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Defensive snapshot

Email|Link|Comments (7) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff December 2, 2008 09:00 AM

A look at the snaps played by Patriots defenders in the team’s 33-10 loss to the Steelers, which can sometimes add a better understanding of how players are being utilized:

ILB Jerod Mayo – 69 of 69 snaps

S Brandon Meriweather – 69 of 69

S James Sanders – 69 of 69

OLB Mike Vrabel – 69 of 69

CB Deltha O’Neal – 65 of 69

CB Ellis Hobbs – 61 of 69

DL Mike Wright – 58 of 69

NT Vince Wilfork – 57 of 69

DE Richard Seymour – 54 of 69

ILB/OLB Gary Guyton – 47 of 69

CB/S Lewis Sanders – 38 of 69

ILB Tedy Bruschi – 35 of 69

DE Jarvis Green – 29 of 69

OLB Pierre Woods – 18 of 69

CB Jonathan Wilhite – 9 of 69

DL Le Kevin Smith – 6 of 69

CB Mike Richardson – 4 of 69

CB Jason Webster – 2 of 69

(kneel-down at end of the first half not included; a holding penalty on Steelers C Justin Hartwig included; a neutral zone infraction on Richard Seymour included)

ANALYSIS: After not utilizing a dime package (6 defensive backs) in recent weeks, the Patriots went to a 2-3-6 dime look 11 times, with Lewis Sanders and Jason Webster opening as the extra defensive backs (Webster was later replaced by Jonathan Wilhite, presumably due to injury). The dime was the package that Richard Seymour came off the field, and Seymour told WEEI on Monday that he didn't agree with that decision. Initially, the two defensive linemen in the dime were Jarvis Green and Vince Wilfork. On the fourth time the Patriots called on the dime, early in the second quarter, Seymour ended up being inserted into the package. In all, Seymour was taken off the field four times in the dime, while he stayed on in the 3-3-5 nickel, and was in the 3-4 base alignment. Jarvis Green subbed in for Seymour for one full series in each half, which has been standard for the team this season as a way to keep their linemen fresh. However, the Patriots did not employ that rotation with Mike Wright and Le Kevin Smith on the opposite side. … The Patriots ran quite a bit of 3-3-5 nickel, with CB Lewis Sanders as the fifth defensive back and OLB Pierre Woods coming off the field. Also, ILB Gary Guyton replaced Tedy Bruschi in that package, which matched up against the Steelers three-receiver grouping. … Guyton also was the top backup at OLB when Pierre Woods left the game with a mouth injury.

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7 comments so far...

4 starters played every snap. The depth is lacking this year.

Posted by CN December 2, 08 10:10 AM

Depth Lacking CN? Considering the injuries, I'd say the depth is being tested, but not lacking. For the most part, the D has held up their end. Given the short field they had time and time again, I can't say that the D was that bad.

Posted by TF December 2, 08 10:38 AM

"Depth Lacking CN? Considering the injuries, "

Every team in the NFL has injuries. Look at the depth the Patriot Superbowl teams had and ask yourself if they would have won SuperBowls without that depth.

Posted by CN December 2, 08 11:14 AM

No schiiite every team has injuries, every team in sports deal with injuries. I just don't think you can question the depth this year. The reserves are paying off. Don't you want your best players that are available on the field?
"4 starters played every snap." Good. Thats what they are paid for. To play.

With the exception of Vrabel, the youths (Mayo-rook, Meriweather-2nd year, and Sanders - 4th year- are going out there and getting better. Vrabel is a stud. Why can't they play the whole game?

I really don't think it was the depth that hurt them. O line play, turnovers and 1 for 13 on 3rd downs. And you are worried about depth. Open your eyes man.

Posted by TF December 2, 08 11:41 AM

I am not saying the depth is horrendous; while the Patyriots have play-off contention depth I am not 100% convinced they have Superbowl contention depth.

Posted by CN December 2, 08 11:51 AM

I think we all agree that the Superbowl probably isn't in the cards this year. But you never know with this team. Everyone was doubting they could overcome TB's injury. I think that is the main reason this season has been exciting. To see the growth of the younger players and the sticktuitiveness of everyone on the team, including the coaches. That's what I like to see. No matter the situation, they go to work. Three, Four, Five, Six starters down, work harder, watch more film and the one game at a time mentality. These guys have been--and still are the definition of a team.(Since SB XXXVI) And I don't care what anyone says about Bill, he gives the players the best chance to win in this league. Best Franchise in the League- Period

Posted by TF December 2, 08 12:08 PM

Once again, Hobbs shows his toughness and willingness to gut it out for the team, considering the other option was to make O'Neal the #1 CB this week - ACK! I'd puke at the thought, too.

Hobbs was REALLY banged up late last year but gave his all for the team even if he didn't make the play against a taller Burress with only one healthy arm.

He certainly ain't an elite corner and he does have that CB-style arrogant attitude, but nobody can question his toughness, dedication and effort.

Posted by Anon-e-mous December 3, 08 01:21 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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