Patriots defensive coordinator says team will ‘get creative’ without star CBs

New England has an uphill battle on its hands defending against the Las Vegas Raiders offense without a litany of defensive talent, including its two starting corners.

Four of New England’s top-6 cornerbacks were ruled out of the contest already, including both starting outside corners, Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis. Channing Canada and Karon Prunty are also set to miss Week 5. 

That leaves Charles Woods (questionable, shoulder) and Marcus Jones as the only two cornerbacks on the active roster available for Sunday. There will certainly be practice squad elevations to assist the crew, and the Patriots may not be able to run quite as much nickel defense as they’re accustomed to.

In fact, defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr will likely need to call the defense as a whole in a much different way on Sunday. He admitted things will get a bit funky on a radio appearance for WEEI Friday.

“I wouldn’t say it’s been challenging, I’d say the guys are excited about the anticipation and how we get creative with some things,” Kuhr said. “It’s not only practicing for us, it’s also about getting good looks for the offense as well. I think they’ve been excited to solve the problem of the week.”

Safety Jayden Reed, acquired by New England from the Texans in the Kayshon Boutte trade, could play some slot corner, reliant of course on Craig Woodson (questionable, shoulder) being available to play deep safety alongside Kevin Byard.

As constructed, the Patriots are built to run a fair amount of nickel and dime. Their linebacker corps isn’t tremendously deep, with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss being the two key names up the middle, and others contributing less. Brenden Schooler doesn’t play much defense, but if he’s activated for Week 5 he could be utilized in a hybrid linebacker/safety role as well.

Schooler’s defensive looks in the past have been largely as a QB spy, but that likely won’t be necessary against the Kirk Cousins-led Raiders.

How New England chooses to attack Las Vegas is yet to be seen. But Kuhr seemingly has been prepared for this possibility all week, and appears to have a game plan ready to put his available defenders in the right spots.

“Every week we talk about having solutions, and I think those guys have stepped up to that,” Kuhr said. “We’ve gotten creative with some things … we’ll see if it translates on Sunday.”

Patriots-Raiders is set for 1 p.m. in Foxborough Sunday.