Patriots defensive changes all about pressuring the opposing quarterback

The New England Patriots somehow went 14-2 while featuring a defense whose best pass rusher was Tully Banta-Cain.

Tully Banta-Cain.

If you don’t think Bill Belichick is the greatest head coach in NFL history, go back and read that first sentence again.

Tully Banta-Cain.

For the Patriots to get to the next level, they need to get to the opposing quarterback. I know that. You know that. Bill Belichick knows that.

So the reformation, rebuilding, whatever-you-want-to-call-it of the New England Patriots defense began with that very goal in mind.

Ty Warren and Tully Banta-Cain were sent packing.

Jermaine Cunningham and Eric Moore began practicing as 4/3 defensive ends instead of 3/4 outside linebackers.

They traded for Albert Haynesworth, a dominating 4/3 defensive tackle who doesn’t particularly care for playing in a 3/4.

They brought in Shaun Ellis, a versatile defensive end who tormented Tom Brady last season.

They signed Andre Carter, a 4/3 defensive end who, at this point in his career, is basically a situational pass rusher.

They brought in Mark Anderson, another 4/3 defensive end who has shown the ability to rush the passer.

They resigned Gerard Warren, who was a pretty good player for them last year.

Basically, if you were a defensive lineman who can play in a 4/3 and you have a pulse, the Patriots either signed you, or tried to sign you.

Here is what I know about the 2011 New England Patriots.

1. Their base defense will have four defensive linemen. Whether it’s a traditional 4/3, a 4/2/5, or some other alignment, it’ll definitely feature 4 defensive linemen.
2. The Patriots will get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
3. The Patriots will be better on third down in 2011 than they were in 2010.
4. If your name is Ron Brace or Myron Pryor, you should probably be a little worried about your spot on the roster.

Belichick did a great job of hiding it, but his defense had a fatal flaw in 2010. It couldn’t pressure opposing quarterbacks. That fatal flaw resulted in one of the worst 3rd down defenses in NFL history.

Belichick is changing both the scheme and the personnel in the hopes that his defense won’t have that same fatal flaw in 2011.

Just a guess, but I’m pretty confident the 2011 Patriots won’t miss Tully Banta-Cain…

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