FO: Patriots' O vs. Cowboys' D

[JD_KaPow]

Some good stuff here, albeit written more from the Patriots' perspective.

Against the Patriots this time. Ryan threw in a few different looks to start -– on the Pats’ first offensive play, Ryan flared outside linebackers Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware into short coverage zones against New England’s two-tight-end set. Brady hit Rob Gronkowski on the right side with a short pass, but since Ware only gave the appearance of rushing before backing off, he was able to corral the play for a one-yard gain.

On the next play, the Cowboys got a little more exotic (Figure 1), lining three standup defenders over the Patriots’ bunch left formation. Based on the strong side cornerback placement, it seemed to be a run fit, but the Pats switched things up with one of the things the Steelers do better than just about any other team -– running out of bunch. ...

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think one of the commenters got it right, that the no-huddle eliminating defensive sub packages is as big as anything.

I also have always wondered why teams don't just keep a back in, snap it quick, and run the ball when the D is milling around like that. Of course, the Pats go in empty sets a lot. That's partly why Brady ran those sneaks for several yards, I think. But I doubt that milling around would work as well against a team that likes to run the ball.

I do wonder how Rob calls and teaches the amoeba looks. I suspect they are just regular calls, but they work on disguising them in practice. Talk about all-time fun guys to have a beer with.

 

[Zman5]

Our defense used that amoeba look several times last year without trying.

 

[Hoofbite]

Our defense used that amoeba look several times last year without trying.

I noticed that too.

I think I heard it was called Wade Phillps' "Cluster****" Formation.

 

[Arch Stanton]

I noticed that too.

I think I heard it was called Wade Phillps' "Cluster****" Formation.

:laugh2: