Question: Miami didn't seem to run many screens

[RelocatedPatFan]

I watched the game, but didn't really remember many screens taking place after the first quarter. I would have expected more screens from the Dolphins (using Reggie Bush) with our defensive alignment/personnel and the more aggressive approach.

Was it that Henne didn't seem to get pressured as much (I actually thought we had fairly decent pressure) and was looking more downfield? I don't recall to many dump-off passes, certainly none that would qualify as overly successful.

We did seem to contain Reggie Bush fairly well (9/10 completions to him for 6.2 yd average with a long of 16).

Just thought teams might have success against us with some screens and wondered how the Patriots handled this or if Miami didn't really try to exploit us with the screen.

 

[Sicilian]

I noticed that too. If I had to guess, it was probably because we were rushing with four guys most of time, and only seemed to mix in a few blitzes. Screens work best on a blitz because it gives you more numbers out in front of the back.

 

[captain stone]

Maybe it's a league-wide thing, but it seems like we used to run a lot more screens before the Randy Ratio's arrival. Now, we hardly run them at all. Pity. A few well-timed screens would go a long way toward taking the pressure off an increasingly-immobile Brady. And I'm not talking about those quick-hits to the WRs, such as the one that led to the INT last night. I'm talking about the traditional, let-the-rushers-come screens that we used at will v. the Eagles in the SB, e.g.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

I noticed that too. If I had to guess, it was probably because we were rushing with four guys most of time, and only seemed to mix in a few blitzes. Screens work best on a blitz because it gives you more numbers out in front of the back.

In that case, if the D continues to improve, then the 4 man rush can be fairly successful.