Question on the Pats passing game

[The_Dragon]

Has anyone got an idea on what type of passing game the Patriots run? I ask as I've read a few articles this year on how the Patriots passing game is complicated and is more difficult to pick up than others. And we've seen the problems we've had in getting WRs open at various times this year.

Do the WRs run set routes, is it an option based offense or something else?

 

[Brownfan80]

Has anyone got an idea on what type of passing game the Patriots run? I ask as I've read a few articles this year on how the Patriots passing game is complicated and is more difficult to pick up than others. And we've seen the problems we've had in getting WRs open at various times this year.

Do the WRs run set routes, is it an option based offense or something else?

From what I understand it's heavily Option Route based and sight adjustments are required heavily both pre-play and during the play.

Route depths and timing change on blitzes.

The reason it's so 'hard' for the WRs is that they are expected to get to the point that they see the same thing as Tom Brady and react to the play the exact way that he expects.

Being that he's one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game, you can understand why that's a hard bill to fill.

 

[Oswlek]

From what I understand it's heavily Option Route based and sight adjustments are required heavily both pre-play and during the play.

Route depths and timing change on blitzes.

The reason it's so 'hard' for the WRs is that they are expected to get to the point that they see the same thing as Tom Brady and react to the play the exact way that he expects.

Being that he's one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game, you can understand why that's a hard bill to fill.

That seems to be the common thought, but BB himself has said that only 2-3 plays occur during the game where a WR changes his route based on a sight read. I can't find the link, though.

I think it is possible that the slot WR could run some option routes, but I think the guys outside run what they run.

Now, that said, even if the WR runs his normal route, he still needs to sit down in the right area of the zone. Also, guys need to be cognizant of blitzes to make an immediate adjustment. But changing a route from a cross to a post or a go; those don't happen as much as many people think.

 

[The_Dragon]

From what I understand it's heavily Option Route based and sight adjustments are required heavily both pre-play and during the play.

Route depths and timing change on blitzes.

The reason it's so 'hard' for the WRs is that they are expected to get to the point that they see the same thing as Tom Brady and react to the play the exact way that he expects.

Being that he's one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game, you can understand why that's a hard bill to fill.

That's interesting BF80. My understanding of a lot of passing attacks in the NFL is that they are based on set routes that the WRs run.

If I read what you are saying correctly then a lot of responability is placed on the shoulders of the WRs in the Patriot system. I've heard the term 'reading defenses' mentioned previously with regards to WRs. This is essentially what the Pats WRs need to do on every play so?

I can understand how this would be hard to pick up and even harder to defend.

I saw one clip somewhere on the web where Brady went through a play as he would see it on the field and it was very interesting to see his interpretation. I'll try to dig it up again.

 

[Brownfan80]

That seems to be the common thought, but BB himself has said that only 2-3 plays occur during the game where a WR changes his route based on a sight read. I can't find the link, though.

Oh.. I thought I'd read the opposite, though it might have been on this website rather than from BB himself. Apologies for the misinformation then, Dragon.

I think it is possible that the slot WR could run some option routes, but I think the guys outside run what they run.

Now, that said, even if the WR runs his normal route, he still needs to sit down in the right area of the zone. Also, guys need to be cognizant of blitzes to make an immediate adjustment. But changing a route from a cross to a post or a go; those don't happen as much as many people think.

Maybe that's what people confuse for 'sight adjustments': the timing changes and route shortening that's required on blitzes.

I'd love to see Bill and Tom break down the actual process of a passing game for the span of an entire matchup.

 

[BradyManny]

Maybe that's what people confuse for 'sight adjustments': the timing changes and route shortening that's required on blitzes.

For those that have played the game at an organized level (or are just more knowledgable ) - does Brady communicate with the receivers before the play on this (ie, what effect does a "Omaha!" type call at the line have on the wideouts) & are the CBs going to be aware that the routes have changed.

 

[BradyManny]

That seems to be the common thought, but BB himself has said that only 2-3 plays occur during the game where a WR changes his route based on a sight read. I can't find the link, though.

Hmm, interesting. I seem to recall him saying this as well. Of course, you never know when BB is telling the full truth in areas such as this.

 

[DarrylS]

Interesting thread, know some of the stuff is more difficult than other teams, Gabriel, Hayes and others had difficulty adjusting to the demands, expectations and route running. The Brown Fan 80 Comments have been heard of on several occasions and the adjustments due to blitzes are subtle, but significant.

 

[The_Dragon]

That's interesting BF80. My understanding of a lot of passing attacks in the NFL is that they are based on set routes that the WRs run.

If I read what you are saying correctly then a lot of responability is placed on the shoulders of the WRs in the Patriot system. I've heard the term 'reading defenses' mentioned previously with regards to WRs. This is essentially what the Pats WRs need to do on every play so?

I can understand how this would be hard to pick up and even harder to defend.

I saw one clip somewhere on the web where Brady went through a play as he would see it on the field and it was very interesting to see his interpretation. I'll try to dig it up again.

Apologies lads, haven't been able to put my hands on this clip as of yet. I'm pretty sure I saw it on ESPN.com.