Pats Defense vs. Titans Offense
There is one major threat on the Titans Offense, and he makes all of the other parts move. His name is Chris Johnson, and he's really fast. He could race anybody in the league in a 100 yard dash, and win every time. (Jeff Demps on IR). He once rushed for 2,000 yards in a season. So, if we don't stop the run, we're not looking at a 100 yard rushing day, we're talking about a 225 yard rushing day with 3 TDs.
Jake Locker can do a lot of nice things: he can throw the ball better than Tebow, he can beat you for a first down on a scramble if he gets out of the pocket, and he's a better story than Twilight. But COME ON. Jake Locker? If he throws for more than 250 yards, then the Patriots Defense hasn't improved from 2011.
I will know on Sunday whether this Patriots Defense has actually improved. This Titans team has a nice Offense: a beast RB and a mobile QB. They will win games, but the Patriots Defense needs to limit the things they do well. These are the standards that would impress me:
Jake Locker: 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 12 yards rush
Chris Johnson: 118 yards, 1 TD, 34 yards rec.
<380 Total yards.
If we keep Locker under 200, and Johnson under 120, then the chances of the Patriots winning are very good. I think the same principle applies if we keep Locker under 220 and Johnson under 100. In fact, limiting Chris Johnson would be better because it would force Jake Locker to inevitably make a mistake and turn the ball over.
So, you heard it. Thats that plan, limit Chris Johnson #1 and don't let Jake Locker look like Chad Henne did last September. Belichick also mentioned the TE Jared Cook as a threat.
How we do this: I am very eager to see Belichick's game plan because he knows more about the Titans than I. However, Bill acknowledges that he hasn't seen a ton of tape on this Titans team. Tom Brady even goes so far as to say, "It's not like a week 15 game where you've seen a lot [of tape]."
Really, these new guys just have to go out there and execute. Try to avoid penalties and egregious lapses in pass coverage. Play stout behind Vince and stop the run. Force Chris Johnson to the perimeter and be waiting for him with disciplined gap assignments (cough..Chandler Jones/Rob Ninkovich).
I want to see a few a big play stops, and at least one takeaway. A couple of sacks couldn't hurt my opinion either. My biggest hope is to see Nate Ebner as a big-Nickle or even in a rotation capacity. I think he deserves some playing time, especially if this one turns into a laugher and there is garbage time. Still, anyone has the chance to make a big play and make a name for themselves in New England.
Its time to perform. Nut up or shut up, draft class of 2012.
Jake Locker can do a lot of nice things: he can throw the ball better than Tebow, he can beat you for a first down on a scramble if he gets out of the pocket, and he's a better story than Twilight. But COME ON. Jake Locker? If he throws for more than 250 yards, then the Patriots Defense hasn't improved from 2011.
I will know on Sunday whether this Patriots Defense has actually improved. This Titans team has a nice Offense: a beast RB and a mobile QB. They will win games, but the Patriots Defense needs to limit the things they do well. These are the standards that would impress me:
Jake Locker: 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 12 yards rush
Chris Johnson: 118 yards, 1 TD, 34 yards rec.
<380 Total yards.
If we keep Locker under 200, and Johnson under 120, then the chances of the Patriots winning are very good. I think the same principle applies if we keep Locker under 220 and Johnson under 100. In fact, limiting Chris Johnson would be better because it would force Jake Locker to inevitably make a mistake and turn the ball over.
So, you heard it. Thats that plan, limit Chris Johnson #1 and don't let Jake Locker look like Chad Henne did last September. Belichick also mentioned the TE Jared Cook as a threat.
How we do this: I am very eager to see Belichick's game plan because he knows more about the Titans than I. However, Bill acknowledges that he hasn't seen a ton of tape on this Titans team. Tom Brady even goes so far as to say, "It's not like a week 15 game where you've seen a lot [of tape]."
Really, these new guys just have to go out there and execute. Try to avoid penalties and egregious lapses in pass coverage. Play stout behind Vince and stop the run. Force Chris Johnson to the perimeter and be waiting for him with disciplined gap assignments (cough..Chandler Jones/Rob Ninkovich).
I want to see a few a big play stops, and at least one takeaway. A couple of sacks couldn't hurt my opinion either. My biggest hope is to see Nate Ebner as a big-Nickle or even in a rotation capacity. I think he deserves some playing time, especially if this one turns into a laugher and there is garbage time. Still, anyone has the chance to make a big play and make a name for themselves in New England.
Its time to perform. Nut up or shut up, draft class of 2012.
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