A deeper dive into the Patriots offense
http://www.patriotsauthorizedshop.com/authentic-trent-brown-jersey , and why Josh Gordon’s arrival came just in time It’s a typical September in
Foxborough. Bill Belichick isn’t conceding an inch in press conferences. On an
almost quarter-quarter basis, the defense has vacillated between garnering
superlatives and displaying a demoralizing ineptitude. And the Patriots’ offense
— as evidence by Sunday’s 31-20 loss in Jacksonville — is clearly still a work
in progress. On Monday, the offense received what the team hopes will be a key
component of that progress with the addition of Josh Gordon — a 27-year-old pass
catcher whose electric skill set and potential is matched only by the gravity of
his checkered past and current off-field battle with addiction. Before the
impact of Gordon’s arrival on the offense can even begin to be properly
anticipated, it’s important to explore the context of the situation he’ll enter
into this week.As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday, the Patriots have
made a league high 28 roster transactions at the wide receiver position since
the beginning of the league year in March. There isn’t much more evidence that
needs to be provided in order to accurately deduce that a lack of play makers in
the team’s wide receiver room has been at the forefront of Bill Belichick’s
concerns. Yet, while a big name was available on the free agent market with the
regular season approaching quickly, Belichick ultimately decided that continuing
to scheme around the deficiency presented itself as the wiser economic
choice.Through the season’s first two weeks, that decision has had mixed results
— which is, of course, to be expected in September. But what has become apparent
— thanks to a schedule that brought the team face to face with the AFC’s best
defense in week-two — is that the task of scheming production out of the
roster’s current personnel against elite contenders was one that became a hell
of lot less palatable following last Saturday’s news of Josh Gordon’s potential
availability. Of course, this isn’t to say that internal processes will be
abandoned solely due to the arrival of one pass catcher — especially one like
Gordon, who obviously comes with an array of question marks. But the addition of
a player with his talent simply allows Josh McDaniels and company to persist in
their efforts to develop young personnel and maintain an innovative, intricate
collection of concepts and looks without the necessity for every yard and point
to be derived directly from it. With that said, when taking a look at McDaniels’
personnel package usage through two games, some interesting wrinkles and trends
emerge.A quick Refresher11-personnel: 1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs - the most common
personnel package in today’s NFL.12-personnel: 1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs13-personnel: 1
RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR20-personnel: 2 RBs (or a FB), 3 WRs21-personnel: 2 RBs (or a
FB), 1 TE, 2 WRs22-personnel: 2 RBs (or a FB), 2 TEs, 1 WR23-personnel: If
witnessed, immediately call the authorities.The Raw NumbersThrough two games,
the Patriots have used eight different personnel packages
Jonathan Jones Jersey , 6 of which they’ve utilized more than once. For reference, the team utilized 12 unique packages in weeks one and two of the 2017
season. 11-personnel35.07% of snaps — 32% Run vs. 68% Pass — 5.98 yards per
play21-personnel (w/ Develin): 26.87% of snaps — 53% Run vs. 47% Pass — 4.0
yards per play22-personnel (w/ Develin): 13.43% of snaps — 88% Run vs. 12% Pass
— 3.44 yards per play12-personnel: 11.94% of snaps — 11% Run vs. 89% Pass — 6.88
yards per play21-personnel (w/ two RBs): 7.46% of snaps — 30% Run vs. 70% Pass —
5.60 yards per play13-personnel: 3.73% of snaps — 100% Pass — 7.40 per
playWrinklesTwo popular solutions to the issues at wide receiver this summer
were the utilization of two-RB packages, and the involvement of tight ends
Dwayne Allen and Jacob Hollister. Each of these avenues has been vetted through
game reps thus far in 2018, but what was interesting was the contrast with which
each was featured. Two-RB packagesIn week one against Houston, with Hollister
nursing an injury and failing to dress, McDaniels aimed to isolate the Texans’
larger personnel with two-RB packages early and often. With Sony Michel also
inactive, the Patriots utilized the combination of Rex Burkhead and James White
nine times in the first half alone, often manipulating formations with motion to
allow Tom Brady to diagnose weaknesses in coverage. In total, when utilizing
two-RB sets, the Patriots ran the football three times — all with Rex Burkhead —
for just four yards, but Brady was four of seven for 47 yards through the air,
with Rob Gronkowski also drawing a 14-yard defensive pass interference penalty.
TE-heavy packagesWith Jacob Hollister and Sony Michel healthy last Sunday in
Jacksonville, the game plan was much different. From the onset, McDaniels was
intent on developing a rhythm with his bigger-bodied personnel. The offense came
out in 13-personnel to start their opening drive, and their first four plays —
as well as five of the drive’s seven — were executed out of a personnel package
containing at least two tight ends. In total, the Patriots utilized 12 and
13-personnel at a 21.6% clip in Jacksonville, up from a 12.2% usage against
Houston the week prior — a clear result of the addition of Jacob Hollister to
the active game day roster. But the interesting aspect about the usage in last
Sunday’s game was that there was a clear strategic dedication to deploy these
traditionally ground game-oriented packages strictly as a vehicle for the
passing game. The Patriots did not run the football once from 12 or
13-personnel, and Tom Brady completed 10 of 12 passes for 98 yards and a
touchdown.Although one would think that an obvious explanation for the lack of
running the football from these packages would be game script-related — the
Patriots having had a lead for all of week one, whereas they trailed for all of
week two — but an uptick in 11-personnel usage in the second half of the
Jacksonville loss actually accompanies that context more effectively. And unlike
week one, where two-RB packages were often used to create mismatches, not a
single two-RB package was used in week two. Josh McDaniels clearly had a plan
for those available snaps.11-personnelThe staple of any NFL offense, the
Patriots utilized this three-WR package 45.6% of the time a year ago, and 49.65%
through last season’s first two weeks. Given the state of the roster heading
into the 2018 regular season, no one should be surprised to see the team’s
deployment of 11-personnel drop to the aforementioned 35.07%.In week one, Riley
McCarron — put on IR on Tuesday after being released and signed back to the
practice squad last week — saw all of his offensive snaps (14) come as a member
of this personnel package. The other five came from Cordarrelle Patterson. In
week two, with the team dressing only three wideouts, Patterson was on the field
for each 11-personnel snap as the Patriots were forced into throwing the
football for much of the fourth quarter while trying to mount a comeback.Moving
forward, the addition of Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman to the Patriots’
11-personnel package should make it one of the most formidable in the entire
league. Red ZoneThrough two games
Authentic Ja'Whaun Bentley Jersey , the Patriots simply haven’t moved the ball efficiently enough to gain access to their opponents’ red zones. In fact,
when combing through the first two games of the past five seasons in which Tom
Brady was leading the offense, 2018’s numbers become significant.The Patriots
haven’t created enough of the chunk plays between the 20s that lead directly to
more red zone trips. In 2017, Brandin Cooks consistently stressed defenses by
stretching the field, resulting in numerous long completions and defensive pass
interference penalties on deep balls. This is where Josh Gordon’s skill set is
needed the most. More concerning than the depressed number of total plays in the
red zone is the lack of a presence inside their opponents’ 11 yard line. Just
23.5% of the Patriots’ red zone snaps have come from inside the 11 yard line.
Going back to 2013, no other Patriots team has had a percentage of less than
50%. That puts the offense at a tremendous analytical disadvantage. According to
the numbers compiled by Optimum Scouting’s Justis Mosqueda, every yard closer to
the goal line that a play originates is worth an average increase in touchdown
percentage of 2.47% . Plays originating from the 19 yard line have a 6.4%
touchdown percentage. Plays that start from the 10 yard line result in
touchdowns at 17.2% clip. And plays starting from the 5 yard line have a 29.4%
chance of reaching pay dirt.Needless to say, the more opportunities a team can
manufacture, the better opportunity they have of scoring. If that sounds
incredibly simple, that’s because it is. The Patriots just need to get there
more often — something Josh Gordon is certainly expected to help with.Follow
Brian Phillips on Twitter @BPhillips_SBNew England Patriots links 9/21/18 - Will
return of the run game break out vs. Lions? TEAM TALKErik Scalavino shares the
news, notes and locker-room buzz from Thursday at Gillette: Jonathan Jones
intends to make the most of his second chance.What they are saying: Detroit
Lions.Patriots Hall of Fame celebrates 10th anniversary: Next week, the Patriots
will welcome home a dozen Patriots Hall of Famers for this year’s induction
ceremony honoring Matt Light, who will be the franchise’s 25th player enshrined
into the team’s hall of fame.Don Banks’ Week 3 NFL picks. Patriots win.LOCAL
LINKSMatt Vautour notes Josh Gordon presents a unique preparation problem for
Detroit if he plays Sunday.Ryan Hannable tells us what’s a realistic expectation
for Josh Gordon (if he plays) vs. the Lions.Ryan Hannable says don’t be
surprised if the Patriots we see Sunday night in Detroit look different than
what we’ve seen in the first two games.And no, it’s not just potentially having
Josh Gordon on the field -- although, that is where it starts. Michael Hurley
says forget about Josh Gordon, it’s the Patriots’ trio of running backs that
will be actually making an impact on Sunday night’s game.Michael Hurley tells us
what to watch for Sunday night in Detroit: This Sunday should mark the first
time that Derek Rivers steps onto an NFL field for an actual game.Dave Brown is
snarkily wondering if the Patriots’ dynasty can survive an 11-point Week 2 road
loss.Chris Blackey (DiehardBostonSportsFans) Patriots tidbits as we wait until
Sunday. 1. Robert Kraft goes for 300.Thomas Murphy (DiehardBostonSportsFans)
Monster keys to Patriots-Lions. 2. Open some holes.Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans)
Patriots-Lions Week 3: Players to watch. 1. RB Sony Michel.David Albiani
(FullPressCoverage) What to watch for: Patriots vs. Lions. 1. Josh Gordon:
Active or inactive?Andrew Callahan wonders if the Pats could move Jason McCourty
to safety Sunday night, and notes he has taken practice reps at safety in case
of emergency -- like if Patrick Chung doesn’t play.Bill Burt suggests that an
off-season from hell may be the Patriots biggest issue, presenting us with a
“decent to good team, that is playing decent to good football.” /Huh.Mike Reiss
shares the football journey of Adrian Clayborn: Clayborn inspires by playing in
the NFL despite Erb’s palsy.Ryan Hannable notes Bill Belichick finally talks
about Josh Gordon: “Everybody feels this is a talented player.”Kevin Duffy
reports Josh Gordon gets backing from some former teammates.Matt Dolloff posts a
quick video clip of Tom Brady and the pass rushers getting after it at practice
on Thursday.Kevin Duffy Patriots Notebook: Cornerback Cyrus Jones may be asked
to play some safety during his second go-round in New England.Ryan Hannable
mentions Rob Gronkowski (ankle) was added to the injury report, but hears that
reportedly it’s not a concern.Kevin Duffy gives us a practice participation
update and notes Trey Flowers and Patrick Chung missed their second straight
practice.Nick O’Malley reveals that Matt Patricia is a genius at talking without
actually saying anything. /Gasp!Michael Hurley points out what’s been bugging
him about that asinine Tom Brady comment in that new Bill Belichick book,and
settles the question once and for all.Alex Reimer calls out the double-standard
in NFL disciplinary matters as the Patriots appear to be judged on a much
stricter curve than their competition. /(cough, Ravens, cough)Ryan Hannable
highlights WEEI guest Peter King, who is not a fan of the Josh Gordon Trade.Russ
Goldman (PatsFans) Patriots Fourth and Two Podcast: Patriots vs. Lions preview.
(41.42 min.)Jim Lazar imagines the ‘pleasantries’ exchanged between Bill
Belichick and Matt Patricia before the teacher schools the student, and makes
his Week 3 Picks. Patriots win 32-20.NATIONAL NEWSJarrett Bell (USA Today) Josh
Gordon must adapt to the Patriot Way to make pairing with Bill Belichick
work.Danny Kelly (The Ringer) How Josh Gordon could change the geometry of the
Patriots offense.Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Report: Patriots get
seventh-round pick with no conditions in Josh Gordon trade.Conor Orr (SI)
Morning Huddle: Browns finally get their winning moment with Baker Mayfield
under center.Kevin Clark (The Ringer) The four must-see matchups for NFL Week 3.
4. Matt Patricia vs. Bill Belichick. /3. The Steelers vs. a lost season. Heh
heh.Nate Davis (USA Today) Nine questions for NFL Week 3. 6. What will the
Patriots get from Josh Gordon?Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) PFT’s Week Three
picks. Florio: Patriots 34-20; MDS: Patriots 35-20.MMQB Staff (SI) NFL expert
picks: Week 3. All 7 pick Patriots to win.Sports Staff (USA Today) Week 3 NFL
picks. All 5 pick Patriots to win.VIEW FROM DETROITShawn Windsor (Detroit Free
Press) Here’s what Bill Belichick has that Lions coach Matt Patricia
doesn’t.John Niyo (Detroit News) Patricia faces spotlight out from under
Belichick’s shadow.Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Here’s what Detroit must do
to beat New England.Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions must slow
down Rob Gronkowski to beat Patriots. But how?Mike O’Hara (DetroitLions) Week 3
checklist: Lions vs. Patriots: Put pressure on Brady and force him into
mistakes.Justin Rogers (Detroit News) Patricia knows exactly what new Patriots
WR Josh Gordon can do.Carlos Monarrez (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions’ Golden
Tate: First win is always the toughest to get.Carlos Monarrez (Detroit Free
Press) Detroit Lions pass rush goes from weak to wild, tied for 3rd in
sacks.Justin Rogers (Detroit News) Lions’ Quin says instincts are lagging in new
scheme.Rob Beard (Detroit News) Lions tight end Roberts relishes end of
scoreless streak.Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker
disagrees with Spielman on tipping plays.Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez
(Detroit Free Press) Preview Lions-Patriots: Lions’ vibe feels different, but
can they upset the Patriots? (15.28 min. video)
