Evaluating the Patriots’ passing game, Christian Gonzalez’s performance and more in the win over the Jets

Finally, on the choppy passes to Gonzalez, he plays the outside leverage style again. This time, he has safety Kyle Dugger in the stealer position to remove a penetrating route, so Gonzalez can sit in the route technique again to match the vertical release or hitch/spin. When Lazard makes a deep pass, Gonzalez is everywhere to break up the pass.

As soon as next week, the Patriots will have to face better quarterback play than they did against the Jets. Jets backup Zach Wilson struggled to see the field the entire time, holding the ball all day because his eyes never seemed to be in the right places or he panicked under pressure. That doesn’t take much away from the Pats’ defense. They’ve done their part to force Wilson to self-destruct with their bizarre masks, but the Jets’ quarterback situation without Rodgers is terrible.

Although the quarterback play has been poor, the wide receiver talent Gonzalez faces each week is not, and the Patriots cornerback is off to a great start in his rookie campaign. Next up, CeeDee Lamb in Dallas.

3. Quick film notes from Patriots Jets review

– Let’s get one thing clear: Play designs were not the problem on deep throws on third down. The Pats got a lot of press (cover-1 steal) as Mac was one-on-one on the verticals with defensive throws outside the numbers for obvious reasons against the Patriots’ receivers. There were knocks at the sticks, sometimes open, sometimes too early on the bottom to determine if it would be open, and Mac passed up to take shots early on the bottom. This is not on Bob.

– The continuation of the bad game plans for the Jets’ attack during the Saleh era. For an offense that requires running the ball, running between the tackles against this Pats defense is a death sentence, and running into the slow-developing wide zone away from the tackle does not count as true perimeter runs. Want to run the ball downhill in Bentley, Godchaux, Jay, Wise, etc.? Why? Play right into the Pats’ hands every time – get the ball to the perimeter, guys. Have the big DTs and supporters running from side to side. On second thought, keep doing what you’re doing, Gates.

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– After an outstanding sophomore season, RB Rhamondre Stevenson is averaging just 2.9 yards on 46 carries, and his 42 yards rushing above expectations is fourth-worst in the NFL. My read on Stevenson is that he’s a patient runner who wants to set up his blocks and manipulate the second level to blast the light of day, just like his idol, Le’Veon Bell. However, early breakouts or failure to reset at the line of scrimmage have delayed the timing of his operation, which is why he seems to be constantly dancing in the backfield. Stevenson can be more clinical until the blocking improves, but he is a full-back who wants to feel the holes where they will appear, and seems unsure where his chances will be now. Zeke was more productive in this match because he was more decisive. This was clear to everyone watching the live broadcast.

– As for WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, O’Brien realizes that JuJu is not a jitterbug slot that will win on whip/return style routes. Yes, the Pats are missing that player on offense, but vertical seams/fades from the slot coupled with interior cutters are Smith-Schuster’s best approach. He shows more juice/comfort when they let him run his preferred route tree. But these methods take precise timing with the quarterback to execute at a high level. Will this come with Mac? we will see.

– LT Trent Brown was exceptional, having a dominant effort across the board. Brown went mostly against Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson and had a clean sheet, working primarily one-on-one on the blind side with 19 true pass blocking reps (clearing screens/play action). He was also punishing the D-Line for double-team blocks in the running game. This was one of the Pats’ best OT performances in recent memory.

– A tough start at right tackle Vedrian Lowe, who had tougher matchups with John Franklin Myers and Bryce Huff. Lowe allowed eight quarterback pressures (two QB hits and six hurries). He struggled to fight off Franklin Myers’ punching/power sequences, and Huff quickly overpowered him. Lowe has good hand strength and grip strength, but he is hit or miss at the top of the rush, where he either connects with his jab to stop the rush or gets blown out with a short corner due to stalled footwork. Lue has better functional strength than the Pats’ other options, but he has to keep his feet moving around the arc. They can live with prolonged rushing around his rim, but getting hit on the inside spin on Douglas’ deep ball would likely cost them six points. Lowe improved in his running game as the match went on, with some strong duels with Onwenu.

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The other weak link in the offensive line was the left goalkeeper. Starting LG Cole Strange was pushed by stud DT Quinnen Williams, as the Jets targeted Strange with this matchup, knowing Williams would have the upper hand. Strange allowed three pressures on the quarterback, was called for a holding, and was constantly pushed back on key blocks in the run game. Strange had better awareness to spot pro-pass stunts and made a good block on CJ Mosley while playing in space, but anchor/power remains a real concern – Williams dominated.

– Backup goalkeeper Antonio Maffei wasn’t much better, as he allowed haste and was surprised on his first shot. Mafi looks to excel in pass protection due to his foot speed.

– It wasn’t peak Onwenu, but the Pats right guard seemed to find his stride in the second half. Onwenu allowed one QB hit and moved the line of scrimmage a little more this week. I think he has removed the rest of the rust and it will remain as it used to be moving forward.

– Despite being a run blocker, the Patriots offense would benefit from more targets for TE Mike Gesicki. He is the third most dynamic route runner behind Bourne and Bob Douglas while making faceoffs against safeties rather than corners. Gesicki runs great vertical legs to set up his breaks.

– This crime truly lacks a sincere response. Where is Ty Montgomery? Also, the door is wide open for Tyquan Thornton to hit the “X” receiver to settle over Parker on his return.

-If you still say that Miles Bryant stinks, it means that you have not monitored the first three works closely or are letting your superiors lead this narrative. He’s off to a great start.

– DL Christian Barmore has been on my “top” list in two out of three games. Barmore recorded a team-high seven QB pressures with a sack and six hurries. He doesn’t have the quick snap moves he displayed as a rookie, likely due to injuries taking their toll, but his upper body strength to pressure the pocket is enough to make an impact in the pass rush.

– Really good showing from LB Anfernee Jennings, as he recorded three QB pressures and consistently set the edge against outside zone/screening blocks by tight ends to force New England’s defense into cuts. Jennings is one of the best players on early downs.

-Anytime an offense tries to make a phone booth play against this defense, it’s going to be a good matchup for Bentley, Tavai and Gabriel Peppers. These guys love to break down the structure. Peppers is a game-breaker when playing near the line of scrimmage. Takes on blocks like a boss.

– Kyle Dugger bounced back in this game, splitting time at free safety and in the box/slot. He doesn’t have the theatrical impact he did last season, but that may be because he’s playing from deeper without DMac and Peppers is taking more point-of-attack reps.

Presses: Barmore (7, sack), Uche (5), Godon (5, 2 sacks), Bentley (3), Jennings (3), Wise (3), White (2), Guy (2), Roberts (1). ), Dagher (1), Tavai (1). 11 different players with a pressure rate of 47.5%!

Coverage: Gonzalez (7/5/45, PBU), Dagger (5/3/26, PBU), Bentley (4/2/17, PBU), Peppers (4/2/3), Wade (2/1). ) /12), Bryant (1/2/12), Phillips (2/2/38), Jennings (1/1/1), Judon (1/1/3).

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