Although it’s the same offensive system in many ways, Patriots players have pointed out that there are some noticeable differences now that Josh McDaniels is running the offense. One of the big points of emphasis so far has been the running game. The Patriots have 63 rushes through two games, compared to 47 through two games last season. Some of that is game-plan specific, but even going back to the start of training camp, the focus on the running game has been noticeable to players.
Patriots All Access – 9/21/2012
These two are about to experience a Patriots-Ravens war for the first time.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/these-two-are-about-to-experience-a/
Inside the matchup: Patriots at Ravens – Extra Points – Boston.com
Inside the matchup: Patriots at Ravens – Extra Points – Boston.com
Great stuff as always from the lethal combination of Alen Dumonjic and The Wet Blanket of Reason.
There are a couple of players and areas on the Ravens defense that New England could look to target, so I’m going to put them together in this one category. Inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is a two-down player that’s primarily out there for run defense. If the Patriots can isolate him in coverage on early downs, they could find it to be more successful than attempting to run the ball. It should also be noted the Ravens play a 3-3-5 package that consists of Lewis-Ellerbe-McClain, so there’s another opportunity to isolate and attack the linebackers. Two other players that may be able to be attacked for different reasons are cornerbacks Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith. Williams plays a lot of soft coverage and will give up easy yards underneath while Smith is very aggressive and can be caught on double moves. Last, the one area that may be able to be attacked is the middle of the field. The Ravens have played a lot of Cover 2 this season and Ray Lewis, who is not as fleet of foot as he once was, is policing the seam. When they play man coverage against empty sets, Lewis will walk out with the running back often.
The Best of PatsPropaganda This Week
Since posts seem to fly by pretty quickly here on the blog we put together a post every Saturday of our favorite and most interesting Pats stuff from the past week. Here’s a Cardinals-light edition:
Mike D. has his 5 keys to beating the Ravens.
Strategy and statistical notes from the AFCCG.
Ryan Muth breaks down the Pats offensive line struggles vs. the Cardinals.
Grantland has a look into the phenomenon known as GRONK.
Greg Bedard tells Dennis and Callahan the Patriots offense is in transition.
Bedard’s game breakdowns are always a must read too.
Breaking down PFF’s Patriots stats vs. the Cardinals.
Is it plausible the Pats are saving Welker?
PatsProp also did some reorganizing this week:
Getcha Gronk Flakes here!
Thanks to @NEPATSFAN4EVER for the heads up.