Positional groupings

A look at the positional groupings utilized by the Patriots' offense:

3 WR/1 TE/1 RB – 60 of 69 snaps
3 TE/1 FB/1 RB – 4 of 69
2 WR/2 TE/1 RB – 3 of 69
4 WR/1 RB – 2 of 69

(snaps include four penalties that don't count as official plays)

ANALYSIS: Monday night marked the most straight-up the Patriots offense has played, as it basically stayed in the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB package all night. The overall usage of just four positional groupings was a season low. For perspective, the Patriots utilized eight different groupings against the Colts. ... It appeared the Ravens' pressure kept the Patriots from being comfortable using the 4 WR/1 RB package, as Baltimore overloaded the right side of the New England offensive line out of that grouping and had the quickness to get to Tom Brady before the receivers could finish their routes. So after the Ravens sacked Brady out of the 4 WR/1 RB package in the first quarter, it was scrapped for the night. ... The tight ends played a key role in pass protection in nthe 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB package, most often lining up to the right side to account for the pressure the Ravens were bringing from that direction. ... The goal-line 3 TE/1 FB/1 RB package that includes Kyle Brady, Benjamin Watson and Mike Vrabel as tight ends, Junior Seau as a fullback, and Heath Evans as the running back scored one touchdown on four plays (2 passing, 2 running). The TD came on a Heath Evans 1-yard run over the left side.