The Patriots offense continued click on all cylinders against the Colts, but this time it was Jonas Grey leading the way. The offensive line deserves fair amount of credit as well. They won the game up front by continually punishing the Colts front seven.
Tom Brady missed a few throws and had some bad decisions that resulted in interceptions, but the sign of a good team is when they can bounce back after their best player isn’t playing his best. The Pats offense did just that.
Here’s what else stood out on the All 22 review of the offense.
Brady picked up the first third down conversion of the day on an easy pass to Edelman. Sometimes it’s amazing how open #11 gets.
Hooman (24 snaps) and Develin (30 snaps) haven’t gotten much love this week, but it’s amazing what a solid job they both did not only in the run game, but in setting the table for the passing game as well. They were the go-to pairing out of the gate. And for how unstoppable the offense was in this game, it’s even more amazing considering neither one of them touched the ball (both targeted once, no catches).
Gray’s first big run of the day came between Vollmer pulling and a wham from Gronk. On the next play it was behind Develin’s lead block and Wendell pulling. Great blocking plus hard running equals devastation.
On Gray’s touchdown it came behind Stork/Wendell/Vollmer plowing ahead, but credit to Gray for keeping his legs going through contact – a theme for the rest of the day.
Think Brady’s first half sloppiness came a bit from some inconsistent protection early in the first quarter. Couldn’t quite find his timing.
Didn’t notice that Vollmer came out of the game for Cannon on the second possesion third-and-1, but Cannon pinned the edge and Fleminggot enough push for a sizable hole that Gray exploded through.
On his first interception, I think Brady might’ve had Tyms if he hadn’t gotten hit right as he threw. The pass wasn’t far enough away from the free safety. Had it been more upfield, Tyms had split two defenders. All I know is that if I’m a defensive back and I see Tyms come out, I’m ready for the deep shot.
Jonas Gray had a great day obvs, but with blocking like this you don’t have to be Adrian Peter… Ray Ric… Walter Payton to find the hole.
Seriously….
Colts got off the field on third down showing double A pressure then only rushing four. Brady never flinched, eventhough his pass went incomplete. It shows how much he trusts his protection now, even if it still let him down a couple times in this half.
Even when there’s no clear hole, the OL was still pushing their entire DL downfield.
Amendola made some tough catches in the middle of the field in this one. As I said last game, he might be overpaid, but he’s a really good 4th option and he’s earning the trust of the offense.
Pats convert a third-and-10 to Edelman. They’re 6-of-11 converting 3rd downs that are 8 yards or longer in the last three games. That’s insane.
Speaking of Develin earlier, this should’ve been a touchdown to him (top of screen). Luckily the Colts cheated and held Edelman.
Gray’s second run was mostly on him as he cut back against the grain, looks like the play was designed to go right, but he had the vision to see the overpursuit that opened a hole to his left.
Brady’s second interception was gross. Just horrible situational football, something you rarely see from him. If Wendell and Stork don’t blow their block, Gronk might still be running. Still, Brady should’ve ate it with the pressure in his face like that. Or they just should’ve run it since they were having success and were in command.
Second Half
Huge blown coverage on the second play of the second half to get the Pats going with a big play to Shane Vereen. Great play design as three guys followed Edelman across the field, leaving Vereen wide open.
All Tim Wright does now is catch touchdowns. Still think he has a game where he gets involved early and has 100 yards and a TD or two.
One of my favorite plays of the game came on the next drive with Brady finding LaFell, who made an acrobatic catch to take the offense over midfield. Just love seeing Brady connect with a big target downfield. Such a welcome element to the offense this year.
Gray gets number three with a strong surge after contact. He’s a tough little guy to bring down, looking forward to seeing more of this.
Another acrobatic catch by LaFell, followed by a big run by Gray. This is such a physical Patriots offense, call it dink-and-dunk if you want, but their entire offense is not afraid to mix it up.
Gray gets number four as Gronk throws Sergio Brown out of the club.
Finally we get Gronk’s insane touchdown run, the cherry on top of a physical domination. This is one of those plays they’ll play at Gronk’s Hall of Fame induction. Just a beast.
