Pats vs. Rams Superbowl pre-game analysis

[TheRainMaker]

Here is some interesting things Schlereth said when he was guest on the garbage show "First Things First". But bear with me he actually came with an interesting viewpoint about BB teams having issues with the Shanahan zone running scheme that is not hot takey at all.

I am surprised it didn't blow the heads of Wright and Carter.



Really good stuff about the run scheme.

This has been known for years, but it’s interesting when a former player who ran it confirms it.

What I don’t agree with is Wade Phillips success against Brady. I think he’s only beaten him 3 times. Once with San Diego (‘05) and twice in 2015. Brady beat him in 2006 playoffs, ‘07 Cowboys, every time with Texans and Broncos in 2016.

 

[sb1]

I don’t know when or how it happened but the Patriots OL has all of a sudden become the best in the league. This can’t be said enough.

If this is for real and they keep this going one more time I think we’ll be celebrating in 12 days.

 

[Redman443]

Sean McVay: Todd Gurley should have 'big role' in Super Bowl
He’s confident

 

[sb1]

Sean McVay: Todd Gurley should have 'big role' in Super Bowl
He’s confident

I call BS that he’s healthy.

 

[ralmat55]

I call BS that he’s healthy.

Slick Sean wouldn’t be lying about this would he?

 

[PatsFan2]

Am I glad that Brees and the Saints didn't make it Goff is Good but he's no Drew Brees.

 

[Kontradiction]

Sean McVay: Todd Gurley should have 'big role' in Super Bowl
He’s confident

As well he should. The Patriots weakness is on dives and counters and Gurley excels at that as long as he’s healthy. I fully expect the Rams to make the run the focal point. McVay is not the assassin of a play caller that Payton or even McDaniels is (who mercilessly attacks whatever your weakness is), but he is smart. The DT group will have to bring it again.

 

[PP2]

How do the Patriots counter this?

Pattern-matching zone coverages, for the most part, especially when McVay goes reduced formation.

Here's a good primer:

Film Study: Nick Saban's Pattern-Matching Pass Defense

 

[TomPatriot]

The release is often more difficult in condensed formations.

We just beat a better team that zone blocks and uses bunch formations plus a split.

 

[ALP]

seriously, just tell the defenders to not break their huddle until after the 15 seconds is up

if rams try to start lining up before it gets to 15 seconds, they will be hurried and make mistakes

 

[Uptown]

We’re gonna play more zone coverage. I believe 9 of his 12 INTs were against zone.

The All-22: How Patriots pressure could make life miserable for Jared Goff

 

[Patriot Missile]

Kind of surprised by the Wade Phillips defenses have been good against the Pats. I guess if you consider 6-3 good then ok?

The outside running lanes are there for the taking for Michel. Think Rams D is averaging 5 ypc on outside carries. They just dont have the personal to stop it. They will have to drop the secondary closer to the line to help out and it’s going to cost them in play action.

Personally, I’m expecting a blowout, but I’ve been wrong before with these predictions.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

The Schlereth take is interesting, but then the panel goes straight back to the "Wade Phillips has had the Patriots number" take. Anecdotally, I seem to remember the Patriots killing Wade's defenses in any year that he didn't have a top 10 all time defense playing at home (in Denver no less). Am I forgetting other games where he's given Brady trouble? Anyone have any stats on his overall record against BB/Brady?

This has been known for years, but it’s interesting when a former player who ran it confirms it.

What I don’t agree with is Wade Phillips success against Brady. I think he’s only beaten him 3 times. Once with San Diego (‘05) and twice in 2015. Brady beat him in 2006 playoffs, ‘07 Cowboys, every time with Texans and Broncos in 2016.

Some of Schlereth's comments pre-date the current Brady-Bellichick regime.
The Broncos have definitely been a tough foe:

Broncos–Patriots rivalry - Wikipedia

The Patriots hung 48 on Wade when he was coaching the Cowboys in 2007.
We had Randy Moss that year and it ended in the game that is unmentionable.

NOTE: there is another thread about Wade Phillips:

if you are interested, here is every Patriots game (with Brady) vs wade Phillips

 

[long distance]

 

[JPsPats]

Goff was the 28th ranked QB when facing pressure I believe. Of course pressure will affect any QB, but it reaaaaally seemed to bother Goff.

Rams have a solid O-line but we need to get pressure. If Goff has time he’s capable of picking you apart. Strong arm and accurate. Pressure will be key, we don’t have to try and sack him every play. Just make him move around the pocket and get him uncomfortable.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Goff was the 28th ranked QB when facing pressure I believe. Of course pressure will affect any QB, but it reaaaaally seemed to bother Goff.

Rams have a solid O-line but we need to get pressure. If Goff has time he’s capable of picking you apart. Strong arm and accurate. Pressure will be key, we don’t have to try and sack him every play. Just make him move around the pocket and get him uncomfortable.

Watched that game twice now. Can count a dozen times he went with his first read and never looked at others. Gurley better play well.

 

[venecol]

Here is some interesting things Schlereth said when he was guest on the garbage show "First Things First". But bear with me he actually came with an interesting viewpoint about BB teams having issues with the Shanahan zone running scheme that is not hot takey at all.

I am surprised it didn't blow the heads of Wright and Carter.



Really good stuff about the run scheme.

That's interesting but why hasn't anyone punched Wright in the face or is that why his nose is so bent and crooked?

 

[venecol]

This year's offense is really different than last year's offense

And this year's offense will be different during the SB.

 

[pheenix11]

Goff looked shaky as hell in the playoffs, I was not particularly impressed.

Only thing that concerns me about the Rams is their defensive tackles. Pressure up the middle reminds me of the Giants in 2007. Then again, Brady is now 11 years wiser and we have a much better running game this time.

 

[ViperGTS]

Welp, another thing I just learned. Goff is a young Brady according to Cowherd.