New England’s victory over Denver was a team effort, and the Patriots excelled in all three phases of the game. Danny Amendola, the subject of much scrutiny and hyperbolic praise this season, was involved on three key plays Sunday afternoon. In Part 1, Mark Schofield reviews the tipped ball that was intercepted. In the Patriots’…
Mark Schofield told Jack Del Rio and the Denver defense how to be successful against the New England passing game ‒ deny Rob Gronkowski a free release, play tight coverage, and harass Tom Brady. Denver rarely did any of these things and the Patriots romped to a 43-21 victory. Here’s Part 1 of how Gronkowski…
The Pittsburgh Steelers face the New York Jets Sunday seeking their fourth straight win after a 3-3 start. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has led the resurgent offense. Mark Schofield breaks down a key passing play from last weekend’s 43-21 win over the Baltimore Ravens. In the wake of their 31-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, pundits…
A better performance from the New England Patriots rush defense in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears was expected; no NFL team can survive being as bad against the run as the Patriots were against the New York Jets in Week 7. In the final installment of this three-part series, it’s time to look at…
The New England Patriots run defense turned in a better performance in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The game plan for the Bears was clear: run at the Patriots. Early on, New England was stout, allowing the offense to open a large lead. In part two of this three-part series, Brian Filipiak will how…
Pass defense takes both individual effort and eleven players working in concert to be successful. The two biggest defensive plays in the New England Patriots win over the Denver Broncos demonstrate how eleven great individual efforts, within the team concepts, can create big plays. Not Fantasy Football Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning posted big statistics in…
The beleaguered New England Patriots run defense turned in a better performance in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The game plan for the Bears was clear – run at the Patriots. Early on, New England was stout, allowing the offense to open a large lead. In this three-part series, Brian Filipiak will show the…
Spectacular plays, like “greatest route ever”, are recognized as they happen. However, many of the most important plays in NFL games are not spectacular; they appear routine, the result of practice, technique, and teamwork. Brandon LaFell’s touchdown catch against the Denver Broncos doesn’t look spectacular ‒ until you review the film. Following Brandon Browner’s interception…
How did Julian Edelman get free for a big punt return against the Bears? Most people head for the beer stand when the punter takes the field; not Chuck Zodda. Whether how to block a punt, execute a punt return or cover a kick, no one is more excited about the kicking game. The New…
Wrapping up the four–part passing preview is a look at routes and concepts that have worked against the Denver defense this season. Tom Brady and the Patriots receivers can find success against the tough Broncos defense by exploiting matchups and making the right play calls. (Author’s Note: I’m sleeping for a week after this game…
Manning–Brady XVI calls for a IV–part series of passing previews. After Covering Gronk and Beating Brady, Mark Schofield explores how the Patriots’ play design and execution has been successful against the Broncos defense in the past. In Part 1, we explored how the Broncos will try to disrupt Tom Brady. Part 2 of this series…
A big game calls for a big preview. In Part 2 of this 4-part series, Mark Schofield explores how Denver has defended Rob Gronkowski and the Patriots pass receivers. Can Denver slow down Gronk, Minitron and LaFell or will they dial up the right coverage schemes to contain the Patriots passing attack? In Part 1…
Offense ain’t easy. Mark Schofield, Inside The Pylon’s Quarterback, looks at the passing game before and after each matchup. No scramble drills this week, as Tom Brady and the Patriots were nearly perfect. But they could have done better… TWIP: What Went Wrong Yes, you read that headline correctly. On an afternoon when Tom Brady…
Vince Wilfork is the rock upon which the Patriots defense is built. His torn Achilles tendon last season made the run defense porous and his loss to the pass rush hurt the pass defense. Jeremy Turner looks at Wilfork’s performance so far this season. Consternation abounds regarding the New England Patriots’ mammoth defensive tackle Vince…
The Patriots and Broncos square off at Gillette Stadium on Sunday in a game that may determine who has home-field advantage in the playoffs. What can the Patriots pass defense do to slow down the future Hall of Fame quarterback? Will the run defense suffer as a result? Dave Archibald has the answers. When Broncos…
The Detroit Lions executed the two-minute drill to perfection Sunday in London, defeating the Atlanta Falcons on a last-second field goal. Mark Schofield chronicles the Lions’ good decisions on the final drive. Maybe it was jet-lag. Maybe the braised duck ossobuco at Maze was slightly undercooked during at dinner Saturday night. Maybe the guys had…