Monster Keys to Patriots Victory over the Bengals

A new day has dawned on the New England Patriots. And while this could be good news for Patriots Nation it may be bad news for the Bengals. For me it’s a conundrum. I knew how Josh McDaniels was up too, i knew how Bill would have the defense attack an opponent. I knew how Matt Patricia was going to screw up this week ( pause for a chuckle. ) Okay now the real work begins, how much of Bill still remains on defense ? How will Alex Van Pelt use his limited resources to get the Pats to 24 plus points a week. Has Scott Peters prayed enough ? These are the questions that kept me up all week, then I arose from a weak slumber and realized. I remembered. I don’t need to know what they will do. I just need to know what I should do. What will get the job done. Here are my monster keys to Patriots victory over the bungles


Establish The Run


No matter how Peters choses to align his big sexy guys up front the Pats need to allow them to get their feet under themselves and that’s with the run game. Get into 12 personnel Let Rhamondre Set the tone, Let Antonio Gibson play the tune.. This line is going to need the help of “ The 12. “




Play Action

This sets up AVP play action game , you’re all aware of my love of play action. The question is will the running attack give the Bengals enough concern to allow the line to get Jacoby to three Mississippi ? I’m betting it does on a few occasions. When it doesn’t ?



Crossers – Slant and Digs – Oh My


Get the quick game going. I expect a ton of POP Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk in the first half of this game. Keep this talented group of Cinci linebackers guessing what’s next. And bring me that YAC. Bust a seam or three and get the TE’s involved in nothing more than to keep Clazzy Clare Cooper happy.



Make them Fear the Reaper

A ton has been made about the X spot in the receivers room. Can Tyquan Thornton get the job done ? Can he stay on the field ? My answer is yes to both. Whether it’s skinny posts or go routes, Thornton needs to make his presence felt on the outside. Make these Bengals DB respect his authority. SPEED KILLS , and it doesn’t have to show on the stat sheet.



The weeklies


Limit the laundry. This team can not afford to play from behind the chains.

Win The turnover Battle – extra possessions may turn this game one way or the other.

Own Third Down – the pats need to be in third and short and then punch it over to get a fresh set.

Own the Red Zone – New England was 11th in the league last year in Red Zone scoring at 58% , guess who was 10th ? Right Cicni . The Pats need to get sixes and make them settle for three’s… But please Mr. Sly hit your three’s



Flood the Backfield

I’m in complete go mode with the trio of Devon Godchaux – Jeremiah Pharms and THE MACHINE Keion White holding their own upfront with a bit of help from Tavi and Bentley they should do well against the run. And pressure Burrows. Yes people, I’m going back into the bag of tricks and going match QUARTERS coverage. Shocking, I know. Match quarters allow the Patriots to play from their strengths ( the DB’s on this roster ) and could create those turnovers we discussed earlier.



That’s it my rabid readers . Week one Keys are cut and the ring is set. Can Van Pelt get this team to 24 ? That’s the number I think the Pats will need to be at if this defense can tread water to the line they were at last season. A tall task without Barmore and Judon on that side of the ball. But next man up. Right ? as always you can follow / give me grief on Xitter @Tmurph207