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Positional groupings
A look at the positional groupings the Patriots utilized against the Cowboys:
2 WR/2 TE/1 RB -- 36 of 80
3 WR/1 TE/1 RB -- 28 of 80
1 WR/2 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 7 of 80
1 WR/3 TE/1 RB -- 4 of 80
4 WR/1 RB -- 2 of 80
3 TE/1 FB/ 1 RB -- 2 of 80
3 WR/1 FB/1 RB -- 1 of 80
ANALYSIS: In the three games leading up to Sunday's win, the Patriots had played the most snaps out of the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB package. In utilizing more of the 2 WR/2 TE/1 RB set against the Cowboys, the Patriots were generally countering Dallas' aggressive pressure by having the tight ends help more in protection. In games where the Patriots have seen the most pressure in the form of blitzes -- vs. the Jets in Week 1 and vs. the Chargers in Week 2 -- they took a similar approach. ... In their 11 snaps with 1 WR on the field, the Patriots ran 10 times but the power-based package had three rushes for no gain and one for minus-1 yard. ... Of the team's 5 TD passes, three came out of the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB package (Randy Moss; Wes Welker twice), one out of the 3 TE/1 FB/1 RB package at the goal-line (Kyle Brady), and one out of the 2 WR/2 TE/1 RB package (Donte' Stallworth).
Your comments
(4)I thought a saw a lot of formations where Watson was lining up split out wide like a receiver. He seems to be almost as much WR as TE. Did you count Watson as TE regardless of where he was on the field or sometimes as a WR?
Solid observation, Matt. I have not reached the point where I am able to identify Watson as a WR or TE, and still keep up with the pace of the charting. I hope to get to that point in the future, but because I am not there yet, that is why these are called "positional groupings." The next level would be to further explain how the positional groupings are being employed, such as Watson's use as a WR. Part of what makes the Patriots a tough matchup is Watson's versatility. So they can show the 2 WR/2 TE/1 RB look but in actuality it might be a 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB because Watson -- although a tight end -- is lining up as a receiver.
Mike, speaking of Watson, what is the latest on his injury? Also Morris? I know this question does not pertain to the topic but I am anxious for an update.
Not that it matters a whole lot, but there were in fact 6TD's. Don't forget the Navyman, it's his first NFL TD and he gets no love! :D