Pats Offense vs. Titans Defense - Matchups
We are all acquainted with Tom Brady, and his cast of characters. Likewise, we are eager to see them all in action. We all imagine how glorious it will be, well stop! This is a real football game, and as glorious as our Offense may seem, the turnover battle is crucial. You can't lose the turnover battle if you take care of the ball. So, thats number 1.
Now how will we attack a very unfamiliar Titans team? The major weaknesses in the Tennessee Defense last season were a lack of consistent pass rush (28 sacks, 2nd worst in NFL) and a below average run Defense (ranked 24th).
The Titans have made strides to rectify these woes. DE Derrick Morgan is back from injury and the team added DE Kamerion Wimbley to bolster the pass rush. Their hope is that new Defensive Coach and pass-rush specialist Keith Millard will be able to find the elusive potential of the former first round pick Morgan and the talented new addition Wimbley.
It remains to be seen how the Titans' pass rush may have improved, but most experts are confident that the Titans' run Defense will be improved due to added experience at the DT position. The men up front are young and talented, and another year should translate to some improvement as a group. Jurrell Casey anchors the line with a 300lb frame in his 2nd year. Another sophomore, Karl Klug had a breakout rookie campaign with 6 sacks. The Defensive line is not fearsome, but it is improving.
The Titans have some good talent, and should be improved on Defense, but their real problem last year (as with most poor Defenses) was not getting off the field on 3rd down. The Titans were pretty good in the points allowed category, but their Defense was almost always on the field. The time of possession stat shows that the Titans Defense was on the field for over 32 minutes per game. Likewise, the Titans did not produce many takeaways last year.
Overall, the Titans were a very young Defense last year, but their Rookies seem to be productive players that return with higher expectations this year. Linebackers Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers are now in their second seasons, and their experience should help the defense, especially against the run.
The Patriots should look to attack Tennessee with a steady dose of Stevan Ridley, to test these young players. Belichick understands that if Ridley can establish a decent running game, then Tennessee stands no chance. A solid rushing attack will take a lot of pressure off Brady on his dropbacks. The Titans do not want to fall into the same trap as they did last year. The Titans DEs will not be successful if their only goal is to get to the QB. Those young players in the front seven need to try to stay disciplined. I think that Belichick will look to exploit their inexperience by forcing them to stay at home.
What this means: Look for early down runs with Ridley. We'll see Brady operating from under center with a single RB, and sometimes a TE as a wing back. Watch out for the Aaron Hernandez/Julian Edelman end-around play. Also, look for the play-action deep pass to Lloyd. On 3rd down, look to Welker, as the Titans do not have a slot CB that can stick him.
The biggest advantage the Titans' have on Defense is their overall team speed. The front seven is especially youthful and speedy, and Belichick/McDaniels/Brady will counter all that athleticism with careful scheme and pinpoint execution. Do not expect Brady to take a lot of chances throwing the ball, expect a methodical attack with lots of pick plays and other ways to get into open space.
Overall, the Patriots Offense looks to have a sizable advantage over the Titans' youthful Defense. We must avoid turnovers at all costs. We cannot beat ourselves.
Now how will we attack a very unfamiliar Titans team? The major weaknesses in the Tennessee Defense last season were a lack of consistent pass rush (28 sacks, 2nd worst in NFL) and a below average run Defense (ranked 24th).
The Titans have made strides to rectify these woes. DE Derrick Morgan is back from injury and the team added DE Kamerion Wimbley to bolster the pass rush. Their hope is that new Defensive Coach and pass-rush specialist Keith Millard will be able to find the elusive potential of the former first round pick Morgan and the talented new addition Wimbley.
It remains to be seen how the Titans' pass rush may have improved, but most experts are confident that the Titans' run Defense will be improved due to added experience at the DT position. The men up front are young and talented, and another year should translate to some improvement as a group. Jurrell Casey anchors the line with a 300lb frame in his 2nd year. Another sophomore, Karl Klug had a breakout rookie campaign with 6 sacks. The Defensive line is not fearsome, but it is improving.
The Titans have some good talent, and should be improved on Defense, but their real problem last year (as with most poor Defenses) was not getting off the field on 3rd down. The Titans were pretty good in the points allowed category, but their Defense was almost always on the field. The time of possession stat shows that the Titans Defense was on the field for over 32 minutes per game. Likewise, the Titans did not produce many takeaways last year.
Overall, the Titans were a very young Defense last year, but their Rookies seem to be productive players that return with higher expectations this year. Linebackers Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers are now in their second seasons, and their experience should help the defense, especially against the run.
The Patriots should look to attack Tennessee with a steady dose of Stevan Ridley, to test these young players. Belichick understands that if Ridley can establish a decent running game, then Tennessee stands no chance. A solid rushing attack will take a lot of pressure off Brady on his dropbacks. The Titans do not want to fall into the same trap as they did last year. The Titans DEs will not be successful if their only goal is to get to the QB. Those young players in the front seven need to try to stay disciplined. I think that Belichick will look to exploit their inexperience by forcing them to stay at home.
What this means: Look for early down runs with Ridley. We'll see Brady operating from under center with a single RB, and sometimes a TE as a wing back. Watch out for the Aaron Hernandez/Julian Edelman end-around play. Also, look for the play-action deep pass to Lloyd. On 3rd down, look to Welker, as the Titans do not have a slot CB that can stick him.
The biggest advantage the Titans' have on Defense is their overall team speed. The front seven is especially youthful and speedy, and Belichick/McDaniels/Brady will counter all that athleticism with careful scheme and pinpoint execution. Do not expect Brady to take a lot of chances throwing the ball, expect a methodical attack with lots of pick plays and other ways to get into open space.
Overall, the Patriots Offense looks to have a sizable advantage over the Titans' youthful Defense. We must avoid turnovers at all costs. We cannot beat ourselves.
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