Early-Down Efficiency: Capitalizing on Jacksonville’s First-Down Flaws

Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots were able to establish their running game using both Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson against the Steelers’ stout defensive front.

This thunder and lightning combination at running back, along with Corey Kiner, combined for 119 yards on 24 carries for a very efficient 5.0 yards per carry. This week against Jacksonville, the test does not get any easier, but the game plan should remain the same against a defensive front that has shown areas of weakness, especially on early downs.

Early Down Efficiency Leads to Play Action Success

If New England’s running backs can replicate their success running the ball on early downs, Drake Maye should find plenty of success in the play-action passing game. As Jacksonville brings more defenders into the box, the young quarterback will see fewer two-safety looks, which will allow for more chunk-yardage plays through the air.

New England thrives when both the running game and passing attack are clicking. Last season, Josh McDaniels’ unit had the NFL’s second-highest-scoring offense, and while he has been unable to get the passing game going for two weeks, if the offense can continue to capitalize with the run on early downs, the passing game will soon open up.

Unlocking the Offense with More Two-Back Sets

At times, New England’s offense can be too predictable. When only Stevenson is in the game, defenses will tend to stack the box, expecting heavy personnel or checkdowns. Conversely, when only Henderson is in the backfield, opposing teams will tend to lighten the box or go nickel defense, expecting an outside run or for Henderson to be used as a pass catcher.

Having both backs involved together will help make the offense more difficult to defend and will make things easier for Drake Maye to call plays accordingly based on how the defense is aligned pre-snap.

Sunday Success

A dominant running offense makes things easier for the quarterback, and if New England deploys both starting running backs simultaneously, Jacksonville will have to forfeit its two-safety looks.

Through two weeks Drake Maye and the offense have had difficulty getting into a rhythm. But this week, facing a Jacksonville defense that struggles on early downs presents a chance for the unit to get back to its high-octane ways.