NFL Matchup’s Executive Producer shares notes from his study of Week 16 coaching tape: the Patriots defense vs. the Dolphins offense.
- Jones was again the nickel slot corner for the Patriots, He’s filled that role over the last month
- Hartline 39 yds on 3rd + 9 came on double move v. McCourty; Patriots “man free” behind a 5 man rush, They had S Ihedigbo matched on Bush
- Patriots predominant 4-3 fronts, Ellis and Deaderick played significant snaps at DE
- Long hurt and out for the game in the 1stquarter, Jerry replaced him at LT
Brandon Marshall (AP)
- Dolphins went after McCourty, as many teams have done in recent weeks: Hartline 39 yds in the 1st quarter, Marshall 47 yds in the 2nd quarter
- Fletcher played both in the base 4-3 and in the nickel sub-package, He flashed with instincts and awareness; Excellent play recognition
- Bush more decisive running inside, Hit the point of attack with conviction – A different runner now than he was earlier in the season
- Marshall had success working out of the slot on seam routes: 19 yd TD and 26 yds on 2nd quarter TD drive
- Best Patriots defender in the 1st half was LB Fletcher – White and Guyton did not play any defensive snaps in this game
- Patriots more man coverage concepts in the 2ndhalf, Took away quickly defined throws for Moore – Ninkovich sack and forced fumble result of man coverage, Moore held the ball in the pocket
Matt Moore fumbles after getting hit by Rob Ninkovich (AP)
- Majority of Bush runs were inside, between the tackles; Bush ran downhill very well in this game
- Patriots increased blitz frequency in the 2nd half, including a number of snaps of “cover zero blitz” – Mayo sack in the 4th quarter came on “cover zero blitz”
- Moore average arm strength, Not much velocity on intermediate and deeper throws
- Marshall 41 yds on Dolphins final TD drive came v. “cover zero blitz”, “Sluggo” v. McCourty
- Patriots 2nd half defense totally different from 1st half defense: More man coverage, more blitz – A more challenging and aggressive approach that decreased thinking and focused on playing
