Sometimes the smartest plays do not result in first downs or scores, but simply keep a drive alive or keep a team in position to win. This is often lost on most players in big moments, but not players like Tom Brady. Dave Archibald highlights how Brady’s smarts in the big moment resulted in the…
Inside The Pylon congratulates the New England Patriots for their victory in Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks. We will cover every angle of the action on film, so keep us bookmarked, check in frequently, and follow our feeds on Facebook and Twitter. Ready for the offseason? We are! We’ll have 2014 reviews and grades, team-by-team needs analysis, free…
It is a game of yoctoseconds and inches. When everything comes together ‒ the play call, the execution ‒ it can be stunning, even beautiful. When the timing is off, it can be horrible and gut-wrenching. The New England Patriots soundly defeated the Indianapolis Colts thanks in part to well-timed and executed defense. The quick out route…
Heading into the Divisional Round game against the Baltimore Ravens, the New England Patriots defense knew exactly what to expect. They just had a very difficult time stopping it. The Patriots defensive front failed to handle the stretch run concepts that helped Ravens running back Justin Forsett reach over 1,200 regular-season rushing yards rushing in…
The New England Patriots qualified for their fourth consecutive AFC Championship game after defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 35-31, in an instant classic between the two rivals. In previewing the game, we noted that Brady and the offense would likely see the Ravens’ double overload pressure concept at a crucial point in the contest. The Patriots…
Each week Inside The Pylon takes a look at the standout offensive plays from around the league in Reel Film Recap. In this Wild Card Sunday edition, Mark Schofield looks at Andrew Luck’s feet and left hand, and at the Cowboys’ offensive line. Keeping Plays Alive is Good, Keeping the Football is Better In the…
The New England Patriots secured their sixth straight AFC East title with a convincing 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins in NFL Week 15. After a disappointing first half offensively, Tom Brady and Company went on a 27-0 run in the second half, highlighted by this perfect touchdown pass on a Rob Gronkowski seam route.…
Each week, Inside The Pylon tracks the New England Patriots by the numbers and key statistics about the offense and defense. Offense – Areas of Emphasis Keeping Brady Upright: 1 sack in 36 dropbacks – 2.8% sack rate. The sack was costly, coming on the Patriots’ final offensive play of the game and ending a…
The New England Patriots posted 34 points on the Detroit Lions and the Lions still lead the NFL in fewest points allowed. Before the game, Mark Schofield previewed the Lions scheme and talent combined to make opposing offenses miserable. Brian Filipiak reviewed the Patriots film to find out the keys to taming the Lions pass…
College football is full of thrilling moments: thirty years ago, on November 23, 1984, the Boston College Eagles and Miami Hurricanes played one of the classic games of all time. Mark Brown takes us back. Few days are better than Thanksgiving, except perhaps the day after. Americans partake in the usual rituals of sleeping in,…
Winning in the NFL is difficult. Just ask the Oakland Raiders, who entered Thursday night’s game against division rival Kansas City with an 0-10 record and on a 16-game losing streak overall, dating to last season. But the Raiders won their first game of this season – and their first in 368 calendar days –…
Rob Gronkowski runs over Colts. Five of them on this play, as he jukes, spins, stiff-arms and hurdles Indianapolis Colts defenders on the way to the end zone in the New England Patriots 42-20 victory. Mark Schofield breaks down the film. With a 15-point lead and 6:58 remaining in the game, Tom Brady stood in…
Tim Wright pulled in his fourth touchdown catch of the season from Tom Brady in the New England Patriots 42-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Mark Schofield looks at the Optimum Offense Patriots play of the week. With their team out to a four-point halftime lead on the road against a tough conference opponent, one…
Playing quarterback in the NFL is never as easy as it looks. Alex Smith, once the #1 overall pick, spent his years in San Francisco as a disappointment, but since relocating to Kansas City he has rejuvenated his career. Taking a page out of his college playbook Sunday, Smith ran the read-option to perfection and…
With quarterback Marcus Mariota leading the way, the Oregon Ducks are again contending for the Pac-12 crown, and perhaps a spot in the College Football Playoffs. With a slew of Heisman Trophy candidates from eastern schools getting more national TV exposure, where does Mariota stand? FCU’s Andrew Pina takes a closer look at the junior…
The New England Patriots sit at 7-2 during their Bye Week, having won five in a row after a rocky 2-2 start. The primary culprit in that first month was the play of the offensive line and their inability to protect the quarterback. In this conclusion to a three-part midseason review, the question is answered:…