Don Kipines

I found this article on three tight end formations and wondered if this might be a reason behind the Patriots' recent draft strategies. In the last two years we've drafted three tight ends, two running backs, and two athletic offensive linemen -- and we used a lot of 3TE sets last year. Maybe we're building an offense to counter 3-4 defenses and cover 2 defenses?

Three Tight End Offensive Formation magic 3

convertedpatsfan

Interesting read. Maybe we'll see it a bit, though I don't think it'll be one of the main formations. I don't think the drafting of Smith was about this so much as he's Crumpler's eventual successor though.

MaineMan

From the article's description, it sound like the three TE formation is likely to work best if you have three Gronkowskis on the roster.

Hey. Wait a minute. What if we . . .

Off The Grid

Holy CRAP!!!

This is EXACTLY what I've been screaming we should DO!!

Grid's Radical Formation Notion

I've said it before, and I'll say it again:

D's are getting smaller as they get faster.

If we can roll out 3 or 4 High Grade Wing Back + Flex End types ~ guys who can pound the Back 7 into the dirt OR fly by them!! ~ on every play, we can absolutely DESTROY people!!

~ Rob Gronkowski
~ Lance Kendricks
~ Aaron Hernandez
~ Jordan Cameron

With Gronkowski at Wing Back, Cameron Split Wide, Hernandez at Flanker, and Kendricks at Slot??

Serious tactical possibilities, gentlemen.

Exactly HOW are D's supposed to stop us???

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patchick

Honestly, I think all of the drafting for TE last year and RB this year is because that they had almost no TEs under contract last year, and almost no RBs under contract this year!

It's not as if the Pats suddenly carrying more of those positions. Plus in the past BB has used first-round picks on both positions, while in the most recent 2 drafts he hasn't. I really think it's a stretch to read a change in offensive philosophy into this.

BlueThunder

I tend to agree....BB isn't about to totally change his Offense...most of those were positions of need either now or next year....

The makeup of the team WILL be changed however....Keeping the extra TE ( I like the pick) and QB ( Jury is still out on the pick but the value sure looks to be there)...

There are 2 offensive positions that will probably have an extra body on the roster next year unless BB IR's one. ( Maybe Smith gets a Boo boo in practice)
I can see keeping only 4 RB's on the 53.

JMHO

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My guns are no threat to anyone who isn't trying to deprive me or my family of life,liberty or property. They are,however, EXTREMELY dangerous to anyone who threatens to take those things.

mgteich

When you have the oldest 3 ruinning backs in the league, you need to carry an extra running back on the 53, and have another on speed dial or on the Practice Squad. When you have younger running backs, only four are needed.
QB 3
RB 4
WR 6
OL 9
TE 4
Still, 26 on offense is 1 or 2 too many unless there is roster espansion, which I do indeed expect.