lamafist
Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2008
- Messages
- 1,197
- Reaction score
- 124
I think the posters calling for more rushing early on with Brady under center will be disappointed when game-time comes around. Houston's defense has been notedly not as good against the shot-gun formation, and this will only be exacerbated by their rash of injuries at CB.
My guess is that it's largely about JJ Watt. Shotgun makes it easier for QBs to avoid pressure up the middle, and helps them identify clear throwing lanes, which is key when you're up against a pass-deflector like Watt. Meanwhile, Watt's more penetrating style of play for a 3-4 DE makes him more of a target for the Pats' "wham" plays, and could give Vereen and Woodhead a good gap to go after on a draw.
Even with the Pats being thin at WR, I think we'll see a fair bit of shotgun with Hernandez split wide, often outside Welker, and Vereen and Woodhead motioning out of the backfield. With Vereen healthy and the Pats showing more and more confidence in him, I think this game could be a big coming-out party for him.
My guess is that it's largely about JJ Watt. Shotgun makes it easier for QBs to avoid pressure up the middle, and helps them identify clear throwing lanes, which is key when you're up against a pass-deflector like Watt. Meanwhile, Watt's more penetrating style of play for a 3-4 DE makes him more of a target for the Pats' "wham" plays, and could give Vereen and Woodhead a good gap to go after on a draw.
Even with the Pats being thin at WR, I think we'll see a fair bit of shotgun with Hernandez split wide, often outside Welker, and Vereen and Woodhead motioning out of the backfield. With Vereen healthy and the Pats showing more and more confidence in him, I think this game could be a big coming-out party for him.