Beware the screen pass

[BulletBob]

The screen pass, for some inexplicable reason, has become our muse, and therefore our nemesis.

On offense, why is this not a staple play? We have an athletic offensive line who can move nimbly and get to second-level blocks. We have two very dynamic RBs who are capable of breaking long runs with effective blockers in front of them. We have a WR who seems tailor-made for the "bubble" version of this play (Tavon).

And yet, it seems like we have only run this play once over the past 2 weeks (maybe 3?). The result? A pretty spectacular TD by Zeke.

On defense, why do we consistently get gashed by this play? Here again, we seem to have the perfect personnel to defend it. Let our fat uglies (DTs) take the bait and rush upfield. Our DEs and LBs have much better than average speed to chase things down.

The Patriots run the screen more than any other team in the league (at least I think I read that somewhere).

If we don't resolve the muse of the screen pass on BOTH sides of the ball, we could be in for a long outing on Sunday afternoon.

 

[robbieruff]

Agreed. And I think it goes beyond screens to passes to backs in general...something Brady has used to great advantage over the years. Our inability to cover backs and sniff our screens is an Achilles heal for this defense. It will likely be a focus on Sunday given the Pats WR situation (if current injury reports hold until then). I think it’s thru short passing game featuring RBs that the Pats move the ball effectively on us.

 

[erod]

Brady knows how to wear a defense to the nub with screens and quick throws.

However, they're not really doing so this year for the most part.

 

[ClappingCarrot]

Seems like we only use the screen pass during a big blitz or 3rd and 20. Other than that, we don't see many that are by design.

Personally, I'd rather use the screen than these god awful shotgun draw play hand-offs into 8 man boxes.

 

[Future]

The defense has gotten gashed by screens this year because the LB play has been poor.

This is the type of game where Sean Lee should have a field day, because most of what the Pats do is based on an offense misdiagnosing something. Lee, despite his physical decline, will still be disruptive against this type of offense.

 

[OmerV]

Agreed. And I think it goes beyond screens to passes to backs in general...something Brady has used to great advantage over the years. Our inability to cover backs and sniff our screens is an Achilles heal for this defense. It will likely be a focus on Sunday given the Pats WR situation (if current injury reports hold until then). I think it’s thru short passing game featuring RBs that the Pats move the ball effectively on us.

They have 786 yards from the RB/FB position this season. We need our LBs, Safeties and DE's to sniff those things out quickly.

 

[MysteryIceGuro]

If we lose this game, without even watching, I can assure you, it will be because of our defense, (mainly our LB's) because anyone can tell you from our losses that our run defense has been abysmal. We let Aaron Jones gash us for 4TD's! Dalvin Cook gashed us! Screen passes are nothing short of the end for this defense. If they can't stop those, we can't stop the opposing offense. I hope Jaylon, Lee, and LVE are doing some extra reps in practice because they need it.

 

[Doomsday77]

I can't disagree with any of this in fact I bet all of your money they will expect our front four to constantly rush the passer which will inevitably lead to screen passes and long gains. I hope we don't pin our ears back on every play or it will be a long day for this D.

 

[NorTex]

I would blitz a Linebacker up the gut a bunch early on, and ask the DEs to play conservatively.

 

[reddyuta]

If we lose this game, without even watching, I can assure you, it will be because of our defense, (mainly our LB's) because anyone can tell you from our losses that our run defense has been abysmal. We let Aaron Jones gash us for 4TD's! Dalvin Cook gashed us! Screen passes are nothing short of the end for this defense. If they can't stop those, we can't stop the opposing offense. I hope Jaylon, Lee, and LVE are doing some extra reps in practice because they need it.

i dont know what happened from last year to this one,LVE and Jaylon routinely blew up screens but now they are not even seeing it.

 

[ultron]

This is the Patriots bread and butter and the only chance they have at beating the Cowboys. If the Cowboys can take away the screens and quick passes (easier said than done) - it'll be a complete blowout.

 

[TheHerd]

When the Pats get inside the 10, it's near guaranteed they will run a quick outside pass to the RB. We better do some tape study and cover that.