RayClay

Anyone who's read about our former great dynasty (11 in 13), Bill Russell's Celtics, knows that there's more to winning than putting your talent straight up against the opposition.

Often, there's deception. Run the same play the same way every time except that one crucial play that decides a playoff game.

When Russell played against Chamberlain, he couldn't stop him, only contain him.

Russell was 6'9" 220, Chamberlain 7'1" 275. Chamberlain had a variety of shots and often would seem to have one shot that was unstoppable that night.

Whether it was the fade, finger roll or hook, with the game on the line, Chamberlain would go to the "money" move that had worked all night and...

swat! blocked and redirected to half court for an easy basket and the W.

Russell, knowing he couldn't stop him had intentionally overplayed. When the crucial play came Russell knew what was coming and that was all the edge he needed.

In a meaningless second half against Miami, was Belichick trying to setup the league? There were scouts from every team. He had gone to Moss (when I say he, I mean BB, McD and Brady. Anybody don't think they're on the same page by now?) in the Jets game despite coverage also.

I saw a play in the fins game where the safety's playing half way and actually leans toward, then sprints for the double teamed Moss on the right flank, with a single covered player running a post.

If we know for sure, (like Russell knew) that the safety will go for triple coverage, we are playing 10 on 8 otherwise.

Seems to me, that sets up a slight variation to the same play leading to at least one wide open receiver. Seems to me a play like that might come in handy in the post season.

Thoughts?

__________________

5 Rings for Brady!!

If you use the play as a decoy, then great.

So far, Brady has not been doing that. And the refs seemed determined to stop Moss from catching the ball or making a play. I have seen him pass interfered with all season and somehow he is the only one that gets the penalty.

It probably would work great if Brady looks for the open receiver on those plays, which is normally a strength of his.

I would love to see Moss stretch the field and Brady run a screen play or short pass to a wide open guy in those situations.

It is okay to take shots down the field when Moss is really open, but those triple coverage plays are low probability, even with Moss on the other end. Especially with the refs not doing their job at all. I don't feel comfortable when we rely on those plays so much, and I think it is hurting our offense at this point to try to force the ball to Moss when other guys are open.

shakesc

exactly thats why i think donte stallworth will be the secret weapon in the playoffs...he is too much of a weapon not to be used in the playoffs...he has been too quiet during the regular season...brady has been trying to force it to wes and randy so much teams thing thats what they are going to do in the playoff and then BANG donte for 180 yards and 2 tds

DaedalusX

You missed the point he is making. He's talking about using plays and down/distance/time tendencies as a decoy for the scouts and opposing coaches reviewing these games when preparing their own teams for their date with the Pats.

He's NOT talking about them using Moss to draw double or triple coverage to setup the screen and Brady failing to do so. I mean, we're 16 weeks in and I think it's pretty common knowledge now that you never leave Moss in single coverage.

I'm sure even Jessica Simpson knows that.

RayClay

The point is, BB is a smart football mind. We had both the Jets and Miami games well under control. so we gave up a first down because we didn't use a screen play or hit an open receiver against Miami. Who cares? Did somebody think we were losing control of that game?

It's called playing chess while others play checkers.

I'd still throw to Moss in double coverage. If we can suck teams into triple coverage, the possibilities are obvious to me.

That's why you don't allow teams to take the ball out of the hands of your super star.

A weapon, or the threat of a weapon, is only effective when you use it.

__________________

mavfan2390

If so, it is a great strategy...it'll be fun in the playoffs to send Moss deep into triple coverage, and have Welker wide open in the middle of the field.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

George W. Bush

NYCPatsFan

If true, it might be a good strategy for the first couple of plays when playing the first round. The opponent, whoever it is, will attempt making some adjustments in the second half which hopefully gives us more power to use the TEs or Welker and show what we are capable of doing.

Question then is - and of course assuming that we get the W - how will the second opponent, who is by now more experienced and one of the best in the AFC, handle it?

Whatever the answer, it sure is going to make some very interesting plays during the playoff.

Gosh!! I am so friggin excited!!

GO PATS!!!!!!!

5 Rings for Brady!!

I don't think I am missing the point.

So far we have not been running any decoys of that nature, and Rayclay is speculating that we will in the playoffs.

I would like to see Rayclay's speculation become reality because just throwing the ball downfield to Moss has become a low probability play lately, with a lot of the blame going to the officials.

RayClay

In my mind, the intent of a play like this is to be saved for a game winner. It's that one play that makes the announcers go "how did he get so wide open"?

If you don't need it, don't use it, because obviously defenses will adjust.

I'm no talking about the usual double coverage on Moss, I'm talking about running the exact same play with Moss and a receiver running a post, but sending one of the short receivers deep right into an area you could drive a Mack truck through.

It's got to be a crucial situation, or you've wasted it.

__________________

RayClay

Like I say 5 rings, we were in control both games. Perfect opportunity to experiment with manipulating defenses.

Defenses aren't stupid, but they are afraid of looking that way by letting Moss beat them.

By exploiting that fear and slightly changing a play, we can have a guaranteed TD play. There are just so many DBs out there.

__________________