The Patriots have a big game tonight against the Baltimore Ravens. It is a must win for both teams. The Patriots need it in order to win the division and maintain the second seed. For Baltimore, it is a must win in order to stay in playoff contention and the division race.
Matchups will be a big key in this game. The Ravens are tough to play against physically and schematically.
Here is how the Patriots can attack the Ravens offensively and defensively.
Offense
Push the ball vertically: The Patriots need to attack the Ravens down the field, specifically against cornerback Marlon Humphrey who has struggled defending passes vertically. The Patriots need to try to isolate Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams and Pop Douglas over the top on fade routes, post routes, slot fades and deep overs.
Diagrams 1 & 2: Examples of shot plays
Under center runs: The Ravens are 24th in the NFL in stopping under center runs. The Patriots need to run the football more than they did the second half last week when they ran the ball three times. Look inside zone, outside and man-gap runs to be featured. One back power went for touchdown last week, but McDaniels only ran it once. Expect it to be featured more this week.
Misdirection will be a big key for the Patriots in this game. The jab series will play a big part in it. The Patriots will not only run one back power but expect a lot of counter action as well as they try to keep Baltimore’s aggressive defense off balance.
Diagrams 3, 4, 5: Examples of the Patriots Jab Series. One back power and counter run plays.
Motion the backs out and move them around: The Patriots need to start getting both Trey’veon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson more involved in the passing game. They need to use them more as receivers. Move them around and look to generate match ups with them. Motion out of the backfield and running them in and out of the backfield and into receiver alignments will be key in taking advantage of any match up the Ravens give you.
Play-action: The Patriots will emphasize pushing the ball down the field and one of the ways they will do that is off play action. McDaniels will look to establish the run early and once he gets into plus territory, look for him to take a shot, especially on early to short to medium downs.
Diagram 7: Shot pass off play-
Stay unbalanced:,The Patriots have been going unbalanced a lot lately and using the sixth offensive lineman. Look for that trend to continue, especially out of 22 personnel. Thayer Mumford should continue to get a look of work in New England’s 22 Jumbo personnel grouping. The Patriots have not shown any play-action out of that look but they might today.
Defense
Play more eight man fronts: The Patriots are going to need to play eight man fronts against Henry and Jackson. The Ravens running game is still potent despite their struggles this season. The Patriots need to committee an extra body to the line of scrimmage or it will be a long night trying to stop Henry and company.
Call more 30 fronts on run downs: The Patriots struggled to stop the run last week. I think they need more fronts, specifically 30 fronts. Do not be surprised if they play more 30 fronts in this game on first down and short yardage downs in an effort to stop the Ravens vaunted rushing attack.
Diagrams 8 & 9: Examples of 30 fronts with Cover 3 and Cover 2
Match player on Jackson: Jackson is not himself this season but he is still a threat as a runner both on designed runs and when plays break down. Jackson extend plays when he escapes the pocket. The Patriots will designate a player to spy him in order to keep him in the pocket and not allow him to make in unscripted situations.
Match up to 12 personnel: Patriots have had a hard time stopping tight ends this season in the passing game. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely pose a major match up problem. One of the best ways to handle them is Cover 2 man or Cover 5. Man under and Cover 2 over the top. Being physical with Andrews and Likely and not allowing them to be a factor, especially in the red zone is key.
Overload and disguise pressure: The Patriots have to disguise pressure and bring it from depth. Force Jackson to hold the ball and take hits. The Patriots have been good at stunting and slanting and getting to the quarterback. They need to do that but do it from different looks pre and post snap.
Diagram 10: Pressure disguise look from a Cover 2 look.