Sack Series - Wilfork/Deaderick as DEs?

In order to understand who was responsible for each of the 7 sacks that were produced against Miami, I am going to break down all 7 of the sacks (and the 1 QB hit). I will look at all aspects of the play, and give credit where credit is due. Check back this bye week for more...

Miami began their 3rd drive of the game at their own 8 yard line. Although Tannehill converted a 1st down with his legs to get some momentum, Miami's drive still stalled because of a sack by the Patriots. This time, I've got to credit the gameplanning by Belichick and Patricia. When Miami goes with an empty backfield on 3rd and 4, Jerod Mayo has the coaching/awareness to make a call that moves Wilfork and Deaderick to the outside. With no run threat save for Tannehill, Mayo drops into a QB-spy zone. 

As you can see, #95 Chandler Jones is nudging #71 Brandon Deaderick into a 9-technique stance (like a DE). #51 Mayo is threatening the Center, which forces the Guards to account for #50 Ninkovich and #95 Jones respectively. This affords 1-on-1 blocking for Wilfork and Deaderick, and both guys put the Tackles on ice skates. Big Vince takes his man right into Tannehill, and he actually dives at the football (nearly causing a fumble). Tannehill protects the football, and spins out of the pocket. However, Ninkovich anticipates his escape and cuts him off so that Deaderick can finish him off from the backside.

Although this sack is credited to scheme and 4-man execution up front, the coverage holds up well. Tannehill has a quick window to throw after evading Wilfork, but there's nobody open. Likewise, there's a great combination coverage by #54 Hightower, #51 Mayo, and #28 Gregory on Hartline (over the middle). Hightower forces an inside release, Mayo clogs the passing lane, and Gregory helps over-the-top. 

#26 Derrick Martin, #32 Devin McCourty, and #24 Kyle Arrington are all in man-cover. Martin cuts off the out-route, but he also stays with him while Tannehill extends the play. Likewise, Arrington and McCourty both stay hip-to-hip even after the play breaks down. On the other side, #25 Patrick Chung gets an excellent jam, and doesn't even let the route develop. 

Overall, I am giving partial credit for this sack to Wilfork, Ninkovich, and Deaderick. Wilfork nearly gets a strip sack, Ninkovich keeps contain on Tannehill, and Deaderick finishes it off. However, the fact that Wilfork was set up to wreak havoc is a credit to the defensive scheme. Also, the ability of McCourty, Arrington, and Chung to play effective press-man coverage has to be praised.