New England Patriots: Pass-Catchers Step Up As Blockers
By Matt LaPan
The New England Patriots are known for having a talented group of pass-catchers, but their contributions have gone far past receptions in 2016.
Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett—all four of these talented pass-catchers were expected to, and are making contributions early in the New England Patriots’ 2016 campaign with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett at quarterback.
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The four players are leading the Patriots in receiving through two weeks, combining for 36 receptions for 487 yards and all four receiving touchdowns. Their contributions go much further than just running routes and hauling in passes. They are also key blockers that have helped vault the Patriots to the No. 7 rush offense. This group’s ability to block has helped the Pats average 133.5 yards per game on the ground.
A prime example of this came in the third quarter of the New England Patriots’ 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. With Brissett in the game for an injured Garoppolo, the Patriots offense went run-heavy. On a first-and-10 from their own 36-yard line, the Patriots lined up in shotgun. They motioned Edelman from a slot on the left of the offensive formation to directly behind right tackle Marcus Cannon.
At the snap, Edelman splits Cannon and Bennett, becoming a lead blocker for LeGarrette Blount. He picks up a key block on a linebacker, allowing Blount to travel five yards before first contact. Blount then carries the defenders another seven yards to pick up an important first down.
Another example of blocking prowess of this group came in the season-opening win in Arizona. In this game, Martellus Bennett was essentially used as a third tackle due to an injury to Nate Solder. Bennett was tasked with helping Cameron Fleming and Marcus Cannon deal with the formidable pass rush of the Cardinals.
Not only was he a key contributor in the run game, but Bennett stayed in on pass-blocking sets and showed that he is more than just a pass-catching tight end. On one play, Bennett took former Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones and tossed him to the ground. Bennett was flagged on the play, but asserted his ability as a dominant blocker on a controversial call.
These two examples show exactly how strong the entire group has been, helping lead the New England Patriots to a 2-0 record. They will likely need to keep the run game going on Thursday as Jimmy Garoppolo is dealing with a shoulder injury and with the Houston Texans come to town on a short week.
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If the group can continue to produce in both the receiving and blocking game, the Patriots could pull out the win this week—even with a rookie at quarterback.