The Patriots are in Arizona today to take on the Cardinals. It is a winnable game on paper but the Patriots need to control the line of scrimmage and they need to finish drives. Settling for field goals won’t be enough. 

The Patriots have had two weeks to prepare for this game. Let’s see how ready they are to play. 

Here is the offensive and defensive plan for this week. 

Offense

1. Blend man gap and zone blocking schemes in the run game: The Cardinals front struggles to consistently stop the run. The Patriots need run man-gap running plays and blend in duo and outside zone. Keep the Arizona defense off balance by mixing up the run game. 

2. Compress formations when throwing: The Patriots need to compress formations and run more mesh and rub routes. Arizona plays a fair amount of man-free coverage. The Patriots need to use compressed formations and get free releases for their receivers. 

3. Use more 12 and 13 personnel: With only four healthy receivers, look for the Patriots to use more 12 and 13 personnel in this game. They can get into bigger sets and run the ball down hill and throw play-action passes off of those sets. 

4. Perimeter screens: Get the ball out quick, especially on medium and short downs. The Cardinals blitz a lot in those situations. Beat the blitz by stacking your outside receivers and tight ends and get the ball out on the perimeter quick. 

Defense 

1. Sugar rush outside and bring inside pressure: The Patriots have to keep Kyler Murray in the pocket. The way to do it is to sugar rush on the outside and bring inside pressure to throw him off his spot.

2. Disguise coverage: The Patriots have to play as much man coverage as possible. In the process, they need to disguise pre and post snap and cloud Murray’s reads. Squatting on underneath routes and re-routing them will be a key in this game.

3. Eight and nine man fronts: Arizona runs the football to set up their passing game. Eight or nine man fronts, especially on first and second down will be a big part of the plan. Containing James Connor and Trey Benson is a must. Gap control and sound run fits are a must today. 

4. Mostly man: The Patriots need to play man to man 80% of the time in this game. Put Gonzalez on Harrison and match up everywhere else. Bring inside pressure on Murray and make him beat you as a passer.