On to the offensive side of the ball where I found a lot to be encouraged about. Most specifically the team-wide commitment to blocking downfield. The linemen and receivers were blocking with gusto and that finally got the explosive plays in the ground game going.
Rob Gronkowski and Shane Vereen showed they were rounding into form finally as the elite weapons we think they should be.
Here are my All 22 observations on the offensive side of the ball.
As I wrote this week on my Three GIFs piece, I loved the opening call, a play action 20-yard pass to LaFell.
It was apparent from the first drive that the Pats came to play, the first time that’s happened this season. Loved the balance and use of play action.
I still have some concerns about the Pats’ short yardage ability, but how was the ball spotted so badly after James Develin’s 3rd and 1 carry?
Hooman is a necessary evil for now but how I’d love to get Tim Wright more involved at Hooman’s expense. Hooman is literally zero threat, though I see improvement in his blocking.
Missed this before but Iloka was giving some extra post-whistle business to Gronk on the second drive and that’s likely why Gronk had a shove for him later that picked up a penalty. Nice job by Amendola coming to Gronk’s defense.
Tim Wright’s touchdown came out of a a tight formation that the Bengals clearly weren’t ready for. Wright found the seam perfectly and Brady didn’t hesitate to immediately throw it to him.
Gronk continuing to look more like his old self in space as he picks up a first down in the first quarter, the one that drew a penalty. He’s attacking contact now. Need to focus on his blocking more now.
Next play Pats try play action on first down, Brady has Edelman for a moment but doesn’t pull the trigger. He’s going to his second read when the sack comes.
Brady’s missed deep throw to Edelman came off his back foot as pressure arrived. Wish we could’ve seen if he hit or missed it if he had had the time. Those are throws that need to connect when it’s all on the line and one of the biggest criticisms of this offense.
Right side of the line was unaware of the snap count on the next play, a third down. Two rushers just came flying in as Gronk and Vollmer stood there. Ugh.
Such a better job picking up defenders in space by the pulling offensive linemen. Connolly especially. Such a huge difference from previous weeks.
Here’s what you didn’t see earlier this season – DOWNFIELD BLOCKS! Vereen gets 11 yards on this one.
Continue to see Amendola getting open. Wish Brady could find him more often.
The interesting personnel package near the goalline at the end of the first half was Dobson/LaFell/Gronk/Edelman/Vereen. Dobson gets open but Brady doesn’t see him.
Amendola comes in for Dobson on the next play and gets open but it looks like it was a roll out play designed for Edelman who is not open.
They go to Ridley/Hooman on the third down attempt at the goalline and while he had a good burst, Ridley gets stopped cold in his tracks.
Really love how Develin has progressed and carved a role out for himself. Who doesn’t love an old school fullback with a neck roll who can catch a bit. Tom Rathman fans like me can’t get enough of that!
Said it before and I’ll say it again, Gronk is looking more and more like Gronk.
Shane Vereen hasn’t gotten much love yet but deserves some. He ran well and broke a few ankles on this day. Seems likehe’s rounding back into form. He had two big carries in the third quarter, including a long third down pickup.
How about this three tight end look? And they ran right.
Vintage Gronk touchdown and I loved how he casually avoided contact. Can’t be easy to feel comfortable with guys diving at his knees again.
BB pointed it out today in his press conference, but great block by Dobson downfield to spring Ridley near the end of the third quarter. Those kind of plays will get him on the field more often.
I feel like once Brady’s presnap read tells him Edelman should be open he doesn’t deviate from throwing it to Edelman.
Still not impressed once by Gronk’s blocking. Once that comes back (assuming it does), look out. This Pats offense will hit high gear then because Hooman can then stay on the sidelines.