X’s & O’s: Running backs in space – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Belichick then calls up another play with Vereen split wide to the right, later on that same drive. “This time the matchup is a little bit different [on Vereen], with a little bit tighter coverage – the safety cheated over a little bit further,” Belichick notes, pointing out that Brady decides to work the “slot side part of the combination” on the other side – with tight end Aaron Hernandez coming out of the backfield and going outside, and Wes Welker going underneath. Hernandez gets a step on a linebacker and advances the ball to the 1. Belichick credits Brady with recognizing coverage and getting the ball to the right player. Also a nice block by center Ryan Wendell creates a nice throwing lane.