LeGarrette Blount leaps into the endzone (Patriots Facebook page)
Although they didn't play a full 60 minutes and had a handful of miscues, there is still an abundance of praise to go around the Patriots' locker room after their thrashing of the Colts. You've probably already heard about how great LeGarrette Blount and
Stevan Ridley played. it's also been argued that they were successful because of the offensive line and the fabulous job they did. Either way the offensive unit gets some well deserved praise for putting up 43 points on a team that gives up an average of 21.
I believe this week's offensive success really needs to be traced back to the great game plan by Josh McDaniels. If you've read my posts in the past, you know that I am pretty critical of the job he does. This week he did a great job and deserves nothing but praise.
The most obvious thing that Josh did was call for more running plays (something I've been wanting since September). Although running the ball was definitely key and should continue through this year's post season if we want to be successful, it wasn't the sole reason of our success on Saturday. The real key was McDaniels' mixing up of what the offense was doing and not being predictable. One way he did this was by varying between having Brady line up under center and going from the shotgun. Of the 73 plays, Brady set up in the shotgun a mere 21 times. From the shotgun he handed it off 4 times, one of which was on a successful 3rd down conversion. In addition, McDaniels and Brady also threw in the occasional no huddle and some play action. I think this varying of looks really helped out the offensive line. Besides keeping the defense on their toes, it also kept them from picking up on any tendencies our offensive linemen have.
I believe this week's offensive success really needs to be traced back to the great game plan by Josh McDaniels. If you've read my posts in the past, you know that I am pretty critical of the job he does. This week he did a great job and deserves nothing but praise.
The most obvious thing that Josh did was call for more running plays (something I've been wanting since September). Although running the ball was definitely key and should continue through this year's post season if we want to be successful, it wasn't the sole reason of our success on Saturday. The real key was McDaniels' mixing up of what the offense was doing and not being predictable. One way he did this was by varying between having Brady line up under center and going from the shotgun. Of the 73 plays, Brady set up in the shotgun a mere 21 times. From the shotgun he handed it off 4 times, one of which was on a successful 3rd down conversion. In addition, McDaniels and Brady also threw in the occasional no huddle and some play action. I think this varying of looks really helped out the offensive line. Besides keeping the defense on their toes, it also kept them from picking up on any tendencies our offensive linemen have.
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