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Running game follow-up

Email|Link|Comments (2) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 19, 2008 07:40 PM

Following up on the Patriots' running game -- and the high percentage of runs for negative yardage, zero yardage, of 1-2 yards:

All four plays that went for negative yardage were runs by Laurence Maroney

Running plays that went for no gain: Sammy Morris (2), Laurence Maroney (1), LaMont Jordan (1)

Running plays that went for 1-2 yards (not including those which picked up a first down or touchdown): LaMont Jordan (4), Laurence Maroney (3), Sammy Morris (1), Heath Evans (1)

Bill Belichick was asked today how many of those running plays were stopped because the Patriots generally aren't changing what they do in the preseason, even if it means they're running into the strength of the defense. The Patriots are going in with about 30 plays per preseason game, while in the regular season, there are about 160 plays for a game. So that means there are few (if any) audibles in the preseason.

Belichick acknowledged that some running plays have been stopped as a result of that, while others simply could be better executed.

Tomorrow, the plan will be to go back and review some of the running plays and see if anything stands out.

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2 comments so far...

How about using passing plays, off of play action, more often on first down. A little success there will open up the running game, but we cant keep going on 1st down and setting up 2nd and 3rd and long plays where defenses will tee off on our offensive line.

And far too many times we tip the defense by using the shotgun formation. It lets defenses know that we are not going to run, so they can concentrate on the passing game. far too times we take away the "surprise" factor by using the shotgun.

Going under center makes defenses think.

Posted by Mike Allen August 20, 08 12:21 AM

Mike, how much of the running game is stalled b/c the O-line is struggling? I'd like to know how many runs were altered due to contact in the backfield?

Posted by Frank August 20, 08 08:54 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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