Yates & '06 Vikings game
Say the name of a Patriots player and sometimes a specific game or performance comes to mind.
When the Patriots released C/G Billy Yates on Tuesday, the first thought that came to mind was "2006, Vikings, big road win."
I couldn't exactly remember why, but after flipping back through the team's media guide, the picture came into a clearer focus.
That game had some significant pre-game hype. The Patriots were 5-1, the Vikings at 4-2. It was on ESPN's Monday Night Football. The Patriots were having their issues at receiver, and the game, from a Vikings perspective, was considered a test to see if they were legitimate contenders.
That was Yates' first career start -- he was subbing in for an injured Stephen Neal -- and it wouldn't have been as notable had the Patriots not come out with a spread-the-field, pass-first approach.
It was a significant change in strategical approach, made in part because the Vikings had the No. 1-rated run defense with defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams plugging the middle.
Given the noise in the cramped, steamy Metrodome, it was a tough spot to leave the offensive linemen on an island in pass protection, especially someone like Yates making his first career start. Tom Brady, with the luxury of some pretty solid protection, ended up throwing for 372 yards that day in a resounding 31-7 win.
Right guards like Yates don't make many headlines. In all, he played in only 25 games with 11 starts in his time with the Patriots (2004-2008).
Yet that Vikings game stands out.
Comment
Permalink
Email
Fantastic entry, Mike. Breaking news and these retrospectives make your blog the unquestionable best place for Patriots insight. Thanks for the great work.
Given the noise in the cramped, steamy Metrodome....no wonder they call it the inflatable toilet. I was at that game. Mike, if my memory serves me correct, Brady threw to 11 different receivers that night????! That game was a lesson!
Mike- My apologies. I think it was 10 different receivers.
I'm not so sure you can say an OG is on an island. He's the closest guy to the snap even closer then the QB in shotgun formation which makes it easier to not go offsides. While being surrounded by the OT and C.
Guards don't show their worth in pass protection anyway. You'll see it in the run game when they have to pull and try to block that LB or DE head-on while moving sideways.
That said, some people said he didn't play well, but I don't remember hearing his name at all which for any OL is a good thing. I was surprised he was cut.
Agree with StartswithJ. Being an out-of-town Patriots fan, this is how I keep up with the team (besides catching the games on the tube with the dish). Mike, you consistently give us superior coverage -- thanks!
that was a great game, i remember it clearly. Chad Jackson actually caught a touchdown by basically crawing into the endzone. I also remember Doug Gabriel was a top target. I beleive that was the game that launched our spread shotgun formation as our base offense. good times.
BB exposed the weaknesses of the young linebacking core by having Brady throw to his slot receiver and basically calling out the which linebacker he was going to pick on by calling out the receiver he was going to throw to that play. Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant by BB!
That game was also the end of the Vikings season because everyone they faced after that went spread offense and took advantage of their weak secondary. Hmm, wasn't Tank Williams part of that group?
Good story Mike! I always thought Yates was one of the unsung heros of the '06 season (for filling in well for Neal on a few key occasions) and was very surprised to see him cut. The O-line is getting older and I felt he had been great at spelling the starters. He'll be picked up for sure and could emerge as a starter in the right system (the Broncos?). Being that there are only a few guards left on the roster, this may shed some light on the Patriots intentions in the draft (or FA).
Tank was on that team. I will not be sad to see him go if the Pat's get rid of him. Too injury prone.
Mike, great story. I agree with others who have said this piece illustrates the strength of your blog: x&o's and analysis with keeping things in perspective. Yates played an important -- albeit small -- role on the Patriots and his moments should be remembered. How making a similar post for an equally important role player, Kelly Washington. I am sad to see him go and remember he had a huge game during the almost-perfect season. Obviously, it was in special teams, but any idea which game I am thinking?
Appreciate the nice comments here. Matt, I believe you are talking about Kelley Washington's blocked punt against the Jets in mid-December during that 2007 season. It was a terrific individual effort. I thought about writing something similar on Kelley Washington, but it seemed like a little too much of the same thing.
--Mike
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Patriots Twitter
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com