Patriots Insider Bets on a Change in Defensive Philosophy in 2022
The New England Patriots won’t have an offensive and defensive coordinator in the 2022 NFL season. Head coach Bill Belichick will be leading the way for the team and he will work with a few new assistants. According to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran, the Patriots will also change their defensive philosophy.
Curran is convinced that the Patriots will approach the new challenge with a different defense. He detailed Belichick’s determination to work on a zone defense.
“I think they’re going to be a zone defense,” reported Ian Logue. “They’re going to be fast at linebacker. There are going to be a lot of safeties on the field who can hit and cover and run. They’re going to try and weaponize themselves to deal with the AFC East competition, which is very fast offenses with mobile quarterbacks. You don’t want to play man against [Bills quarterback] Josh Allen anyway, otherwise, he will be running up your backs because he can scramble. You want to play zone so you can keep your eyes on him. So I think that’s the way they’re trending.”
Patriots to embrace the change in their defensive philosophy
The new approach will push the Patriots in a search for safeties and linebackers. Curran bets on Nakobe Dean from Georgia University.
“I think Nakobe Dean from Georgia would be kind of that ideal guy,” said Curran. “[He] can be on the field all three downs. Who’s the power running game the Patriots have to deal with, really? Not a ton. It’s more running, read-option quarterbacks…just, be able to get Josh Allen down.”
NFL analysts have made several predictions on the Patriots’ moves in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. Mike Giardi reported that the Patriots will get a cornerback or a linebacker with the first pick of the draft. Belichick has the 21st overall and he may trade up and down the draft to get the picks he needs. There are several options for the team and Belichick will address the biggest needs his Patriots have right now. Who will come to New England as a first-rounder?
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About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.