Getting Defensive

While their juggernaut offense is expected to roll over opposing defenses as it did last season, the Patriots will have to make sure their defense performs at a high level if they want to make it back to the Super Bowl this season.  Despite boasting the 10th-ranked defense against the run, the Pats allowed 4.4 yards per carry last season, good for 26th best in the league.  Did it matter much?  No, because so many teams were playing from behind due to the Pats’ offensive prowess that teams didn’t run the ball all that much.

But this aging defense is not what it used to be.  Their pass defense is going to suffer without Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, a top five corner in the NFL.  Samuel is now flying with the Eagles and will not be picking off passes for the Pats.  The Pats’ deficiencies against the run last season have to be a concern in a conference whose other top teams have running backs like LaDainian Tomlinson, Joseph Addai and Maurice Jones-Drew.  The Patriots are still the favorite in the AFC, but there isn’t a whole lot of breathing room between them and the likes of the Colts and Chargers, and even the Jags.  But Bill Belichick always seems to find a way.

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Posted in Uncategorized on August 21, 2008

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