The Patriots visit the Big Easy to take on the Saints this week. There are of things to like about this match up for the Patriots this week.
Our game plan this week is focused on throwing the football on offense and focusing more on coverage and disguising on defense.
Want to know what the Patriots game plan could look like this week? Here is an inside look at what they could be thinking.
Offense
1. Attack all three levels in the passing game: The plan this week is to throw the ball and throw it a lot. New Orleans lacks a pass rush and the Patriots will be able to attack underneath, outside and over the top in the passing game. Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte could all have big games today.
2. Put 5 out: If there was ever a game this season to stress empty formations or putting the back out, this is the game. Again, the Saints pass rush is limited and Maye should have enough time to catch and release in the three step game or hang, hitch up and deliver in the five step game. As long as the pass protection is good, Maye will pick apart this defense.
3. Tons of nickel runs: 11 and 12 personnel will be featured a ton this week so expect the Patriots to run a lot of draws in certain situations and quick hitting inside zone plays that take advantage of a light box. New Orleans has played a lot of 30 fronts so hitting the gaps in the front will be key.
4. Motioning and shifting: The Patriots need to motion and shift a lot to get the Saints out of their 3-4 and force them to shift and adjust. 30 fronts can be tough to prepare for and play against. Motion and shifting can create angles and space for the offense.
5. RPO’s/SPO’s: New Orleans run defense has been decent and the Patriots offense has struggled to run the ball. RPO’s and SPO’s are another great way to use backfield action to hold defenders and slip routes behind them. SPO’s are a good way to get the ball out quick to the perimeter.
Defense
1. Play coverage: The Patriots defense has struggled to cover when blitzing. The plan this week is to play more coverage and rely more on base pressure to get there. Blitzing will not be necessary and the secondary will need to limit big plays and keep everything in front of them.
2. Play Cover 2 and Quarters: Expect the Patriots to play more Cover 2 variations and quarters coverage in this game. Depending on down and distance, playing more zone coverage will be key. Limit the big plays and keep everything in front of you.
3. T-E, T-N-T Games: The Patriots defensive line has a distinct advantage in this game. The Patriots will not blitz a lot this week but more movement up front and creating confusion against a young and unathletic offensive line will be key.
4. 8 Man Box on early downs: The Patriots will need to play more eight man boxes on early downs especially in plus territory. Saints Coach Kellen Moore calls the offense and is patient when it comes to the running game. He will stick with the run, especially on early downs. The Patriots need to be stout up front in those situations.
5. Disguise coverages: The coverage plan this week is to play a lot of zone but another key component of it is to move around pre and post snap and create some confusion for quarterback Spencer Rattler. Make him uncomfortable and challenge his eye discipline post snap. The key is to force him into mistakes and make him think he has spots to throw the ball when he doesn’t.