Akeem Ayers carving out a big role on Pats D
Akeem Ayers has found himself playing a major role on the Patriots defense in short order after his acquisition on October 21st.
As he does following all Patriots games, beat writer Mike Reiss today posted a snap-count analysis piece on ESPN Boston. One snap count in particular jumps off the page, and that is Ayers, who was on the field for 77/82 defensive snaps against the Broncos (94%).
Even with the Patriots lack of depth at the position, Ayers rapid ascension through the depth chart is mildly surprising. Speaking on Ayers already playing a lead role along with Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower, Reiss had this to say:
If there is one thing Belichick likes in his players, it is versatility, and it is clear that is something Ayers brings to the table.
Known for his athleticism, Ayers earned a reputation as a pass defender in college, snaring six interceptions in three seasons at UCLA. He was drafted as the 39th overall pick in 2011 by the Titans, where he found himself a consistent piece on their defense, playing in all 16 games in his first three seasons there.
Ayers is already proving capable of being an impact player for this year's Patriots defense, which looked to be at its best last night against Peyton Manning. As Reiss alludes to in his piece, this is a testament to Ayers ability to learn and adapt quickly, and also the "plug and play" style of Belichick's defensive schemes.
Last night in Foxborough, with the Broncos on the ropes at the end of the second half, Ayers came up huge. Down 20-7, Denver decided to go for it on 4th and 5 just inside Patriots territory. Wilfork and Easley drew the attention of two defenders each, allowing Ayers to come screaming through an open gap to sack Manning. It was a great sight for Patriots fans, who saw the defense barely lay a finger on Peyton last time the teams met.
With Mayo lost for the season, Ayers figures to play a major part in this defense, which is starting to look elite.
@LC_NEP
@PatriotsLife
As he does following all Patriots games, beat writer Mike Reiss today posted a snap-count analysis piece on ESPN Boston. One snap count in particular jumps off the page, and that is Ayers, who was on the field for 77/82 defensive snaps against the Broncos (94%).
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| Jared Wickerham/Getty Images |
Even with the Patriots lack of depth at the position, Ayers rapid ascension through the depth chart is mildly surprising. Speaking on Ayers already playing a lead role along with Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower, Reiss had this to say:
Unexpected to see Ayers, who just arrived two weeks ago, excel in a front-line role. That is a credit to him and the coaching staff for an interchangeable defensive game plan that tapped the versatility of Ninkovich, Ayers, Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower to disguise intentions and keep Denver quarterback Peyton Manning guessing on who was coming. Ayers, who has experience playing both on and off the line of scrimmage, mostly lined up at right defensive end. ... Ninkovich's versatility to rush, set a hard edge in the running game, and drop back into coverage makes him a valued chess piece as well, as we saw on his second-quarter interception.
If there is one thing Belichick likes in his players, it is versatility, and it is clear that is something Ayers brings to the table.
Known for his athleticism, Ayers earned a reputation as a pass defender in college, snaring six interceptions in three seasons at UCLA. He was drafted as the 39th overall pick in 2011 by the Titans, where he found himself a consistent piece on their defense, playing in all 16 games in his first three seasons there.
Ayers is already proving capable of being an impact player for this year's Patriots defense, which looked to be at its best last night against Peyton Manning. As Reiss alludes to in his piece, this is a testament to Ayers ability to learn and adapt quickly, and also the "plug and play" style of Belichick's defensive schemes.
Last night in Foxborough, with the Broncos on the ropes at the end of the second half, Ayers came up huge. Down 20-7, Denver decided to go for it on 4th and 5 just inside Patriots territory. Wilfork and Easley drew the attention of two defenders each, allowing Ayers to come screaming through an open gap to sack Manning. It was a great sight for Patriots fans, who saw the defense barely lay a finger on Peyton last time the teams met.
With Mayo lost for the season, Ayers figures to play a major part in this defense, which is starting to look elite.
@LC_NEP
@PatriotsLife
