Do offensive toys create defensive issues?

[jaytyme]

As i watched the offense score early, often and most importantly QUICKLY against the dolphins on Sunday, i couldnt be happier. Rolling up 42 points in the 1st half demonstrated our dominance. But is the a downside to the quick strike vertical attack.

Our defense was on the field over 35 minutes on Sunday. It was the first game we lost the time of possesion battle despite the lopsided blowout. During the second half, there were times i could've sworn our defense was gassed.

here's the question. Even though we are able to go vertical at will, does it make more sense to focus on ball control?

If the offense can control the ball for 10 or more plays and over 5 minutes before scoring, then the defense should get the rest it needs to play up to its potential. The only drawback of scoring quickly seems to be the short turnaround time for the defense.

I ask this question, in view of the upcoming gane against the colts, where i believe that ball control will be crucial to the outcome.

 

[BelichickFan]

I don't have Time of Posession totals here but we lead the league in rushing attempts :

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/stati...ort=att&pos=off&league=nfl&season=2&year=2007

So we've done a good job of holding onto the ball. I don't think this is a concern.

 

[desi-patsfan]

I don't have Time of Posession totals here but we lead the league in rushing attempts :

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/stati...ort=att&pos=off&league=nfl&season=2&year=2007

So we've done a good job of holding onto the ball. I don't think this is a concern.

Especially when Maroney returns to take the starting role.

 

[eric5280]

God I hope they weren't gassed.. That's why they lost against Colts in the playoffs last year and I'd hate to see a repeat of the nightmare that was the 2nd half of that game.

 

[desi-patsfan]

God I hope they weren't gassed.. That's why they lost against Colts in the playoffs last year and I'd hate to see a repeat of the nightmare that was the 2nd half of that game.

True but in the 2nd half we also couldnt score. That wont be as big a problem this time around.

 

[patsox23]

The Patriots are 3rd in the NFL in time of possession. I'm not even close to worried. I am, in fact, psyched with how potent this offense is. They won't always score as quickly as they did against Miami, and they've shown themselves totally capable of running the ball.

 

[DESERTPAT]

As i watched the offense score early, often and most importantly QUICKLY against the dolphins on Sunday, i couldnt be happier. Rolling up 42 points in the 1st half demonstrated our dominance. But is the a downside to the quick strike vertical attack.

Our defense was on the field over 35 minutes on Sunday. It was the first game we lost the time of possesion battle despite the lopsided blowout. During the second half, there were times i could've sworn our defense was gassed.

here's the question. Even though we are able to go vertical at will, does it make more sense to focus on ball control?

If the offense can control the ball for 10 or more plays and over 5 minutes before scoring, then the defense should get the rest it needs to play up to its potential. The only drawback of scoring quickly seems to be the short turnaround time for the defense.

I ask this question, in view of the upcoming gane against the colts, where i believe that ball control will be crucial to the outcome.

Don't forget it was Miami and it was hot, We always seem to wilt in the heat down there but this time we just outscored them.

 

[jaytyme]

Don't forget it was Miami and it was hot, We always seem to wilt in the heat down there but this time we just outscored them.

that's a good point......it was hot.

 

[RayClay]

It was certainly an issue in 2002.

If anything is true of BB it's that he learns.

 

[-=Bruschi54=-]

Don't forget it was Miami and it was hot.

It wasn't hot, it was smokin'!:rocker:

 

[psychoPat]

In addition to all the reasons given ... heat ... humidity ... rushing leadership ... etc.

there can never be a time in a game when scoring is bad.

So what, if you "give them the ball"? Now THEY must score too or fall further behind.

TOP and "resting your defense" are tactical rules of thumb
that apply to close ... undecided ... games only.

Always take the points when you can get them. And give them the ball.

 

[Pats726]

God I hope they weren't gassed.. That's why they lost against Colts in the playoffs last year and I'd hate to see a repeat of the nightmare that was the 2nd half of that game.

Also the team was sick with teh flu...many were quite exhausted...NOT a repeat at all...