The Patriots have continued to add defensive pieces that fit a 4-3 front. DE Mark Anderson was the first to join, with DEs Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis following. Anderson is strictly a pass-rush specialist who posted 12 sacks as a rookie back in 2006. He washed out as a starter the following season but delivered 4 sacks in a situational role with the Texans last year. Carter has proved a poor 3-4 fit with the Niners and Washington but was terrific as a 4-3 DE before HC Mike Shanahan arrived. Carter reached 10 sacks in 2 of his 1st 4 seasons in Washington. Ellis can fit either front and most recently performed strongly as a 3-4 DE starter for the Jets. Overall, HC Bill Belichick keeps dropping hints that the move to more 4-3 is for real.
