Sunday in Jacksonville was a long day for the Patriots‘ defensive line, as they got gashed for 110 yards on 23 carries for two touchdowns. This kind of efficiency from the Jaguars’ running backs, Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr., was alarming, as it allowed Jacksonville’s passing game to open up as well.
After the game, Coach Vrabel addressed his defense’s inability to stop the run during his post-game press conference.
“We played a good football team. Seattle ran the ball, and you know if you don’t get off the field on third down, it just creates more chances, and sure we got tired. And sure we got tired and missed a ton of tackles, and they push piles, and that’s what happens,” said Vrabel.
Weather was a Factor
This week, New England had to battle not only the Jaguars but also the Jacksonville weather. Before Sunday’s matchup in Jacksonville, New England’s last game played in 80-degree weather was in Week 2 of last season against the Miami Dolphins.
It is no surprise that as the game wore on, the Patriots’ front seven began to wear down and Jacksonville with its 4.8 yards-per-carry exposed Defensive Coordinator Zak Kuhr’s unit consistently.
Third Down Defense
When the team’s defense is not used to the hot playing conditions, every play matters. It’s important to force the opposing team’s offense into 3-and-out drives and get the ball back to your offense.
The Patriots were not able to do this on Sunday as they let the Jaguars offense convert 8-of-12 third down opportunities, which forced the defense to stay on the field in the Florida heat even longer.
Future Outlook
As the NFL season progresses, and the game-day weather gets colder, stopping the run becomes vital. For a New England team that won the AFC Championship Game last season, they will be hunted by other contenders within their conference.
This season, New England will be facing off against a first-place schedule and needs to put good film on tape that proves that the defense can stop the run. Otherwise, the handful of premier running backs on the upcoming schedule will have a field day against the Patriots’ defensive front.
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