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Positional groupings

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff November 14, 2008 12:46 PM

A look at the positional groupings utilized by the Patriots’ offense in Thursday night’s 34-31 overtime loss:

3 WR/1 TE/1 RB – 62 of 82

2 WR/2 TE/1 RB – 14 of 82

1 WR/2 TE/1 FB/1 RB – 3 of 82

4 WR/1 RB – 2 of 82

2 WR/1 TE/1 FB/1 RB – 1 of 82

(snaps include an illegal formation penalty on Wes Welker, a 2-point conversion, and an illegal contact penalty; snaps do not include a false start on Dan Koppen)

ANALYSIS: From the time they got the ball when trailing 24-6 late in the second quarter, the Patriots ran their final 51 snaps out of their three-wide package. Prior to that point, the team had run more of its plays with multiple tight ends or a two-back set (18 of 31). Given the score, it was a necessity to spread things out, run the hurry-up, and attack through the air. … The Jets often matched cornerback Darrelle Revis against Wes Welker, which was a strategic change from the Week 2 meeting between the teams. When the Patriots had three receivers on the field, Ty Law was matched against Randy Moss on the outside, with safety help consistently rolled over the top so he could take more risks in terms of jamming Moss at the line. … Sam Aiken’s 43-yard receiver screen was out of the 4 WR/1 RB package in the second quarter.

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5 comments so far...

Mike, did anything happen to BenJarvus Green-Ellis during the game? I know Belichick went with Morris after the first quarter. I thought BenJarvus could have been a better option on the short yardage plays than some of the ones that were called last night. BenJarvus had some nice runs in the past few games and with Sammy Morris having limited practice, I was very surprised to see him on the bench for the majority of the game.

Posted by Jersey Patriot November 14, 08 01:39 PM

Hi Jersey. It's possible, but I don't think so, because he played two snaps on the drive before the Patriots went solely 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB. That package is usually all Kevin Faulk, all the time. So I think Green-Ellis' lack of playing time (7 snaps) was more a result of the Patriots spreading it out for their final 51 snaps.

Posted by Mike Reiss November 14, 08 01:49 PM

Mike,
If the Pats and Jets end the season in a tie and have the same Division win loss record, what is the next tie breaker. Is it points, because the Pats should win that since they won the first game by 9 points and only loss by 3 last night.
I know it is a little early to start thinking about playoff tie breakers, but...

Posted by ricomandog November 14, 08 02:15 PM

After head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs), the tie-breaker goes as follows:
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5. Strength of victory.
6. Strength of schedule.
7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9. Best net points in common games.
10. Best net points in all games.
11. Best net touchdowns in all games.
12. Coin toss

Posted by Ritchie November 14, 08 02:55 PM

I know it was a lot, but not the exact number. When the Patriots ran hurry up Kris Jenkins was kept off the field. How many minutes did he play in the game. Where can i find that out?

Posted by Scott November 16, 08 02:40 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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