Watch: Patriots' innovative field goal block could be a blueprint for special teams tactics
Despite suffering a disheartening 24-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on "Sunday Night Football," the New England Patriots may have revolutionized how special teams units attempt to stop field goals going forward.
Late in the third quarter, Miami kicker Jason Sanders lined up for a 49-yard field goal attempt that would have extended the Dolphins' lead to 20-7, but a creative play call by New England denied him the opportunity.
Second-year safety Brenden Schooler lined up about halfway toward New England's sideline and began to motion down the line of scrimmage as Dolphins LS Blake Ferguson snapped the ball. As a result, Schooler perfectly timed the snap and dove in front of Sanders' kick for an electrifying block.
The Patriots initially failed to capitalize on Schooler's superb effort, as a pass from quarterback Mac Jones was intercepted by cornerback Xavien Howard on the subsequent drive. Even so, the blocked field goal still consequently helped New England remain in good enough field position to score on its following drive, with Jones finding tight end Hunter Henry for a six-yard touchdown.
With 2:19 remaining in the fourth quarter and Miami leading 24-17, Schooler used the same strategy on a 55-yard attempt by Sanders. Although Schooler didn't block the kick this time around, his attempt wasn't necessarily unsuccessful since Sanders missed the field goal, giving New England a chance to tie the game up or take the lead.
During his postgame news conference, Schooler credited New England's special teams coaches for finding a flaw in Miami's formation and preparing him for the block attempt throughout the week.
"[Special teams coaches Joe] Judge, [Joe] Houston, and Cam [Achord], they dialed up a really good scheme for that block and saw a weak point on their field goal operation," Schooler told reporters, via NBC Sports Boston. "We worked it during the week and felt pretty confident about it going into the game."
Considering how smooth and effective the execution was, don't be surprised to see several teams attempt to replicate the Patriots' approach to blocking field goals in the future.
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