Saturday, December 29, 2007

Patriots vs. Bengals

Tonight the Patriots completed their 16-0 season in impressive fashion against the Giants. (actually the game isn't quite over yet...but I am assuming).

It seems like everything goes really easily for them...I very rarely ever see Brady throw the ball to a covered receiver. It seems like there is always someone WIDE open. 3rd and 10? No Problem. 3rd and 16? No Problem.

My question is this...why does it always look so difficult for the Bengals. Every pass is contested. It never seems like anyone is wide open. Everything is just difficult.

Why? Is it because of the receivers/tight ends/backs? Is it because of Palmer? Is it because of the play calling/play design? Or is it all of it put together?

I tend to think it is play design. Since the Bengals refuse to design pass patterns like slants and 7 yard ins, defenses don't have to worry about them. They just have to worry about the deep out and TJ's 5 yard curl/hitch. It seems to me that the play designers aren't taking advantage of the full breadth of plays. They also refuse to throw the ball to the tight end. Tight Ends...even run blocking tight ends...can be a wonderful safety valve to gain 7 yards. I understand not all tight ends can be as good as Winslow or Gates...but I would think even Reggie Kelly could catch a couple balls a game. It would at least make the defense THINK about guarding them.

What do you think?



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Labels: Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, NFL

Posted by Adam Wilson :: 11:05 PM :: 2 comments

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