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New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers All-22 Thoughts: Defense Edition

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Given the context of this game, it was probably the best defensive effort by a Patriots team in some time. In a word, they were dominant. The Chargers didn’t get a sniff of anything in the second half and the fourth-down stop to seal it was the cherry on top.

The fact that they did it without Dont’a Hightower or Chandler Jones, their two best players earlier in the season makes it all the more impressive. Jamie Collins was a standout, and Akeem Ayers and Jonathan Casillas, neither of whom were even on the team two months ago, have taken a heavy swig of Patriots kool aid and done a great job filling in.

Here’s what else stood out on the All-22 film review…

As expected the matchups were Revis-Allen, Browner-Floyd, Arrington-Royal, with a mix on Gates though we did see McCourty manning him up, something we haven’t seen much, if any, of this year. 

Taking a page from the Packers the Chargers go right at Arrington with a Royal double move in the first play. Incomplete.

Brown squirts out of the backfield and picks up 15 yards as he crosses underneath the coverage. Casillas looks like he was on Brown, but backed up a bit too much allowing the cushion for the first down.

After picking up 10 yards on a draw to Mathews, they try another one but this time Wilfork walks both guys double teaming him into Mathew’s running lane. Seemed like the Pats are backing off on Wilfork’s snaps a bit now with such a solid DT collection. This is good news for Wilfork in Jan/Feb.

Vince Wilfork –– 31 of 56 
Sealver Siliga – 25 of 56 
Chris Jones – 24 of 56 
Alan Branch – 16 of 56 
Dominique Easley – 9 of 56 

The coverage is just amazing on the next down, as it was most of the night. So many times Rivers just had nowhere to go, even though the pressure wasn’t quite getting there. Against pocket passers this defense is perfect.

Third down and Collins gets the sack. On this down Browner shifted to Gates, with a side of Ninkovich jam. Pats showed Double A gap pressure, as they have been doing a lot of lately. As I’ve said for many years, this team needs pressure up the middle. Thought Easley would be the answer, but instead scheming the linebackers inside and showing pre-snap pressure has been getting the job done.

This time it’s just poor preparation by the Chargers as both the C and RG block Casillas who wasn’t even coming. Collins was coming, no one blocked him and he got the unblocked sack.

For future opponents, managing the A gap blitzes or drops by the linebackers is imperative. Chargers are punting for the first time.

Second possession for the Chargers now and their best one of the game, the only one that would produce a touchdown all night.

Another double move attempt, this time to a lumbering Gates who was being covered by Patrick Chung. Again, that’s so Packers.

Arrington comes on a slot corner blitz but Rivers finds Gates underneath for 12 yards. Really good quick release by Rivers just a moment before Arrington got there. Like the aggression by the Pats D in this early spot.

Perfect technique by Siliga on the next down, fends off blocker, sheds and makes the tackle for a 1-yard gain. Siliga looked far better than expected for someone coming off an injury.

3rd-and-9 and McCourty comes up on Gates. Pats are in Cover-2 Man as Rivers finds Green on a crossing route, matched up by Collins. These crossing routes are the only thing hurting the Pats at this point.

Mathews dances through the line, then steams ahead for 17 yards. Branch gets run out of his gap, as Ninkovich crashes down and gets pinned. That leaves Chung, who gets blocked by the pulling OL and Casillas, who overpursues. Jones wraps but falls off the tackle. Multiple breakdowns on this one, one of the few good gains for the Chargers all day.

Collins with a one-armed jersey tackle of Mathews on the next down, one of his many solid plays on the day. Seems like the game is slowing down for Collins and he manages the perfect balance of being patient to diagnose then using his excellent speed and quickness to blow plays up.

Browner bites on a double move by Floyd and it’s just enough for the touchdown throw. Here was the highwater mark of the night for the Chargers offense, lots of punting from here on out.

Third possession for the Chargers and their first three-and-out of the night.

Run for two yards, then a checkdown for four yards sets up a third-and-four. Pats again show Double A gap pressure but drop both LBs into coverage. Pats play a Cover-3 this time with five underneath defenders which negates four of the Chargers targets. Ninkovich helps end the play early with his edge rush while Easley does a good job attacking the center and pushing him back into the pocket.

Collins comes on a disguised blitz on the third play of the next possession, pushing the center aside to get to Rivers. It was this play that had me shaking my head at how good Collins is becoming. Just relentless attacking the LOS.

I’ll take the tripping call by Arrington if only because had Mathews gotten outside of him he might’ve been gone. Sometimes a 10-yard penalty is better than an 90-yard TD run.

Great pressure on the next down, with Ayers giving a strong edge rush and Wilfork coming around the clean it up. Ayers has been very solid but Chandler is still the better player.

3rd-and-5 and the Pats put Tavon Wilson into the dime linebacker money spot. They’re in a Cover-1, doubling Royal with Arrington/Wilson, and he seemed like the intended target on another crossing route. Rivers chucks it and they’re punting again.

SECOND HALF

Collins starts things off with a tackle-for-loss, then Rivers misses the touch pass to Oliver out of the backfield.

Third-and-12,  Pats go Cover-2 Man, only rushing 3. Rivers checks down to Oliver and it’s the first three-and-out of the second half.

Ayers pushes Gates into the backfield on the next first down, giving the Pats another great start to a defensive possession.

They pick up 10 on a pass to Gate on the next down, but a good angle by McCourty holds him two yards short of the first down, setting up 3rd-and-2.

It’s a unique pressure look that sets up the sack and gets the Pats off the field once again. Ayers moves inside next to Collins and they show the Double A gap pressure. For some reason the right tackle blocks down on Wilfork, leaving Ninkovich as a free hitter. Rivers was not happy after this one.

Browner Unnecessary Roughness call comes on the first down of the next possession. Said it yesterday, since this didn’t come back to haunt them I love that it’s now out there. It’s a positive for the Pats defense now. A tone setter and warning to upcoming opponents.

A sick tackle-for-loss by Arrington. Arrington is polarizing but I’m a fan, he’s a very good slot corner. Hopefully he’s fully healthy for the playoffs. He’s always one of those guys playing through major injuries we don’t learn about until after the season.

McCourty gets sent on a blitz but Rivers gets it off and Royal takes it for 22 yards. Another one of those plays where the blitz gets burned. These are why the Pats aren’t stupid aggressive. They pick their spots.

Pats were in a clear Cover-3 look on Ayers’ interception. The twist that probably got Rivers is that Collins/Casillas both blitzed their A gaps, while Ninkovicha and Ayers dropped to the short zone. Casilas also got a bit of pressure, including a hand in Rivers’ face.

The defensive struggle of the third quarter continues with 3:09 left in the 3rd quarter. Rivers finds Floyd for 28 yards with a spectacular catch. One of those “tip the cap” plays.

Keenan Allen gets his first catch of the day, for three yards, on Revis. Amazing how he was a complete non-factor. He was a guy I really liked coming out too. Guess BB knew he’d be neutralizable?

Third-and-8 now with the Chargers still clinging to a one-point lead. Pats go Cover-2 Man with McCourty on Gates and he quickly closes to defend the pass to the old tight end. Would’ve been a first. Put this play on McCourty’s All Pro submission reel. He can do it all.

Fourth quarter now and New England has taken the lead 16-14. Chargers need to respond now.

Underneath crosser goes for 4. The Pats have shut those down after the Chargers had some success in the first half. Another one to Allen on the next down, but it’s a bad throw and he falls right down.

Third-and-6 now, they target Royal on Arrington but Rivers can’t step up due to pressure from Wilfork and Ayers. The pass falls off target.

Pats have taken the 23-14 lead now and the Chargers haven’t done much of anything this half. Here comes a chance to make it a game with 8:41 left and the ball on their 20.

Chargers get 24 yards on essentially a broken play as Rivers dumps it off to Brown, who was in blocking but squirted out as the pocket disintegrated. Pats close it down now.

Siliga and Jones split a sack two plays later, one of the bigger moments in the game, just killing any attempt the Chargers might make at a comeback.

This sets up third-and-four near midfield but there is just nothing open downfield and Rivers has to scramble, getting stopped well short of the first down. A lot of teams might go for it here at 4th-and-4 near midfield down 9, but the Chargers don’t.

Last chance for San Diego and it’s a flawless 4-and-done but the Pats don’t give an inch and the pressure is solid even with three guys. 

Tavon Wilson’s perfect tackle of Gates, short of the first down, to end it was the perfect cherry on top.

What stands out most about this game? Rivers just had nothing open downfield. This is quite a departure for a team that used to live by the deep ball under Norv Turner. 

Instead their only big gains came on checkdowns that were usually crossing routes or broken plays where the Pats just made a few mistakes.

But those plays were rare and overall this was as shutdown of a performance that we’ve seen out of the Patriots defense in a long, long time.

Patriots vs. Packers All-22 Thoughts: Defense Edition

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Despite getting marched up and down the field on, the Pats brought a strong red zone defense and almost made enough plays to give Tom Brady a shot at the win.

Still, it was not enough, and the third down scrambles by Aaron Rodgers, along with the Chung/Ryan/Arrington/Dennard getting picked on, were what killed the Patriots.

Aaron Rodgers showed why he is the best QB in the game right now, making plays on the run like neither Brady nor Manning can do, while also picking apart the defense with a cold-blooded efficiency that seemed set on targeting anyone not named Browner/Revis from the get go.

Here’s what I saw on the All-22, defense edition.

Missed the first couple Lacy runs during the broadcast, but seeing them now it was just what we saw earlier this season when the run defense stunk – not getting off blocks. Hightower/Collins showing double A blitz on the first one certainly made it harder on them with less space to react. Collins got pinned on the second one along with Chris Jones.

Good aggression by Logan Ryan in the red zone, not biting on a double move and staying physical. He shows flashes still.

Can’t tell if he got a hand on the ball on the next play but it was good positioning by Ryan.

Alan Branch shows up in his snap of the game, holding the point of attack, shedding and making a tackle on Lace to force a third-and-long. He could really be a guy who makes a big impact here in the last part of the season. Still, Chris Jones continues to impress being used in a variety of techniques.

First third-down red-zone stop of the day as Rodgers targets Ryan for the third time on this drive. Jones rushes off the edge as Ninkovich drops into a spy role on Rodgers. Seems like Rodgers was more about targetting Ryan than he was going through his reads, just enough late pressure from Jones to prevent him from going to an open Quarless in the middle of the field.

Next drive, Ayers picks up a sack on second down. Not sure what the Packers were doing as Quarless holds as if to block Ayers then runs out into a route leaving Ayers with a clear shot that he finishes. Lacy slipped into the flat and was wide open, but Rodgers never saw him. But all for not as Browner gets one “those” penalties.

Patriots showing a fair amount of Cover 2 Man, then Chung charges into the box at the snap. Also plenty of Double A-Gap pressure being shown almost every down, whether Collins/Hightower come or not.

Adams breaks free on a broken play and Rodgers fires a perfect pass that goes for 33 yards. So hard to defend this kind of stuff and it’s what makes Rodgers so good. It’s where the defense needs a finisher on the defensive line, but even then these are the kind of plays great players can make even when the defense is pretty sound.

Rodgers goes back to Adams on a dig the next play, firing it into a tight window and almost getting Adams killed by Hightower. There’s a certain calmness to Rodgers and Adams at this point and I believe they knew full well this would be the gameplan, at least early. They’re isolating Adams on one side and just letting him work Ryan.

Rodgers scrambles for 17 on 2nd-and-18 after a holding call and these are the kind of plays that give you an ulcer. Starks and an OL breaking off into a screen pass route cleared Hightower from the middle of the field, opening up a ton of space.

3rd-and-1 and Lacy gets 4. Pats haven’t been good in these situations this year. Wilfork gets too far upfield opening a seam.

Rdogers once again targets Ryan, this time with a fade. Continues to be clear how much they’re targeting Ryan with their entire offensive gameplan.

Second third-down, red-zone stop of the game as Rodgers doesn’t have anyone open. Great coverage. No pressure.

Third possession for the Packers with the Pats down 6-0. After two attempts to get Starks involved they go back after Logan Ryan and connect for 45 yards. This play was discussed a couple different place this week as Ryan bites on the out, but gets burned when Adams turns it up. At this point you have to wonder why they’re not trying to get Ryan some help. At least Ryan had the speed to catch him. Rodgers didn’t even look at anyone else.

Now comes the 32 yard touchdown where there’s not much to say other than Rodgers blew right past Chung and an unpressured Rodgers threw the perfect pass to him. Rodgers’ pump fake might’ve helped a bit, but Chung had no chance. 

Fourth possession for the Packers begins in the second quarter, with the Pack leading 13-7.Logan Ryan has been replaced and I’m sure Kyle Arrington was told to be ready for incoming bombs.

I continue to be impressed with Akeem Ayers and how solid he’s been in run defense. How did the Titans not have a use for this guy.

Rodgers hits Cobb for 33 yards on third down out of the backfield as Arrington gets caught up in the wash and Ninkovich tries in vain to run with a wide receiver. Again, great design by the Packers.

Pats really needed Easley in this game and he didn’t give them much of anything. Unfortunate. Seems like his knee hasn’t healed as quickly as we’d like.

Third third-down red-zone stop and the Pats finally make a play with Hightower getting the sack. Great disguise by Hightower who gave no indication he was coming. 

1:05 left now and the Patriots are trailing just 16-14. I know this drive will make me sick, just horrible situational football to give up a touchdown here and we know it’s coming.

Browner is now on Adams with Revis on Nelson and Arrington on Cobb.

First problem is a 28 yard pass to Starks out of the backfield as Ninkovich actually does an okay job sticking with him, but it’s just a dead-on throw on the move from Rodgers. Good catch by Starks too.

Here it comes, :23 seconds left with the ball at the Pats 45. Tough play for Revis, but he could’ve gotten a hand on Nelson early. The problem as I see it is McCourty looking at Rodgers and taking one too many steps too far to his left. That was all Nelson needed with his speed and he’s gone. Gross.

Second Half

Packers open up in 12 personnel and the Pats counter with their base defense.

Rodgers scrambles for another first down, with Ninkovich seeming to overpursue from his spy role. Tough play there. Think that’s 3 times Rodgers has picked up a first down running on third down. Killers.

Great tackle-for-loss on Lacy by Hightower. He’s been one of the few playmakers in this one.

Chris Jones sacks Rodgers to force a third-and-long, but it’s a total coverage sack as Rodgers tries to scramble with no one open but can’t escape. Finally. If they had this kind of integrity all game it might’ve been a much different game.

Pats hold on third-and-17. Again Cobb gets the ball because he’s covered by Not-Revis/Browner aka Arrington. 

Second possession of the second half with the Packers up 23-14 now.

Lacy cuts back for his first big gain since the first quarter. Ninkovich loses contain, looking a lot like his crappy game against the Chiefs.

Casillas playing the weak side in 4-3 regular.

And now the targeting of Dennard begins with Arrington out as Rodgers finds Adams (with a major push off) for 12 yards.

2nd-and-15 and Rodgers almost gets ready to run for another first down, but Dont’a Hightower is waiting in the middle. Finally. Great pressure by Collins to push back Lacy too. He’s gotten a lot more aggressive lately.

Third-and-20 and the Packers play it safe with a checkdown. Holy Hoodie they are punting! They are punting!

Fourth quarter now with the Packers up 23-21, 13:43 left.

Pats getting creative in crunch time with the LBs/DEs flipped. Got pressure out of it too as Jones bursts through the line at the snap.

Third-and-six, prime opportunity here but Rodgers finds Quarless with some good movement in the pocket. Quarless got a pretty good push off as well and Chung had no chance once again due to the size mismatch. This is the place championship teams need to make plays. The Pats held Easley and Hightower back in spy positions, avoiding the Rodgers scramble again. And Ayers did a pretty good job forcing Rodgers off the spot, but the Packers made the play.

Quick slant to Adams again, those just tore the Pats up. Dennard gets no jam.

Run defense is wearing out as Lacy gets gains of 5 then 17 two plays later. 1st-and-10 at the Pats’ 15. 

Good downfield coverage saves the game forcing two-straight incompletes, the first of which Rodgers has for 12 seconds. Impressive for a defense that has just been okay in this one, playing sound, but not making a ton of plays.

Third-and-five with the game on the line and it’s the Packers who choke with Adams dropping a perfect touchdown pass. Pats brought the blitz this time too, but still, should’ve been a touchdown.

Final possession for the Packers and the Pats need a stop down five with only 2:40 to go.

After runs of 2 and 4 yards the game comes down to a third down for the game. Rodgers’ first reads are not there, but the Pats pressure cannot get to him to finish the play. He finds Cobb for the first down and the game is over.

This play sums it up. Nobody up front could finish. Three guys all getting blocked one-on-one. Need Chandler back.

Patriots vs. Packers All-22 Thoughts: Offense Edition

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Starting off with the offense this week because I never got a chance to go All-22 on them after the Lions game. Tedy Bruschi mentioned the gameplan called for more downfield passing in this one, so that’s the area I’ll keep an eye on because it sounds kind of crazy to decide the game against Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers is the time to put pressure on your OL.

First Half

Pats open in a 2-RB set with Bolden and Vereen, an instant surprise considering Bolden hasn’t had a carry in what seems like months. Always curious why the Pats pull stuff like this. Is it to instantly give the Packers something to think about? Or perhaps it’s as simple as Bolden has been practicing well. 

Then on the next play they shift gears to a 6 OL with Gronk on a wing and Blount in the backfield power formation. This is such a Pats offense thing to do – testing out matchups, seeing what the Packers counter their groupings with. Tough run by Blount too, burrowing through the pile to get an extra 3 yards.

Pats sub in Vereen/Wright on the next play and the Packers counter with their nickel. That has run written all over it, yet Vereen only gets 2 yards. Results like this are partially why the Pats “got away from the run”.

Then comes the dreaded hurry-up run on third-and-2 to Blount that gets stuffed. Simply put the Packers were ready and their defensive line was too much for the Pats’ offensive line here. And we’re punting.

Next possession and the Pats open in the Vereen/Wright package again. Play action works on the LBs, and LaFell has separation but the CB closes quickly and breaks the pass up. Good recovery.

They stick with this grouping, but spread the field on the next play, sending Gronk out wide after keeping him in to block last play. He picks up five yards with the catch, but no YAC. Vereen might’ve been an interesting target here with Clay Matthews in space covering him.

On third down, same package, Brady finds Edelman but he’s tackled just short. Packers made more of these kind of plays. Nice job by Stork picking up Matthews one-on-one as he blitzes. Punting again…

Back to power for the third possession, as Cannon declares eligible with Blount in the game. Packers go back to their base.  Cannon gets olayed by Peppers, who closes down and makes the tackle, but Solder got no push either.

Pats pull Cannon for Hooman and the Packers stay in base as Brady finds Gronk for 29 yards, their first big play of the day. Great protection here.

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Vereen comes in, as Pats go to a Double Y with Gronk/Hooman to one side, Edelman/LaFell to the other. Packers go to nickel. Brady climbs the ladder to avoid the edge rushers and finds Hooman for his annual catch. Gronk took all the attention from him.

Pats bring in Bolden/Wright on the next play and Bolden picks up 12 yards on Just a ton of space and some actual YAC from Bolden.

Pats run the exact play again and Bolden takes it in for the score. Love when the Pats do that. Great pulling block by Wendell to make it happen.

Pats get the ball back with 5:54 remaining in the half, down 16-7.

They wanted to take a shot here, rolling with third tackle Cannon and Blount and then using play action. However Brady’s arm/ball is hit as he throws. Edelman wasn’t really open anyway.

After a nice gain of 12 yards to Tim Wright and an incompletion to Edelman, the Pats go to the WR screen to Edelman and pick up 17. I like those plays when used like this – occasionally. They haven’t gotten to overreliant on the screens this year, but I’d like to see more of them to Vereen.

After another play to Edelman that picked up 5, Brady finds Vereen with Matthews in coverage on him and it goes for 26. Was waiting for that matchup to get exploited.

Now comes the Power I with Develin leading the way for Blount, but it only picks up 5. Packers closed well at the second level, but the blocking up front for NE was good at the point of attack. Just couldn’t get that extra block to spring Blount on the second level.

Third-and-3 from the 13 at Brady finds Gronk on a square in from the outside. Gronk had been quiet on this drive until now but that’s his second catch running the square in route from the outside. So hard to stop him on that route for a cornerback.

Hate the 2nd-and-goal from the 7 call –  a draw to Vereen. Not his game at all. By the 3 yard line there were 3 Packers waiting for him.

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Comes down to a third-and-goal and Brady finds LaFell for the TD. Just a great route by LaFell and perfect throw by Brady, who looked to Gronk in the middle first, but he was triple covered.

Should’ve been just a two point game going into the half, but we’ll see why it wasn’t tomorrow in the defensive film breakdown…

Second Half

Is there a worse way to start off a second half than with a holding penalty and then burning a timeout two plays later? Slow starts have haunted this team in the past and though they’ve been better this year, it really puts the offense in a hole.

It seemed like the Pats WANTED to go max protect and take a shot to Edelman, but yeah, HOLDING!

The next play they switched to the Wright/Vereen package but Connolly was beaten soundly once again and Brady was nearly intercepted. 

Oh and now they complete a pass but Edelman injures his ankle. I forgot how horrible this first possession was. Hard to be much worse in any regard.

Brady had Amendola on third down, but was on the move and couldn’t put the ball where it needed to be. Mostly on Wendell here as he gets beat. If Brady doesn’t have to scramble that’s probably a first down. Ugh…

Pats get the ball back after the missed GB field goal, down 23-14.

It’s back to the Double Y power game with Blount now, but just no seams opened up by Hooman and Solder and the backside pursuit swallows up Blount. The run has not been abandoned yet, but plays like this make you want to abandon it.

Gronk goes into the backfield for the first time I can remember and Brady finds him for a 10-yard gain as he beats Hawk in coverage. Interesting twist I didn’t notice before.

Another power grouping shot, this time to Gronk but it’s not even close.

After a failed draw to Vereen, it’s third-and-9. Packers rush three off the snap, with a fourth coming, but Peppers up the middle is too much for Connolly without help. Falls incomplete. Brady had Gronk, but felt more pressure than there was.

2:21 in the third left, Pats down 23-14 as they get the ball back after a punt *gasp* by the Packers.

Pats go spread and Brady finds LaFell but good tackling holds it to a 4 yard gain. If LaFell breaks that tackle he has 20 yards.

Spread again and here’s the shot to Dobson, who injures his hamstring as the ball falls incomplete. It’s the right throw for Brady, but Dobson got no separation.

Spread for a third-straight down as Edelman draws an illegal contact.

More good tackling from the Packers as LeFell gets just 5 yards on a WR screen on an island.

Blount powers for 13 out of the jumbo package, then for another 14 off the same play, but only because he can break tackles at the second level. His addition to the team was really needed. Why does he run so hard for us? Does he not do it for anyone else? And I don’t think these two plays constitute abandoning the run…

Touchdown to LaFell and what a throw and catch it was. Perfect back shoulder throw without putting it up like a fade. Pats within two and would get one more drive to take the lead…

After a field goal, the Pats get the ball back with 8:35 left, down five. This is prime Brady time.

Spread with Hooman/Bolden is an interesting package to start with, as the Packers counter with their base defense (probably by design from the Patriots). This means Gronk gets a DB covering him out wide. Brady finds him off the curl for 14 and the Pats are in business near their own 40.

Draw to Bolden against the Packers nickel loses yardage. Why is Bolden getting the ball in this situation? That run should’ve been abandoned, or at least gone to Vereen. Gotta keep the clock running though…

After a drop by Vereen, Edelman finds a hole in the zone and picks up 8 yards on third down, setting up a 4th-and-3 attempt at the 50.

Pats go spread, motioning Edelman from outside into the slot, where he gets a stack release with LaFell. Brady needed an extra moment and got it, with Edelman making a fantastic quick-adjustment catch. Packers sent 6 here, credit to the OL and Vereen for picking them up. The drive continues…

Back to the power run game with Blount, but no OL gets to the second level once again.

Another perfect throw picks up a first down to Gronk. Just so hard to stop. Pats at the 33 and closing in…

Blount peels off 12 yards and at this point I’m already wondering what the two-point conversion call will be for the three-point lead.

This where the drive stalls as Blount gets just one yard on the next play. On 2nd-and-9 Brady takes a shot to Gronk in the end zone, and he almost comes up with it. In retrospect, a more conservative play might’ve been better, as this went for everything and left them with a third-and-long.

Brady gets sacked for the first time on third down and that was it for the Patriots. It was just a four-man rush, but Solder was beaten cleanly. Brady seemed to think he had plenty of time as he waited for LaFell’s downfield route to develop. The safe play was to Gronk and he would’ve barreled to a first down.

It seems like there was definitely more of focus on trying to hit the deep balls in this one, but the problem was that they weren’t hitting them. How much was that by design and how much was it that the defense wasn’t showing a lot of multiple deep safety looks, I’m not sure.

The Packers are a sound and tough defense who made the Pats earn just about every yard. Not all defenses have the talent and discipline to play New England like that.

I don’t think the “getting away from the run” storyline holds water at all. They had two of their best runs of the day in the fourth quarter. 

The only criticism in hindsight was trying to target the deep passes too much. It’s not what the Pats do best and on most of the plays where they looked deep, they had underneath guys open.

Patriots vs. Lions All-22 Thoughts: Defense Edition

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The Patriots turned in another stellar defensive effort against the Lions, not allowing a touchdown for the second time this season. 

The coverage in the secondary is the thing sparking this new and improved Patriots defense, but the front seven are no slouches either, as they’ve been downright dominant in the running game.

They’ll face a great test this weekend in Green Bay, but until then, here are my All-22 thoughts on the defense’s performance against Detroit.

The Lions’ first drive might’ve been their best of the game and it started with a 24-yard WR screen to Golden Tate. Kyle Arrington’s overpursuit is what sprung it, but impressive speed by Dont’a Hightower to run down Tate.

Tate had another nice gain off a rub play that opened just enough space for a perfect pass. They were hitting these early, but not later.

The Patriots base, or “regular” 4-3 defense appeared on this drive, with Patrick Chung coming into the box as is often the case in almost a linebacker role. Casillas and Collins play OLB, but are at the end of the line with Hightower in the middle. We first saw this look in 2009, with six guys along the LOS and one linebacker and safety ready to make the play.

The Pats’ run defense has been among the best in the NFL the last three games, and the reason why is apparent from this regular defense play – no ground given, all taking on blocks with Hightower making the play. Just like you draw it up…

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With Easley out, Chris Jones was the sub-rusher on the interior. Alan Branch had more snaps this week, but it could’ve been somewhat a trickle-down effect of Easley being out and Jones having to take his role over.

Pats double Calvin Johnson with Browner/McCourty on the final third down of the Lions’ first drive, with Revis defending the pass to Golden Tate underneath. Hightower took the RB, while Collins dropped to a short middle zone. Ninkovich/Jones/Ayers pressure was okay.

Impressive back-to-back plays by Browner on the second possession, first causing enough disruption on Calvin to force an incompletion and then coming down and supporting the edge against the run. The Pats DBs have really been great in run support lately.

On Ayers’ third-down sack, Stafford was looking to Tate coming out of a double stacked combination, but Revis got enough of a jam to force Stafford to hesitate. And Stafford probably could’ve made the throw, that kind of indecision crept into his game this day. Ayers had a nice outside-inside move and got under the left tackle to record the sack. Team defense.

Ninkovich recorded a sack on the first play of the next possession, off a great stunt with Alan Branch, who just plowed the guard into the backfield and the running back didn’t touch Ninkovich as he cut in behind. It looked like the Lions were trying to hit Tate on a double-move as Stafford pumps and goes to reload but it’s already too late. And Revis didn’t bite on the double move anyway.

Caught Wilfork talking to Raiola a bit after that sack too, planting the early seeds that would later grow into a cheap shot attempt at the end of the game.

This is a bit blurry but look at how the Pats are taking on blocks and holding their ground against the run and then getting off those blocks to make the tackle. There’s just nowhere for the RB to go.

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Third-and-long, Pats in zone and no one is open. 

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Lions tried to get back to their run game on the next possession and had a bit of success against the Pats, who were in their nickel defense. They had runs of 6, 5, 4, then 0 yards. 

Then comes one of the most frustrating kinds of plays –  a broken play third-down conversion as Stafford slips out of the pocket and Zack Moore misses an open field tackle on him. I wanted to dive at Moore’s knees after that one.

Moore dropped into coverage and the pressure should’ve gotten there, but Moore dropping off killed the edge of the front, allowing Stafford to scramble. Really not sure how Moore misses the tackle, it’s exactly what he’s supposed to do and as straight-on as the come.

Tate picked up 42 yards on the next play as Stafford found him in a hole in the Pats’ zone defense. Collins probably should’ve picked up Tate, but didn’t see him until it was too late. Not out of the question to expect Collins to turn and pick this had he seen Tate earlier.

Impressive goalline stand on the next set of downs, that was made more difficult after a PI call on Chung in the end zone. Lions tried a run left, a fade to Calvin (Revis in coverage), then a fade to Fauria (Chung in coverage). Good tight coverage on both fades, not an easy play to defend especially against big guys like that.

Chung and Hightower are in on pretty much every single running play.

Casillas showed up with good read-and-tackle after Stafford had to take the checkdown to the runningback. Over the top Revis and Browner did a good job playing the Calvin/Tate stack with McCourty over top.

3rd-and-11 and the Pats were in Cover 2 Man. Ninkovich gets the sack as Jones and Higtower crash down on the right side of the line, allowing Nink to loop around and get a clean sack. Too bad Jamie Collins “held”. Drive continues…

Tate picked up 13 yards on a reverse as Hightower lost contain and Chung lost his contain with a couple false steps inside.

A quick bit on tactics – Collins and Hightower are both really good on the line of scrimmage, something the Pats lost the ability to do full time when Mayo went down. However now they’re doing a good job of moving the around and using them in all manners of ways. Both are on the LOS sometimes, both will blitz sometimes. Part of what is making the Pats defense so good is having these two versatile LBs who can do it all.

Good job getting off the field on third-and-3, one of my plays that defined the game. Just perfectly played by Revis who backed up off the line and avoided the stacked receivers trying to rub him off.

Nice gain of 18 on a screen pass to Riddick on the final drive of the first half. Hightower read it well, but Ayers did not as Riddick ran right past him on the way to get the pass. If he reads that right the play is dead.

Stafford just keeps looking more and more unsure on his deep throws as this game goes along, throwing it up off his back foot consistently. The in-time comebacks are about the only thing working for him that he looks comfortable throwing.

It does seem like they were just going after Arrington on every play here on this drive.

The missed field goal, then the Pats turning around and putting up a field goal of their own pretty much sums up what kind of game this was.

Second Half

Quick change to start the third quarter, just like the Broncos game and the Pats defense responds.

Raiola once again getting into it, now with Chris Jones.

Revis with another beauty pass defense, making it look like it ain’t no thang on what would’ve been a long 50+ bomb to Ebron.

Third-and-11 for another one of my plays that defined the game. Stafford throws a strike, but the gang tackling Pats hold him short of the first down. Just love how this defense is swarming the ball with such energy. Fun to watch.

Looks like the Lions were starting to pack it in at this point, with a three-and-out featuring three incompletions. First one hits Tate in the chest, second one the Lions WRs get caught up with themselves on the rub combo as Browner puts Calvin directly into Tate, and on the last one Chung comes in clean on a blitz forcing a bad throw by Stafford.

Next possession opens with a great play action that Ebron flat out drops.

Ugh, third down QB scramble for a first. I hate when that happens so, so much. Great coverage though.

Subtle play by Revis showing his genius as he’s in the slot faking like he’s playing man but really in zone. Sees Stafford wants Fauria on the post and drops perfectly into position to take it away.

Pats have really improved their coverage against stacked releases from earlier in the year. Forcing perfect throw-and-catches to beat them.

I like Sealver Siliga, but it’s looking like Alan Branch is just the better player given his height. Siliga still has long-term potential, but for this year I think he might be taking a back seat.

I also don’t really care about all these penalties the Pats have been racking up, because they’re playing on the edge and that will be more beneficial than the calls that might hurt them. 

Pats’ great coverage continued to close out the game. It’s amazing to see how many times Stafford had to reload/reset after his preferred target was covered. That kind of coverage works magic for the pass rush.

If Chandler Jones comes back, ideally at least for the season finale, it could really put the defense over the top. They’re playing great.

Patriots vs. Colts All-22 Thoughts: Offense Edition

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The Patriots offense continued click on all cylinders against the Colts, but this time it was Jonas Grey leading the way. The offensive line deserves  fair amount of credit as well. They won the game up front by continually punishing the Colts front seven. 

Tom Brady missed a few throws and had some bad decisions that resulted in interceptions, but the sign of a good team is when they can bounce back after their best player isn’t playing his best. The Pats offense did just that.

Here’s what else stood out on the All 22 review of the offense.

Brady picked up the first third down conversion of the day on an easy pass to Edelman. Sometimes it’s amazing how open #11 gets.

Hooman (24 snaps) and Develin (30 snaps) haven’t gotten much love this week, but it’s amazing what a solid job they both did not only in the run game, but in setting the table for the passing game as well. They were the go-to pairing out of the gate. And for how unstoppable the offense was in this game, it’s even more amazing considering neither one of them touched the ball (both targeted once, no catches).

Gray’s first big run of the day came between Vollmer pulling and a wham from Gronk. On the next play it was behind Develin’s lead block and Wendell pulling. Great blocking plus hard running equals devastation.

On Gray’s touchdown it came behind Stork/Wendell/Vollmer plowing ahead, but credit to Gray for keeping his legs going through contact –  a theme for the rest of the day.

Think Brady’s first half sloppiness came a bit from some inconsistent protection early in the first quarter. Couldn’t quite find his timing.

Didn’t notice that Vollmer came out of the game for Cannon on the second possesion third-and-1, but Cannon pinned the edge and Fleminggot enough push for a sizable hole that Gray exploded through.

On his first interception, I think Brady might’ve had Tyms if he hadn’t gotten hit right as he threw. The pass wasn’t far enough away from the free safety. Had it been more upfield, Tyms had split two defenders. All I know is that if I’m a defensive back and I see Tyms come out, I’m ready for the deep shot.

Jonas Gray had a great day obvs, but with blocking like this you don’t have to be Adrian Peter… Ray Ric… Walter Payton to find the hole.

Seriously….

Colts got off the field on third down showing double A pressure then only rushing four. Brady never flinched, eventhough his pass went incomplete. It shows how much he trusts his protection now, even if it still let him down a couple times in this half.

Even when there’s no clear hole, the OL was still pushing their entire DL downfield. 

Amendola made some tough catches in the middle of the field in this one. As I said last game, he might be overpaid, but he’s a really good 4th option and he’s earning the trust of the offense.

Pats convert a third-and-10 to Edelman. They’re 6-of-11 converting 3rd downs that are 8 yards or longer in the last three games. That’s insane.

Speaking of Develin earlier, this should’ve been a touchdown to him (top of screen). Luckily the Colts cheated and held Edelman.

Gray’s second run was mostly on him as he cut back against the grain, looks like the play was designed to go right, but he had the vision to see the overpursuit that opened a hole to his left.

Brady’s second interception was gross. Just horrible situational football, something you rarely see from him. If Wendell and Stork don’t blow their block, Gronk might still be running. Still, Brady should’ve ate it with the pressure in his face like that. Or they just should’ve run it since they were having success and were in command.

Second Half

Huge blown coverage on the second play of the second half to get the Pats going with a big play to Shane Vereen. Great play design as three guys followed Edelman across the field, leaving Vereen wide open.

All Tim Wright does now is catch touchdowns. Still think he has a game where he gets involved early and has 100 yards and a TD or two.

One of my favorite plays of the game came on the next drive with Brady finding LaFell, who made an acrobatic catch to take the offense over midfield. Just love seeing Brady connect with a big target downfield. Such a welcome element to the offense this year.

Gray gets number three with a strong surge after contact. He’s a tough little guy to bring down, looking forward to seeing more of this.

Another acrobatic catch by LaFell, followed by a big run by Gray. This is such a physical Patriots offense, call it dink-and-dunk if you want, but their entire offense is not afraid to mix it up.

Gray gets number four as Gronk throws Sergio Brown out of the club. 

Finally we get Gronk’s insane touchdown run, the cherry on top of a physical domination. This is one of those plays they’ll play at Gronk’s Hall of Fame induction. Just a beast.

Patriots vs. Colts All-22 Thoughts: Defense Edition

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As followers of this blog might imagine, the last two games have been a lot of fun for a defens-o-phile like myself. Even without Chandler Jones and Jerod Mayo, the Pats defense has been playing better than we’ve seen since the mid-2000s.

At the forefront of this has been Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty, Brandon Browner, and Kyle Arrington on the back end, and the sound physical play up front led by Dont’a Hightower, Rob Ninkovich, Vince Wilfork and Jamie Collins.

The Pats did give up some long passing plays against the Colts, but that’s somewhat to be expected in Indy against Andrew Luck.

Here’s what else stuck out in the All-22 review of the defense.

Doesn’t get much better than a defer on the coin toss then forcing a three-and-out. 

Amazing what good coverage does for the pass rush as Vince Wilfork got through on the first play of the game as Luck hesitated on his first read.

On the next play, the run defense was stout. Simply put, everyone is doing their job. Wilfork/Jones holding their ground while Hightower/Collins are filing their gaps and playing patient. Incredible how much better things look when the defense is fundamentally solid.

The Pats continued the trend of showing double A pressure with the linebackers on the first third down of the game, but dropped both of them out. Coverage was solid in Cover 1, forcing the checkdown to Bradshaw. Solid tackling by Hightower kept him short of the first down. Each week I like Hightower a little more. He and Collins are on fire right now against these pass-happy teams.

Chris Jones showed up on the first play of the second possession, a zone running play run to the left, away from Jones. He got a good jump and pushed the Colts offensive linemen into the backfield, which set up the tackle for Wilfork. Again, solid fundamental run defense. Ayers set the edge, Collins maintained his gap and Wilfork/Jones showed great lateral quickness to make the play.

On one of the few third downs the Pats gave up a conversion on, they were in their 4 CB/1 S personnel with Ninkovich out to jam the tight end before letting him go to Browner. MCCourty clearly had an eye on Hilton. Ryan headed out to cover Nicks but Revis waved him back to the slot on Wayne. Not sure what happened there, but Wayne beat Ryan for the first down.

Revis was absolved of the 46-yard pass to Reggie Wayne the next play, as it looked like he was expecting over-the-top coverage from McCourty, but McCourty broke to the other side on Hilton.

Again, great run defense inn the red zone on the next play with both Ayers and Chung maintaining the edge. Wilfork’s lateral agility was again on display as he and Jones plugged the initial hole.

Third-and-8 in the red zone and the Pats send five, with Collins getting solid pressure to force an inaccurate back-foot throw from Luck that falls incomplete. Really loving this up-the-gut pressure from the linebackers and it’s made a huge difference on third down.

On their third possession, starting at their own 6 yard line, the Colts went to a three tight end set that the Pats countered with a 4-3 base (50-97-75-94 DL, 91-54-52 LB). They stuck with it next play and Jamie Collins showed up with a solid job setting the edge. That shows some great improvement there by the second-year linebacker.

On third-and-5 the Pats sent pressure once again, this time with 6, but it was just a moment too late. Luck got off a throw to a spot, just where Fleener could get it. 

On third-and-12 the Pats sent pressure once again with five, while Collins awaited Bradshaw to go out into a route. This time it was Easley and Ninkovich on the left side of the line that got just enough pressure to force a bad throw by Luck.

This kind of aggression on third down is somewhat rare for the Pats. Not sure if it’s because they trust their secondary more now, or think that Luck/Colts OL couldn’t handle it.

On the next possession, Easley showed up again drawing a holding penalty. Easley is starting to look more and more like the explosive tasmanian devil he was in college. He so violent and quick, he can be a huge handful for an offensive linemen.

WR screens again Browner and Revis are not advised.

This is the Dominique Easley I wanted the Pats to draft in the first round.

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On the McCourty interception, it was Revis who was on display, sticking with Wayne like glue. Really vintage Revis.

Great pressure by Hightower on the next possession. He’s really finding a groove and it seems like the Pats are using him really well, both in coverage and blitzing.

On third-and-6  the Pats once again forced a checkdown out of Cover 2 and tackled soundly to force the punt. Fundamentals.

Another QB hit by Easley on the possession after Brady’s second interception, looping around from an edge rusher spot to force a bad throw.

Perfect throw and catch on the touchdown to Nicks, but Ryan got no jam and did nothing to disrupt the timing of the play. I have my concerns about Ryan being the weak link in the secondary, but compared to the bums we’ve had back there in the past, I’m okay with him.

Second Half

Colts got a nice pass to Wayne on their second play of their first possession, but it was remarkable how Hightower ran with him. 

Moncrief beat Browner off the line pretty badly, but Luck overthrew him. Would’ve been a touchdown. Probably not Browner’s best game, but he’s not designed for the small and shifty guys.

On the next possession, Fleener beat Browner with a double move for a long gain, even with Browner getting a good jam. Recovery speed is not great on Browner, looks like he takes some false steps.

Pats were just so much more physical in the trenches, the Colts could get nothing on the ground.

On third-and-10, the Pats only sent four as Luck got off a great pass to Fleener, who made a toe-tapping catch in bounds.  Again it was on Browner who lost Fleener.

Jamie Collins must’ve really been held back by his early season quad injury. He is so much more slippery now and has an easier time getting around blockers in the box.

The Colts put together their best drive at the end of the third quarter but they still had to earn every single yard in the red zone. That’s a good sign and it really took some time off the clock.

Pats really did a good job against stacked releases in this one, an area they struggled with earlier this year. Just seeing a lot of improvement across the board on defense. It’s exciting.

They shifted to more Cover 2 looks on third down once they had a bigger lead, also sending less blitzes. But Ninkovich’s quality rushes still generated some pressure.

Easley again showed impressive burst on the final Colts possession, blowing the center in the backfield and just missing a tackle for a loss. There was a lot to feel good about in this one, but Easley coming on might be the biggest development.

Patriots vs. Broncos All 22 Thoughts: Defense Edition

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There’s nothing more fun that taking an All-22 look at a Bill Belichick defense against Peyton Manning. The Patriots did what they often have done against Manning – make him look mortal with a mix of disguise and pressure.

There wasn’t anything overly exotic or new, but there were some new faces stepping to the forefront in roles we’ve never seen them in before. That bodes well for the versatility of this defense going forward.

Here’s what I saw on the All-22 rewatch…

Jamie Collins was a standout on the first possession for the Broncos, a three-and-out. He came downhill with a strong fill against the run on second down, then ran the crosser stride-for-stride with Emmanuel Sanders and tackled him short of the first down.

The mix-and-match was apparent from the first three plays, most surprising was Browner going inside on Julius Thomas. I didn’t think we would see that but the Patriots declared it was part of the game plan immediately.

On the second possession Vince Wilfork set the tone, exploding into the backfield and blowing up the run. Wilfork is always an X-factor when he has games like this. He looked explosive here.

Brandon Browner threw an arm back and broke up Manning’s third down pass to Demaryius Thomas. That’s what 6’4" corners can do. Pats fans used to having 5’8" corners might be surprised.

The third possession got moving with a crosser to Sanders. Hightower probably would’ve laid him out but got pulled a bit out of position jamming another guy. Pressure could’ve been better.

Really blown away by how involved Chung was in this game. In my gameplan I wondered if he’d take a back seat to Harmon for more coverage ability. Instead Chung was saw plenty of man coverage against a variety of receivers. He’s gotten plenty of attention this week for it.

Seems like this coverage scheme (here in Cover 3) was a big part of the gameplan. You have 2 LBs and 2 DBs forming a four-man zone area, waiting for the crossers to come. It worked well and forced a lot of checkdowns.

Jamie Collins continued to show up in the run game on this drive. He’s getting better at managing his speed to get around tackle but not overpursue. If he keeps improving vs. the run look out.

I thought Arrington would return to prominence in this one to cover Welker, and not only did he, but Chung did too. One of the advantages of having guys who got plenty of reps in practice vs. Welker is they are comfortable covering him. 

Still didn’t think Browner’s PI penalty was overt but that’s the NFL today.

Yet Chung getting spun around on the touchdown play because he was held so badly goes unnoticed. 

Nink’s interception has gotten plenty of love in the analysis this week and really he almost had one the play before if he had widened out a little more.

Collins hasn’t gotten enough credit on the Nink interception. It was his pressure that forced the throw a bit. It was really the first pressure Manning saw in the game up to this point. That’s something that I wish had been better so far.

On the next possession Manning went to Demaryius on a crosser from the slot as he was manned up by Browner – again, something we haven’t really seen Browner do. But Browner ran with him and made the tackle.

Stopping the run from the nickel defense was so so huge in this one. Everything was clicking on defense (and the Broncos still made some plays, credit to them).

The Pats threatened Double A pressure by Hightower and Collins a lot more than they actually sent it. Here in the second quarter they sent both and it forced a hurried throw that fell incomplete. The defensive gameplan was simple and complex at the same time. The initial looks were almost always the same, but the coverages and blitzers were constantly rotating.

Good coverage by Malcolm Butler, running stride for stride with Emmanual Sanders on third-and-20. Never thought he’d be such a big part in this game.

It’s amazing how hard it is to get pressure on Manning (and Brady too). A defender has to win at the LOS immediately to have any chance, otherwise the ball is already out.

Continue to be impressed with Jamie Collins. If last year’s playoff game against the Colts was his coming out party, this was nearly as impressive. He’s all over the place.

Pressure started to cause problems for Manning at the end of the second half,culminating with Ayers fourth-down sack. Hightower is quite a load coming up the middle for a running back to block.

Ayers sack was part Wilfork walking the left guard into the backfield and good coverage to take away the quick throw. Overall I thought Ayers was okay. Hasn’t blown me away with anything special but was generally solid in the first half and I’ll take that.

SECOND HALF

Check out this look on the first Broncos offensive possession of the second half – now Nink and Ayers are showing interior pressure.

Just a perfect throw and catch on Julius Thomas’ touchdown. Browner might’ve been able to defend it due to his size but Chung was screwed from the moment he lined up on an island with the big tight end.

Even McCourty looked shaken up after hitting Welker on the Browner interception. Welker really should’ve caught it and gotten down. 

There was no consistency to who New England was matching up with. The interior guys (Chung/Arrington/Hightower/Collins) all were switched around.  I’m kind of left wondering why we only save this stuff for Peyton Manning.

There were some big passing plays on first down, culminating with a 41-yarder to Demaryius Thomas in the fourth quarter, which was really somewhat lucky as Manning just threw is up and it managed to find Thomas through a crowd.

As if this one didn’t already have enough good stuff, here comes a four-down stand inside the ten yard line. Things like this only build a defense’s confidence.

For as bad as this defense has looked at times this year, it was amazing to see them put it all together in this one. Guys were setting the edge, getting off blocks and tackling. When you do those simple things it’s amazing how much better a defense can look.