This is still basically the Lebeau defense. Bend but don't break. It's a philosophy that works against most qbs, because most qbs lack the self discipline to take what the defense gives them, such as #7. Brady will slice up a zone all day long, as we've been seeing for the last 16 years. On 3rd down, which is always the key down for a Lebeau style defense, Brady always looks to move the chains. Other qbs too often look to make a big play. That's all it takes to get off the field. Sure, they'll make the big play once or twice, but Brady moves the chains and eventually reaches the end zone. How often do you see Brady go deep on 3rd and 2? We constantly do it, which is why we lose games we shouldn't, and why we never beat New England. 1-4 against them in the post season, with the only win the 7-6 abomination back in 97. None of the 4 losses was particularly close either. We now have some talented young guys on the corners. It's time to start playing man to man. Otherwise, we're reduced to hoping NE gets knocked off before we reach them. Neither Tomlin or Cowher would have a Lombardi if NE hadn't been upset by Denver in 2005, and the Jets in 2008.
