and this game could be one of those. I'm pickin' the Niners to upset the Pats by a FG. I don't think the Pats offense is any better right now than the niners so it'll have to be their defense show up if they are to win the game. I like the Pats and Brady has surely helped my fantasy teams over the years but I'm sure they're lots out there that don't feel bad you lost Brady for the year and want the Pats to fall apart.I don't wish that kind of ill will on any team. It'll be a quiet plane ride back to Boston after losing 20-17. Look on the bright side, your Red Sox are kickin' my Angels ### after we finished with the best record in baseball and regularly beat the Sox during the season. I'm hoping for an Angels comeback but being realistic it doesn't bode well at this point for LAA.

 

[3C's]

Pats D is built for NFL production not fantasy production. So the best case outcome for them would probably be very low fantasy points and very low SF points, something like:NE 31SF 133 sacks, 1 FF, 1 int~5 fantasy points

They can be build for whatever , they are still old , slow and washed out .

The only "old" guys are Harrison and Bruschi, and they still seem to get around just fine.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

When looking at their schedule before the season started I figured they'd be a lock to win 14 games and make another SB appearance. Yeah, Brady can't help the defense but his loss seems to be evident on both sides of the ball. Just my opinion but what happens to their defense if they go to San Fran and get beat. My niners aren't a SB contender but I think they're better than the Dolphins. NE probably figured they'd be able to handle the lowly Dolphins without Tom and the Dolphins snuck up on them and really bit them. I think now's the time for Moss to step up and really be a leader if the Pats are gonna do anything. If he returns to the Moss of old the Pats are doomed this year. Don't be so quick to think the Pats will make this a statement game because they've had two weeks to prepare. The Niners are capable of playing well at times and this game could be one of those. I'm pickin' the Niners to upset the Pats by a FG. I don't think the Pats offense is any better right now than the niners so it'll have to be their defense show up if they are to win the game. I like the Pats and Brady has surely helped my fantasy teams over the years but I'm sure they're lots out there that don't feel bad you lost Brady for the year and want the Pats to fall apart.I don't wish that kind of ill will on any team. It'll be a quiet plane ride back to Boston after losing 20-17. Look on the bright side, your Red Sox are kickin' my Angels ### after we finished with the best record in baseball and regularly beat the Sox during the season. I'm hoping for an Angels comeback but being realistic it doesn't bode well at this point for LAA.

The Niners are better than most people think. The secondary is excellent, thes defense solid and Martz will get production out of the offense.I don't have a reason for you why the Angels haven't shown up yet in the playoffs, other than to note that today's Red Sox lineup reminds me of the Yankees lineup from 10 years ago; personnel management is almost an unfair advantage for the Sox these days....

 

[H.K.]

After getting a big 0 from them vs. Miami at home, I wouldn;t touch their defense with a ten foot pole.

Amazing what a heartless & prideless team this has become without Brady. These guys are playing out the string already. Zero difference between them and teams like the Lions or Rams at this point. Incredible to watch it happen, but its true.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

After getting a big 0 from them vs. Miami at home, I wouldn;t touch their defense with a ten foot pole.

Amazing what a heartless & prideless team this has become without Brady. These guys are playing out the string already. Zero difference between them and teams like the Lions or Rams at this point. Incredible to watch it happen, but its true.

Hey, at least their not guilty of institutionalized steroid abuse. You know; like the Panthers?

 

[H.K.]

After getting a big 0 from them vs. Miami at home, I wouldn;t touch their defense with a ten foot pole.

Amazing what a heartless & prideless team this has become without Brady. These guys are playing out the string already. Zero difference between them and teams like the Lions or Rams at this point. Incredible to watch it happen, but its true.

Hey, at least their not guilty of institutionalized steroid abuse. You know; like the Panthers?

That's exactly my point. Taking steroids shows a desire to get better, increase performance, and will to win despite all the damage it can do to your body. The Patriots don't care enough to make that kind of sacrifice.

 

[Tanner9919]

I don't get it. Preseason they were ranked in the top 10 all over the internet, #4 here I believe, and were #4 ADP. Yet people have a hard time believing they will bounce back?

A large part of that was the belief that the majority of games would see the Pats' O run out to a big lead, then rush the passer and cause turnovers. Without Brady, this scenario has become obsolete. In a straight-up, possession-for-possession type game the Pats D looks old and slow. That's not to say they aren't a viable start, just that they don't have the built-in advantage we thought they did pre-season.

thus far in 2008, the NE defense is ranked 16th in opponent's time of possession ..to give you an idea what that means, Denver is ranked 17th and Oakland's defense is actually better than NE, with an opponents TOP at

30:22 vs NE at 30:23 minutes..

other notables:

Miami defense: 30:07

KC Chiefs: 29:47

Saints: 29:15



in 2007, the NE Patriots were second-best in the NFL in TOP for opponents, at 27:25.Only Pittsburgh was better last season..

Currently, the Pats are 12th worst in the NFL in total yards allowed, even Atl, Cincy, Miami, Oakland are letting up fewer totals yards per game than NE is....

The Pats defense is 5th worst in the NFL in terms of yards per play allowed, at 6.0...only Denver,Detroit,Kc, ST Louis are worse..

They rank #2 in terms of 3rd down percentage ( allowing opponents to convert 3rd downs)...#2 in the NFL at 49%, tied with Houston!

Not sure I've seen a more overrated overhyped defense..

They might play well because they're coming off the bye, but I wouldn't expect NE to be a strong play the remainder of the season.

 

[-baller]

yeah, I seem to remember half this board throwing dirt on the redskins after week one, too.

how'd that work out for you?

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

After getting a big 0 from them vs. Miami at home, I wouldn;t touch their defense with a ten foot pole.

Amazing what a heartless & prideless team this has become without Brady. These guys are playing out the string already. Zero difference between them and teams like the Lions or Rams at this point. Incredible to watch it happen, but its true.

Hey, at least their not guilty of institutionalized steroid abuse. You know; like the Panthers?

That's exactly my point. Taking steroids shows a desire to get better, increase performance, and will to win despite all the damage it can do to your body. The Patriots don't care enough to make that kind of sacrifice.

Good smack talk is relentless. I applaud your effort...

 

[packersfan]

The Niners are better than most people think. The secondary is excellent, thes defense solid and Martz will get production out of the offense.

The Niners aren't bad but they made an absolutely horrible Saints' defense look like the 85 Bears last week. I think the Patriots' D is a very good fantasy option this week. They'll probably give up some yardage but they should be able to sack JTO several times (with the exception of one game, he's been surrendering a large number of sacks each week) and if he doesn't play any better than last week he'll give the Pats several chances for takeaways too. I wouldn't be surprised if the Niners won this game but I do think the Pats' D is a good option this week. That may be hard for their owners to reconcile given how putrid they were against Miami in Week 3, but this is a week-to-week game (and a week-to-week league).

 

[Bri]

2 weeks with that Miami game hanging over their head....I like em' this week.

 

[packersfan]

2 weeks with that Miami game hanging over their head....I like em' this week.

As I posted in the thread I started, they are 8-0 since 2003 under Belichick in games following double-digit losses. And yes, those games were with Brady at QB. But I also think Belichick has a lot to do with that statistic. He's had two weeks to scheme for the Niners. I would be shocked if we didn't see a much different New England defense today than the one one we saw against Miami.

 

[Bri]

2 weeks with that Miami game hanging over their head....I like em' this week.

As I posted in the thread I started, they are 8-0 since 2003 under Belichick in games following double-digit losses. And yes, those games were with Brady at QB. But I also think Belichick has a lot to do with that statistic. He's had two weeks to scheme for the Niners. I would be shocked if we didn't see a much different New England defense today than the one one we saw against Miami.

yeah I remember that, good research.Their DL is still one of the best. It is possible some of their LBers are now too old instead of savvy but, Mayo and Thomas surely aren't. BB generally can gameplan to take one thing away. I'm curious if it's Gore, if they can pull that off, and how the Niners react. He did have a good scheme once upon a time to take away Marshall Faulk in this offense, but that was a long time ago.

 

[H.K.]

After getting a big 0 from them vs. Miami at home, I wouldn;t touch their defense with a ten foot pole.

Amazing what a heartless & prideless team this has become without Brady. These guys are playing out the string already. Zero difference between them and teams like the Lions or Rams at this point. Incredible to watch it happen, but its true.

Hey, at least their not guilty of institutionalized steroid abuse. You know; like the Panthers?

That's exactly my point. Taking steroids shows a desire to get better, increase performance, and will to win despite all the damage it can do to your body. The Patriots don't care enough to make that kind of sacrifice.

Good smack talk is relentless. I applaud your effort...

Thanks. Just threw a fiver your way, too.

 

[KingEl]

Everyone seems to forget that the winless Dolphins shredded NE's Def LAST YEAR in their early season game!!! Of course, NE's Offense was able to carry them in that game, but still- NE's def looked terrible in that game... What happened the 15 other games? They looked pretty damn solid!! Point being- one bad game does not a washed up/finished team or player make..... I agree if they can't put it together this week, then something is wrong, but to just count them as out after 1 terrible game makes no sense given the way the NFL plays out every year..

 

[packersfan]

2 weeks with that Miami game hanging over their head....I like em' this week.

As I posted in the thread I started, they are 8-0 since 2003 under Belichick in games following double-digit losses. And yes, those games were with Brady at QB. But I also think Belichick has a lot to do with that statistic. He's had two weeks to scheme for the Niners. I would be shocked if we didn't see a much different New England defense today than the one one we saw against Miami.

yeah I remember that, good research.Their DL is still one of the best. It is possible some of their LBers are now too old instead of savvy but, Mayo and Thomas surely aren't. BB generally can gameplan to take one thing away. I'm curious if it's Gore, if they can pull that off, and how the Niners react. He did have a good scheme once upon a time to take away Marshall Faulk in this offense, but that was a long time ago.

My guess is the Belichick schemes to take away Gore (easier said than done) and forces JTO to beat them. O'Sullivan really regressed last week in my opinion and I think the best way to attack the Niners is to make him step up and play at a high level. I'd put the game in his hands and dare him to beat me. But I'm not Bill Belichick.

 

[Interseptopus]

I didn't read any of this, just responding to the title...

So NE loses 1 game by a lot and all of a sudden all they can play for is pride? A team that's got 10 losses is playing for pride. NE is still playing for their division lead last time I checked... that should be enough motivation. Forget pride, how about redemption?

NE sucks, karma's a bich

 

[Bri]

SF one of the highest in sacks allowed

 

[[scooter]]

Whoever does the projections has way too much respect for J.T. O'Sullivan.

 

[Uber]

I envision belichek going ape, screaming "is Brady the only reason we are successful?" and "we were a feared defense and now, because we lost an offensive player, we are a shell of our former selves?"

Yep. This is what he'll be doing alright.

 

[Uber]

Pats D is built for NFL production not fantasy production. So the best case outcome for them would probably be very low fantasy points and very low SF points, something like:NE 31SF 133 sacks, 1 FF, 1 int~5 fantasy points

They can be build for whatever , they are still old , slow and washed out .

The only "old" guys are Harrison and Bruschi, and they still seem to get around just fine.

Actually both are extremely mediocre.

 

[3C's]

 

[Blue-Kun]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Pats D is built for NFL production not fantasy production. So the best case outcome for them would probably be very low fantasy points and very low SF points, something like:NE 31SF 133 sacks, 1 FF, 1 int~5 fantasy points

1 sack, 3 intsMy estimated score was impacted by Cassel's early picks, but the game played out about what I expected.Contained Gore; let JTO try to beat the defense.Chargers next...I suspect the bolts will extract some revenge on the Pats, but we'll see....

 

[Road Warriors]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

Looking a bit deeper...1 TD on short fields from a Cassell pick.

Overall, a very nice turnaround for the D. Gave up only 199 total offense, got off the field on 3rd downs ( 1/9 ), force under 50% completions and forced 3 turnovers.

Aside from the giving up the TDs in the passing game, I'd say it was a significant improvement.

 

[ROCKET]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

Yeah, they gave up a whopping 199 yards of offense.

 

[KingEl]

+ They basically shut the 49ers down in the 2nd half even though they are old and slow and wear down in a game according to some of you... Even old man Harrison made some nice plays... The Patriots def is not elite, but in the right matchup is still good..and they are def not done with

 

[the spanker]

The question is how will they fare against the Chargers next week? Might be time to look for other alternatives.

 

[blake]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

Looking a bit deeper...1 TD on short fields from a Cassell pick.

Overall, a very nice turnaround for the D. Gave up only 199 total offense, got off the field on 3rd downs ( 1/9 ), force under 50% completions and forced 3 turnovers.

Aside from the giving up the TDs in the passing game, I'd say it was a significant improvement.

definitely. i'll take 8 points this week rather than -4 against miami every time.

 

[Bri]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

Looking a bit deeper...1 TD on short fields from a Cassell pick.

Overall, a very nice turnaround for the D. Gave up only 199 total offense, got off the field on 3rd downs ( 1/9 ), force under 50% completions and forced 3 turnovers.

Aside from the giving up the TDs in the passing game, I'd say it was a significant improvement.

I thought both teams special teams were horrible today short one excellent delanie walker tackle(BTW he should probably play LB not TE)There was also a Lee punt that went a zillion yards(81?) ...really didn't like ST overall though

I wonder what the average starting field position was.

I'm not sure how much those yardage stats are padded.

I was livid a few times when San Fran WRs were completely all alone. There was one to Bruce that was just a "ya gotta be kidding me" type of poor coverage.

JT likes to run and all but, they were right there chasing him so I think they did get some especially good pressure today.

I think it was better but, still issues.

BTW great coverage on Frank Gore yet he really did run that route and catch like a WR- thoroughly impressed. I'd figure Gore is playing some WR in spots from now on.

 

[Blue-Kun]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

Yeah, they gave up a whopping 199 yards of offense.

The two Isaac Bruce touchdowns were basically him being completely uncovered by a weak NE secondary. This is JT O' Sullivan and an over-the-hill Isaac Bruce taking it to them. Gore was getting 4.5 ypa on the ground, until Martz decided in his usual style to abandon the run way too early.I know what the box score says, but I also watched the game. The NE defense looked old and stodgy, the secondary looked especially weak against a passing offense, which although isn't awful anymore, isn't going to be scaring anyone. It should be troubling to people that despite 'containing' Gore and holding down the total amount of yardage, the 49ers offense was still able to score three touchdowns.

 

[-baller]

Yeah, NE D definitely bounced back. Only allowed 21 from the 49ers.

Yeah, they gave up a whopping 199 yards of offense.

The two Isaac Bruce touchdowns were basically him being completely uncovered by a weak NE secondary. This is JT O' Sullivan and an over-the-hill Isaac Bruce taking it to them. Gore was getting 4.5 ypa on the ground, until Martz decided in his usual style to abandon the run way too early.I know what the box score says, but I also watched the game. The NE defense looked old and stodgy, the secondary looked especially weak against a passing offense, which although isn't awful anymore, isn't going to be scaring anyone. It should be troubling to people that despite 'containing' Gore and holding down the total amount of yardage, the 49ers offense was still able to score three touchdowns.

 

[Tanner9919]

against one of the 'lesser' NFL teams, NE still managed to give up 144 yards rushing and gross 259 yards passing, and 21 pts..

against JT O'Sullivan!



by the time November rolls around and the aged players on NE begin to tire out, that defense will look almost as bad as Denver or N.O. defense

:yikes:

 

[H.K.]

against one of the 'lesser' NFL teams, NE still managed to give up 144 yards rushing and gross 259 yards passing, and 21 pts..

against JT O'Sullivan!



by the time November rolls around and the aged players on NE begin to tire out, that defense will look almost as bad as Denver or N.O. defense

:yikes:

Also, SF led the league in sacks allowed at 19 heading into the weekend. New England managed one in this game.

 

[-baller]

I seem to recall the haters claiming the NE D only looked good because NE dominated ToP last year, and now that was out the window.

*ehem*.....

also, I seem to recall some people touting the buffalo D this year.

how's that workin' out for you?

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

against one of the 'lesser' NFL teams, NE still managed to give up 144 yards rushing and gross 259 yards passing, and 21 pts..

against JT O'Sullivan!



by the time November rolls around and the aged players on NE begin to tire out, that defense will look almost as bad as Denver or N.O. defense

:yikes:

Also, SF led the league in sacks allowed at 19 heading into the weekend. New England managed one in this game.

1 sack3 ints

Contained Gore

Victory achieved

Next

 

[H.K.]

Next

1 FR0 Int

0 Sacks

30 PA

They generate zero pressure and can't stop anyone. The Pats do not have a good defense.

That entire team is pedestrian at best without Brady. Perfect example of why the QB is so important in football.

 

[Bri]

Next

1 FR0 Int

0 Sacks

30 PA

They generate zero pressure and can't stop anyone. The Pats do not have a good defense.

That entire team is pedestrian at best without Brady. Perfect example of why the QB is so important in football.

Their D has played poorly at times, no doubt but, I'd hardly say they have a bad defense.

 

[H.K.]

Next

1 FR0 Int

0 Sacks

30 PA

They generate zero pressure and can't stop anyone. The Pats do not have a good defense.

That entire team is pedestrian at best without Brady. Perfect example of why the QB is so important in football.

Their D has played poorly at times, no doubt but, I'd hardly say they have a bad defense.

Semantics don't matter, facts do:Allow 21.8 PPG, 17th in the NFL

Allow 320 YPG, 16th in the NFL

Rank 27th in YPP (5.6)

Rank 28th in Sacks (7)