- Joined
- Jul 11, 2005
- Messages
- 15,554
- Reaction score
- 27,641
Given that the Pats will have to use the "slow plodding rush" to keep Mahones in the pocket, I've been thinking about how I'd defend KC both in the pass and run game.If I'm the Pats, I don't even use McCourty in that role in this game. I play him back into more of a FS role so his range can disrupt those deeper patterns to Hill or Watkins (whomever lines up on his side).
I think the key to this game is stopping the KC run game and force them into a passing first offense. Mahones is doing a great job and is likely to make some "OMG throws" in this game. But if we keep making him throw the ball over 35 times, then it becomes more likely that mistakes will be made.
This is NOT going to be a LB heavy game. Like I said the key will be to stop the run, but we are going to have to do it without doing it with 8 in the box. I'd have hightower on the LOS or on the bench. KVN would be my only 3 down LB.
No it's going to have to be 5 and 6 DB's on a regular basis and those boys are going to have play the run like LB's.
I'm not sure who I'd put Gilmore on. Hill would be the obvious choice, but big on little isn't usually a good match up. Perhaps JJ is the best option there with help over the top. Then I'd put Gilmore on their #2 outside threat and trust him to cover alone and hopefully erase him. I'd have Rowe on Kelce and JMcCourty on their #3 option. By and large I want DB's on RB's coming out of the backfield.
Finally, and I say this EVERYTIME the Pats play an RPO offense. When KC runs that look, then hit the damned QB EVERYTIME. Do that, and they'll stop running it. It's as simple as that.