October 23, 2011

It’s week 7, and while it isn’t half way through the season, it’s a good time to reflect on the New England Patriots and the season that has unfolded.

The Patriots have been an exaggerated example of the league as a whole: an explosive offense that has overshadowed a porous defense. I, like many, were quick to criticize Belichick this offseason after failing to address the lack of pass rush in the draft in favor of bolstering the offensive line and depth at skill positions. Ryan Mallett? Really?

But as usual, Belichick made me look like a fool for criticizing his decisions. Yes, the defense is ranked last in total defense; but the Patriots are 5-1. Football purists will use cliches like “offense wins games, but defense wins championships.” But this just isn’t the case anymore.

Elite defenses are not only lining up against elite offenses; it is now defense versus offense and a rule book full of advantages for the offense. Roughing the passer. Hitting a defenseless receiver. Launching. These new rules are redefining the NFL.

It’s no surprise why: the quarterbacks are the face of the league and are what people want to see. I love watching Brady and Rodgers fling the ball all over the field. Can’t say the same thing about players being carted off on a stretcher, with wiggling fingers as a positive sign. Defenses are at a complete disadvantage in today’s NFL.

And with a hard cap, there is no way to build a complete team; there will always be holes. It’s what makes the NFL so great: parity. So instead of trying to become balanced, strengthening the defense but maybe compromising the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots have focused on creating the most dominant, well oiled offense possible.

As he always does, Belichick has taken advantage of these rule changes by building a balanced offense; but instead of having a deep threat as the weapon that keeps defenses honest, Brady uses his tight ends more effectively than any other passing attack.

These rule changes have opened up a wrinkle to passing offenses that wasn’t there previously. Before, throwing over the middle was never a system to build an offense around. Why? The receivers would get killed! No one wants to run a route where he is going to get Ed Reed launching his body like a torpedo trying to knock his head off.

Now, receiving tight-ends Gronkowski and Hernandez are what the offense is built around; they’re the unique weapon that opposing defenses have to spend extra time trying to keep at bay. The tight ends open up the game for everyone else to thrive.

Despite having a defense that consistently looks like it’s defending a power-play, the Patriots are again among the NFL’s elite. Belichick has used the rule changes to his advantage and built an offense that makes up for an uncomfortable defense -- and it could carry this team deep into the playoffs.

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You can follow Chris Covey on Twitter at @BostonC_Covey. He can also be reached for questions and comments via email at BostonCCovey@gmail.com.