X’s and O’s – Page 2 – New England Football Journal®

X’s and O’s: Breaking down the Air Raid from the beginning to now

October 3, 2020

Image courtesy of Sean Gardner/Getty Images The Air Raid. An offensive system synonymous with scoring. A system that has taken the football world by storm the last 25 years. Notice I said system. The Air Raid is not an “offense” per say like the Spread, Wing-T, Flexbone or Wishbone. The Air Raid is a variation of the West Coast Offense and the Run & Shoot. Perhaps the biggest difference between…

Patriots: Scouting the Raiders offense and defense

September 27, 2020

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The Patriots will host the undefeated Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium this afternoon. Las Vegas has opened the season by winning shootouts against the Panthers and Saints. For the first time since his return to the sideline, Gruden has assembled the type of roster he wants in order to play the way he wants. This is especially true on offense. Gruden calls the offense but has an experienced staff…

Patriots: Scouting the Seahawks offense and defense

September 19, 2020

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The Patriots travel to Seattle in Week 2 to take on Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. The Seahawks are one of the top teams in the NFC and this was especially evident after they beat the Falcons 38-25. Offensively, Seattle racked up 406 yards of total offense in the win. Wilson was especially impressive completing 31 of 35 passes for 322 yards and 4 touchdown…

X’s and O’s: 5 routes that are most effective for Antonio Brown

September 15, 2019

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The Patriots have activated Antonio Brown and plan to play him today against the Dolphins. Brown is one of the best route runners in the NFL. He is quick, fluid and shows terrific body control when getting in and out of breaks. He is an easy target for his quarterback to play with. Here are five routes that Brown runs well and can get open on at anytime. Diagram 1:…

X’s and O’s: 5 ways the Patriots could attack Aaron Donald

January 30, 2019

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(Image courtesy of Alex Gallardo/Associated Press) The Patriots offensive line faces a hefty challenge on Sunday when having to block the Rams talented defensive line, especially defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald had an MVP caliber season in 2018 leading the NFL in sacks with 20.5. That is unheard of for a defensive tackle but it is not a surprise given Donald’s talent and how Wade Phillips uses him in his scheme….

X’s and O’s: Breaking down the Rams outside zone and inside zone running plays

January 30, 2019

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The Los Angeles Rams running game pounded out 273 yards rushing against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC divisional playoff game. C.J Anderson rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns and Todd Gurley rushes for 115 and a touchdown. The Rams ran the ball in a variety of ways but the bulk of those yards cane on outside zone and inside zone. The two staple running plays of the Rams…

Patriots: Los Angeles Chargers Scouting Report

January 8, 2019

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Phillip Rivers and the Chargers will pose problems for the Patriots. The Patriots will face the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Divisional round on Sunday in Foxboro. Los Angeles is coming off of a 23-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card round. The Chargers have been good on the road this season going 8-1 away from home. They average 26.8 points per game and 372.6…

X’s and O’s: Different Ways the Ravens Could Use Lamar Jackson On Offense

July 12, 2018

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The Baltimore Ravens drafted quarterback Lamar Jackson with the 32nd pick in the first round in this year’s draft. The pick raised eyebrows however because the Ravens already have Joe Flacco at quarterback. Flacco has struggled with consistency the past two seasons but he is still considered a top twenty quarterback in the NFL. Based on that, you would think that Jackson probably won’t play anytime soon. Not true. Ravens…

X’s and O’s: Five Staple Plays in Louisville’s Offense That Take Advantage of Lamar Jackson’s Athletcism.

June 18, 2017

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By John Sarianides Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson had a season for the ages in 2016. The first year starter threw for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdown passes and rushed for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jackson accumulated over 5,000 yards of total offense and 50 total touchdowns in what was one of the greatest offensive seasons for any player in college football history. Jackson’s freakish athleticism is a…

X’s and O’s: Three Plays the Falcons Should Have Run in the 4th Quarter

February 7, 2017

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By John Sarianides Sorry Patriots fans, I hate playing the part of Patriots detractor but the fact of the matter is, the Falcons gave Super Bowl 51 away. Thanks to bad play calling and bad game management, the Patriots were able to overcome a 25 point deficit and rally for a 34-28 overtime win. I am not taking anything away from the great Tom Brady or the Patriots. Brady was…

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