2-TE Offense, personnel flexibility...where was any of that?

So maybe it just doesn't matter when your line can't block a four man rush, but...

In the November game, the Patriots used a Gronkowski-Chandler 2-TE package. Although generally ineffective on third down (probably more to do with Edelman/Amendola out), the package capitalized on the Broncos lesser pass defenders rather than their secondary and also helped to neutralize the pass rush. Brady finished with 280 yards and 3 TDs, looking mighty good considering LaFell, Martin, and Bolden were his targets after Gronkowski and Chandler.

Gronkowski was targeted 10 times that game and had 88 yards and a TD.
Chandler was targeted 11 times and had 58 yards and a TD, arguably his best game of the season.

What killed me today was that the Broncos publicly stated they would play a zone defense with an emphasis on taking away the quick routes. The defense was designed to bracket Edelman and Gronkowski and take away quick pass routes. It was obvious on the first drive that running the spread was going to be difficult.

Edelman and Gronkowski had 28 out of 56 targets. White had a whopping 16...the three combined had 44 of the 56. How obvious can the offense be about who they are throwing to? Bolden, who in the first meeting had 84 yards and a TD on just four targets (all completions), was not really part of the gameplan.

I realize that Chandler is on the outs, but he was active. The Patriots had a plethora of player combinations and formation options, more reliable weapons than they've had in awhile. I fully expected them to try 2 TEs to mix it up and force Denver out of their zone defense, try a reverse to make them pay for over pursuing, try at least one end around run instead of banging their heads into the wall up the middle.

Even on the two point conversion, it was the same..no 2 TE set when the defense has taken away the short routes all game! I thought maybe they'd line Gronkowski up at fullback...something, anything besides the same similar formation.

Just absolutely shocked that this innovative team failed to adapt in any way...it was almost like watching a smash mouth team stubbornly try to beat an elite run defense, trying to "force their will" on a opponent.

Ice_Ice_Brady said:

So maybe it just doesn't matter when your line can't block a four man rush, but...

In the November game, the Patriots used a Gronkowski-Chandler 2-TE package. Although generally ineffective on third down (probably more to do with Edelman/Amendola out), the package capitalized on the Broncos lesser pass defenders rather than their secondary and also helped to neutralize the pass rush. Brady finished with 280 yards and 3 TDs, looking mighty good considering LaFell, Martin, and Bolden were his targets after Gronkowski and Chandler.

Gronkowski was targeted 10 times that game and had 88 yards and a TD.
Chandler was targeted 11 times and had 58 yards and a TD, arguably his best game of the season.

What killed me today was that the Broncos publicly stated they would play a zone defense with an emphasis on taking away the quick routes. The defense was designed to bracket Edelman and Gronkowski and take away quick pass routes. It was obvious on the first drive that running the spread was going to be difficult.

Edelman and Gronkowski had 28 out of 56 targets. White had a whopping 16...the three combined had 44 of the 56. How obvious can the offense be about who they are throwing to? Bolden, who in the first meeting had 84 yards and a TD on just four targets (all completions), was not really part of the gameplan.

I realize that Chandler is on the outs, but he was active. The Patriots had a plethora of player combinations and formation options, more reliable weapons than they've had in awhile. I fully expected them to try 2 TEs to mix it up and force Denver out of their zone defense, try a reverse to make them pay for over pursuing, try at least one end around run instead of banging their heads into the wall up the middle.

Even on the two point conversion, it was the same..no 2 TE set when the defense has taken away the short routes all game! I thought maybe they'd line Gronkowski up at fullback...something, anything besides the same similar formation.

Just absolutely shocked that this innovative team failed to adapt in any way...it was almost like watching a smash mouth team try to beat an elite run defense, trying to "force their will" on a opponent.

Click to expand...

Please, jesus, let McDaniels land a HC job. Patricia needs to stay put, but I would not worry about McDaniels leaving.

Ice_Ice_Brady said:

So maybe it just doesn't matter when your line can't block a four man rush, but...

In the November game, the Patriots used a Gronkowski-Chandler 2-TE package. Although generally ineffective on third down (probably more to do with Edelman/Amendola out), the package capitalized on the Broncos lesser pass defenders rather than their secondary and also helped to neutralize the pass rush. Brady finished with 280 yards and 3 TDs, looking mighty good considering LaFell, Martin, and Bolden were his targets after Gronkowski and Chandler.

Gronkowski was targeted 10 times that game and had 88 yards and a TD.
Chandler was targeted 11 times and had 58 yards and a TD, arguably his best game of the season.

What killed me today was that the Broncos publicly stated they would play a zone defense with an emphasis on taking away the quick routes. The defense was designed to bracket Edelman and Gronkowski and take away quick pass routes. It was obvious on the first drive that running the spread was going to be difficult.

Edelman and Gronkowski had 28 out of 56 targets. White had a whopping 16...the three combined had 44 of the 56. How obvious can the offense be about who they are throwing to? Bolden, who in the first meeting had 84 yards and a TD on just four targets (all completions), was not really part of the gameplan.

I realize that Chandler is on the outs, but he was active. The Patriots had a plethora of player combinations and formation options, more reliable weapons than they've had in awhile. I fully expected them to try 2 TEs to mix it up and force Denver out of their zone defense, try a reverse to make them pay for over pursuing, try at least one end around run instead of banging their heads into the wall up the middle.

Even on the two point conversion, it was the same..no 2 TE set when the defense has taken away the short routes all game! I thought maybe they'd line Gronkowski up at fullback...something, anything besides the same similar formation.

Just absolutely shocked that this innovative team failed to adapt in any way...it was almost like watching a smash mouth team try to beat an elite run defense, trying to "force their will" on a opponent.

Click to expand...

I agree. They played not to win today. From the odd defense to spot Denver 14, to the insanely ******ed gameplan offensively that made zero sense. You work plays in if your line is suffering, of which they did none of. No chipping or anything. There are machinations way above what we know at work. I truly believe something was going on which would explain their borderline criminal play calling.

Not much creativity, that's for sure. Very disappointing, particularly when the defense played very well.