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Defensive snapshot

Email|Link|Comments (4) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff November 11, 2008 05:00 AM

A look at the snaps played by Patriots defensive players in the team's 20-10 win over the Bills, which can sometimes add more insight as to the team's strategy:

CB Ellis Hobbs -- 43 of 43

S Brandon Meriweather -- 43 of 43

CB Deltha O'Neal -- 43 of 43

S James Sanders -- 43 of 43

LB Mike Vrabel -- 40 of 43

LB Jerod Mayo -- 37 on 43

LB Pierre Woods -- 31 of 43

DE Ty Warren -- 29 of 43

LB Tedy Bruschi -- 26 of 43

DE Richard Seymour -- 25 of 43

NT Vince Wilfork -- 24 of 43

DE Jarvis Green -- 23 of 43

NT Mike Wright -- 19 of 43

LB Gary Guyton -- 17 of 43

LB Adalius Thomas -- 16 of 43

CB Jason Webster -- 12 of 43

DE Le Kevin Smith -- 2 of 43

ANALYSIS: The 43 plays defended were easily a season low, a result of the Patriots' offense holding the ball for 37:40 and the defense coming up with two turnovers and a few timely third-down stops. ... Accounting for penalties, the previous season low in plays defended was 50, against both the Jets and 49ers. ... The lightened load should help defensive linemen as they now prepare to face the Jets on a short week. ... Outside linebacker Pierre Woods' 31 snaps were a season high, as he came on for the injured Adalius Thomas in the second quarter and played every snap from that point. His previous high in a game was 12, against the 49ers. ... Playing with only five defensive backs throughout , the Patriots never went to their dime package (six defensive backs). ... Veteran cornerback Jason Webster, who was signed on Wednesday, was the fifth defensive back. He replaced rookie Jonathan Wilhite and second-year man Mike Richardson in that role, playing in the slot. ... The Patriots' primary nickel package had two defensive linemen (Jarvis Green, Mike Wright), four linebackers (Adalius Thomas/Pierre Woods, Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Mike Vrabel) and five defensive backs (Ellis Hobbs, Deltha O'Neal, Jason Webster, James Sanders, Brandon Meriweather). ... There was one play in which the Patriots had two defensive linemen, five linebackers, and four defensive backs as the coaching staff continues to tap into the versatility of defenders. ... Another wrinkle was the team staying in its base 3-4 alignment on third down, but subbing speedier personnel with Mike Wright entering for Vince Wilfork at nose tackle, and Gary Guyton coming on for Tedy Bruschi at inside linebacker.

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4 comments so far...

Great analysis Mike! Personally, I think Pierre Woods is a little bit of a liability. If both he and Guyton are going to make mistakes, why not go with the rookie? Woods just seems like a career special teamer...

Posted by Matt November 11, 08 10:56 AM

NO NAME DEFENSE! GO PATS!

Posted by Alex November 11, 08 11:39 AM

Mike,

What do you think the odds of the team activating Vince Redd Thursday night? I've been thinking that maybe they'd want the depth at linebacker with such a core player in the unit out. Or do you think they'd maybe go with a 4-3 more this game with Seymour inside with Wilfork?

Posted by Jeff Tartarkin November 11, 08 11:46 AM

43 defensive snaps total!!?!! now that's how you win football games. but with O'neal being in on just about every play, can't help but wonder how long until that comes back to bite us.

to quote the barber in trading places, "Deltha O'Neal a hundred thirty seven years old!!"

Posted by rb November 11, 08 12:02 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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