Stepping Up, Step Forward

I’m not quick to be sold on singular performances. I’ll applaud when a player or team does something good in a game, but I’ll take a wait and see approach, demanding they do it again before I buy what I’m seeing.

The defense impressed me two weeks ago in the win over Miami. They gave up just one touchdown, picked up two sacks, picked off QB Chad Henne four times, including one returned 51 yards for a touchdown.

It was their best performance of the season because they didn’t repeat their trend of playing flat in the second half. But it also took place in a very odd game. Two blocked punts (one returned for a touchdown), a kickoff return TD, and the turnovers led to the offense responsible for just seven of the 41 points scored in the game.

Yeah the defense was much better that night and I was encouraged by their play, but I wanted to see how they’d hold up in a normal game.

They made a great statement against the Baltimore Ravens. Yes the Ravens aren’t the most potent offense in the league. But they have the pieces to dictate games and impose their will.

They held a physical running game to just 2.9 yards per carry. After accumulating the worst third down percentage in the NFL after four weeks, they held Baltimore to just 31 percent. And when they had to get the stops, they did it, holding the Ravens to three three-and-outs in the fourth quarter and overtime. CB Devin McCourty defended a pass in overtime that was similar to a play he was flagged for an18-yard pass interference.

Even more impressive was the timing of the stops. On third and two at the seven yard line, S Pat Chung delivered a hit to prevent a touchdown to start the fourth quarter. On the next drive, D-linemen Vince Wilfork and Gerrard Warren combined to stop a third and one quarterback sneak. Two three and outs took place in overtime.

The original timetable for the defense to come into their own was half a season. It is a standard grace period for an average rookie to “get it.” And with a defense loaded with first and second year players, it’s fair not to expect too much too soon.

But like individuals, this defense is growing up faster than expected. Chung is arguably the best defensive back this season. McCourty has taken his lumps but has started every game. LB Brandon Spikes is playing like an established veteran since day one. OLB Jermaine Cunningham missed training camp but played his way into the starting lineup. He was at his best Sunday with a sack and Cunningham drew a holding penalty. And DL Brandon Deaderick, a seventh round pick, worked his way into the rotation and was awarded a sack.

New England is still near the bottom in total yards (29th) and passing yards (28), but they’re making strides. One number that is improving is the points per game, down to 23.2 after peaking at 27.3 after three weeks.

They’re rising to the occasion, a sure sign the defense is taking to the lessons taught by the coaches. As the season progresses, it won’t be long before we call this young defense experienced.