Patriots struggle in the red zone

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images

For a team that is 2-1, we sure do have our share of concerns. Patriots fans thought that they would take Taylor Swift's advice and "Shake It Off" in week 3. Umm. Not so much.

The Patriots opened up their first home game of the season against the Oakland Raiders. Many members of the Patriots Life staff (except for me of course) predicted that this game would be a blowout (read predictions post). The offense led by Brady managed to make it into the red zone a measly four times. If that doesn't chap you then how about the fact that they scored one touchdown out of 4 visits. Is the Patriots offense really this awful or is the Raiders defense better than we thought?

So what's the deal? I am going to attempt to put on my coaches hat and see if I can diagnose the issues.

Issue #1 - O-line

This continues to be a HUGE concern for the New England Patriots. Defenses do have the advantage of defending a much shorter field when opponents are in the red zone. Apparently against us, defensive coordinators seem to dial up more pressure to disrupt Brady. Hell, I would do the same if the o-line couldn't protect worth a damn!

Solution - Not sure what the hell to do here but perhaps Brady needs to play more from the shotgun and release the ball quicker. Thank goodness I am not the offensive line coach.

Issue #2 - Brady's accuracy

Brady seems off on some of his passes. The perfect ball use to be a forte of Tom's but in the last few games he has lost his pin point accuracy.Also, I believe that pressure from defenses are starting to take its toll on him psychologically. Over thinking things and hearing footsteps are two ingredients to a recipe for disaster.

Solution - Brady needs to get his swagger back. Accuracy comes with confidence. Averaging approximately 9 passing attempts a quarter is not going to help gain your confidence back. Tommy Terrific needs to get started early. Draw up some screen passes, quick slants, or anything that will get Brady's juices going.

Issue #3 - Poor play calling

Nobody was more excited than me to have Josh McDaniels reunited with Tom Brady. However, I think this year they are not seeing eye to eye on the play calling. In my opinion, I think McDaniels should draw up simple plays when in the red zone. For example, line up Tim Wright/Aaron Dobson on the outside and try a fade, hit Gronk on a quick curl after playaction, run a quick screen to Edelman or Vereen, or try a delayed draw with Ridley.

Solution - I think McDaniels & Brady should lock themselves in a room and go through film and discuss how to use their personnel. No family. No friends. No other teammates.


If the Patriots hope to win against Kansas City on Monday Night Football, they better figure out how to get more trips to the red zone and convert them into touchdowns. Otherwise, you can put the Pats on upset alert! Let's hope to see more than one Patriots touchdown during Scott Hanson and the Red Zone chaannel's next touchdown montage!



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