AFC Championship
AFC Championship
Patriots keys to victory.
As usual, BB wants to make the next team play left handed:
Stop the run. The deep ball is a threat. However, it is based on play action in their scheme. How is it done? Certainly when Spikes, Mayo and Wilfork are in their spot, they are as good at stuffing the run as any team. The interesting side note here is Bryant McKinnie. Basically was in the dog house all year, and now has found a new home on the OL. Yes, he is older, but a good tackle, and has only played four games, so he will certainly be fresh. To stop the run, will they bring up an extra safety, and expose themselves with the deep threats that Baltimore has?
Let Flacco beat you. Not talking about the long bombs. BB will have the safeties in the end zone if he has to. Mind set is always let's give them the small dink and dunk stuff, and really clamp down in the end zone. Certainly this isn't so much a "key" more of a strategy. If he can play mistake free football, and not turn it over, then they'll be able to keep it close. They'll roll the dice with their offense taking the field.
Utilize Brandon Lloyd. Likely they'll go man on Welker, and let Lewis, or another LB roam, and cheat toward his side. If they shade that way, they'll be forced to look toward Hernandez. This may open up the seam route for Brandon Lloyd.
Hold onto the football. Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen both ended up in the doghouse at points this year due to fumble itis. Baltimore will try to expose this, and the Patriots will need to keep their hands on the pineapple.
Much more work to be done on this game.
