If you want proof of this guy’s inability to coach up a defense, just look at the 2004 Pats’ defense under Mangini: Tough, hard-hitting, with players who were really unknowns stepping it up and making plays all season. Compare that with 2006-9: lazy defense, no stops especially when they were needed most (drive after bloody drive in the 2006 AFCCG, Manning’s two-minute drill in SB XLII). I expected him to be canned after ’08 when the defense fell off the cliff entirely. Well, here’s hoping Belichick hires someone competent, preferably someone from outside the organization that can bring some fresh perspective to this slow, stale defense.

Forgive me, that should say Crennel, not Mangini. Still, Pees should be given a fair amount of credit for developing Mayo and Meriweather…and then have that credit taken away for allowing Thomas to turn back into a pumpkin and presumably giving Belichick the idea that he could sell out half his defensive playmakers and have a bunch of nobodies play just as hard.

Treima – the Patriots defense in 2006 tied the 2003 club for fewest points allowed; the AFC Title Game collapse was due to getting sick on top of the bruising win over San Diego; the defense collapsed but that wasn’t because Dean Pees couldn’t coach. Nor did it fall off the cliff in 2008; they lost just about anyone who mattered (Harrison, Bruschi in particular) and had to break glass to get Seau and Rosie Colvin late in the year.

Also, the mantra in 2008 was “They have to get younger on defense.” They did for 2009; the defensive playmakers who were let go were done as far as being able to make a difference in 2009.

now fire the so called offensive coordinator??

Don’t forget, no Rodney Harrison in the 2006 playoffs. He was the victim of a cheap shot from Tennessee receiver Bobby Wade in the final regular season game. Combined with the fatigue from the San Diego trip, the flu, and of course the artificial heat and crowd noise pumped in by Darth Polian, and Glamour Boy Peyton was able to steal a ring.

I agree with Mike Daly. This defense, at least statistically, was always in the top half of the league. Was Pees really the problem? Maybe, but we won’t know until next season.

Fair amount of credit for developing Mayo and Meriweather? They both regressed this year. I don’t care if Brandon, I sound like a woman when I talk Meriweather, was named to the pro bowl as an altertnate he got torched and was in the wrong position the whole second half of the season. All you have to do is give a pump face to one side of the field and throw to they other. He over pursues way to much. Mayo! could there be a more disapointment after winning D Rookie of the year last year. He was repeatedly run over this year. Given his knee may have been worse than was reported but does anyone remember Mayo making a big play this year?

Clocker97 the stats lie! Do you really think that the 07 Defense was as good as the stats say they were? The offense forced all teams into becoming one dimentional because they were down by 21 at half. Defenses are good when they HAVE TO MAKE A STOP and do it. Thats the only real indicator of a good defense. Whats Baltimore going to do on this play? Oh thats right run up the middle and pick up 4 yards all day long.

Dean Pees was not the problem with the Pat’s defense; the loss of several key veterans, and correspondingly, having to play several less experienced players at key positions. Perhaps, the defensed could have stunted more, but with developing players that can be a tough thing to do. I think the defense was progressing well but when they lost Big Vince and Ty Warren it hurt a lot. Good luck to coach Pees.