Seattle’s offensive strategy during their matchup with the Patriots was quite interesting. They seemed to adapt their running plays to what the Patriots were showing pre-snap. For instance, when Sam Darnold observed the defense, he called for a “can” to change the play. The Seahawks executed a well-timed crack toss sweep, gaining 14 yards against a six-man front.
The Pats’ defense had opportunities to make crucial plays but seemed just a step away from success, allowing Seattle to exploit them with powerful runs. It highlighted the thin line between victory and defeat in high-pressure situations.
### Key Takeaways from the Game
The Patriots’ offense needs to refine some areas, particularly their screen game, draws, and bootleg plays. They had only a 33% success rate on screens during the playoffs, falling behind teams utilizing similar strategies more effectively, like those in the Shanahan system. In fact, the Patriots had a negative expected points added (EPA) per play on designed rollouts in the playoffs, signaling a need for improvement.
Receiver performance was also lacking. Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry had solid seasons but struggled in the postseason. Combined, they averaged just 55.5 yards per game, compared to nearly double that during the regular season. This downturn made it tough for the Patriots to maintain an effective passing game.
Running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson showed promise and could have played a bigger role. Stevenson chipped away at the Seahawks’ run defense consistently with short but effective gains, showcasing his potential to help maintain offensive momentum.
Emerging talent like DeMario Douglas had opportunities for big plays but was overlooked. His ability to separate could have made a significant difference, particularly if the timing and execution from the quarterbacks had been better.
The offensive line faced its challenges too. Left tackle Will Campbell struggled against Seattle’s edge rushers while dealing with a knee injury. Defensive linemen like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore showed flashes of greatness but also missed critical tackles that hurt the team’s chances for big defensive plays.
### Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, rookie safety Craig Woodson emerged as a standout. He was impressive against the run, demonstrating speed and tackling skills. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Gonzalez made crucial pass breakups, showcasing his elite coverage abilities against top receivers.
Statistics also indicate that the Patriots struggled against the run and pass, with a high pressure rate on their quarterbacks of around 43.4% in one stretch. This indicates some fundamental issues in blocking and defensive execution that could use addressing in the offseason.
In summary, while the Patriots showed glimpses of potential, they were hampered by execution errors and missed opportunities on both sides of the ball. Changes in strategy and execution will be key if they want to improve in future matchups.
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After Futher Review,Analysis,hp-article,hp-featured,Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots (2025-POST-4)
