Metaphors
In the Starting Line-Up
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- Oct 10, 2005
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1) Koppen's Shotgun Snaps
With Brady operating out of the shotgun so much, it is easy of overlook the fact that someone has to get him the ball before he can do anything. Team's often say they want to delay the QB a half-second to allow the pass rush to get him. You know what can delay the QB for a half-second? A shotgun snap at his feet or off to the side. Brady gets the ball in perfect position which allows him to keeps his eyes downfield and his feet under him.
2) Brady's Passes
Not his accuracy or touchdowns...but the flight of the ball itself. His technique has improved immensely in the last couple of years. The ball is almost always a tight spiral (important with the upcoming weather). He is putting the ball in the right spots to allow his receivers to get lots of YAC. Footwork, pocket movement, repeatable throwing motion, etc. Brady is still working hard to perfect his craft...and he is getting closer. So much has been made about Brady having weapons this year that I feel like his own improvements get overlooked.
3) Interior Line Pass Protection
We tend to get on Light and Kaczur when speedy ends come free and get to Brady. Have you noticed all the tackles/blitzers that have threatened Brady up the middle? Me neither. Not that there is never any pressure, but more times than not Brady has a clean pocket to step into when delivering his throws. Great job by Mankins, Koppen and Neal keeping Brady clean and comfortable.
4) Watson's Hands
Dude was kicking butt before Roy Williams (who is oddly on the payroll of Dr. James Andrews) horsecollared him. He was even pulling in low throws which were problematic for him in the past. Everyone talks about Moss, Welker and Stallworth...but look for Watson to be a force down the stretch with all the attention on the wideouts.
5) Special Teams Coverage and Blocking
There is a noticeable difference between what the Pats' kick returners see and what our oppositions' returners have to deal with. Networks don't show enough wide shots to really see what is going on, but when they do it is easy to see why the Pats' kick teams have been a strength this year.
6) Rodney's Flexibility
When he first came back from suspension, lots of folks were ready to write him off as old and slow. Since the Dallas game he has been fantastic. I've been surprised how much Belichick has focused on using him in key matchups (sealing the edge on the run, covering the slot, etc). If Rodney can stay healthy and AD can get healthy/experience...I'm not sure where you attack the Pats' defense with consistent success.
With Brady operating out of the shotgun so much, it is easy of overlook the fact that someone has to get him the ball before he can do anything. Team's often say they want to delay the QB a half-second to allow the pass rush to get him. You know what can delay the QB for a half-second? A shotgun snap at his feet or off to the side. Brady gets the ball in perfect position which allows him to keeps his eyes downfield and his feet under him.
2) Brady's Passes
Not his accuracy or touchdowns...but the flight of the ball itself. His technique has improved immensely in the last couple of years. The ball is almost always a tight spiral (important with the upcoming weather). He is putting the ball in the right spots to allow his receivers to get lots of YAC. Footwork, pocket movement, repeatable throwing motion, etc. Brady is still working hard to perfect his craft...and he is getting closer. So much has been made about Brady having weapons this year that I feel like his own improvements get overlooked.
3) Interior Line Pass Protection
We tend to get on Light and Kaczur when speedy ends come free and get to Brady. Have you noticed all the tackles/blitzers that have threatened Brady up the middle? Me neither. Not that there is never any pressure, but more times than not Brady has a clean pocket to step into when delivering his throws. Great job by Mankins, Koppen and Neal keeping Brady clean and comfortable.
4) Watson's Hands
Dude was kicking butt before Roy Williams (who is oddly on the payroll of Dr. James Andrews) horsecollared him. He was even pulling in low throws which were problematic for him in the past. Everyone talks about Moss, Welker and Stallworth...but look for Watson to be a force down the stretch with all the attention on the wideouts.
5) Special Teams Coverage and Blocking
There is a noticeable difference between what the Pats' kick returners see and what our oppositions' returners have to deal with. Networks don't show enough wide shots to really see what is going on, but when they do it is easy to see why the Pats' kick teams have been a strength this year.
6) Rodney's Flexibility
When he first came back from suspension, lots of folks were ready to write him off as old and slow. Since the Dallas game he has been fantastic. I've been surprised how much Belichick has focused on using him in key matchups (sealing the edge on the run, covering the slot, etc). If Rodney can stay healthy and AD can get healthy/experience...I'm not sure where you attack the Pats' defense with consistent success.
