You know what to do...
1). Coaching - I think what was so satisfying for me about Gus Bradley's approach against the Ravens wasn't so much the actual strategy (DBs as LBs), but the fact that we actually did SOMETHING different. I think somebody around here used the term "Patriots-esque." Hate to use it but I agree, I think were used to so many bad coaches over the years trying to fit square pegs into round holes and for once we actually used some brilliant strategy. It was pretty gratifying to see.
I think AL and his "play to win" attitude is going to be key here. Bradley needs to again be willing to change things up...and change it again if it isn't working. My only small concern is Whiz - this game kinda reminded me of the 2013 Bengals playoff game where we came in with a conservative gameplan, beat them with our defense, and tried the same thing against Denver the following week and smoked. Whiz was late to adjust in that game. FOR THE RECORD: the offensive gameplan against the Ravens was PERFECT this week; I do not think a copy/paste against the Patriots is in order (weather permitting).
2). Redzone - Need to score TDs, pretty simple. All the more reason especially if the weather sucks. Love Money Badger but don't want a kick to be decided by the elements. Hunter Henry as a redzone target/decoy will be huge here. Shannon Sharpe said the magic number is 28 points. I think he's probably right. Maybe a bit less if the weather is horrible.
3). Pass rush - Pretty obvious. I don't think we'll be in absolute jailbreak mode like we were against the Ravens, but we need TIMELY pressure. Moreso up the middle if possible. Think what happens to Rivers when he gets harassed up the middle - Brady is the same. I think Bosa is pretty fresh, hopefully the foot is feeling as good as possible, we need him in his 2014 Ohio State national championship mode. I think the Patriots are going to try to focus a bit more on Ingram. Bosa needs to absolutely win any 1 v1 action he sees.
3b). Unsung heroes - This is the time of year where random guys can make a huge impact. Will that be a guy like Justin Jones or Rayshawn Jenkins? I thought Jenkins looked fast out there last week. I feel like for the first time EVER we are actually adding contributors late in the year as opposed to losing them to injury or ineffectiveness.
1). Coaching - I think what was so satisfying for me about Gus Bradley's approach against the Ravens wasn't so much the actual strategy (DBs as LBs), but the fact that we actually did SOMETHING different. I think somebody around here used the term "Patriots-esque." Hate to use it but I agree, I think were used to so many bad coaches over the years trying to fit square pegs into round holes and for once we actually used some brilliant strategy. It was pretty gratifying to see.
I think AL and his "play to win" attitude is going to be key here. Bradley needs to again be willing to change things up...and change it again if it isn't working. My only small concern is Whiz - this game kinda reminded me of the 2013 Bengals playoff game where we came in with a conservative gameplan, beat them with our defense, and tried the same thing against Denver the following week and smoked. Whiz was late to adjust in that game. FOR THE RECORD: the offensive gameplan against the Ravens was PERFECT this week; I do not think a copy/paste against the Patriots is in order (weather permitting).
2). Redzone - Need to score TDs, pretty simple. All the more reason especially if the weather sucks. Love Money Badger but don't want a kick to be decided by the elements. Hunter Henry as a redzone target/decoy will be huge here. Shannon Sharpe said the magic number is 28 points. I think he's probably right. Maybe a bit less if the weather is horrible.
3). Pass rush - Pretty obvious. I don't think we'll be in absolute jailbreak mode like we were against the Ravens, but we need TIMELY pressure. Moreso up the middle if possible. Think what happens to Rivers when he gets harassed up the middle - Brady is the same. I think Bosa is pretty fresh, hopefully the foot is feeling as good as possible, we need him in his 2014 Ohio State national championship mode. I think the Patriots are going to try to focus a bit more on Ingram. Bosa needs to absolutely win any 1 v1 action he sees.
3b). Unsung heroes - This is the time of year where random guys can make a huge impact. Will that be a guy like Justin Jones or Rayshawn Jenkins? I thought Jenkins looked fast out there last week. I feel like for the first time EVER we are actually adding contributors late in the year as opposed to losing them to injury or ineffectiveness.
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