Digging Deeper: Analyzing Preseason Game One –New England Patriots vs Green Bay Packers

Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) escapes the grasp of New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (92) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

RUN DEFENSE:

Jabaal Sheard was a factor in the running game as well as he was stout up front as well and stopped running back James Stark for no gain on fourth and one. Dominique Easley had just one pressure rushing the quarterback but was stout up front. PFF gave him the second best grade on run defense and going back to the tape it was clear he looked much stronger at the point of attack and healthy knees likely had much to do with his increased strength.

Rufus Johnson was just as strong in the running game as he was pass rushing as he had a strong game all around. Another performance like that and the Patriots will have to find room for the 2013 sixth round draft pick. Starters Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones were strong as always in holding the edge in run defense.

Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jamie Collins stuffed Lacy at the goal line early in the game. Rookie Malcom Brown got his introduction to the NFL in his first game as he was pushed around by the Packers offensive line. He did make one nice play moving laterally across the line to tackle James Starks  for a three yard gain. The Packers ran at him successfully on their first run with him double teamed and Eddie Lacy going past him for 15 yards.

Jonathan Freeny was not filling in well for Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo at linebacker which showed in the run defense as well as he let Lacy run right past him. He was out of position or taken out of the play too often. L.J. Fort had a nice stop late in the game as well.

Young linebackers James Morris and Cameron Gordon stuck their noses in the middle of play in run defense. A.J. Pataiali’i did not look ready for primetime as he was pushed around inside. At 320 pounds, he should have been much stronger at the point of attack. A bigger and stronger Zach Moore was stout at times.

Next: The Defense Overall