Vince Wilfork Carried Defensive Line

The story of the Patriots' defensive line took so many twists and turns throughout the course of 2011, starting with the acquisition of Albert Haynesworth and the release of Ty Warren. Throughout most of training camp, the Patriots had about 20 defensive linemen on the roster, give or take, and some who didn't make the team caught on elsewhere.

They played more four-man fronts with one-gap assignments than they've done in the past, and Vince Wilfork stepped up his game once again. Then there was the emergence of both Andre Carter and Mark Anderson, while Kyle Love's stock skyrocketed over the course of the season and Brandon Deaderick showed some intriguing flashes. Aside from Carter, Mike Wright, Myron Pryor and Jermaine Cunningham succumbed to season-ending injuries that ate away at the team's depth.

And the defensive line was a story right until the very end, as Alex Silvestro's promotion cost wide receiver Tiquan Underwood a roster spot just 24 hours before the Super Bowl. The scary thing is that was just the Cliffs Notes version of the last six-plus months.

Defensive Linemen on Final Roster: Vince Wilfork, Mark Anderson, Ron Brace, Brandon Deaderick, Shaun Ellis, Kyle Love, Gerard Warren, Alex Silvestro, Markell Carter (practice squad), Aaron Lavarias (practice squad), Myron Pryor (injured reserve), Andre Carter (injured reserve), Jermaine Cunningham (injured reserve), Mike Wright (injured reserve).

Key Statistic: Anderson (10) and Carter (10) became the third tandem of Patriots to each record 10 sacks in the same season. Tony McGee (12) and Ray Hamilton (10) did it in 1977, and Andre Tippett (16.5) and Garin Veris (10) did it in 1985. Anderson added 2.5 sacks in the playoffs.

Hot Topic: Wilfork continued to raise his level this season as an every-down player who proved to be the most valuable member of the defense. He singlehandedly ripped through the Ravens in the AFC Championship, though he wasn't as spectacular in the Super Bowl. Wilfork gets better every year, but he just wrapped up his eighth season in the league. Since it's such a physically demanding position, how much longer can the 30-year-old play at this level?

One thing that is clear: His teammates play for him, and that was never more evident than after the Ravens game when the Patriots lauded Wilfork for his preparation and his ability to get everyone motivated to play alongside him. Linebacker Jerod Mayo gets a lot of credit for running the defense on the field, as he should, but the last few weeks really showed it's still Wilfork's defense.


(nesn.com)