rookBoston

What other team, in the history of the game, could line up a powerback like Dillon behind a 4 TE set, where all four are great receivers. Dillon's TD run was behind our four star-in-the-making TEs.

Generally, you're forced to play a backup OT (Grant Williams comes to mind) as an eligible receiver in that kind of situation. And BB has famously used Vrabel in that role in the past. But this year we've got four legitimate, high skill TEs to play that set.

We're going to score a ton of TDs out of that formation this year. A little ball fake, and we the D stumbling over their own feet. Brady is going to have a legitimate target every single time. It's impossible to defend Graham, Watson, Thomas and Mills as eligible receivers and still play an honest run-D against Dillon. Red zone offense is going to shine like never before in Patriots history.

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IndyKen

Great point Rook - ah, the possibilities just make one smile - and a big smile at that...

JR4

Considering the run option in those situations, Mills showed a little of his run
blocking ability as he help Dillion get his TD last night. That was sweet.
Also Mills needed to show that lead blocking ability if he to be considered
as a FB as well as a TE.

JoeSixPat

Ah - its gratifying to know the Patriots coaches read my earlier posts calling for 4 TE sets and heeded my advice!

Seriously, I see this being used in more than Red Zone formations - Thomas and Watson are both mid range threats, and Graham - if he can stay healthy - will have a major opportunity to contribute if D's are keying on the others

All that D scrambling to cover a 4 TE set will also give our WRs the help they need (especially if Branch continues holding hout)

I'd much prefer to have 2 strong WRs stretching the field but 4 TEs can wreak havoc as well

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Brady'sButtBoy

Yep, that Mills block was pivotal on that TD run. Mills may just be a decent blocker after all. If he is then Pass may be gone.

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NordicVoyager

I was having dreams last night about the potential of the Pats 4 TE formation this year. Out of curiosity, say the ball is on the 10 yard line, and the Pats line up in 4 TE's with Dillon as the back, how would a defense defend this formation? Thoughts?

JoeSixPat

You and a lot of opposing defensive coordinators from around the league are having the same dream - but they call it a nightmare

I'm no NFL defensive expert but common sense tells me its easier to defend a 4 TE set with a short field at the 10 yard line than it would with a more open field - that's why I tend to think it won't be limited to the red zone only.

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Patriots4Ever

Im thinking our RB's Are frothing at the mouth when they think of all those TE's we have to help them get up field.I heard about that and Literally got chills hearing that FOUR Tight Ends were on the line..That is just Electrifying

patchick

Same here, that play hinted at amazing things. The rookies have shown a terrific combination of soft hands and run blocking...it's hard to imagine that there's ever been a deeper TE roster.

Isn't it funny how quickly we've shifted from "they drafted ANOTHER #&!* tight end?" to assuming all four will be game-day actives and on the field together?

stinkypete

My guess is that at the 10 yard line and facing a 4 TE set, defenses would be forced to play soft, not give up the TD. This could result in longer runs to set up the score.