Pats Pulpit
A big win in Miami has the New England Patriots feeling good as they return to Gillette Stadium for consecutive home games. But, improvements must be made in order for the team to secure their first win streak since 2022.
So before kickoff with the Steelers, let’s get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Is it too early to be concerned about the linebacker play? If there is no improvement, then what might be the team’s solution? – coolbeanz
Considering it was identified as a potential weakness entering the season, absolutely not. The biggest disappointment through two weeks has been Robert Spillane missing a league-high eight tackles (while Christian Elliss is tied for second with six). The hope is that after Spillane missed just 10 tackles all of last season (6.0% miss tackle rate) that the number corrects itself with more in-game reps.
The coverage, however, has also been an issue — although covering De’Von Achane in man is a tough task for any linebacker. The wonder is if they lean more on Marte Mapu on later downs, while Jahlani Tavai is also eligible to be activated off injured reserve soon to and could have an early down role waiting for him in place of Elliss if the tackling does not improve.
Is it the safety play that’s been bad or is it the absence of Gonzalez and poor corner play that’s putting pressure on the safeties? – bullseye759
The coverage as a whole has not been strong enough which has led to the defense allowing a league-high 677 passing yards through two weeks. Without Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots have not been able to hold up in man coverage (especially with their safeties in one-on-ones and the aforementioned coverage linebacker issues) and the Dolphins were then able to pick apart their zone coverages particularly outside the numbers.
Gonzalez’s return should be a major boost. Beyond his talent, his availability will let the defense play their ideal brand of ‘cat on cat’ coverage with the All-Pro and Carlton Davis.
What player on the Steelers scares you the most? – NewEnglandWhalers
While D.K. Metcalf is the most dangerous threat, running back Jaylen Warren is not one to gloss over with the Patriots struggles covering running backs. Warren has been a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers to start the season with six catches for over 100 yards — including a 65-yard catch-and-run last week — in the first two weeks.
I have a question about offensive scheme. Are you noticing the Patriots doing anything differently in the red zone? Anything stand out to you in general so far?
Scheme wise, the game plan from Josh McDaniels was beautiful against Miami. Compared to Week 1, McDaniels lowered their shotgun and spread rate while increasing the usage of motion and run actions. He also took advantage of Maye’s mobility with a handful of moving pockets — one leading to a touchdown to Mack Hollins in the red zone — building off more...
