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FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Aggressiveness Index Revisited

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FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Aggressiveness Index Revisited

Perhaps the most shocking example of this de-evolution in NFL strategy is the man who has long represted the ideal of aggressive fourth-down decision making: Bill Belichick. Last year during the regular season, the Patriots didn’t attempt a single run or pass play on fourth-and-2, and they went for it only two times out of eight opportunities in long field-goal range (between the 31- and 37-yard lines). This trend carried over into the playoffs; against Baltimore, the Patriots had fourth-and-2 twice and settled for a punt and a 31-yard field goal. They also punted twice in long field-goal range, although these were “no man’s land” situations, i.e. not just in deep field-goal range but in deep field-goal range on fourth-and-long when none of the options are mathematically any good. As a result, Belichick ranks a shocking 23rd out of 34 head coaches in Aggressiveness Index for 2012. This is a massive change from most of Belichick’s career. Belichick has the fifth-highest career AI of any head coach with at least three full seasons between 1991 and 2012, and he ranked in the top six for AI every year between 2004 and 2010 before falling to 11th in 2011 (although he was sixth in 2011 in the older version of AI). 2012 was only the third season out of 18 when Belichick ranked in the bottom half of the league; the others were 1994 (0.76 AI, 21st) and 2003 (.84 AI, 23rd).

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Over the years, I was a little inefficient and I learned how to get away with it. I’ve been working with Tom House on what’s called ground-force production … Kinetic sequencing, getting the power from the ground, which translates from the ground to your legs, to your hips, to the shoulder, and all the energy is going toward the target. I’ve always had confidence throwing the football, but you have to stay on top of it. That’s going to be a never-ending quest for me.

Tom Brady more confident than ever as New England Patriots need him more than ever – NFL – Peter King – SI.com

It’s the once-per-offseason Tom Brady-Peter King interview!

https://www.patspropaganda.com/over-the-years-i-was-a-little-inefficient-and-i/

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/12237/

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Here’s Reiss’ take on the release of Deaderick and Love. While I did think they needed to upgrade both of them, I don’t think it necessarily means a major scheme change. It will likely be Tommy Kelly in that other tackle spot now, and he’ll likely play a similar role, though he’s better than both Love and Deaderick.

I don’t view the Patriots’ mildly surprising releases of defensive tackles Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love as a tell-tale sign that the team is significantly changing its scheme or looking for different things from their d-tackles. Deaderick has scheme versatility (3-4 end and 4-3 tackle), and Love fit in both schemes as well. We often hear the words “quality depth management” from the Patriots’ brain trust and it makes no sense to cut two part-time starters in mid-May and voluntarily thin all-important depth unless Bill Belichick had ultimately come to the conclusion he didn’t want the players around for other reasons. My read between the lines: The Patriots no longer viewed Deaderick as a “program” fit and they were disappointed in Love’s performance/conditioning after he signed a two-year contract extension in 2012, and perhaps had a lower level of tolerance to wait for his potential return to health.

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Given that background, it’s notable from this perspective that Spikes hasn’t been seen much at Gillette Stadium since the offseason program began in mid-April. Staying away is within Spikes’ rights, and there have been productive players in past years (e.g. Mike Vrabel) who have taken the same approach at times. So one of the first things I’ll be looking at Tuesday is if Spikes is present, and if he is, if there is any noticeable difference in his physical condition and how he is being employed.

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

We knew Spikes was off twitter, didn’t know he was off Foxboro too. Such an interesting year for Spikes, who should be training to prove he’s a three-down linebacker and deserves to be paid like one.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/given-that-background-its-notable-from-this/