Pats' defense won't break, barely bends through 5-0 start

08.10.2007 15:00 Sport and Travel - Source: USA Today

Um, to borrow a line from stock-car legend Richard Petty, "Say what, buddy?"

Understand, the Patriots' defense had just completed a game in which it forced four turnovers, three of which led to New England touchdowns in this 34-17 home win before an overmatched Cleveland Browns outfit.

BOX SCORE: Patriots 34, Browns 17

But when a unit comes into the game undefeated and boasting the top-ranked defense in the NFL, anything less than perfection — apparently — simply won't cut it.

"We had some down moments, and we can't be like that," cornerback Ellis Hobbs said, adding that Patriots coach Bill Belichick stresses that "just winning is not good enough for us."

Do what, buddy?

You really buy into that?

"Of course," Hobbs said. "Of course."

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So does fellow cornerback Asante Samuel. Asked whether the Patriots defense is beginning to believe it's a dominating force, he shook he head.

"It's a long season," Samuel said, adding he and his fellow defenders want no part of a bend-but-don't-break identity.

"I mean, I guess that's always a key — bend but don't break," he said. "But we don't like to bend at all."

In fact, the most points the Patriots had allowed in a game this season was 14 before Sunday.

Of course that what happens when a defense has such players as linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas.

And one will not find too many fronts, if any, that are of the overall quality of ends Ty Warren and Jarvis Green, not to mention nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Oh, and do mention one Junior Seau. All the 18-year veteran linebacker did Sunday was intercept two passes — in the first half.

"He made some big plays today, but he makes plays every week," Belichick said. "And (on) a lot of plays, it's things where he'll draw (blockers) so somebody else can make it. ... He might be one of the most unselfish players I've ever coached."

From Seau: "I love this game."

He also loves being a part of this defense since arriving in August of 2006.

Since 2001, the Patriots have allowed an average 17 points or fewer in four of the six seasons. When playing at home, they fare even better. Since Gillette Stadium swung open its doors in 2002, New England has given up a league-best average of 15.5 points per game.

Again, though, that's not necessarily enough for these Patriots.

"We left a lot of plays out there on the field," Thomas said. "Things that we must improve looking toward next week."

Hobbs wasn't about to argue.

"We did a poor job today as far as playing the type of ball that we like to play," he said. "We started out fast but we didn't stay consistent throughout the whole game ...

"It's a bittersweet feeling. ... I think we can all agree that we have to pick it up."

If you say so.

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