Coverage linebackers: new element to Patriots defense

James Anderson will play as a coverage linebacker with Jamie Collin. (Mike Petraglia/WEEI.com)
One of the glaring weaknesses of the Patriots' defense last year was their linebackers in pass coverage. With Jerod Mayo hurt, and Jaime Collins not quite ready to play significant snaps, the linebacking corps consisted of Brandon Spikes, Dont'a Hightower, and Ja'Gared Davis. Most Pats fans knew how inept at pass coverage Spikes and Hightower were. This year, with the emergence of Jaime Collins and the addition of James Anderson, the Patriots have a new element of their defense to correct their issues in pass coverage.

James Anderson was the most underrated free agent addition this offseason. What Anderson can bring to the defense is his speed, quickness, and nature pass coverage skills. While he may never stuff a goal line rush with his smaller stature (6'2" 235 lbs), Anderson can take his safety-like size and cover tight ends and running backs all over the field. His fluid hips and ability to change directions has been noted so far in camp. Anderson will probably not be asked to play the majority of downs due to his age and disadvantage against linemen in the run game, but being the fourth linebacker, he will see plenty of game time.





Jamie Collins, on the other hand, can do it all. Along with Mayo, Collins may be on the field for every defensive snap all year. His pure athleticism and size (6'3" 250 lbs), will allow him to rush the passer on blitzes, step up to take down running backs in the backfield, and drop into coverage to cover a variety of positions. While he may not lead the team in tackles with Mayo next to him manning the middle of the field, he will likely be used in a variety of creative ways. Given his height, he could very well be asked to jam split tight ends at the line of scrimmage and play underneath them in man coverage. With all eyes on him, Collins has high expectations this year, and can elevate his game into Pro Bowl-like levels.





With the additions of Revis and Browner, and the healthy returns of Mayo, Wilfork, and Kelly, the Patriots' defense could be the best it has been in recent history. The combination of Anderson and Collins will help the defense against the pass, giving the line more time to get to the quarterback, and the secondary will be allowed to focus in man coverage.

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