How does Bill Belichick approach the Vikings D Monday night? (1 Viewer)

[Mr. Pink]

The guru of game planning certainly has his work cut out for him on Monday night.

First off, the Pats offense this year is predicated on the run moreso than any other season in the BB era and on Monday night, they face the NFL's #1 rush defense. Add to that, the Vikes defense loves to blitz and apply pressure upfront, which in turn, has caused many turnovers that this defense has converted into points. It also doesn't help that they are indoors, on turf, in front of a loud and hostile crowd.

In trying to breakdown how the offense will approach this game, I keep coming back to (of all people) the running backs, principally Maroney and Faulk. Using Dillon in a power running approach is a mistake and BB knows this. My guess is that he comes up with plays that allow Maroney and (to a lesser extent) Faulk to operate in space. Pitch sweeps, screens and dumpoffs may be the order of the day. That, and not this homecoming business, may make Maroney a sneaky-good play this week.

Thoughts?

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Using Dillon in a power running approach is a mistake and BB knows this.

Supposition on your part.

 

[Bull Dozier]

Thoughts?

Tom Brady is unbeaten in domes, and like 18-1 on turf.Belicheck is gameplanning against a young, inexperienced yet talented D Coordinator.The NE offense runs through Brady, Dillon and Maroney. The Vikes D has been carried by Kevin and Pat Williams, Napoleon Harris and Ben Leber (Antoine Winfield has been his usual reliable solid).The Vikes are 4-2, and up until Seattle have struggled to score.I think BB will figure something out.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Everything starts with the running game with this team. I don't expect Belichick to just put away the running game because of Minnesota's defense - you have to prove you can stop it first. I don't know why using Dillon is a bad idea - Dillon will get plenty of carries, but I think you're on to something with Maroney getting a bigger share in the dome.

But it starts with the running game, and the passing game is starting to come together too. It will be a pretty balanced attack, but I don't expect Minnesota to put up a great deal of points either - balanced game, run heavy. That's what I think anyway.

 

[Rovers]

As soon as you think you have Belichick figured out.... he'll change. Don't be surprised to see him come out throwing the ball.

 

[jzygmunt]

The Vikes' D has been so tough against the run so far this season because of the unit's speed. Even if lanes are open and holes are hit, the defensive line and linebackers react and close so quickly that most gains are minimal. Dillon isn't going to run away from anyone anymore, and up to this point, noone has been able to run through the Vikings. DeAngelo Williams has had the most success this season, and he broke a few off tackle when the Vikings overan the play on blitzes.

The key, as it usually is with the Pats of late, will be Mr. Brady. The Vikings have all but given up on mid-ranged routes for a chunk of the season, and it appears that unless the Quarterback is affected by the pass rush, most teams are able to complete 10-15 yard passes with regularity. Still, the pass rush has been a problem for all of the Vikings opponents this season, and Tomlin has had a fair amount of success when he decides to blitz.

Barring some sort of offensive renaissance, the Vikings will have to get to Brady to win. I think it's possible.

 

[Mr. Pink]

Everything starts with the running game with this team. I don't expect Belichick to just put away the running game because of Minnesota's defense - you have to prove you can stop it first. I don't know why using Dillon is a bad idea - Dillon will get plenty of carries, but I think you're on to something with Maroney getting a bigger share in the dome.But it starts with the running game, and the passing game is starting to come together too. It will be a pretty balanced attack, but I don't expect Minnesota to put up a great deal of points either - balanced game, run heavy. That's what I think anyway.

Not saying using Dillon is a bad idea, staying with Dillon if it's not working is a mistake. They went down that road staying with the run against Denver (albeit with Maroney for the most part) and it didn't work out for them. However, they did have success against Denver throwing to Maroney out of the backfield. My suspicion is that they resort to this again.Agreed that you have to prove that you can stop the run first, but no-one has run on Minnesota with any degree of success.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

The Vikes' D has been so tough against the run so far this season because of the unit's speed. Even if lanes are open and holes are hit, the defensive line and linebackers react and close so quickly that most gains are minimal. Dillon isn't going to run away from anyone anymore, and up to this point, noone has been able to run through the Vikings. DeAngelo Williams has had the most success this season, and he broke a few off tackle when the Vikings overan the play on blitzes.The key, as it usually is with the Pats of late, will be Mr. Brady. The Vikings have all but given up on mid-ranged routes for a chunk of the season, and it appears that unless the Quarterback is affected by the pass rush, most teams are able to complete 10-15 yard passes with regularity. Still, the pass rush has been a problem for all of the Vikings opponents this season, and Tomlin has had a fair amount of success when he decides to blitz.Barring some sort of offensive renaissance, the Vikings will have to get to Brady to win. I think it's possible.

Very cogent comments. First, I would say Vikings fans must be very happy with the new Vikings. They are playing sound, old school football as opposed to that sandlot Culpepper/Moss crap that got them nowhere. Having said that, I would say that the Patriots have made a lot of hay in the past by using multiple TE sets to destroy the affect of opposing defense speed. Ask the Colts how effective a speedy offense is against a team that understands how to gameplan. I would also say that the Patriots would be crazy if they were relying on Dillon running away from anyone. That's what Maroney is for. Corey is "Clock Killin Dillon" and his job is to get 3.9 yards per carry or better up the gut. I believe you are correct in your speculation that it will be hard to get to Brady; the oline is playing strong. Lastly, I would say that I'm looking forward to this game very much as the Vikings are playing very well.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Also - Daniel Graham is someone to watch. He's a huge part of the run blocking game, and I think the fact that the Patriots struggled to run last week with Graham out is not a coincidence.

Graham is currently listed as questionable, FWIW.

 

[Aaronstory]

Teams have had most of their success rushing against Minnesota running off left tackle, against Kenechi Udeze (questionable - hip). Clinton Portis, DeAngelo Williams, Thomas Jones, Willis McGahee and even Maurice Morris (to a lesser extent) last week had a large part of their rushing totals and a much higher YPC (5+ or better in most cases) by running left end. Williams, Jones and McGahee all broke off fairly big runs to the left. This should bode well for Maroney as he can get to the turn quicker than Dillon can.Have also noticed Pat Williams (questionable) getting pushed around a bit on the interior in a few of the games this year. Running inside against the Vikings has also had some success due to this...with Portis and a few others breaking off some nice runs inside right and up the middle. So Dillon will definitely get his inside looks in this one.The Viking run defense, while very solid, has some inflated stats that need to be considered from the Lions game. When Detroit lost half of their offensive line during the game and WR Roy Williams early on. Minnesota's D can be run on. Expect to see New England run on them Monday night, as that is no doubt their strength.

Damn Excellent stuff.

 

[TD Ryan]

Also - Daniel Graham is someone to watch. He's a huge part of the run blocking game, and I think the fact that the Patriots struggled to run last week with Graham out is not a coincidence.Graham is currently listed as questionable, FWIW.

not by any means am I claiming this is an easy game for NE....But Brady handles bitz pressure very well and the strength of the NE passing game is the short to mid range stuff (i.e. dink and dunk).Graham becomes even more important here, not only because he run blocks as well as an O-lineman but he has to be respected as a receiver.Watson, Graham, Faulk, Maroney... all are a threat in the short passing game.And as of last week, we saw the timing and chemistry start to improve with Brady and his new WRs. The quick-ins and WR screens were again part of the NE attack... these are the same plays that they used to use when they didn't have a running game; these are the plays that substituted for a running game and they are also the plays that can neutralize a blitzing/speedy defense.Perhaps more important than Graham though is Richard Seymour... the defense just isn't the same without him on that line. Jarvis Green is a nice backup but really he's better suited as a pass rusher in a 4-3.If Seymour is healthy, I wonder if NE will still use Jarvis and play some 4-3 against that mighty MIN O-line?

 

[Bossman]

I think a better question will be, how will the Vikings deal with a run smothering Pats defense.

 

[Borat]

Using Dillon in a power running approach is a mistake and BB knows this.

Please explain.

 

[pats3in4]

I'm looking for the Pats to throw a few misdirection TE screens: RB behind Brady flares left, TE to right fakes the block. Brady will pump fake to the RB, then turn completely around and toss to the TE. It's a relatively safe pass requiring very little reading of the defense that should slow down the Vikes pass rush and quiet the crowd. The Pats ran this play liberally last year, but I've only seen it pulled out once so far this year. I think BB has been keeping it under wraps for a good opponent like the Vikes.

 

[ProdigyofParcells]

The best way to attack the Cover 2 is down the seam in the passing game and running right in the middle as the scheme is more predicated on quickness and gap penetration that plugging holes and occupying blockers. I think Dillon may have a better game than Maroney due to this and I look for Watson and whomever lines up as the slot guy in 3 wide (I think it would be Troy Brown with Jackson and Gabriel on the outside). I think the Pats match up well and also have faced the Cover 2 twice vs Buffalo.

 

[protoslacker]

Lots of confusion on this. Espn said to look for Dillon and Maroney to have big games, then later in the same program did a piece on the Minnesota run defense and how good they are. I got Maroney and I think I'm gonna start him just on a hunch (plus my options are Bush v. BAL, Gore v. CHI, and Lewis v. NO). I haven't been able to watch many Vikings games yet this season but their stats against the run look very scary.

Oh yeah, I think Faulk is injured if that matters.

 

[Urine_Idiot]

Everything starts with the running game with this team. I don't expect Belichick to just put away the running game because of Minnesota's defense - you have to prove you can stop it first. I don't know why using Dillon is a bad idea - Dillon will get plenty of carries, but I think you're on to something with Maroney getting a bigger share in the dome.But it starts with the running game, and the passing game is starting to come together too. It will be a pretty balanced attack, but I don't expect Minnesota to put up a great deal of points either - balanced game, run heavy. That's what I think anyway.

Not saying using Dillon is a bad idea, staying with Dillon if it's not working is a mistake. They went down that road staying with the run against Denver (albeit with Maroney for the most part) and it didn't work out for them. However, they did have success against Denver throwing to Maroney out of the backfield. My suspicion is that they resort to this again.Agreed that you have to prove that you can stop the run first, but no-one has run on Minnesota with any degree of success.

Starting both

 

[SCGiants]

The guru of game planning certainly has his work cut out for him on Monday night.First off, the Pats offense this year is predicated on the run moreso than any other season in the BB era and on Monday night, they face the NFL's #1 rush defense. Add to that, the Vikes defense loves to blitz and apply pressure upfront, which in turn, has caused many turnovers that this defense has converted into points. It also doesn't help that they are indoors, on turf, in front of a loud and hostile crowd.In trying to breakdown how the offense will approach this game, I keep coming back to (of all people) the running backs, principally Maroney and Faulk. Using Dillon in a power running approach is a mistake and BB knows this. My guess is that he comes up with plays that allow Maroney and (to a lesser extent) Faulk to operate in space. Pitch sweeps, screens and dumpoffs may be the order of the day. That, and not this homecoming business, may make Maroney a sneaky-good play this week.Thoughts?

Well maybe Watson will finally be part of Bradys gameplan ..all that pre-season talk suckered in a lot of people.. time Brady makes good on his words. If they blitz dump it to the RB or TE.

 

[badmofo]

my guess is this, NE knows they need to expose the fast DEF, they way to that is throw little dump offs to RB's and TE's and WR's. Then, when they have the MN DEF on the heals they call running plays. The first Qtr will tell all. If MN stuffs NE in the first Qtr, it is over for NE. If Brady messes with the MN DEF, it will be a big day for Maroney, i.e... Homecoming.

Good call on the Homecoming, even though he is from St. Louis, he is pumped up to show MN he is the stud and he is on cloud nine with the Red Birds.

 

[RTB1]

It's true that the Vikes are ranked #1 against the run, but look a little deeper and that ranking isn't so impressive:

Wk 1: Played Washington with an injured Portis who may have been rushed back too soon - he missed the next game

Wk 2: Carolina (ranked 25th in rushing offense)

Wk 3: Chicago (ranked 24th in rushing)

Wk 4: Buffalo (ranked 23rd in rushing)

Wk 5: Detroit (ranked 29th in rushing)

Wk 6: bye

Wk 7: Seattle without Alexander

They've yet to be tested against a solid running team. New England is currently ranked 6th in rushing offense.

 

[Borat]

Well maybe Watson will finally be part of Bradys gameplan ..all that pre-season talk suckered in a lot of people.. time Brady makes good on his words. If they blitz dump it to the RB or TE.

 

[cr8f]

Maroney's back in the dome too. Expect him to carry and be thrown to a lot.

 

[MLBrandow]

Thoughts?

Tom Brady is unbeaten in domes, and like 18-1 on turf.Belicheck is gameplanning against a young, inexperienced yet talented D Coordinator.The NE offense runs through Brady, Dillon and Maroney. The Vikes D has been carried by Kevin and Pat Williams, Napoleon Harris and Ben Leber (Antoine Winfield has been his usual reliable solid).The Vikes are 4-2, and up until Seattle have struggled to score.I think BB will figure something out.

This will be a whooping.The Patriots won two super bowls without a running back, and one without any receivers.People forget what an amazing coach that BB is. The Vikings play a T2D, and don't yet have all of the personnel to make it all-pro.I don't have an exact stat, but I believe BB is like 7-1 against the T2D, and when he played the "real thing" last year, it was a 28-0 drubbing.Brady will pick apart this defense little by little with very lengthy, time-consuming drives. You'll see a lot of spread and maybe even Maroney in the slot due to their lack of reliable receivers.I don't expect this game to be close.For the record, I also don't expect Minnesota to break .500 this year and still consider them a fake team with a struggling offense (Beating a team without their all-pro RB and QB doesn't count, and they have yet to beat a good team with all their pieces).

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

For the record, I also don't expect Minnesota to break .500 this year and still consider them a fake team with a struggling offense (Beating a team without their all-pro RB and QB doesn't count, and they have yet to beat a good team with all their pieces).

FWIW, Minnesota was up 21-6 before Seneca Wallace took his first snap.

 

[Black Label Society]

Thoughts?

Tom Brady is unbeaten in domes, and like 18-1 on turf.Belicheck is gameplanning against a young, inexperienced yet talented D Coordinator.The NE offense runs through Brady, Dillon and Maroney. The Vikes D has been carried by Kevin and Pat Williams, Napoleon Harris and Ben Leber (Antoine Winfield has been his usual reliable solid).The Vikes are 4-2, and up until Seattle have struggled to score.I think BB will figure something out.

This will be a whooping.The Patriots won two super bowls without a running back, and one without any receivers.People forget what an amazing coach that BB is. The Vikings play a T2D, and don't yet have all of the personnel to make it all-pro.I don't have an exact stat, but I believe BB is like 7-1 against the T2D, and when he played the "real thing" last year, it was a 28-0 drubbing.Brady will pick apart this defense little by little with very lengthy, time-consuming drives. You'll see a lot of spread and maybe even Maroney in the slot due to their lack of reliable receivers.I don't expect this game to be close.For the record, I also don't expect Minnesota to break .500 this year and still consider them a fake team with a struggling offense (Beating a team without their all-pro RB and QB doesn't count, and they have yet to beat a good team with all their pieces).

I guess the Bears are a crap team too? The Vikes had that game totally in hand until a stupid fumble in the remaining 2 minutes of the game gave the Bears the ball back. They were just running the clock out, and the Bears were toast. That's the breaks, but MN clearly had won the game until that point.Yes, MN's offense has struggled at times, but the offensive line is coming together finally and the running game will get BETTER as the year goes on.I'll take ANY bet that the Vikes finish better than 8-8, and will make a run for the division title itself.