Pats must add a D-lineman
Much of last season was characterized by opposing quarterbacks launching long-balls to wide-open receivers being "covered" by one of many different Patriots secondary players. It cost them games (Seattle) and most following the team agreed that fixing it should be the top priority of the off-season.
And I still agree with that notion. They have taken some great steps in the right direction by signing Talib (great deal), and adding veteran safety Adrian Wilson at a bargain (low risk, high reward). They also gave streaky cornerback Kyle Arrington a deal. He has made some awful plays over the years but has also shown great potential in the nickel spot.
While the secondary was shaky at best last year, they did not get a ton of help from their defensive line. Rob Ninkovich had a great year coming off the edge and Chandler Jones showed he has superstar potential, though he struggled with injuries throughout the year. That being said, the term "coverage sack" was not thrown around a lot for that unit, and in that sense they didn't do the secondary any favors. QB's often had ample time in the pocket to find someone who, given enough time, would undoubtedly be open. The Patriots finished last year tied for 15th in the league with 37 sacks.
Above all last the 2012 Patriot's defense found a knack for causing turnovers, finishing with 41 total takeaways on the year, second to only the Chicago Bears who finished with 44. Adding a dynamic piece to the pass rush unit would only help to improve the secondary play and the defense as a whole. The big question now is whether the Patriots plan on adding that piece; and if so, from where.
One of the first moves of this off-season for the Pats was adding CFL and former USC tackle Armond Armstead. How much of a contributor he can be is something that only time will tell. Last week veteran lineman Dwight Freeney and John Abraham paid visits to Foxborough, and many anticipated a signing of one was imminent. However no deal ever materialized, and the status of these players and the Patriot's interest in them remains a mystery, as Mike Reiss wrote on today. They have also reportedly expressed interest in Charger's lineman Vaughn Martin.
Each of these guys, especially Abraham, would be a great addition to this team and would immediately bolster the defense which is still in need of repair despite the moves they have made thus far this off-season. How much Adrian Wilson has left in the tank is a question mark, Talib is injury-prone and frequently in trouble, Arrington is streaky, and Alfonzo Dennard is possibly heading to jail.
If no further moves are going to be made to address this part of the defense, the attention should now be on the D-line and putting pressure on opposing QB's so the secondary doesn't have to work as hard. Should the Patriots pass on Abraham/Freeney/Martin, don't be surprised if they look to the draft for a big-man. It was reported today that the team hosted a private workout for Florida Gators D-end Earl Okine. While it appears he would most likely be a later round guy, the fact the team hosted him is some indication that they are looking to add a player at the position.
The imminent deal with Sebastian Vollmer is sure to take a big chunk out of whatever cap money the Patriots have remaining at this point, which makes any big free agent moves going forward doubtful. Whether the Patriots choose to go after a free-agent or a young guy in the draft, I hope for the sake of the defense as a whole the Patriots add another player who can get after the QB. Because as we all know, this secondary is not something that can be trusted.
@PatriotsLife
@LiamPCunningham
And I still agree with that notion. They have taken some great steps in the right direction by signing Talib (great deal), and adding veteran safety Adrian Wilson at a bargain (low risk, high reward). They also gave streaky cornerback Kyle Arrington a deal. He has made some awful plays over the years but has also shown great potential in the nickel spot.
While the secondary was shaky at best last year, they did not get a ton of help from their defensive line. Rob Ninkovich had a great year coming off the edge and Chandler Jones showed he has superstar potential, though he struggled with injuries throughout the year. That being said, the term "coverage sack" was not thrown around a lot for that unit, and in that sense they didn't do the secondary any favors. QB's often had ample time in the pocket to find someone who, given enough time, would undoubtedly be open. The Patriots finished last year tied for 15th in the league with 37 sacks.
Above all last the 2012 Patriot's defense found a knack for causing turnovers, finishing with 41 total takeaways on the year, second to only the Chicago Bears who finished with 44. Adding a dynamic piece to the pass rush unit would only help to improve the secondary play and the defense as a whole. The big question now is whether the Patriots plan on adding that piece; and if so, from where.
One of the first moves of this off-season for the Pats was adding CFL and former USC tackle Armond Armstead. How much of a contributor he can be is something that only time will tell. Last week veteran lineman Dwight Freeney and John Abraham paid visits to Foxborough, and many anticipated a signing of one was imminent. However no deal ever materialized, and the status of these players and the Patriot's interest in them remains a mystery, as Mike Reiss wrote on today. They have also reportedly expressed interest in Charger's lineman Vaughn Martin.
Each of these guys, especially Abraham, would be a great addition to this team and would immediately bolster the defense which is still in need of repair despite the moves they have made thus far this off-season. How much Adrian Wilson has left in the tank is a question mark, Talib is injury-prone and frequently in trouble, Arrington is streaky, and Alfonzo Dennard is possibly heading to jail.
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| The Patriots hosted Earl Okine for a private workout over the weekend |
If no further moves are going to be made to address this part of the defense, the attention should now be on the D-line and putting pressure on opposing QB's so the secondary doesn't have to work as hard. Should the Patriots pass on Abraham/Freeney/Martin, don't be surprised if they look to the draft for a big-man. It was reported today that the team hosted a private workout for Florida Gators D-end Earl Okine. While it appears he would most likely be a later round guy, the fact the team hosted him is some indication that they are looking to add a player at the position.
The imminent deal with Sebastian Vollmer is sure to take a big chunk out of whatever cap money the Patriots have remaining at this point, which makes any big free agent moves going forward doubtful. Whether the Patriots choose to go after a free-agent or a young guy in the draft, I hope for the sake of the defense as a whole the Patriots add another player who can get after the QB. Because as we all know, this secondary is not something that can be trusted.
@PatriotsLife
@LiamPCunningham
