Derek: Having questions about your defense’s stopping ability on third down because they managed to force an NFL-high seven turnovers in two games is a very high-class problem to have. Still, there is something to be said for the fact that this defense hasn’t forced their opponents to punt all that often, particularly in the Miami game where Brandon Fields only booted two. The aggressiveness of the Patriots’ defense has been tremendous and is easily the highlight of the season thus far. However, I can’t help but wonder what would happen to this team in a big game in January if suddenly those interceptions and fumbles dried up? Can this defense rise to the occasion and shut an opponent down the traditional way and not depend on their opposition making a mistake? My gut says yes, but I’d still feel better if we saw Julian Edelman fielding a few more punts.
Rick: For me, there is no reason for concern because some of the Patriots’ defenses of the past were always one of the better defenses in terms of takeaways. New England has players in the secondary that know how to get those key interceptions. It was great to see Darrelle Revis get on the board with an interception last week. Facing a quarterback like Matt Cassel and most likely, Derek Carr this week, should give this defense some more confidence. The other bright spot from this past week was Chandler Jones being able to get after the quarterback with two sacks. Jones and Don’ta Hightower are going to be the key guys in establishing the pass rush. So far, with the exception of a bad second half in Miami, this defense looks like the stronger of the team’s two units.
Kyle: There was concern on the first drive. I guess there should be concern about the inability to cover tight ends and backs. Without Jamie Collins, the defense looked extremely vulnerable to the underneath stuff. The reliance on turnovers is encouraging. It reminds me of the old days when they would use takeaways to gain field position and momentum. When they FINALLY got aggressive and went to blitzes and man coverage, they showed just how dynamic of a unit they can be. Hopefully, Matty P will not out think himself, and he’ll continue to let the dogs loose.
Raj: Not at all. There’s no reason for concern. Turnovers motivate the defense to make bigger plays in other areas like stopping the run (which they’ve struggled with recently). However, I don’t think they’re dependent on forcing turnovers because ultimately, their job is to make sure the other team doesn’t score points. That itself should leave them satisfied if they get the job done.
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