How we should attack the Patriots

**pslholder96** · 01-14-2013, 12:10 PM

Gronk being out for this game gives us no strategic advantage whatsovever because the Pats have played without him for at least 5+ games and really haven't missed a beat.
On the defensive side of the ball I expect the Pats to play alot of 2 deep coverages. The verdict is out that we like to go deep and the Pats are not going to let anyone get behind them. So we need to stay patient and take what the defense gives us and methodically go down the field.
Defensively I would like to borrow from the Jets playbook 2 years ago when they went into Foxboro as heavy underdogs and used a scheme suggested by Jim Leonard at the time. Something about the flooding the middle of the field with alot of DBs. I recall them using 6 DBs on many snaps. Sure frustrated Brady at the time.
Here's hoping Pees disguises his coverages well. It's going to be another chess match.

**iggyman555** · 01-14-2013, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by pslholder96

Gronk being out for this game gives us no strategic advantage whatsovever because the Pats have played without him for at least 5+ games and really haven't missed a beat.
On the defensive side of the ball I expect the Pats to play alot of 2 deep coverages. The verdict is out that we like to go deep and the Pats are not going to let anyone get behind them. So we need to stay patient and take what the defense gives us and methodically go down the field.
Defensively I would like to borrow from the Jets playbook 2 years ago when they went into Foxboro as heavy underdogs and used a scheme suggested by Jim Leonard at the time. Something about the flooding the middle of the field with alot of DBs. I recall them using 6 DBs on many snaps. Sure frustrated Brady at the time.
Here's hoping Pees disguises his coverages well. It's going to be another chess match.

6 DBs could work...we got reed, pollard, cary, jimmy, graham, chykie

**Gronkey Kong** · 01-14-2013, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by pslholder96

Gronk being out for this game gives us no strategic advantage whatsovever because the Pats have played without him for at least 5+ games and really haven't missed a beat.
On the defensive side of the ball I expect the Pats to play alot of 2 deep coverages. The verdict is out that we like to go deep and the Pats are not going to let anyone get behind them. So we need to stay patient and take what the defense gives us and methodically go down the field.
Defensively I would like to borrow from the Jets playbook 2 years ago when they went into Foxboro as heavy underdogs and used a scheme suggested by Jim Leonard at the time. Something about the flooding the middle of the field with alot of DBs. I recall them using 6 DBs on many snaps. Sure frustrated Brady at the time.
Here's hoping Pees disguises his coverages well. It's going to be another chess match.

The thing about it this time is that we have the running game to take advantage of having 6 DBs on the field, and I feel that the Pats O-line will do better this year protecting him against a 3 man rush. It takes a full team effort across every level on defense to be able to do what the Jets did in 2010, I'm not sure Baltimore has the personnel to match what they did.

**pslholder96** · 01-14-2013, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Gronkey Kong

The thing about it this time is that we have the running game to take advantage of having 6 DBs on the field, and I feel that the Pats O-line will do better this year protecting him against a 3 man rush. It takes a full team effort across every level on defense to be able to do what the Jets did in 2010, I'm not sure Baltimore has the personnel to match what they did.

Glad you chimed in. I wanted to see what you had to say. You're right. You have a much more effective running game this time around. By the way what's the status of Danny Woodhead. He's one shifty back and tends to give the Ravens a hard time.

**Paintballguy** · 01-14-2013, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Gronkey Kong

The thing about it this time is that we have the running game to take advantage of having 6 DBs on the field, and I feel that the Pats O-line will do better this year protecting him against a 3 man rush. It takes a full team effort across every level on defense to be able to do what the Jets did in 2010, I'm not sure Baltimore has the personnel to match what they did.

The running game is my number 1 concern about the Patriots. They have been very good running the ball.

**Paintballguy** · 01-14-2013, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by Gronkey Kong

The thing about it this time is that we have the running game to take advantage of having 6 DBs on the field, and I feel that the Pats O-line will do better this year protecting him against a 3 man rush. It takes a full team effort across every level on defense to be able to do what the Jets did in 2010, I'm not sure Baltimore has the personnel to match what they did.

The running game is my number 1 concern about the Patriots. They have been very good running the ball.

**bacchys** · 01-14-2013, 12:45 PM

Yeah, I don't think nickel and dime defenses are the way to go against the Pats this year. They made a determined decision to work the run this year, and they've done a good job of it.

That's Bellichek for you, while the rest of the NFL is blathering about how it's a passing league ad nauseum, he's been emphasizing the run game.

The 3-4 is the most flexible base defense, but I think the Ravens could get away with a lot of nickel thanks to Pollard. He's a force in the run game.

**bensmotorcyclehelmt** · 01-14-2013, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

The running game is my number 1 concern about the Patriots. They have been very good running the ball.

Defenisvely we have to cover the center of the field. The texans did not and it killed them.

Offensively Ray Rice and Pierce should touch the ball on most 1st and 2nd downs to keep third downs manageable, keep the DBs honest, and allow the ravens to take a shot every now and then.

I don't like running up the middle with fatty over there. Would be nice to be able to get the ball on the edges to RR. Pitches, screens and passes into the flat...

**sopranocorleone** · 01-14-2013, 12:50 PM

The thing about it this time is that we have the running game to take advantage of having 6 DBs on the field, and I feel that the Pats O-line will do better this year protecting him against a 3 man rush.

Bingo. The Texans also tried to use 6 DBs in spots and failed miserably. The Pats gashed those looks. Unless Pollard or Ihedibo is used more in the box with a three-safety look, this type of approach against a much better NE rushing attack might be tough to employ.

I think the Ravens actually did a nice of containing NE in the first game this season. "Contain" being the operative word. It'll be extremely difficult to slow them down as they did a year ago in the AFCC. I just don't see that happening. It'll be up to the offense to play at an even higher level than they did in that game.

I would also expect John to give a call to little brother and pick his brain about San Fran's approach. The 49ers did a great job of being physical, tackling, and disrputing a lot of NE's timing. That was probably the toughest offensive game they had during this stretch without Gronk.

**bacchys** · 01-14-2013, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by bensmotorcyclehelmt

Defenisvely we have to cover the center of the field. The texans did not and it killed them.

Offensively Ray Rice and Pierce should touch the ball on most 1st and 2nd downs to keep third downs manageable, keep the DBs honest, and allow the ravens to take a shot every now and then.

I don't like running up the middle with fatty over there. Would be nice to be able to get the ball on the edges to RR. Pitches, screens and passes into the flat...

That, and bang the fuck out of Welker when he comes off the line, especially when he lines up ON the line of scrimmage. Several times I saw the Texan DB's look like they were going to bump him, only to release as soon as the ball was snapped. That one big catch down the sideline- with offensive PI by Welker un-flagged- was one such instance. Punch him hard and break up that timing he has with Brady.

**NOLARavenFAN** · 01-14-2013, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by bensmotorcyclehelmt

Defenisvely we have to cover the center of the field. The texans did not and it killed them.

Offensively Ray Rice and Pierce should touch the ball on most 1st and 2nd downs to keep third downs manageable, keep the DBs honest, and allow the ravens to take a shot every now and then.

I don't like running up the middle with fatty over there. Would be nice to be able to get the ball on the edges to RR. Pitches, screens and passes into the flat...

They are going to run at War Daddy a l'l......take turns doubling Fatty with Yanda and Osemele.

**blah3** · 01-14-2013, 01:11 PM

Depending on the defense the Pats come out with, you need to utilize the TE's to get the LB's to have to respect the middle. Sending the WR's on deep routes will also force them to drop back. The you could throw in the run
Now if the Pats go 5 DB's, lots of off tackle runs would be on the menu. I would employ a lot of Pierce if healthy. Then go for some nice play action deep throws.

On D, this is one team that the hybrid defense works well against. The Pats destroyed Houston twice because Brady was able to read what the defense was, and he is so good, he could just pick them apart. I would try to disguise the D as best I could.
The D must also tackle well, because the Pats seem to like to turn short-medium plays into longer plays with runs after catch.

**Boulderraven** · 01-14-2013, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Gronkey Kong

The thing about it this time is that we have the running game to take advantage of having 6 DBs on the field, and I feel that the Pats O-line will do better this year protecting him against a 3 man rush. It takes a full team effort across every level on defense to be able to do what the Jets did in 2010, I'm not sure Baltimore has the personnel to match what they did.

I think they do, plus NE doesnt have the playmakers they did in 2010. Losing Gronk is going to hurt alot in this game. They still dont have a speed threat at WR. Ravens Safeties can play closer to the line as well. Asa Jackson is now back and they can use an extra S in Considine or Idehigbo on certain packages. These teams know each other pretty well. It will be close as this game usually is with NE. Ravens are peaking at the right time on both sides of the ball.

**Boulderraven** · 01-14-2013, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by blah3

Depending on the defense the Pats come out with, you need to utilize the TE's to get the LB's to have to respect the middle. Sending the WR's on deep routes will also force them to drop back. The you could throw in the run
Now if the Pats go 5 DB's, lots of off tackle runs would be on the menu. I would employ a lot of Pierce if healthy. Then go for some nice play action deep throws.

On D, this is one team that the hybrid defense works well against. The Pats destroyed Houston twice because Brady was able to read what the defense was, and he is so good, he could just pick them apart. I would try to disguise the D as best I could.
The D must also tackle well, because the Pats seem to like to turn short-medium plays into longer plays with runs after catch.

Houston's defense has been terrible past 6-7 games, losing Cushing and getting predictable has killed them. Houston' secondary has been bad and banged up and has been exposed. They have Watt, but not much else. Phillips defenses are always good his first year, then tale off after that. You cant blitz every 3rd down like Houston did Sunday.

**JustaslowZ06** · 01-14-2013, 01:36 PM

The Offense should be just like the first game, and like against Denver. Flacco had a 117 QBR last game, and a 112 or something like that in the playoff game. Past 3 games he's had close to 1000 yards against them. Air it out and light up their suspect secondary. Bombs away to set up the run game and underneath stuff. Just like we did against Denver.

As for the D. We gotta be able to hit Brady early and often and with just bringing our front 4. Kruger and Sizzle are gonna need to be smacking at his arms all game and Ngata and McPhee and Jones are gonna have to be in his face knocking him down. Let them use their run game, it won't matter too much. Brandon Llyod doesn't scare anyone leave hm one on one all game. Double up Welker all game, blanket him with press coverage and over the top help. Leave Jimmy on Hernandez. Let Pollard roam and make big hits if they try the middle of the field. Take a 15 yard penalty if needed just to get the point across. Make them start alligator arming those crossing routes.

**DonNMass** · 01-14-2013, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by JustaslowZ06

The Offense should be just like the first game, and like against Denver. Flacco had a 117 QBR last game, and a 112 or something like that in the playoff game. Past 3 games he's had close to 1000 yards against them. Air it out and light up their suspect secondary. Bombs away to set up the run game and underneath stuff. Just like we did against Denver.

As for the D. We gotta be able to hit Brady early and often and with just bringing our front 4. Kruger and Sizzle are gonna need to be smacking at his arms all game and Ngata and McPhee and Jones are gonna have to be in his face knocking him down. Let them use their run game, it won't matter too much. Brandon Llyod doesn't scare anyone leave hm one on one all game. Double up Welker all game, blanket him with press coverage and over the top help. Leave Jimmy on Hernandez. Let Pollard roam and make big hits if they try the middle of the field. Take a 15 yard penalty if needed just to get the point across. Make them start alligator arming those crossing routes.

No doubt Pees has improved D schemes last month or so, but Pees vs. Brady to me is the key. Pees has too many times allowed too many QB's time as he dropped the D back; do that to Brady and the Raven's in for a long day. Key to this game is to "legally" hit, first Brady then the receivers. I don't so much see this as a D chess game but swarm and not give Brady time and as against the Giants and Seattle this year a frustrated Brady isn't Brady.
Pees is the key to this game IMHO or Brady will move in 10 yard chunks wearing down the D and getting 7 or at least 3 consistently.

**Boulderraven** · 01-14-2013, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by pslholder96

Gronk being out for this game gives us no strategic advantage whatsovever because the Pats have played without him for at least 5+ games and really haven't missed a beat.
On the defensive side of the ball I expect the Pats to play alot of 2 deep coverages. The verdict is out that we like to go deep and the Pats are not going to let anyone get behind them. So we need to stay patient and take what the defense gives us and methodically go down the field.
Defensively I would like to borrow from the Jets playbook 2 years ago when they went into Foxboro as heavy underdogs and used a scheme suggested by Jim Leonard at the time. Something about the flooding the middle of the field with alot of DBs. I recall them using 6 DBs on many snaps. Sure frustrated Brady at the time.
Here's hoping Pees disguises his coverages well. It's going to be another chess match.

Are you crazy? Losing Gronk is a huge a advantage for Baltimore. He is a mismatch nightmare. He is the ONLY guy they have for the deepball. He is a PI machine as well. Having Gronk in the game makes Hernandez alot more difficult to defend. They lost thier best offensive player outside of Brady. He is a great blocker as well. Very happy, he is out. He CAUGHT that ball on the sideline(out of bounds and still breaks his arm!) Just because Houston is a STUPID defense with a poor secondary and predictable doesnt think make me think NE wont miss him alot. Houston ran the same defense on every play, blitz every 3rd down!!! Never changed coverages. Houston gave up about 27 points a game in the last 6-7 games.

**Ravenswintitle** · 01-14-2013, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by iggyman555

6 DBs could work...we got reed, pollard, cary, jimmy, graham, chykie

Brady will check into the run if we have a dime package

**Boulderraven** · 01-14-2013, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

Brady will check into the run if we have a dime package

Hope he does. DB's can stop Rb's. Ngata, Jones and McPhee need to control the middle and Ellerbe needs to play well. Ray isnt as fast as he used to be, but is pretty smart and knows patterns and matchups.

**Ravenswintitle** · 01-14-2013, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

Hope he does. DB's can stop Rb's. Ngata, Jones and McPhee need to control the middle and Ellerbe needs to play well. Ray isnt as fast as he used to be, but is pretty smart and knows patterns and matchups.

Yeah they'll make the tackles but it'll be a 6 - 7 yard gain. That's death by a thousand cuts