New England Patriots: Mathias Kiwanuka Is the Key to Reviving Pats Defense

The New England Patriots appear built to win now. In Tom Brady and Bill Belichick they boast the league's preeminent quarterback-and-coach partnership. The franchise was lauded for its performance at the 2011 NFL Draft, managing to snare Brady's understudy Ryan Mallett.

The only threat to the promise of a fourth Lombardi trophy resides in their suspect defense. Belichick established his reputation as an architect of great defenses.

His units have remained opportunistic, evidenced by last year's plus 28 turnover ratio. But the 2010 season saw an alarming dip in the defensive standards commonly associated with a Belichick team. New England slipped to a 25th overall ranking.

New England needs a big play capability from their defense to match the production of Brady. The answer could well be Mathias Kiwanuka, a player whose future in New York is uncertain and who is anxious to rebound from a serious injury.

Here are five key reasons why Kiwanuka and the Patriots make sense for each other.

Surplus to Requirements in New York

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Osi Umenyiora #72 and Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants celebrates after a sack against the Chicago Bear at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty I

The Giants boast one of the deepest and talented line rotations in the NFL.  They clearly felt strong enough about the unit’s capabilities without Kiwanuka. 

They placed him on injured reserve even after doctors said he didn't require surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck.

During Kiwanuka’s injury layoff, 2010 first-round pick Jason Pierre-Paul became a key contributor.  Pierre-Paul flashed potential as a disruptive edge rusher.  He also demonstrated the ability to be a force inside in certain nickel packages, a role frequently filled by Kiwanuka.

The Giants strengthened their defensive line with the selection of quick tackle Marvin Austin in the second round of the 2011 draft. 

With Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora firmly established at end and increased options inside, the Giants may no longer have room for Kiwanuka’s utility talents.

Career Crossroads

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - 2009: Mathias Kiwanuka of the New York Giants poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by NFL Photos)

Mathias Kiwanuka has often seemed primed for a breakout campaign, yet never quite managed to deliver.  He appears in real danger of developig a reputation as injury prone. 

He entered 2007 as a valuable component in Steve Spagnuolo's fire zone schemes, only to lose a Super Bowl season to injury.  2010 saw injury strike again just as he looked set to finally merit consideration as one of the league's elite defensive playmakers.

A fresh start could prove the perfect tonic.  Joining an already established contender like the Patriots, would ease the pressure on Kiwanuka, as he rebounds from missing 13 games a year ago. 

The opportunity to work for a coach with the defensive expertise of Bill Belichick could prove crucial in Kiwanuka's development.

A Hybrid Player for a Hybrid Scheme

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Under the tutelage of both Steve Spagnuolo and current Giants Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell, Kiwanuka took snaps at defensive end, defensive tackle and linebacker. 

Bill Belichick has long been considered the Dean of hybrid defenses.  Kiwanuka’s chameleon like skill set would be a perfect match with Belichick’s multiple fronts.

Having a player experienced and effective rushing from a three point stance or standing up, would allow Belichick to seamlessly blend his fronts between 34 and 43 alignments. 

Combining rush skills with an understanding of zone pass drops, Kiwanuka could become the best “elephant” style rusher Belichick has had since Willie McGinest retired.

The Worst Third Down Defense

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Running back John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by linebacker Tully Banta-Cain #95 and cornerback Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on Decembe

While their points allowed total was a respectable eighth, two alarming statistics indicate deeper problems with the New England defense.  The Patriots were ranked 30th against the pass and propped up the league as its worst third down defense.

Lack of a credible pass rush was the chief culprit for the Patriots inability to get off the field.  Kiwanuka’s flexibility would be invaluable to the New England nickel package. 

Belichick would have the option of sliding Kiwanuka inside and bringing any combination of defensive backs and linebackers off the edge in support.

With his injury record, Kiwanuka and the Patriots may both benefit from employing the former Boston College standout in a situational pass rush role.  Tully Banta-Cain managed a meagre five sacks performing these same duties in 2010.

More Impact

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots looks on during drills before a against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots need impact players on defense.  A unit which consistently fails on third down usually lacks a dominating presence. 

Vince Wilfork can be moved across the line to disrupt any running game.  Kiwanuka’s pass rushing abilities and Belichick’s system would combine to confuse blocking schemes and create mismatches anywhere along the line of scrimmage.

This combination could provide the big play potential the Patriot defense needs to return to elite status.