Week 6 Patriots vs Colts: Snap Breakdown and Analysis

The Patriots now have a starting offensive line

After spending the first quarter of the season rotating players, the New England Patriots now have a starting offensive line. It was forced due to injuries, and there will still be rotations, but Marcus Cannon, Shaq Mason, David Andrews, Josh Kline, and Sebastian Vollmer make up the starting line-up. If Cannon is out for an extended period of time, flip Vollmer to the left and insert Cameron Fleming at right tackle (who quietly had a good game).

This starting line-up saw over 80% of the snaps, with Tre Jackson playing a reserve role when the Patriots used Shaq Mason at fullback or tight end.

Michael Williams had his biggest day

The Patriots were already planning on using the 300-pound tight end to help with extra blocking, but the injury to Cannon forced the Patriots to use Williams more than at any other point this season. With 40 snaps, Williams had more snaps than any running back and was a hair behind Danny Amendola (41) in 4th place for skill player snaps.

Dion Lewis outsnapped LeGarrette Blount

It was a quiet day for Lewis as the Colts tried to key in and limit his production. Lewis had 39 snaps to Blount's 29, and many of Blounts came as the Patriots were running down the clock. It's nice to see Blount assuming the role of a closer for the rushing attack.

The Patriots also have a starting secondary

The Colts favor the 11 personnel, with three wide receivers, one tight end, and one running back, and the Patriots countered with three safeties on the field. Devin McCourty played 100% of the snaps, while Duron Harmon (89%) and Patrick Chung (88%) were heavily involved. At cornerback, Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan both played 100% of the snaps. This is your starting secondary! Jordan Richards (44%) was the sixth defensive back off the bench.

Jonathan Freeny outsnapped Jerod Mayo

Freeny took the place of Dont'a Hightower and doubled Mayo's time on the field. Freeny saw 47 snaps (59%) to Mayo's 23 (29%) and it shows that the Patriots are still working Mayo back into football shape. Both players really struggled to disengage from their blockers and the Patriots will need Hightower more than ever when they face Chris Ivory and the Jets.

These players saw 15+ snaps on special teams:

Nate Ebner (29), Brandon Bolden (25), Matthew Slater (24), Brandon King (22), Patrick Chung (22), Jonathan Freeny (22), Jordan Richards (21), Jon Bostic (20), Devin McCourty (17)

See more snap counts at our official tracking page.