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It's easy to pencil the into XLIX based on their recent history of destroying the ' defense. The Pats have rolled through 's troops in their two most recent matchups; it is hard to imagine the defense finding an effective solution to slow down an offensive juggernaut that's Jordan Willis Jersey pummeled Indy with a mix of power runs and explosive pa ses on the perimeter.However, after examining , I believe the ' defense won't just play well in -- I think the unit can lead Indy to a stirring road upset by making a few tweaks to the defensive game plan. Now, it will take nearly flawle s execution to get it done, but here is how the ' defense can help and Co. walk out of Gillette Stadium with an improbable win:1) The Colts must play with better gap discipline vs. the Pats' run game.Whenever a team rushes for 230-plus yards on an opponent in back-to-back meetings -- as the Pats did against Indy and -- it is easy to a sume the defense lacks the size and physicality to slow down the running game. However, I believe the ' i sues defending the ' ground game spawn from the defense failing to properly attack the gaps at the line of scrimmage. Now, I know that simplistic analysis will draw quizzical looks from observers perusing the stat sheets of the past two meetings, but a look at suggests the didn't consistently execute their a signments at the point of attack.Studying the game tape, I was shocked at how often the failed to account for each of the eight gaps along the line. In addition, I noticed the linebackers didn't properly "smash" (force the ball back inside to pursuit) or "spill" (force the ball to bounce outside to an awaiting defender) based on the blocking scheme. Factor in some shoddy tackling, and it's easy to see why (37 carries for 201 yards and four scores in Week 11) and (24 carries for 166 yards and four scores in the 2013 Divisional Round) have enjoyed banner days against the in the teams' last two meetings.To their credit, the have done an exceptional job of mixing in some clever tactics to help their runners find creases in the ' defense. New England offensive coordinator extensively deployed an unbalanced line in , with lining up as a sixth offensive lineman. With some extra beef at the line of scrimmage KeiVarae Russell Jersey , McDaniels utilized a power-based running game from a number of run-heavy sets that complicated the numbers count at the point of attack.In the play below, the are aligned in an Ace Solo formation with Fleming lined up to the right -- at "tight end" -- in an unbalanced line. Gray receives a handoff on an inside zone to the right. The are executing a slant to Fleming's side on the defensive line, with linebackers and expected to fill the B- and C-gaps on the front side of the defense. Jackson is in decent position on the offensive tackle, but Freeman is cut down by the center, leaving a huge hole in the middle. Gray races through the gap for a 14-yard gain due to poor execution on the second level (TO VIEW THE PLAY, SCROLL LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE IMAGE BELOW):In the following play, New England is aligned in a tight Ace Wing formation, with Fleming positioned at tight end on the right side. The ' linebackers are expected to read their keys and flow in the direction of the runner. The hand the ball to Gray on an inside-zone run play to the right. Jackson flows freely to the ball and attacks Gray in the hole. Unfortunately, Jackson fails to bring the runner down and Gray picks up positive yards on a play that should've been stuffed (TO VIEW THE PLAY, SCROLL LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE IMAGE BELOW):In the next play, the are aligned in an unbalanced Ace formation with wide receiver lined up in a "nasty" position near Fleming. The ' linebackers are expected to read their keys and Josh Shaw Jersey make a play on the runner based on the blocking at the point of attack. And this time, they succeed. Freeman identifies the pulling guard () and attacks to the inside, forcing Gray to bounce to an awaiting Jackson, who is flying over the top. When the defense executed this simple maneuver at the point of attack, the were able to slow down the ' running game (TO VIEW THE PLAY, SCROLL LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE IMAGE BELOW):Below, the are aligned in a tight Ace Wing formation with Fleming positioned at tight end beside Gronkowski. Gray receives the handoff on a counter to the strong side. The play it perfectly at the point of attack with penetrating the A-gap. Defensive lineman occupies a double team on the strong side, freeing Jackson to run over the top. Safety sets the edge as the force defender, preventing Gray from turning the corner and leading to a minimal gain on the play (TO VIEW THE PLAY, SCROLL LEFT TO RIGHT Adam Jones Jersey ON THE IMAGE BELOW):The had some succe s with run blitzes when they executed them correctly at the line of scrimmage. In the next play, the are in an unbalanced I-formation with Fleming positioned at tight end to the right. Outside linebacker crashes through the C-gap on a blitz, with safety also attacking off the edge. When Fleming steps out to block Brown, Werner shoots the gap and delivers a big hit on Gray in the backfield (TO VIEW THE PLAY, SCROLL LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE IMAGE BELOW):In the end, the ' ability to slow down the ' running game will come down to executing a few simple tactics that were likely a part of their minicamp installation. If the defense accounts for each gap along the line and the linebackers use proper technique to force the ball back to the pursuit, Indy can contain the run and force to win the game through the air.2) Greg Manusky must attack Tom Brady with blitzes/simulated pre sures.Harrison: Power RankingsWhat does the NFL landscape look like heading into Championship Sunday? Elliot Harrison reveals his pecking order. Yes, Brady certainly has the ability to make foes pay for blitzing, but opposing defensive coordinators cannot allow fear to water down their game plan. Employing a clever cat-and-mouse game at the line of scrimmage remains the best way to disrupt the future r's timing and rhythm in the pocket. Thus, Manusky should bring a variety of overload blitzes (four rushers from one side) and attack through the A-gaps to quicken the clock in Brady's head, hopefully forcing him to make some bad decisions.Additionally, the need to mix in some simulated pre sures to bait Russell Bodine Jersey the veteran into checking to blitz-beaters against zones with seven or eight defenders in coverage. These looks are very effective from a 3-4 scheme because quarterbacks have a tough time determining which defenders are poised to rush, with multiple linebackers and defensive backs in standup positions near the line of scrimmage.In the example below, the are showing a double A-gap blitz with Freeman and Jackson on each side of the center. Brady anticipates the blitz and checks into a play designed to beat the rush. Gronkowski motions acro s the formation before racing to the flat as the first option in the route. The drop out into soft zone with a four-man rush. Brady is surprised by the tactic and unable to find an open receiver against the coverage. Eventually, he's forced to throw the ball out of bounds to avoid making a mistake against a coverage that fooled him during the pre-snap phase (TO VIEW THE PLAY, SCROLL LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE IMAGE BELOW):Brady remains one of the top quarterbacks in the game, but he is not above making mistakes when opponents are able to get rushers in his face consistently. The have the athletes along the line of scrimmage and in the back end to blitz and bluff, which is the way to throw Brady off his game.3) Indianapolis must focus on stopping Rob Gronkowski in the red zone.There is no doubt in league circles that Gronkowski is the most dangerous red-zone weapon in football today. He has the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in the first five seasons of a career (54) and enters the AFC Championship Game with nine TDs over hi
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發表於 2024-10-29 11:22:18