Patriots-Jets Game Observations (First Half)
A few observations from the TV copy of the game:
- On the Jets very first 3-and-out, Keller ran a good slant pattern on Bodden, but Sanchez threw the ball behind Keller, which resulted in the incompletion. This clearly showed that taking Keller away was part of the Pat’s game plan, as he was being covered by a corner, rather then a linebacker or safety.
- On the Patriots first touchdown drive, Jets defensive lineman Mike DeVito missed two consecutive tackles at the line of scrimmage, which Green-Ellis took for long gains. Green-Ellis had a recorded four broken tackles in the game.
- On a second-quarter second down by the Patriots, it was interesting to see Brady go with a quick screen to Rob Gronkowski, who is not typically thought of as someone who makes a lot of yards after the catch (compared to say, Welker or Hernandez).
- Running Back Stevan Ridley, who didn’t have his best game, had his longest (6 yards) and best looking carry in the second quarter where he took the handoff and hit the hole with speed, rather than shuffling around in the backfield (as on most of his other carries).
- Brandon Spikes poor pass coverage is well chronicled, but even in run support some of his play is lacking. On a Shonn Greene run with about 6 minutes to go in the second quarter, Vince Wilfork was eating up a double team, and Spikes came in and chose to take on one of the blockers, rather than attempting to get around them and make a tackle on the ball carrier. Later, during Greene’s touchdown run, Spikes engaged the blocker, but was looking down towards his feet, and never saw Greene run right past him for the touchdown.
