Learning a Lesson From the Patriots Run Game?

by Respectable_Ski_Bum on Jan 28, 2012 7:41 AM MST

I have read several post that are asking/begging/pleading management to pick-up a superstar running back in FA or a stud back in the draft. Fox-Ball is after all about running the ball, controlling the clock, and playing good defense. But do we really need a prolific running back to have an efficient running game? With household names like Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, and Stevan Ridley the Patriots backfield will probably only earn a trip to Hawaii if they cash in their frequent flyer miles. But this tandem could be one of the most efficient and undervalued backfields in the entire league.

Before I get started a couple of points I'd like to make.

1. I am not completely crazy.

2. I am a bit of a Danny Woodhead homer. I followed his college career as several family members and friends went to Chadron State and both my brother-in-law and cousin played football there. Plus, to paraphrase Rudy, the dude's five foot nothin' and hundred and nothin' and is hanging in there with the best football players in the land.

3. That being said I hate the Evil Empire

4. I am not a stat guy. I believe they are too often used to "Prove" a claim instead of being used as a tool to build a cohesive, well thought out argument. And why the hell are yards listed first on stat sheets? I don't have the attention span (and apparently neither do most Analyst and Armchair GMs) to actively search for the TD totals in the middle of the stat sheet. Isn't scoring the most points still the best way to win a football game?

5. Jump

I believe that the Patriots backfield do a lot more to help Mr. Bundchen (not an insult...I'd want everyone to know if I was him) and the rest of the Pats offense roll than their stats would indicate. These players may not get the praise they deserve but their selfless and effective style of play is pivotal for their team's success. They rarely lose yards, open up the middle of the field for the passing game, pick up blitzers, are dependable outlets with big play ability, closeout touchdown drives, and they hardly ever turn the ball over. Below I will generalize what they do well and what the Broncos could incorporate into their rushing game to help out the offense as a whole.

On paper, and according to most, the Broncos had the #1 rush offense in the league this year with an impressive 164.5 yds/gm while the lowly Patriots were #20 with a measly 110.3 yrds/game. But, what's this...a few lines down the stat sheet says the Patriots were 3rd in the league with 18 rushing TDs while the Broncos were 19th with 11 TDs on the year. (Don't even get me started on the Pats "historically worst" defense that was still in the top half of the league in points allowed, and to that effect ranked about 3 points per contest better than the Broncos.) See...I have deep seated issues with general statistical analysis.

The true value of the Patriots running game isn't in the points it produces; it is the way the scheme opens up the pass.

The first and most important part of any successful running scheme to open up the pass is having running backs that can get the tough yards, especially in short yardage situations. Despite New England's running backs seeming to only come in "fun size" they do a good job of getting those tough yards to keep drives going. Having backs that have the ability to crash the line of scrimmage between the tackles may not be the most effective way to drive up yard totals, but it means that linebackers and defensive backs have to respect the run which opens up the play action pass. Also, when opposing teams have to respect the run, zones open up on the back end of the defense for slot receivers and tight ends to break off a big play in the middle of the field and up the seams.

I believe that this is the most under-utilized part of Denver's offense. Willis McGahee is the perfect running back to open up the play action pass. I hope that with OTAs and a full offseason Denver will be able to scheme and develop a quick-read, low risk-high reward, play action game to our young TEs and whoever they decide to line up in the slot. I think adding anything resembling an adequate form of the play action pass will improve the offense as a whole by leaps and bounds.

Another aspect that the New England running backs do extremely well is helping keep Tom Brady's jersey clean. They do this two fold. The first way they do this is by blocking. They are selfless in blocking oncoming blitzers and chipping rushers before going on their pass routs. The New England backs also have great pass catching ability and open field running skills. This keeps any defenders keying in on them honest in the short passing game and in general keeps Defensive Coordinators from calling blitzes for fear of the big play on an underneath route.

Again, Denver under-utilizes this part of the run game. Without going back and re-watching film I can only remember few pass plays that weren't from an empty set. The pass plays that had a running back, if memory serves, usually involved the back working their way through or around the line of scrimmage to try to find an open zone to sit down in. With the first read usually being a deep route by the time a running back came open Tebow was usually running for his life or picking grass out of his face mask. Also, called passes to the flats to Mereno/Johnson/Fannin would keep CBs and LBs spying the backfield and open up the deep pass and seam routes.

I believe that the Broncos running game is crucial to the overall success next year. The backfield just like the rest of the team must improve if they want continued success. Game plans and offensive schemes must be developed in the offseason to make the running game more diversified and efficient and optimize our teams potential. While upgrading talent are always a priority I believe that a TEAM of unselfish, fundamentally sound players have more staying power than super-stars who wear the same colored jersey on Sudays.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

The Broncos definitely need to bring in at least another RB to compliment McGahee

but it’s kind of hard to compare them to Pats because the reason the Pats offense is so successful is because of the pass Brady. You don’t play the Pats by playing 7,8, or even 9 in the box and committing to stopping the run. Your first priority is the pass and you just try and limit the run. I think a better comparison would be the Chiefs (of last year) and the Raiders (when RunDMC is healthy). Those teams were the best run teams last year because they have multiple solid RB’s who are willing to share reps.

That being said the Pats do have a very underrated run game and that o-line is one of the best in the league. Plus I think Stevan Ridley will be a very very good running back in the following years to come.

But in conclusion, I definitely agree. The Broncos need to find some good compliments to McGahee and guys who are willing to share reps and do whatever for the team.

And now for something completely different

by AlbertaBronc on Jan 28, 2012 9:19 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

the broncos could do this,

if they had tom brady under center,
this works for the patriots because defenses have to play the pass due to the fact that the guy passing the ball is one of the best ever. with a defense worried about the pass and all the outside weapons brady has to work with it opens up lanes for any running back.
the broncos don’t have a great passing qb, nor two of the best tight ends in football or the best possession receiver in football.

by e_saites on Jan 28, 2012 9:33 AM MST via Android app up reply actions

I agree

which is why they need to bring in some more solid RB’s so we don’t have to rely on McGahee so much

And now for something completely different

by AlbertaBronc on Jan 28, 2012 9:45 AM MST up reply actions

They also

drafted Shane Vereen last year. Both Vereen and Ridley were inactive in the Championship game as they went with Woodhead instead.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

by Digger24 on Jan 28, 2012 10:00 AM MST up reply actions

You nailed it, you can’t learn anything from the Pats running game. Brady is an excellent passer which makes it way easier to run the ball especially in the red zone.

Traditionally if a team gets the ball first and goal for the the 3 yard line or closer they attempt to run the ball. With teams like the Pats, GB, NO etc. teams with high end passing QBs you can’t assume the run, thus making it way easier to run the ball. Plus you also have to look at all the games that the Pats were just blowing people out where they could just run the ball, that’s where a majority of their rushing stats came from. They are not a good running team, they just have a stellar passing QB which take all the pressure off the RBs and running game.

I bet you I could count the number of times that Brady and Co. saw 8 men in the box during the entire season on one hand, whereas the Broncos saw it nearly every play once Tebow became QB. Its like comparing apples to oranges. It actually makes the Broncos rushing attack way more impressive. If Tebow can learn to hit the passing plays over the 8 man front (like the winning TD against Pittsburgh), teams will have to lay off the 8 man boxes, which make our team very difficult to defend.

They need to get a RB to compliment McGahee. I know Polk has had some rough senior bowl practices but he will be a solid pro, I would love to get him. He might slip to the 3rd rd even which would be a steal. If not there are at least a couple RBs available in the draft in 2nd to 3rd rd range that could be good fits.

by jetblack427 on Jan 28, 2012 11:05 AM MST up reply actions

Yeah...two completely different things, to me.

As evident both games vs. the Pats this season, Tebow is no Brady. Brady opens up the running game. He makes defenses respect the running game. He is one of the all time great QBs. We DO need another stud RB to relieve some of the load on McGahee and also take over when he’s all done. The Broncos do not pass like some of the prolific offenses in the league. We run, run, run, and run some more. I completely agree with jetblack: Polk will be a solid pro, and I’d be happy if we got him. We should see his true talents this afternoon.

by broncos7life on Jan 28, 2012 12:00 PM MST reply actions

I wasn't trying to do an apples to apples comparison.

Head to head I’d take the Broncos running backs all day. In fact I think the Broncos would be dangerous with an offense that is the polar opposite of the Patriots. By that I mean they should use their running game to create an efficient passing attack.

Right now our running game is more of a battering ram that attacks one point of the defense. This allows defenses to pin their ears back. Collapsing the running lanes and setting the edges contains a vast majority of or offense. If a team is successful doing that and can play man coverage on the outside our chances of moving the ball are very limited. We in turn are forced to take low percentage shots down the field because there are too many bodies up the middle and at the line of scrimmage to optimize high percentage underneath passes.

The Patriots running game on the other hand is more of a Swiss Army knife that can attack you in many different ways. Their backs are very good at a lot of little things that make defending them much harder. They can produce in the middle, on the edge, and in the flats. This means that defenders have many more responsibilities than just crashing down and opens up the underneath throws with opportunities for an offensive player to beat their man one-on-one.

by Respectable_Ski_Bum on Jan 28, 2012 2:14 PM MST reply actions

Outside of the occasional 3rd/4th and less than 1...

The Pats NEVER see 8 in the box. They rarely even see 3 linebackers unless its against a team like the Ravens, Steelers or Jets.

So I don’t know what we can learn from them if we face 8 75% of the time.

Pats passing game sets up their run. And they run so they can PA. But when teams game plan NE… they try to shut down the pass and take their chances with the run. Teams play us… they try to shut down the run.. and take their chances against the pass.

by Triz06 on Jan 29, 2012 9:06 AM MST reply actions

The reason they don't see 8 -9 in the box is WHAT?

They have a passing game! It isn’t because they need the run to set it up, and it isn’t that they need the pass to set up the run. THEY ACTUALLY HAVE THE TOOLS (player talent) to do the job, and those players are used properly.

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jan 30, 2012 4:24 AM MST up reply actions

Ok.. so when we get a Brady...

we can learn something from the Pats. But until then…. there isn’t much we can take from the Pats b/c we don’t have the same pieces.

And the Pats absolutely use the pass the set up the run. Then run out of Shotgun 50% of the time. They show pass then run the ball. Then they show pass and playaction and really mess with the minds of the defense. Then they mess with the personal. They bring aaron Hernandez in at RB. Defenses doesn’t knw to play coverage or read run. Its madness. But it all goes back to their bread and butter which is the passing attack. Same way our bread and butter is the power run with a littl read option.

by Triz06 on Jan 30, 2012 8:42 AM MST up reply actions

Our passer can learn a lot from Brady's passing game... :P

by Matt In Canada on Jan 29, 2012 11:03 AM MST reply actions

Our coaching staff

can learn a lot from BB!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Jan 30, 2012 4:20 AM MST up reply actions

Didn't we try that already?

I’ve yet to see anyone duplicate the success of the Pats offense… outside of New England. Weis couldn’t do it in KC.. Mcd couldn’t do it here or in StL… I’m not sure if Mangini tried… but the offenses in NY and Cle weren’t good at all. (obviously he was a Defense guy so much wasnt expected)

by Triz06 on Jan 30, 2012 8:45 AM MST up reply actions

The difference is that they weren't trying to do it in either place!

They were rookies trying to do their own thing.

"It ain't over till the Te-man says it is!"

by BWinFnetts on Jan 30, 2012 9:17 AM MST up reply actions

Now HERE is an EXCELLENT post!

I can’t agree more with the points that you make on how our backs have been under-utilized in the passing game! Our short passing game SUCKS, to put it nicely, and until the RB’s and TE’s are put to use, at least a little bit, we will not see this offense take off, or come anywhere close to the production that we see on teams with offenses that are considered elite.

Hats off to you R_S_B, for taking the time to make these points. I do think that this summer is going to see a lot of these types of things addressed, and the team’s overall improvement this year will turn some heads.