Week 7 saw the New England Patriots run defense struggle against the running attack of the New York Jets, but they appear to have fixed their issues. A strong performance at home versus the Chicago Bears was duplicated in the contest with the Denver Broncos. After a Bye week,  the Patriots continued their strong performance into Week 11, manhandling the Indianapolis Colts running game.

Easley, Revis(ed)

It was more of the same for the Colts in the second quarter ‒ another 1st-and-10 run play ending in another disaster. With Indianapolis again using a two-tight-end set, the Patriots counter with 4-3 personnel with in an under alignment. The Colts attempt a toss sweep to Richardson toward the strong-side and pull to the outside to act as a lead blocker. Cornerback has an answer for that:

The run design allows six blockers at the point of attack against five defenders; however, Revis and combine to blow up the play. First, credit the 5’11”, 200-pound Revis for sacrificing his body in run support against the towering 6’7”, 310-pound Castonzo. It’s quite a contrast when watching the Indy wide receivers “attempt” to block (ahem, ). But while Revis’s effort should be lauded, it’s Easley who crushes any hope of a successful run.

Face-up with tight end , the rookie defensive lineman explodes off the line, driving his inside arm to the outside shoulder pad of the overmatched blocker. With just a single arm engaged on Fleener, Easley is able to push the tight end five yards into the backfield and then disengage, making the wrap-up tackle on running back for a negative run.

Second Level Stuffing

Late in the third quarter on 1st and 10, the Colts attempt another run out of a spread formation with in the backfield. As expected, the Patriots use nickel personnel with and Wilfork plugging the defensive tackle spots in the middle. It’s time for the linebackers to make their presence felt again in the run game:

Most of the run attempts up until now were dead on arrival due to the penetration and disruption caused by the defensive line. On this play the failure of the Colts to block at the second level is evident. As seen above, right guard and center work a quick double-team block on Branch. While pre-occupied by Branch, the guard is caught out of position to pick up , who has decisively read the play and shoots through the B gap.

Although Hightower does get spun around by a late block from a recovering Thornton, the linebacker’s penetration has stalled the ball carrier and spilled him outside. With well positioned as the force/contain defender on the play, he funnels Bradshaw back into a tight alley to be filled by and Branch. Collins is then free to fit the gap due to Wilfork simply preventing the second-level block.

Hightower’s disruption, Ninkovich’s containment, and Wilfork’s ability to occupy both blockers for so long all come together to minimize the run to a one-yard gain.

Team Effort

Closing out the third quarter, Indy faces 2nd and 5 with the ball inside the New England 10-yard line. With 11 personnel on the field for the Colts, the Patriots respond with a nickel grouping. The Colts attempt a draw play with the initial point of attack to the weak-side of the formation.

As the play develops, Bradshaw presses the hole between the left guard and center. With a good burst off the line, staggers Castonzo, fends off the block and closes in on Bradshaw, forcing the RB to reverse course. The ball carrier attempts a jump-cut towards the middle but meets Collins in the hole. As Bradshaw lands the jump-cut, the ball becomes exposed and he loses a secure grip on it. Just as the runner begins to regain control of the ball, Collins reaches out and pokes the ball free ‒ a fumble that Bradshaw was able to recover.

As the backside linebacker on the play, Collins is free to shoot the gap. But, as always, it’s a team effort. With Wilfork and Jones each occupying two blockers, Collins’s entrance to the backfield is met without much resistance. In particular, it is Wilfork that occupies Thornton long enough for Collins to sneak through nearly unimpeded.

Stopping the Run

Over the last two games, the Patriots run defense has allowed 44 yards on 29 rush attempts by running backs. With the growing ability to curb the opposition’s running attack using sub-package personnel and lighter fronts, New England’s overall defense only becomes stronger as the need to sacrifice coverage and sell out against the run dissipates game by game.

Led by the improved execution along the defensive line as well as the emergence of Collins and Hightower at the linebacker level, the Patriots run defense ‒ a major question mark just a few weeks ago ‒ is shaping into a strength as they enter the homestretch of the regular season.

All video and images courtesy of NFL.com and NFL Game Rewind.

Quarterbacks need to review the film, know the game plan, execute the proper footwork and mechanics, read the defense, find the open receiver, deliver the pass and avoid the rush. Mark Schofield, former D3 college quarterback, breaks down the footage for SoSH Football Central.

Brian Filipiak

Unlike Tom Brady, Brian went undrafted and followed in his father’s footsteps as an insurance consultant. He also never played quarterback or football beyond high school. Instead, he studied print journalism and earned a communications degree from a mediocre college. When he’s not reading about football or breaking down game film, he enjoys a simple life with his fiancée and overweight Yorkie Terrier.

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