Call me a fool if need be but what is base running and nickel running?

Base running generally means 2 backs, TE, 2 WR…Nickel running typically means 1 back, 1 TE, 3WR, etc. It is significant to note the difference because defenses typically match personnel (which means one less LB on field for Nickel runs). Factor that plus fewer defenders in the box due to a more spread out formation.

The Jets had flags all over them the first game, most of the 2nd and 3rd quarter were long yardage because of flags or mistakes.

They need to do a better of holding, as Mike Leach would say.
The Jets need to learn how to grab the entire shoulder pads from the outside blades with their center and to start their tackles quick before the snap like a certain team that runs from the shotgun in goalline does a lot to sell the pass look on draw plays.

The Jets defense is designed to stop the run first. If it does that well they can manage some of the passing items around that.

You’d best throw on them and try to get their NT off the field from the spread.

Oops, the weather may disturb some of that plan. It should play into the Jets strength. If the wind is bad enough to mollify what both teams do it would probably favor the Pats for the reason of special teams. They don’t get flags on the return game, usually benefit from such on coverage. Their kicker has been healthy all year, unlike the Jets.

I’d put Law at one of the safeties, tag him to cover on the slot and big nickle their SS to a LB gap. Law has seen it all and can help convert a lot of coverage sets from having seen both teams so much.

You best not use the Qb drop to key what kind of route is coming either, the Pats usually throw deep off a short set and even double move at times early in key games. They might not be able to do that near Jenkins but usually try it early. They’ll set the line quick to get the D Line to pause and play hands up trying to stop quick passing lanes from opening, only to see them double move a safety and throw over it.

I’d shy away from pure man defense on them with Cassel running. Half zone it like they do. Both teams will use zero coverage looks and rotate one side back to zone. You’ve got to go at their man coverage set, tag the spy to blitz. Widen the line gaps on pass downs to sucker him into that alley he sees open, and have the spy or a lineman loop back and nail him. Use a running QB’s own instinct against him.

If you really time it right his checkdown could be null and he ends up leaving it too early.

Oh, when the Pats do that act when everyone stands around and nobody sets a hand down, run the damned ball and drive block them into oblivion. Wedge it just to do it because they aren’t in a leverage stance, maul those players like nobody’s business and remind them who the hell they are playing. Don’t sit there begging them to take a stance, take it to them. They do it on passing downs, take what’s there and run them back to the tunnel.

Remind them that they have to take stances if they want to play line. Defenders get in stance first so the offense doesn’t wedge them and run a quick snap.

If you don’t do it what is to stop them from muddying your reads, blocking calls, checkdowns, and screens? Nothing.

Wow, Mr. Murder, you need to get that thing to a publisher. Please, save us from reading the nickle and dime analysis.

Mr. Murder sez:

“Oh, when the Pats do that act when everyone stands around and nobody sets a hand down, run the damned ball and drive block them into oblivion. Wedge it just to do it because they aren’t in a leverage stance, maul those players like nobody’s business and remind them who the hell they are playing. Don’t sit there begging them to take a stance, take it to them. They do it on passing downs, take what’s there and run them back to the tunnel.”

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I completely agree. Pittsburgh and Baltimore do that too. That walkabout front drives me nuts. If it were me, I’d audible to a draw every time I see it. There will be a hole there from someone dropping out, and nobody is in position to defend the run as you said. A draw gives the back a sec to find that hole and the line to get a hat on hat.

Copycat league as well, teams do well with it, everyone will. That tactic will start going away except for on the final play series when a team might be trying to set up a hail mary heave, etc.

If they put Law in to cover slot, he will have trouble with Welker. Personally I am looking for him to get schooled. He is in excellent shape, no doubt, but not game shape, physically and mentally. The game is passing him by.

I doubt they SS to LB slot because they don’t want to give up the big play to Moss; Colts rolled over top safety to cover Moss’s half of the field, so he had top and bottom coverage. Jets have done this from time to time.

I do not see different looks on same packages or plays.. both BB and Mangini are too much the chessmaster for that.. I see that bag of tricks coming out again.. good for a few sucker punches on both sides. My bet is BB feints for complication, but plays it simple. Hopefully he goads Mangini into outthinking himself.

The more the mind game (read: outsmarting) gets drawn out between BB and Manghini, the more advantage goes to Patriots, their players are disciplined. Jet’s weakest link in that regard is Favre. First excuse he gets, he starts shooting from the hip.

Advantage for Patriots: the home crowd will be juiced up for this one. Cassel has improved in poise and checkdown, but must find a way to finish drives. Jordan is out, but if Morris is in, there is hope for the running game. Pats seem to draw strength from smashmouth football and usually need RB duo to sustain fresh legs.

Both teams OL have improved.. so I primarily see this as a QB game.. whoever executes in red zone better, will win.

When the Pats play their best Faulk is one of the key people making catches. The extra DB playing in a LB spot can help cover that better….

I expect a tight and close game, with a fair amount of scoring. I agree that Leon Washington could be the difference- the Pats have almost no players capable of matching his athleticism (Mayo, who is overrated, probably comes closest).

I expect something of a shoot out. The Pats and Jets Olines have both underperformed this year, relative to expectations. I expect Favre to do something dumb under pressure before Cassel, honestly. But I think the difference will be that the Jets can consistently run the ball and the Pats, while they’ve done ok in spots, will struggle a little bit more at that. Jones’ success on the ground will slow the Pats pass rush enough that Favre can be smart, not impulsive.

The Colts scored at will on the Patriots and were able to contain the dink and dunk garbage in the red zone. If a team scores on you on nearly every possession and has a significantly better red zone TD percentage, you can’t claim to have dominated them simply by winning TOP.

Since the Colts are the far superior team, the Pats had to be perfect to win. Due to the personal foul, they weren’t (and didn’t).

Also, since the Pats are atrocious on pass defense and have no explosiveness on offense, they, not the Jets, must control the ball for over 32 minutes to win.

With the injuries the Pats are closing in on being the least talented team in football. It’s a thing of beauty to watch them win anyway with the best coaching staff in the game.

I would not be surprised to see a few rollout to Faulk. But even if they SS to LB slot, he still has motion to elude, that is his talent. Faulk makes his money on 3rd down YAC’s.

I think making Favre disregard ball security will be key. Losing AD was huge because going up the middle will be hard (Jenkins) so outside rushing is critical. Woods must have a big game.

After a publisher got a hold of Mr. Murders ramblings and fixed all the grammatical errors and run on sentences it then might be readable. I’ve given up.

Michael, I think earlier in the season you were sketchy on the NY Jets offensive line situation and criticised them pretty severely.

Is Faneca the difference? I think the sack% has most to do with Favre, but Faneca understands run blocking as well as anyone in football and I can’t help but think Jones’ drastic improvement has something to do with Faneca’s role in the offensive line meetings.

Do you agree?

I am still not sold on them as a group, they have been able to run on some bad teams….lets see tonight…

I don’t think the Jets ran well vs. New England in the Meadowlands so I doubt they’ll run well tonight. Kind of tough to judge the group vs. their toughest matchup.

And I agree, they have padded their stats versus some weak teams. But it’s improvement from ‘07 regardless and has to be attributed to something (they played weak teams then too).

If not Faneca, do you like Mangold? Is he their best offensive lineman, talent-wise of the group?

Hey DudeAbides,
I wouldn’t call 18 points by the Colts “scoring at will” LOL

The Jets will gag because that’s what they do…

Dude Abides,
If “The Colts scored at will” by scoring two touchdowns and a field goal, I’m curious what you would characterize the Jets offense as in last week’s game against the Rams, or the Patriots offense as in their win against Denver?

Label the New England offense as “garbage” if you like, but their game plan was to own time of possession and keep the ball out of Manning’s hands. It nearly worked, except for two crucial errors (Gaffney’s dropped pass and Thomas’ late hit.) Perhaps it’s not as much fun for a fan to watch as Brett Favre throwing a half dozen passes up for grabs in to double coverage, but it was a solid game plan.

Unfortunately for everyone else who reads this site, you may have written the most uninformed, biased comment since this great site was launched. Take a look at your comments and compare it to the others. If you can’t be even mildly objective you probably would be better off at espn.com or a colts fan forum.