clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

How the Patriots Should Attack the Seahawks Defense

The Patriots will have a difficult time against the top defense in the NFL. How should the Patriots attack?

By Rich Hill
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

I haven't had the opportunity to break down the Seahawks past games, and I'll have to go back pretty far to find good tape on their defense. Seattle had to wait nine calendar weeks between the Week 11 Chiefs (16th ranked offense) and the Conference Championship Packers (1st ranked offense) to face an above average offense with their starting quarterback (the 3rd ranked Eagles were playing Mark Sanchez).

But the Seahawks have the top ranked defense for a lot of reasons. They're really good at what they do. They do a great job at controlling the game's tempo and grinding out for a stronger 60 minutes than the other team.

When Seattle did play a top offensive unit, they did a good job of limiting points. Here are three articles you should read to hold you over until I get to break down all the games.

Andy Benoit: Monday Morning Quarterback - The 3x1 formation.

Benoit recommends isolating the Seahawks defense by placing three receivers on one side of the formation so Seattle has to declare their man/zone coverage reads pre-snap. Tom Brady would be able to use this information to help attack the Seahawks coverage.

Kyle Posey: Bolts From the Blue - How to attack the middle.

Posey noted four key trends from teams that had success against the Seahawks; 1) run between the tackles; 2) stretch the field horizontally (not vertically); 3) Timing routes outside; 4) Use their aggression against them.

Ted Bartlett: It's All Over Fat Man - Seven Formations to Beat Cover Three

Bartlett offers seven fantastic plays that are drawn to attack the weaknesses in the Cover Three looks; mostly force the defense to make decisions and overload to have more men in zones than the Seahawks do.

And if you're wondering how the Patriots fare against top defenses:

They've done pretty well.

More From Pats Pulpit