“ Once More Unto The Breach Dear Friends Once More “
Bill Shakespeare
I can’t think of a better quote to lift from The Bard than this one from Henry V. For the 12th time the Patriots charge unto the breach that is the Superbowl. Six times they have won the battle, and by extent the war, for the Lombardi trophy. We all have our favorite. Mine flip flops between XXXVI and LI, but I have a feeling come Monday LX may top the list. All the Pats need to do is go get a W. Here are my Monster Keys to Patriots Victory.
Wreak Havoc
While some will tell you to load up the front with up to six players on the line, I’m looking for Vrabel to go 4-3 at the start of this game and allow the front to dictate . I want A-Gap, Safety and Corner Blitzes. Dial the pressure up to eleven. Look for my man K’Lavon Chason to feast off the edge. Chason has three sacks and has hit the opposing quarterbacks NINE TIMES (Ed Rooney Voice) in this post season. I don’t want Darnold seeing Ghosts I want him looking for an Exorcist.
Walker Don’t Run
I want this game on Darnold’s arm. How do we do that? How do you make Seattle one dimensional? Shut down Kennith Walker III. Walker has been devastating this post season. The Pats will need to set a hard edge and not let him get outside. The Hawks like to use scoop and log blocking schemes to open lanes for their runners. The Big Handsoms need to win at the point of attack. Don’t overcommit. Good Pad Level and Gap integrity. Make him grind it out. Abuse him and make him want to quit.
Win the Turnover Battle – This key should turn easily. Darnold has turned the ball over 20 times this season. Sammy has put the ball on the carpet ELEVEN times and lost six of them, to go along with 14 picks. Take care of the ball and wait for Darnold to screw up.
Own the Early Downs – yes this is a flip of “Own the Late Downs”. I need the Pats defense to get Seattle into second and third and long. While third and short the Seahawks have done well, when it gets to five plus yards their rate plummets. On the Pats side of the ball Drake and company need to be better than the 30% they have converted over the last three games. Drake needs to be regular season Drake
Own the Twilight Zone – between the twenty five and ten yard lines is the twilight zone. I need the Pats to take their shots. Seattle likes to go man in the red zone – this is when Drake needs to hit on the outside with Boutte and Hollins. Inside the ten it’s all on Drake’s Legs – Nakie Bootlegs. Tonga From the One yard Line!!!! Hey, we’re having fun.
Extra special – I need coffin corners Mr. Baringer. I need solid field position. I need extras and field goals hit, Mr. Borregales. Do Not give up the big return gentlemen.
Limit the Laundry – Both these teams play well disciplined football, averaging five flags per game. The Pats have held their end of the bargain up during the post season with just 2 per contest just one last week. While the Seahawks had six flags thrown at them vs the Niners.
Heavy Fronts -Two Back Sets
I want to see 12 or even 13 personnel. I want to see two back sets. Henderson and Stevenson – Stevenson and Westover. Get big, get loud. Get The Tonga Kid in there, use misdirection when Stevenson and Henderson are on the field together. Get Tre’von to the edge, combo block the shit out of this Defense and open up the A Gap. I’m expecting big games from both Stevenson and Hederson catching balls out of the backfield. Cover 6? pffft
Read and React
Josh is going to have to be in Drake’s ear up to the last possible second helping him diagnose the multitude of coverages that Seattle likes to run. Use Motion to help Maye see the coverage pre snap then exploit Seattle weakside rotation post snap. This is where the seams open up for Clazzy Clares Tight ends. Search out CB Riq Wollen and take chunks.
Be Patent
Seattle’s defense is predicated on taking away the big play. Don’t get frustrated, positive yards on early downs is the biggest key to beating this team. Take a breath, take your time and matriculate your way down the field. The explosives will come. use those legs to move those chains and get down.
One more Key just for Drake (Drake Maye) Maye.
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
Bill Shakespeare, 12th Night
I guess I could come up with a more apropos quote for this game. Thats it my rabid readers, turn these Keys and bring # 7 back home – this town needs a parade. As always you can follow / give me grief on Twitter @Tmurph207.
