3 leftover Patriots’ thoughts: On shifting defensive fronts, J.C. Jackson, and the Bill Belichick-Nick Saban relationship

A few random Patriots-related thoughts a day after a 24-10 win over the Vikings:


1. I know that this is sort of a broad-brush statement, because within each defense, there are a myriad of different wrinkles and adjustments and calls we aren’t privy to. But rewatching the Patriots-Vikings game on Monday and seeing the sort of amorphous front New England had at times against Minnesota, I remembered seeing that same sort of front in a 2002 game against the Bills. Here's the one usable play from the game broadcast I could find.



It looks simple, but it’s a front that — in many ways — boils down to having your defense play fast and smart and together. It also relies on having some interchangeable parts. It’s a fun and outside-the-box thing to do in theory, but you can’t do it without some versatile guys. The Patriots have always had defensive versatility (and have frequently used some variation of this defensive scheme), and have been able to lean on extra safeties, as well as the likes of Jason McCourty, who was in the slot on Sunday but can also serve as a boundary corner as needed.

Going forward, it’s going to be fascinating to see how much of that look was about the start of a new, aggressive defensive front for the Patriots down the stretch and how much of it was designed specifically to try and stop the Vikings. (It’s worth noting the 2002 Patriots didn’t use that sort of look very often the rest of the way.) Regardless, it’s given offensive coordinators and offensive line coaches more to worry about when it comes to game-planning for New England down the stretch. Ultimately, as Greg alluded to here, it’s a good sign if you’re a Patriots’ fan: The coaching staff trusts the players enough to be able to try something unique like this more than just a couple of times, and it shows they have an ability to play nicely as a group in some unique schemes.