New England Patriots' Defensive Breakdown: Cornerback Is the Only Concern

With the Patriots fielding one of the best offenses in NFL history once again, all eyes are focused on the defense.

The loss of Asante Samuel will hinder the team’s plans greatly, but that doesn’t mean they will be a bad defense. In fact, this defense has the ability to be more successful than last year, which ranked fourth overall in the NFL.

There are several question marks on the roster, but the Pats have done their best to mask their weaknesses. Here’s how the positions break down.

Defensive End  Chris Norwell, Kenny Smith, Le Kevin Smith, Santonio Thomas, Ty Warren, Richard Seymour, Jarvis Green

Defensive end is a make-or-break position for the Patriots. The entire defense is predicated on having an effective pass rush and a strong run-D, which is why all three starters on the Patriots D-line were first-round picks by the team.

Richard Seymour showed his dominance almost instantly after being drafted by the Patriots. His size, skill, and smarts helped him to become recognized as one of the top DEs in the NFL. His tackling skills are top-notch, and he commands double-teaming on every down.

His skills have also been noted by team officials, making him one of the only Patriots players to successfully hold out for a larger contract. Although he has been marred by injuries as of late, he has still found a way to consistently contribute.

During minicamp this year, Seymour claimed to be in better shape than he had been in the past two years.

Ty Warren is also a top-notch defensive end. He definitely benefits from the presence of Seymour, but has a great amount of skill himself. He is better at moving and eluding blockers than he is at taking them on face-to-face, and he has had some inconsistencies in his game in the past. He had a career year in 2007, and looks to continue his mean streak this year.

Behind those two, Jarvis Green is the best backup end on the roster. With enough skill to be a starter on most NFL teams, Green has thrived in his backup role in New England. He is also necessary for the “grind-it-out” type of defense the Patriots play.

He has shown consistency playing both right and left end, and the team doesn’t show much of a drop-off when he spells for Warren or Seymour.

With Green serving as the No. 3 DE on the depth chart, the Patriots don’t need much more depth. Santonio Thomas and LE Kevin Smith will most likely make the 53-man roster, but won’t see much playing time (barring injuries, of course).

Needs: None. 

Expected Cuts: Chris Norwell, Kenny Smith

Nose Tackle 

Vince Wilfork, Mike Wright, Steve Fifita

Vince Wilfork has improved each year since being drafted in the first round out of Miami. He is a large, powerful tackle, with great athleticism for his size (6’2”, 325lbs). He is the perfect puzzle piece for the Patriots’ 3-4 defense; he is near impossible to move (even with a double-team), and has the power to move the pocket against the pass or penetrate against the run.

He is best suited as a pass rusher, and he has shown inconsistencies against the run. His greatest quality seems to be his intelligence. He is quick to pick-up blocking schemes and is one of the best defenders against the screen in the NFL.

It’s shocking to see an offense run a screen against the Pats without Wilfork being in great position to shut it down. Wilfork will be a starter in the 3-4 defense for many years to come.

Mike Wright proved to be a worthy backup for Wilfork, and also has served as a DE. He has great straight-line speed, but has shown a tendency to overcommit. He has above-average speed and power, but he won’t overpower many NFL offensive linemen. As a second-year player, he continues to show steady improvement in his game.

Fifita is 6’0” 312lbs. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free-agent by the Dolphins, though he didn’t see much playing time. He was released at the end of last season, and the Pats brought him in to add some extra depth to their D. He will be a long-shot to make the roster, especially since the big DEs on the roster can moonlight at tackle.

Needs: A better backup for Wilfork; if he goes down with a serious injury, the NT position will be a weak link. 

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