supafly

This problem will likely be addressed, just as every problem is in the off-season (in Belichick's timeframe, not ours).

If it is not addressed, then we can start to wonder if Brady, McDaniels, and Belichick are just fine with the way things are--which, while many will disagree, may very well be the truth.

This current offense puts up pts at a 36 point average the past few years, not to mention the fact that it allows Brady to take advantage of getting rid of the ball quicker, taking less hits, and very likely even prolonging his career. The offense is tailored to the strengths of some very, very good players. The offense turns the ball over few and far between. Something they are doing is right, since they are historically better than 90%+ of any other offense.

Although it's hard to argue with the thought of having one more piece to the puzzle which can indeed be significant, even if their role is mainly as a decoy, time will certainly point to one direction or another; and if they do not address this issue then we can start to assume that they are fine with the ways things currently are, and that the offense is tailored to be a certain way.

My guess is that the issue will be addressed, only time will tell, but we will know soon enough.

My opinion is that we'd have been just fine if not for the major loss of Gronkowski in back to back years in the season's biggest games. We may have very well have overcome that injury too, had it not been for the loss of Talib yesterday, a few bad breaks (I keep saying to just freaking sign Pollard and sit him on the bench, but no one listens), and the strong defensive play from a good team that is Baltimore.

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Patiently waiting to defend the next "bubble" player in this summer's training camp.....

AndyJohnson

Whether its the answer or not, it is very much fact that the problem yesterday was not executing plays that were there to be made that they consistently execute all season.
That isn't a personell issue, unless you expect perfect personell, which is unrealistic.
On the other hand, there is a scheme related issue that I percieve.
Our offense, based upon taking what they give seems to only really get stopped on days when we have makable 3rd downs that we do not convert. 3rd and 12 is a first and 2nd down issue, of course, but so is 3rd and 2 if you are in them all day.
It seems in bigger games we move in smaller chunks and have to convert a number of 3rd downs to drive the length. When you need 13 play drives it is more likely to get stalled even if you are playing pretty good offense than if you are quick-striking on 5-6 plays.
It seems schematically that we play 13 play drive offense in big games.
This is really just a point of discussion for something that I perceive but haven't concluded my thinking on yet.

AndyJohnson

How would a deep threat address that?

DocHoliday

I think people are mistaking deep threat with big receiver who can catch while covered.

Gronk is that guy, but we need another for when Gronk goes down.

I also don't know how you can say our receivers werent being hit any harder than usual, WW limping very badly, Ridley KO'd, and Vereen had his head on a swivel.

They set the tone - expect to get beat up.

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coolguy

It helps the steelers when they play them Antonio Brown 58 yard catch vs. Ravens-Divisional Playoffs - YouTube

coolguy

The ravens secondary is not as great as the patriots make them look. They can be beat over the top by fast receivers Antonio Brown 58 yard catch vs. Ravens-Divisional Playoffs - YouTube.


Mike wallace and Antonio Brown are the reason the steelers have owned the ravens.

DocHoliday

They can also be beat with taller receivers, of which we had only one.

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coolguy

The steelers offense look like a physical version of the current finesse patriots receiving core.

All these years the steelers offense use to man handle the ravens secondary Hines Ward Levels Ed Reed - YouTube

while brady and the patriots play finesse and let the ravens knock them around. The patriots haven't won a superbowl since they had a physical fast receiving core
Branch-givens-brown- and davind patten


It makes since that the 2004 patriots were able destroy the ravens 24-6.

coolguy

Hate me all you want for saying this, but deion branch in 03-04 has been more valuable/dependable than wes welker in his 6 seasons.

Deion branch took over playoff games during the repeat.

Sciz

I'm not sure how that would've helped yesterday. You can't throw that pass in 20 MPH wind. There's a reason the longest completed pass yesterday was only 25 yards down the field.

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