Cornerback Kyle Arrington started the game on the right side, then moved to the slot in nickel/dime packages. Nothing unusual there, but after only a few plays (and a very poor start), he was supplanted in the base defense at right corner by rookie Alfonzo Dennard. Later, Arrington was replaced by Marquice Cole as the slot corner. We saw this happen once before this season, at Seattle, where Arrington was gradually phased out of the lineup.
Week 11 Quick Hits: Tom Brady and Patriots’ Versatility – NYTimes.com
Week 11 Quick Hits: Tom Brady and Patriots’ Versatility – NYTimes.com
We marvel at New England’s ability to cultivate versatile players but too often overlook why they’re able to do so. In short, it’s because they have Tom Brady. His command of the pocket and football IQ allows for New England’s week-to-week, even series-to-series flexibility. Augmenting that flexibility is the quick tempo with which Brady runs the Patriots’ offense. It’s easier for wide receivers to make big runs and running backs to catch passes when they’re drawing mismatches against a defense that’s constantly back on its heels.
The New England Patriots have allowed a total of three sacks in their last five games. Since allowing four sacks to the Denver Broncos in Week 5, the Patriots’ offensive line has done a much better job of protecting Tom Brady. New England’s ability to run the ball and Brady’s quick release have also contributed to the improvement in this area.
Dear Insane Patriots Haters: It’s Not Bill Belichick’s Fault That Rob Gronkowski Broke His Arm
Picked-up pieces from 1st half review – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Picked-up pieces from 1st half review – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Defensive back Devin McCourty isn’t just a good safety, he’s very good. He’s reliable, smart, instinctive, athletic, and much more. McCourty has been the target of some criticism in 2012, some of which was merited, but he’s been very good all over the field. One play particularly resonated from the first half on Sunday, and it came with roughly six minutes to play in the first half. McCourty was aligned as the safety to the left side of the field, and had deep half responsibilities in the Patriots’ cover 2 scheme. Luck worked to fit a throw to receiver LaVonn Brazill down the right sideline, but McCourty glided to the sideline to break the play up. That throw is the most difficult for a cover 2 safety to defend, and it’s a play that we’ve seen Patrick Chung struggle to make this season. McCourty’s reliability cannot be overlooked.
You always leave your starters in on the P.A.T., even on the field-goal block team. When I was playing defense and we were blowing out an opponent, you were told, “You’re out of the game now, Tedy, but you’re still on the field goal block team.” It’s just the way it is in football. The forearm injury to Gronkowski is unfortunate. The projected time for him to miss is 4-to-6 weeks, per some reports. From my experience, it can be significantly less. Mike Vrabel broke his forearm one year. After surgery, they put in one plate and 11 screws. Vrabel missed two games. I know Gronkowski is tough, but Mike Vrabel’s toughness was legendary. So it all depends on the player. I would doubt that Gronkowski is out the full six weeks.
