The Patriots offense has certainly gone through a new evolution this season. While we all expected the four-headed running back monster to be a major focal point, it’s really just been the downfield passing game that has taken off thus far.
You continue to see strides in various areas as Brady learns how to best use this newfound speed at wide receiver. It was certainly on display with Brandin Cooks in this one as Brady found him three times deep for game-changing (and -winning) plays.
The progression is obvious, but there are still quite a few areas where the offense has to get better, especially the blocking up front and in the running game. But there’s plenty to be excited about, especially as Brady finds his new chains-movers.
Let’s dive into the offensive film review!
— Brady got absolutely smoked on the 3rd-and-13 44-yard pass to Brandin Cooks, but it was an absolute down-the-field dime. I’m left wondering where all the “Brady can’t throw deep” crowd is at these days.
— JJ Watt is just an absolute beast. One of the fun parts of the film review is getting a closer look at some of the best players around the league and no one is more of a problem than Watt. He seems to be a problem or almost a problem on every single down. Just so disruptive and it shows how one player who is that good can really make an entire defense just so much better.
— On the second possession that was a three and out, Chris Hogan was the third down target. Had they run a simple slant he probably would’ve gotten the first down. Instead he ran the Edelman-esque stop on the slant and cut back outside but it just took too long to develop and the Texans were waiting for it. This was a good example of where they miss the quick-open ability of Edelman.
— On Chris Hogan’s touchdown the crossing routes against man coverage caused too much traffic in the middle, leaving Hogan wide open. Protection was great too.
— The Patriots just throw so many combinations at defenses. It’s pretty amazing how effortlessly they go from spread to power and everywhere in between. No matter the personnel grouping in the game, all kinds of plays are on the table.
— On Brady’s fumble-six I think it illustrated some of the drawbacks to splitting James Develin out wide. Yes, it makes the defense adjust to when they think a power run is coming, but it also doesn’t give you much of a threat on the outside so you’re working with less weaponry. Brady really never looks his way, while their outnumbered on the other side as three Texans take away the primary receivers, Gronk and Hogan. Meanwhile Cooks is running down the field and not really an option. Lewis doesn’t get a great chip on Mercilus, who brushes him aside and is still able to beat Solder around the edge to cause the sack. This was not one of Solder’s best moments. Develin’s probably the last option on this play but Brady has nowhere near the time needed to get to him.
— Despite our excitement for the Patriots’ ground game I see no reason for teams to respect it yet. I’d play pass the whole way. Gillislee has his moments but there’s still just not much there on most of his carries, certainly no wide open holes being opened up that should cause defensive coordinators to take notice.
— The third-and-10 late in the second quarter might’ve been Brady’s best throw of the day that wasn’t the game winner. He had to dodge a rusher, reset then throw back across the field to Amendola. Just great pocket movement and arm strength by the 40-year-old.
— You can watch Bill Belichick break down Hogan’s second TD here. Just mastery at work by the coaches.
— On Cooks’ 43-yard touchdown it came against Cover-4 with Brady finding a hole in the coverage and Cooks’ speed doing the rest. Again, this is so foreign to the Patriots’ offense.
— It’s almost like third-and-short/middles scare me more than third-and-long now. On a third-and-six midway through the third the Pats went spread offense with James White split out. He wiggled out of the tackle and got the first down. I feel like this is going to be a major piece of the offense going forward and if I was a defense I’d double White as a receiver every third down and short.
— On the first failed third-and-one in the fourth quarter Covington split a double team from Solder and Thuney to make the play. Pretty remarkable play by him and there’s no excuse for two offensive linemen in that situation not to block him long enough to get one measly yard.
— On the second failed third-and-one in the third quarter Amendola was open for the first down, but Brady wanted Cooks on the comeback. It just took too long to develop as Gilchrist played it really well.
— The final drive was just mastery by Brady, featuring conversions on third-and-12 and third-and-18, the latter of which went 35 yards in the air in the perfect spot to Amendola. Then of course came the final play which was just vintage Brady and one of those throws that will be in his Hall of Fame reel.
