When New England Patriots out guard Matthew Judy was asked what made the team's airtight defensive group in a seven-game winning streak, he emphasized the essence of this shift: "It's the basis we need to win games, whether it's on the defensive or the pass, we can recognize and respond, and I think that's the key to our success." ”
This is coach Billy Cheekek's tailor-made defensive tactics, and he likes to make specific tactical plans. The Patriots have conceded 36 points in the past five games, averaging just 7.2 points per game, and now they will be challenged by Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Tall at 5'10" and weighing 226 pounds, Taylor is currently the league's premier running back. So far, he has advanced 1348 yards with 241 touches and 16 touchdowns. Second-placed Cincinnati Tigers running back Joe Mixon pushed 1,036 yards with just 245 touches and 12 touchdowns.
"Taylor is a tough guy, he's strong enough to get rid of a lot of grapplings. He's very fast and not many defensive players can catch up with him. Bilicek said of the second-round show from the University of Wisconsin. He would run sixty or seventy yards forward after breaking the starting line, and he had that ability. In a rushing offense, you can hardly expect a team to finish a home run, but he can do it, and he has enough speed and strength to help him do it all. ”
The Ponies now rank first in the league (5.1 yards) and second in the league in terms of average number of goals per game (151.7 yards) and third in the league in points per game (28.5 points). 'I think the reason they rely on the road is because of the good offensive front." Patriots linebackers coach Jerrod Mayo said of the Ponies left-winger Eric Fisher, left-winger Quinton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly, right-winger Mark Grövinsky and right-winger Breden Smith. "A lot of people say Taylor is playing well, but if you look at the people in front of him, the opening of the way is really good."
As the Patriots' defensive tactical caller Steve Bilicek added: "If you put all your energy into Taylor, something else is going to go wrong." In week 13 against Beal, Patriots defensive striker Darvin Goldschocks made a career-high 10 tackles after sharing his game creed of "take the defensive run and have fun." Goldshawks said he brought his mindset to New England.
"Everybody has to understand that the ball can go anywhere, they can be designed to be any offense, but that doesn't say anything. As long as there is a vacancy these guys will plug the holes. Billy Cheek said. Everyone has to be in their place and do their own thing, or we might be in danger. ”
It will be a contest of spear and shield, and we will see if the Patriots can defend Taylor.
(Great White)