Scouts, Inc.: Patriots throwing more screen passes to start the season - New England Patriots Forums

***Rob0729*** · 08-28-2008, 02:35 PM

From Ken Moll on the AFC East blog on the site that will remain nameless:

Quote:

QB Tom Brady's bone bruise on his right foot is a concern, despite the nothing's-wrong attitude from him and Bill Belichick. His injury, coupled with the fact he hasn't played this preseason, could force the Patriots' high-scoring offense to have a somewhat different look to start the season.

It is very possible that New England won't spread the field and have Brady throw deep passes as much at the beginning of the season because he will likely be less effective pushing off to transfer his weight. He will also be less mobile, have fewer progressions, struggle to make all his throws and depend more on his teammates.

The Patriots should be blitzed often this season, similarly to what the Giants did to them in the Super Bowl, and if Brady has limited mobility it will be even tougher on this team to move the chains.

In order to counter the aggressive defenses, I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots reverted back to their old ways -- before Randy Moss and Wes Welker -- and utilize more screens. Third-down specialist Kevin Faulk and newly acquired RB LaMont Jordan are very good pass-catchers out of the backfield and they could have an increased role until Brady can avoid the rush better and stretch the field. The option route, which allows the running back to move inside or outside based upon how the linebacker plays him, should be particularly effective for both backs.
The Patriots will also likely pound the ball with their ground attack. Plus, their defense and special teams will have to step up until Brady develops his timing and is fully healthy.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0...he-screen.html

***Rob0729*** · 08-28-2008, 02:38 PM

Sorry about the title it is more conjecture than actually insight. Mods may want to change the title.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 08-28-2008, 04:34 PM

IF Brady's injury is not all BS all along then I definately could see that type of offense for awhile and would make sense.

The Colts are probably thinking the same type of offense for Manning who is pretty much in the same boat you might say

B y mid season I expect both QBs to be ready for regualr duty IF they don't get more injured before then

SVN · 08-28-2008, 04:39 PM

i sometimes seriously doubt these 'scouts' know anything. they are the same guys who predicted the colts will kill our secondary in 2004 due injuries and the final score was 20-3 pats. lot of this crap is written beggining with one line

Quote:

QB Tom Brady's bone bruise on his right foot is a concern, despite the nothing's-wrong attitude from him and Bill Belichick

Concern for who ?

Bill 4 Prez · 08-28-2008, 04:43 PM

This guy is a moron, the Pats have had the dink and dunk mentality and have just used the weapons they had last year. This years offense should be the most versatile and thus toughest to prepare for.

tombonneau · 08-28-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

The Patriots should be blitzed often this season, similarly to what the Giants did to them in the Super Bowl,

Correct if I'm wrong, but didn't the Giants run very few blitzes in that game? I seem to recall reading a stat in that regard. It was the major part of their success; they got pressure with the front four and dropped seven into coverage.

FYI, that is the recipe of success vs. any offense in the NFL, not just the Patriots.

desi-patsfan · 08-28-2008, 05:05 PM

You gotta love articles that use the words, "Could", "Might", "Should".

SVN · 08-28-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombonneau

Correct if I'm wrong, but didn't the Giants run very few blitzes in that game? I seem to recall reading a stat in that regard. It was the major part of their success; they got pressure with the front four and dropped seven into coverage.

FYI, that is the recipe of success vs. any offense in the NFL, not just the Patriots.

as an alternative read pat kirwan's article on nfl.com which i postedon another thread . gives an insight as to what the giants did.

wdkantro2 · 08-28-2008, 05:12 PM

He raises good points, and I really hope we do throw more screens. Unfortunately, the term "screen" is not in Josh McDaniel's vocabulary

primetime · 08-28-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombonneau

Correct if I'm wrong, but didn't the Giants run very few blitzes in that game? I seem to recall reading a stat in that regard. It was the major part of their success; they got pressure with the front four and dropped seven into coverage.

FYI, that is the recipe of success vs. any offense in the NFL, not just the Patriots.

Blitzing Brady is tantamount to handing the Patriots the game, hobbled or not.

For what it's worth, I doubt very much the injury is bad at all, and I'm guessing it will be the same offense we saw last year.