lol dude you are wrong often. I mean I'm wrong all the time but you have "Rusty" potential.
You're twisted if you think Butler is faster than Rowe. Butler is the slowest CB we have.
I question that assessment on Butler. It doesn't pass the eye test. Running a 4.6 at someone's pro day is the reason why no one other than the Pats even took a UDFA flier on him. CLEARLY he is a lot faster than that, otherwise, he wouldn't have been kept on the team in the first place. Calling him the "slowest" of our CB's based on that erroneous pro day number from 4 years ago isn't accurate.
All that being said, my guess at the man to man matchups we'll see next week are as follows.
Gilmore on Jeffery - There is no question that Gilmore will be able to stay with Jeffery, but I don't think that will matter to Foles. Jeffery is probably one of the best 50-50 ball receivers in the league. Gilmore being close in coverage IS NOT going to keep them from throwing to him. For that reason, we need to put our best on their best
Bulter on Smith - Smith is a downfield threat I'm confident Butler can erase. He's only their 3rd best threat. Now common wisdom would have him on Agholor, but I don't think Butler is a very good slot defender for whatever reason. I'm not sure I'd have the same confidence having him on Agholor as I would on Smith.
Rowe on Agholor - This, I believe is the toughest matchup and the one that takes some creativity. Agholor, prior to this season has been a major bust. He broke out this year with 8TD and doubled his receiving yards (764). He is quick and has the best ypc average (12) on the team. But but I'm not so sure of his toughness. So I'd put Rowe on him with the job to put a beating on Agholor and stay with him as best he can. THEN, based on formation or other situation, I' double him with a S or LB if he is running crossers
Chung on Ertz - Ertz isn't Gronk, but he's THEIR Gronk. A big challenge for Chung, and since I believe he's the #2 receiver of choice for the Eagles, I'd also give him occasional double attention, with a LB or S ie, in certain formations have a LB head up on him and disrupting his release, just when he breaks free of the LB, have Chung there to jump him.
Flowers on Clement/Ajaii. It is certainly not the ideal matchup but its the best we have. The alternative, and one I'm sure we will use, is various zone coverages.
Here's what I'd do for an overall strategy. I'd do my best to disguise my coverages. For example, when they go in motion to help determine whether they'll get a man or zone coverage, you can send a DB with the motion, and STILL be in a zone coverage when the ball is snapped. So having Foles in definite passing situation will be Key #1. Key #2 is to disguise the coverage
Key#3 is to make Foles THINK his first read is open when it really isn't. Believe me there are ways to do this, or at least attempt to do it.
Foles is going to play in just his 6th game this season. Physically he's a talented QB, but he is definitely a product on his system. He showed against the Vikes that he clearly can make good throws under pressure. But there is a REASON why he regressed so badly after his 27TD-3pick season. He isn't all that great at reading defenses and getting his team in the right play. THAT is where the Pats can take advantage of him.
The RPO is a great system whose greatest advantage is that it vastly simplifies a QB's reads It also simplifies a receiver's routes. So because of this everyone gets to play fast. Physical ability is paramount. On the other side, it's harder to adjust and your play selection and formations are limited. It is easier for the defense to get a read on what you plan to run before you run it.
So when Bill tells the mediots how important THIS week is, it's because, if he and his staff can get a read on the Philly defense, then he can design the strategy that can keep them under 20 points.
JMHO
