Film Study: How the Dolphins exposed Pats poor schemes

[Daytona Fin]

The score said the Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 33-20. The stats said the same.

But the tape said something else: They beat them up -- bad.

If you're wondering how the Dolphins defeated the Patriots 33-20 last week in the season opener, all you need to do is watch the tape to see that it was Miami winning both lines -- the oldest football mantra out there -- that was the difference.

The Dolphins outgained the Patriots in yards (360-315), first downs (25-20) and rushing yards (191-89).

Those numbers don't do the domination up front on both lines real justice. It was far worse than that.

The Dolphins were able to sack Tom Brady four times and hit him six other times. They also forced Brady to lose fumbles on two of those sacks.

On the other side of the ball, Miami ran it easily on a New England defense that was supposed to be much-improved against the run with defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and linebacker Jerod Mayo back healthy again.

Not only that, but the Dolphins were supposed to be weak on the offensive line, with five new starters in the lineup against the Patriots.

So what happened?

For one, the Patriots had a crappy scheme. Yes, the great Bill Belichick was outcoached in terms of what he did on defense. New England used a 3-4 look much of the game, or 3-3-5 when in the nickel, and they kept their safeties back.

That miscast Chandler Jones inside as a 3-4 down end. He should be rushing the quarterback from the edge. He had two late-hit penalties, likely out of frustration for being used the wrong way.

The plan didn't work and Miami took advantage of it. The Dolphins ran it right at them. The Patriots never seemed to adjust to the Dolphins' zone runs. Time and time again, the Dolphins blocked it well and there were big holes for the backs to run. The cutback runs were even better. The Patriots never had gap control to control the backside runs.

Miami also did some things scheme-wise on offense to make it easier to run. Here's a look at one of those plays.

Play: 2nd and 10 at the Miami 47 with 5:47 left in the third quarter
Offense: Posse (three WRs, one TE, one back)
Defense: Nickel -- 3-3-5 front

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer...hins-exposed-pats-poor-schemes-weak-line-play

 

[FinaticalFinfan]

Thanks for the post....not sure why you got a thumbs down AND a thumbs up from me and I can't get the thumbs down off...sorry bud. GO FINS!!!

 

[Roman529]

I just tell myself it was one game. The Pats didn't seem prepared to play four quarters. I think the Pats better step it up versus Minny or Adrian Peterson is going to put 200 up on them.