Defensive look

From time to time this season, we have taken a look at the snaps played by Patriots defenders in games. In doing so, it can sometimes show the team is utilizing personnel in a specific game-plan.

In Sunday’s win over the Dolphins, it was notable that 20 different defenders, not including receiver Randy Moss on the final two plays, played at least two defensive snaps. Part of that was tied into the fact the Patriots had a goal-line situation, which meant two snaps apiece for LBs Larry Izzo and Eric Alexander, two players who normally don’t see much time on defense.

But also, the Patriots liberally were shuffling personnel on and off the field, making sure defenders were on their toes at all times for the sudden personnel changes.

Our breakdown of snaps played doesn’t include the final two plays, so Randy Moss is not included. The breakdown does include one play in which CB Asante Samuel was penalized for pass interference in the second half, which gives us a total of 69 offensive plays for the Dolphins (40 pass attempts, 7 sacks, 21 rushes, 1 penalty).

LB Mike Vrabel – 69 of 69
LB Adalius Thomas – 67 of 69
CB Asante Samuel – 65 of 69
CB Ellis Hobbs – 63 of 69
S Rodney Harrison – 63 of 69
LB Junior Seau – 57 of 69
DE Ty Warren – 50 of 69
LB Tedy Bruschi – 46 of 69
DE Richard Seymour – 42 of 69
S James Sanders – 39 of 69
DE Jarvis Green – 38 of 69
CB/S Randall Gay – 36 of 69
NT Vince Wilfork – 35 of 69
S Eugene Wilson – 28 of 69
S Brandon Meriweather – 25 of 69
NT Rashad Moore – 15 of 69
DE Le Kevin Smith – 5 of 69
LB Eric Alexander – 2 of 69
LB Larry Izzo – 2 of 69
LB Pierre Woods – 2 of 69

(Note: the final two defensive plays, which had Randy Moss on the field to defend a possible Hail Mary, are not included).

ANALYSIS: The Patriots opened in their base 3-4 defense. … When the nickel package (5 defensive backs) came on, it was most often CB/S Randall Gay as the extra defensive back, with linebacker Junior Seau coming off. … When the dime package (6 defensive backs) came on, it was most often DBs Gay, Brandon Meriweather and Eugene Wilson entering the game, replacing two defensive linemen, LB Tedy Bruschi and S James Sanders. … Although we don’t have the numbers for the entire season, it appears that rookie Brandon Meriweather had a season-high in snaps played, as he was an active member in the dime group, while also playing a few snaps in the base 3-4 as part of the continuous rotation.