What is Alex Van Pelt’s role in Patriots’ offensive struggles? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
When we solicited questions for this week’s Patriots Mailbag, one question in particular stood out. The gist: How much of New England’s offensive struggles should be attributed to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, as opposed to the relative lack of talent he’s been given to work with while trying to install a new system?
This is one of the under-the-radar biggest issues with having a roster that is so lacking when it comes to high-end talent. The Patriots have a number of coaches trying on new roles for the first time, but getting a read on how well any of them are performing — or how well they could perform with a different group — is made more challenging by the talent they have relative to their opponents.
Jerod Mayo will have a better gauge on how individual assistants are handling their jobs by what he can see behind the scenes. And there are certain measurable factors that can sway opinions one way or another on a coach like, for example, Van Pelt.
Van Pelt is hampered by what he has along his offensive line, at the receiver position and at quarterback. But has he pulled every lever possible from a schematic standpoint to make the most of what he has? It’s a fair question.
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The Patriots are last in the league in their usage rate of motion at the snap at just eight percent, which is less than one third the league average of 26 percent, per ESPN. That type of motion can be used to manipulate the numbers advantage on one side of the field in the run and pass games, and it can also be used to generate leverage against a slow-to-react defense.
What about the quick passing game? New England’s offensive line has been one of the worst in terms of its ability to pass protect this year, allowing pressure on average 2.42 seconds after the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-van-pelts-role-patriots-160501246.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-10-02 16:05:01
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