5 Plays That Decided It
Every NFL game comes down to critical moments, and on those plays, the game is decided. Certainly the other plays serve to set the table for these moments, but it is the execution of those plays that loom larger, and determines which way the cookie will crumble.
1. The Missed 42-yard FG - This play has to be considered number one, even if you do not blame Gostkowski for the loss. Nevertheless, he had a chance to win it or lose it with his execution. Unfortunately, he missed, but this was indeed the decisive play.
2. Brady's INT - I favor this moment as #2 because it lead to 3 AZ points. However, this turnover gave hope to every player and coach on the visitor's sideline. Every Pats fan in front of the TV was saying, "Oh, its going to be one of those games." Brady's mistake (or a great play by Calais Campbell and Patrick Peterson) set the table for an uphill battle. Likewise, Campbell's tip made Brady eerily aware of the pass rush and his passing lanes. It may have made him a bit gun-shy to start.
3. The Blocked Punt - Anytime you turn the ball over, giving the opponent the ball on the 2 yard line, the play is likely to show up here. I've talked about the poor execution on the blocking, but I do want to acknowledge the great play made by Q. Groves. He had a blistering speed rush, and he got his hand right in the way. I think it might be a bit much to ask Ebner to hold the edge against a fast guy with 40 lbs on him.
4. 2 Personal Fouls and AZ 1st Down - The Patriots had the Cardinals in a 2nd and 18 situation. The Patriots got good pressure, nearly sacking Kolb, who dumped it off to Todd Heap. Kyle Arrington missed the tackle on Heap, yielding another 15 yards. Brandon Spikes committed a roughing the passer, and Steve Gregory was charged with a late hit out of bounds. This was just an utter breakdown of everything the Defense has done well this year (missed tackles, unnecessary penalties). This play extended the Cardinals drive, which led to a TD.
5. Failed 3rd and 2 in the Red Zone. - The Patriots were executing their best drive of the first half, and were threatening to score at the 11 yard line. However, the Pats needed a critical 2 yards to re-set the sticks. I've diagrammed the play below, but I still don't understand the play-call. From the 11-yard line, Brady's arm forces a Defense to cover not only the line to gain, but also the entire endzone. I think it should have been a pass, but even if McDaniels wanted to run, why Woodhead over Ridley? Why a power play behind Donald Thomas? There's 8 guys in the box on D too...
As you can see, the play is a power play behind the pulling Guard, Donald Thomas. Hoomanawanui is in the wing position, and he's being asked to seal the DE to the outside. Gronkowski, Solder, and Mankins block down to the right to open the lane. Cannon and Wendell make sure the play is not blown up from the back side.
Woodhead takes a jab step right, and takes off to the left side. The play has a chance, but the blocking is not well executed, and Woodhead is not a short-yardage back. Hoomanawanui's man breaks up the play by getting to the inside. Likewise, Mankins and Solder are unable to generate any push. Woodhead has very little space to work with, and he is forced into the pile-up by Hoomanawanui's man. Woodhead gains maybe a yard.
This play, more than any other on this list demonstrates the impact of the missing Aaron Hernandez. Hoomanawanui's missed assignment is the major breakdown here. Mankins and Solder did not block well, but they did seal the hole on the right. Woodhead may have had a chance without that DE in the backfield.
*all pictures used here are property of the NFL, and are used here only for educational purposes.
1. The Missed 42-yard FG - This play has to be considered number one, even if you do not blame Gostkowski for the loss. Nevertheless, he had a chance to win it or lose it with his execution. Unfortunately, he missed, but this was indeed the decisive play.
2. Brady's INT - I favor this moment as #2 because it lead to 3 AZ points. However, this turnover gave hope to every player and coach on the visitor's sideline. Every Pats fan in front of the TV was saying, "Oh, its going to be one of those games." Brady's mistake (or a great play by Calais Campbell and Patrick Peterson) set the table for an uphill battle. Likewise, Campbell's tip made Brady eerily aware of the pass rush and his passing lanes. It may have made him a bit gun-shy to start.
3. The Blocked Punt - Anytime you turn the ball over, giving the opponent the ball on the 2 yard line, the play is likely to show up here. I've talked about the poor execution on the blocking, but I do want to acknowledge the great play made by Q. Groves. He had a blistering speed rush, and he got his hand right in the way. I think it might be a bit much to ask Ebner to hold the edge against a fast guy with 40 lbs on him.
4. 2 Personal Fouls and AZ 1st Down - The Patriots had the Cardinals in a 2nd and 18 situation. The Patriots got good pressure, nearly sacking Kolb, who dumped it off to Todd Heap. Kyle Arrington missed the tackle on Heap, yielding another 15 yards. Brandon Spikes committed a roughing the passer, and Steve Gregory was charged with a late hit out of bounds. This was just an utter breakdown of everything the Defense has done well this year (missed tackles, unnecessary penalties). This play extended the Cardinals drive, which led to a TD.
5. Failed 3rd and 2 in the Red Zone. - The Patriots were executing their best drive of the first half, and were threatening to score at the 11 yard line. However, the Pats needed a critical 2 yards to re-set the sticks. I've diagrammed the play below, but I still don't understand the play-call. From the 11-yard line, Brady's arm forces a Defense to cover not only the line to gain, but also the entire endzone. I think it should have been a pass, but even if McDaniels wanted to run, why Woodhead over Ridley? Why a power play behind Donald Thomas? There's 8 guys in the box on D too...
As you can see, the play is a power play behind the pulling Guard, Donald Thomas. Hoomanawanui is in the wing position, and he's being asked to seal the DE to the outside. Gronkowski, Solder, and Mankins block down to the right to open the lane. Cannon and Wendell make sure the play is not blown up from the back side.
Woodhead takes a jab step right, and takes off to the left side. The play has a chance, but the blocking is not well executed, and Woodhead is not a short-yardage back. Hoomanawanui's man breaks up the play by getting to the inside. Likewise, Mankins and Solder are unable to generate any push. Woodhead has very little space to work with, and he is forced into the pile-up by Hoomanawanui's man. Woodhead gains maybe a yard.
This play, more than any other on this list demonstrates the impact of the missing Aaron Hernandez. Hoomanawanui's missed assignment is the major breakdown here. Mankins and Solder did not block well, but they did seal the hole on the right. Woodhead may have had a chance without that DE in the backfield.
*all pictures used here are property of the NFL, and are used here only for educational purposes.
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