While there is much to like about the Patriots defense through the first two weeks of this NFL season, especially when it comes to the front line and the improved pass rush, there is also quite a bit that is concerning. Namely, the basic function of any defensive player: tackling the opponent.
The Patriots have not done a good job of it. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Patriots have 25 missed tackles which ranks 31st among NFL defenses. At Pro Football Focus, the Patriots have garnered a grade of 39.5 when it comes to tackling, which is 30th of the 32 teams.
Against a physical Steelers team in Week 3, that is not going to fly.
“We’ll have to tackle much better,” coach Mike Vrabel warned his defense. “We’ll have to tackle [Jaylen] Warren, Jonnu [Smith], [DK] Metcalf, [Calvin] Austin [III]. So, that’s the focus. That will be a critical part of this game plan. Those guys are great with the ball in their hands. They run very hard, they’re skilled, they’re big and present a challenge.”
Patriots Linebackers Are Culprits
There are some frustrating aspects to the Patriots‘ tackling woes, starting with the fact that the two worst of the bunch have been the two linebackers, a spot where high-level tackling is pretty much a must.
Robert Spillane, the free-agent pickup from the Raiders, has an awful 24.1 tackling grade, and the other LB, Christian Elliss, is at 28.3. Those guys are on the field for nearly every defensive snap, but they’ve combined for a whopping 14 missed tackles.
“That’s something that we’re going to really look at this week, especially in the linebacker room,” Elliss said on Monday. “Just because it’s not normal, and obviously it’s something we have to fix. I think it’s something we’re going to look at heavily into this week, especially me.”
Week 3 vs. Steelers a Challenge for DBs
Also frustrating is the fact that one of the defense’s better tacklers last season was Jabrill Peppers, who was let go by the Patriots amid the 53-man roster cutdowns, in a move that has never really been explained by the team.
Peppers had a tackling grade of 76.7 last season, third on the team. The team’s current safeties, Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson, are among the worst tacklers on the team.
Against Aaron Rodgers, even at 42 years old, the Patriots are going to have to be on point in tackling.
“The ball can go,” Vrabel said of Rodgers. “I mean, when you see him extend the play to the right and throw it down 60 yards or whatever that was, his operation is excellent. His ability to find relief throws in plays that he doesn’t think will be positive plays, he finds relief throws. It will be a great challenge to be able to find ways to affect him.”
Mike Vrabel Has Warning for Patriots Defense in Week 3