New Goal Line Formation on the Horizon For the Patriots?
With the acquisition of Martellus Bennett in the offseason, it helps the New England Patriots become more unpredictable. New England has been known for their love for versatile tight ends and now they finally have a player they have been searching for.
AJ Derby, drafted in the 6th round last season, is also another player to take a look at, as he has made an impact this preseason as a move tight end (F-Tight End).
RBs LeGarrette Blount and James White (until Dion Lewis is able to return) look to be the lead the group as a 1-2 punch. Then backups feature Brandon Bolden and DJ Foster, an undrafted free agent, who has impressed once he got on the field.
What does all this mean? There’s a good chance there is going to be a change to New England’s offense. The Patriots will most likely return to a 12-personnel formation ( 2TE 2 WR 1 RB).
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Could Josh McDaniels have a new goal-line formation he will be able to play with?
Last season, the Patriots ran a heavy formation at the line which featured Rob Gronkowski and former Patriots’ Scott Chandler and Michael Hoomanawanui motioning out wide and to have mismatches against the opposition’s goalline defense.
Eventually the Patriots got away from this formation, and moved on. It was not seen again for the rest of the season.
That could change.
With Gronkowski, Bennett, and Derby as the top tight ends, this play could easily make its way back into the McDaniels’ playbook.
But with White and Foster in the backfield, imagine the possibilities of having both two shifty receiving backs along side tight ends with great receiving capabilities. The mismatches would be endless.
Hypothetically this could work. Teams can not afford to go too light with cornerbacks because they cannot afford for New England to run on them. But they also cannot go heavy because both RBs and TEs are too quick.
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The Patriots could easily sub out one of the backs for Blount as well, as it would help further disguise whether it is a run or pass. Blount has also displayed some receiving ability as well.
One can only imagine if this play works out well, it would only become more dangerous when Dion Lewis is able to return.
Defending this offense is already going to be a handful for opposing defenses. If utilized properly, the Patriots redzone offense may be literally unstoppable.