MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Throughout the New England Patriots' regular season, how often the team is in its base defense versus its sub defenses will be charted. This can highlight player value and also sheds light on how the coaching staff viewed personnel on the opposing team.
Here is what it looked like in the season opener against the Dolphins:
Sub: 42 of 74 (41 in nickel, 1 in dime)
Base: 31 of 74
Heavy: 1 of 74
The notable aspect of the Patriots' personnel usage, as previously noted, was how defensive end/outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich was taken off the field in sub packages, which is a change from last year. That contributed to his lower snap total.
When the Dolphins went to a three-receiver package, which is a significant part of what they do, the Patriots naturally countered in the nickel (5 defensive backs). From what we saw, most two-tight end packages were countered with a base defense, which probably reflected the team's view that Dolphins backup tight ends Dion Sims and Harold Hoskins weren't major threats to be concerned with in the passing game.
Looking ahead to Sunday's game in Minnesota, the projection would be more snaps in base. Given some of the Patriots' base-defense struggles against the run in the opener, this is an area that will warrant closer attention leading up to the Week 2 kickoff.
