2014 Divisional QB Draw versus the Ravens

[K. Dog]

In the 2014 divisional round against the Ravens, the Patriots were down 14-0 with 54 seconds left in the first quarter at 3d and goal on the 8. Brady ran the ball in for a touchdown.

This was a strange and interesting play. Initially most of the Ravens line lined up on Brady's right. Edelman also lined up wide right. After the snap from shotgun, Edelman crosses left, and Brady runs along the left straight in.



There are some interesting images from the all-22. Basically there are three defenders between Brady and the goal line: the free safety #24, Darian Stewart; the cornerback #21 Darnarius Webb who is guarding Edelman (#11 obviously); and the lineback #51 Daryl Smith who is in the end zone. Edelman winds up neutralizing all three of these defenders, giving Tom just enough time to get in.


1. As soon as Edelman sees that Brady will run, he instantly stops and blocks Stewart. Webb is slower to react, since he's focusing on Edelman, and winds up being blocked both by Edelman and his own man, Stewart.

2. Finally, Smith seems a bit in shock at seeing Brady run, and is still eyeing Edelman - he hesitates, and can't quite make the play.


My question here is how much of this was a designed play? Was the way Edelman blocks both Stewart and Webb intentional? The thing about the play it looks very risky. If Smith reacts a bit faster or if Edelman misses his block or if Webb (or Stewart) read the play quickly, Brady doesn't have many options - he's going to get smashed.

It'd be interesting to know how much of this is improv and how much practiced. It's amazing how many key blocks Edelman has - he had one in SB LI OT TD for that matter.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

The thought that this was a designed play had never occurred to me so I took a look at the full video of the play.



It doesn't seem like a designed play. For one thing Dola's route also swings inside for a bit before breaking out, while Edelman is crossing and bringing a guy with him into the area.

It looked like really good coverage on everyone, and after Brady feels the initial pressure and steps by it, it looks like he realizes nobody is open and just tries to make a play.

 

[TommyD4207]

My question here is how much of this was a designed play? Was the way Edelman blocks both Stewart and Webb intentional? The thing about the play it looks very risky. If Smith reacts a bit faster or if Edelman misses his block or if Webb (or Stewart) read the play quickly, Brady doesn't have many options - he's going to get smashed.

It'd be interesting to know how much of this is improv and how much practiced. It's amazing how many key blocks Edelman has - he had one in SB LI OT TD for that matter.

I said right before the play 'Quarterback Draw, they'll never see it coming".

Now granted, that's almost always the case inside the 5 (including me saying it), but this was a playoff game and they were down two TDs.

It was absolutely a called play. That wasn't a traditional pass block by the line, they were shoving guys out to the right, away from the play, and he waits for Edelman to get in position for that first block before he goes.