Several weeks ago I began my weekly inspection of the Patriots pass defense with a comparison to the 2006 Colts as a blueprint. That team ended the season with #19th ranked pass defense, and I posited for this Patriots team to have a chance to win the Super Bowl they would have to improve weekly as they were in the bottom third of the league in Cold Hard Football Facts' proprietary Defensive Real Quarterback Rating (DRQBR). The Patriots offense is still humming along at #2 in the CHFF's own Real Quarterback Rating (RQBR). How's the defense doing?
Moving up in the rankings has been slow going since the Patriots were facing such patsies from week 11 through now(rankings at the time the Patriots played them): Indianapolis - #22nd ranked RQBR, Jets - #29th ranked RQBR, Dolphins - #26th ranked RQBR. But Belichicks Bullies have had a slow and steady rise in the DRQBR since week 11, from 22nd 85.54 to a current standing of 16th 80.11. In short, the Pats took care of business, which is more of an accomplishment than the current media would have you believe in this Any Given Sunday NFL.
This week begins the two biggest games of the season. Houston's #7th ranked 88.52 RQBR & San Francisco's #4 ranked 93.78. Despite the Alex Smith drama the facts remains that San Fran has maintained its ranking from #5 the week Kaepernick took over to #4 now. While Paul Perillo of patriots.com or Felger & Mazz continue to see this team as too flawed or lucky, the Patriots have looked promising over the past few weeks and continue to improve their pass defense. Houston and San Francisco present significant challenges to this pass d and if the Patriots hold them down it portends very well for the playoffs.
As for individuals I've been tracking Aquib Talib isn't standing out, nor is Dont'a Hightower, but even the smell test says this defense is getting better. As for Chandler Jones there was more hard hitting observation of him attending the team walkthrough yesterday. I'm not beating on the reporting per say, they only get what the Patriots give them, but again I plead for a little private investigator hiring. Help the economy and get better stories, who looses?!
Remember folks, this is an improving pass defense. Even if Houston wins on Monday the tell for the playoffs will be how the opposing QB looks. If Foster and Co run all day and Shaub doesn't do much that's a great sign win or loose.
Until next time,
The SAHD
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