The Patriots host the Seattle Seahawks in the home opener. On paper, Seattle presents a variety of schematical issues. New England’s staff will earn their money this week. The Seahawks coaching staff will challenge them.
Here is the Patriots game plan on offense, defense and special teams.
Offense
1. Run at the bubbles: The Seahawks are a 3-4 base. That means that there will be bubbles in their front and the Patriots should attack those bubbles in the run game. Look for more 21 and 12 personnel as the Patriots utilize more man-gap blocking schemes and try to get some blockers involved in the blocking scheme.
2. Emphasis on man-gap run plays: We all know the modern west coast offense running game is predominately outside zone and mid-zone but look for some man-gap blocking schemes today as the Patriots look to take advantage of Seattle’s 3-4 defense. Power, counter and lead run plays are all on the menu.
3. Formation variance: The Patriots will need to use formations to force Seattle to have to adjust their fronts and get the safeties more involved in coverage. Expect a heavy amount of trips formations and some unbalanced formations as the Patriots try to create advantages on the perimeter.
4. Heavy emphasis on motion: The Patriots need to motion and move a bunch in this game. Force Seattle to rock their safeties down when they adjust. I expect Seattle to play a lot of eight man fronts, especially early in the game. Motion and trading the tight ends will give the Patriots an advantage to one side of the formation. They can either attack to that side or run weak.
5. Mix pass protection: I expect Seattle to be aggressive. Look for the Patriots to mix their protections and use more check releases from the backs and tight ends as they try to support the offensive line.
5A. Attack downfield with play-action: I would like to see the Patriots throw more on early downs. That means more play-action as they try to get the passing game going.
Defense
1. Bring inside pressure on Smith: The Patriots will need to bring inside pressure on Geno Smith so that they can force of him off his spot or make him move laterally. Smith does a good job of taking off from inside the pocket vertically when things break down. The Patriots cannot allow him to do that.
2. Get sexy with the pressures: The Patriots were most effective against Cincinnati when they got them into second and third and long brought pressure from all three levels. The Patriots need to do more of the same today but bring the heat from different angles and landmarks.
3. Stay loose: The Patriots played a lot of loose match up man and quarters last week. I would expect a lot of the same today as they try to rotate into eight man front or fit the safeties in run support in nine man fronts.
4. Come off the corners: Seattle’s tackles have struggled in the past with slot pressure. The Patriots need to bring slot pressure, especially on second and third and long. Make Smith uncomfortable and make him locate the hot on the snap.
5. Split coverages: I fully expect the Patriots to play some split coverages today. Don’t be surprised if they play man backside and lock up Gonzalez on Metcalf and play zone everywhere else. Especially in the red zone. Combination coverages could be a good way to disguise as well.
Special Teams
- It is still all about the dynamic return and figuring out ways to create blocking lanes that could allow returners to crease returns and break free.