SlowGettingUp
In the Starting Line-Up
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So I asked on Matt Chatham's site about player synergy - when does some combination of players exceed the sum of their parts, and he (as always) gave a really insightful answer:
There was more to his answer, including the disadvantages of being tall for blocking purposes - see full column at link below (I'm "Newton123" on that site):
http://www.footballbyfootball.com/column/fbf-inbox-answered
What other combinations of Patriot players might give defensive coordinators nightmares?
Given his love of versatility, I'm surprised Belichick has never sprung for a high-class all-round back - with Ridley/Blount defenders basically know run, and with Vereen they basically know pass. Do folks here see any of our current stable as contenders in this area?
How players are paired or grouped makes a big difference on their effectiveness - especially as it relates to each individual opponent. This is why matchups are really the most important factor in football - not past records, or venue, or how "hot" a team is.
To use the Gronk & Chandler example, it kind of depends on the opponent. I don't think the combination of these two in the red zone (from the height standpoint alone) would bother the Seattle Seahawks necessarily as much as others because they are tall at the linebacker, safety, and corner spots. A lot of teams may have that one unique "long" defender, so they can weather Gronk with the addition of some help. But the addition of Chandler might create a great mismatch against that kind of team.
To use the Gronk & Chandler example, it kind of depends on the opponent. I don't think the combination of these two in the red zone (from the height standpoint alone) would bother the Seattle Seahawks necessarily as much as others because they are tall at the linebacker, safety, and corner spots. A lot of teams may have that one unique "long" defender, so they can weather Gronk with the addition of some help. But the addition of Chandler might create a great mismatch against that kind of team.
There was more to his answer, including the disadvantages of being tall for blocking purposes - see full column at link below (I'm "Newton123" on that site):
http://www.footballbyfootball.com/column/fbf-inbox-answered
What other combinations of Patriot players might give defensive coordinators nightmares?
Given his love of versatility, I'm surprised Belichick has never sprung for a high-class all-round back - with Ridley/Blount defenders basically know run, and with Vereen they basically know pass. Do folks here see any of our current stable as contenders in this area?
