Through five games, the Pats have just 10 sacks and two interceptions — one of which was by wide receiver Randy Moss, who snared a Kyle Orton Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the first half against Denver.
Many critics are putting that blame on linebacker Adalius Thomas, who was expected to step up and scarf sacks, picks and tackles for losses with the departures of such players as Tedy Brushci, Mike Vrabel and Rodney Harrison in the Pats' defense. But just three days before the Patriots' clash with the Titans, head coach Bill Belichick backed his veteran linebacker, who has just 15 tackles this season.
"He gives us a lot of versatility," Belichick said. "He does a number of different things for us."
Thomas – who has 51 career sacks, including 11 in 2006 (his final season before landing in New England) – has just one sack this season. But Thomas' slow pace isn't sticking out on this unit, which Belichick feels is struggling as a whole.
"Some things could be better," the skipper told the media. "We don’t have enough big plays, defensively. We’d like to have interceptions, fumbles, sacks, negative plays. We could use more of those from everybody, defensively, play better team defense in the red area on third down."
Belichick didn't keep the blame on the field. He insists that some of the defensive problems stem from the actions on the sidelines and in game planning.
"Collectively, as a defense, we could definitely use more production," Belichick admitted. "That includes the coaching, the scheme, the players, everything. I’m just saying as a total defense — the staff, the players, everything — we need to do a better job. I don’t think it has been bad. It just needs to be better."
This weekend, the lack of big plays could change. Tennessee quarterback Kerry Collins has been picked seven times this season, which is second-most in the NFL. The veteran play-caller also has been sacked six times and lost a fumble.
