The Patriots host the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round at snowy Gillette Stadium. Houston is a talented football team that poses a lot of match up problems. The Patriots will have their hands full against them. Winning those match ups will be key today.
Here is how the Patriots could attack them on offense and defense today.
Offense
Emphasis on sprint and boot: The Patriots are going to need to move the pocket for Maye in this game and the best way to do it is through bootlegs and sprint outs. Get him away from Will Anderson specifically as he can be disruptive from the back side. Easy throws that get the ball out of Maye’s hand when on the run will be key.
Three-step and quick five concepts: The timing passing game could come in handy if this ends up a snow game. Maye might not have the time to hang in the pocket and make multiple reads between the Texans pass rush and the weather. Spread them out, pick a side and let Maye rip it.
Diagram 1: Half field 3-Step and Quick 5 Step concepts.
Play-Action /Movement Screens: Running back screens in snow games are an effective way to slow the other team’s pass rush down. The Texans don’t blitz a lot. Most of their pressure comes from their front four. The Patriots can capitalize on that with a strong screen game today. Utilize play action and reverse action to set up the screens.
Diagrams 2 & 3: Play-action screens
21 and 22 personnel: Heavy emphasis on big runs today. Expect a heavy dose of Thayer Munford and the 6 offensive lineman package out of 21 and 22 personnel. Man gap schemes against teams that like to get up the field are key. Down blocks, trap blocks and kick out blocks are a great way to slow down guys who over penetrate and play up the field. Run at their edge rushers!
Diagram 4: Weakside man gap runs out of 21 personnel.
Attack the middle of the field in the passing game: The Patriots need to attack the middle of the field in the passing game. Do it mostly out of 11 personnel and 20 personnel that way you can utilize more six and seven man protections with check releases. The Texans play a lot of Cover 2. They don’t give up big plays. Attack the middle of the field in the passing game and split those safeties!
Diagram 5: Double dig with a backside post out of gun split.
Defense
Stunt to the right: The weakness of the Texans offensive line is their right side. Old friends Trent Brown and center Jake Andrews are both vulnerable in pass protection against line stunts and movements. The Patriots have to bring a lot of pressure from the front side today and put the onus on those guys to do a better job protecting.
Diagram 6: Odd front pressure
Blitz and Play Cover 0: Go after C.J Stroud and throw him off his spot. The Patriots need to hit Stroud consistently and force him from the pocket. They cannot allow him to hang in the pocket and work his progression. He can be skittish. Blitz and play O behind it on certain downs and distances.
Diagram 7: Sub Zero Pressure
Front variance: Show the Texans offensive line 30 front, 40 fronts and some 20 fronts. Formation variance against an offensive line like this is very important. Creating confusion in their protection schemes will be a major key today.
Sim pressure: Show pressure from one side and blitz from the other. The Patriots have done a masterful job of creating confusion this season against opposing offenses. They need to do that today against Stroud who is still a young quarterback when it comes to identifying pressure.
Diagram 8: Example of a simulated pressure.
Zone Blitz from depth: I want to see more zone blitz pressure from depth today. Especially with second snd third level defenders. Move and blitz post snap from one look to another. Create confusion for Stroud and hit him. He tends to hold the ball and look at the pass rush.
Diagram 9: Zone blitz pressure from depth