Jonas Gray - Kickstarting for an Atomic Alarm Clock

[Reverend]

 
OK, we'll forgive him, this time.   But LGBT is lurking.

 
Take it to V&N, 'kay?

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

It doesn't matter. He may get five or six carries against Detroit. Their run defense is a bit more stout than that of the Colts. A front of Kindergarteners anchored by a toddler at NT might be more stout than the Colts D.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Here's a deeper look at Gray and the performance of his blockers:
 
Now, hopefully Jonas doesn't tweet himself into Belichick's doghouse.

 
Great article nazz. I have a question -- if deploying six linemen can be so successful (I think regardless of weight), why hasn't this happen more often for the Pats?
 
Also, I believe the Steelers are one of only couple of other teams that used six-linemen (and even then, less than 80 snaps the entire season). Why do other teams almost never do this?
 
Edit: also, how was this zone-blocking ideas different or similar to a team like the Texans who almost exclusively use ZB run schemes?

 

[Reverend]

Great article nazz. I have a question -- if deploying six linemen can be so successful (I think regardless of weight), why hasn't this happen more often for the Pats?

Also, I believe the Steelers are one of only couple of other teams that used six-linemen (and even then, less than 80 snaps the entire season). Why do other teams almost never do this?

Edit: also, how was this zone-blocking ideas different or similar to a team like the Texans who almost exclusively use ZB run schemes?

I think I heard on the jumping box that they lined up 6 on like 32 of Gray's 37 rushes. So yeah, I'm curious too because against a team like Indy anyway, it worked, yeah?

My favorite run of the day, btw, is Vereen:

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

 
I think I heard on the jumping box that they lined up 6 on like 32 of Gray's 37 rushes. So yeah, I'm curious too because against a team like Indy anyway, it worked, yeah?
 
My favorite, btw:

 
I give Jonas "Full Charge" Gray a lot of credit there as much as the linemen play. He shot through that hole without a hint of hesitation. Imagine Maroney having that much conviction on a play? No? Me neither. 
 
I wonder how -- if -- this translates against the Lions front-four. Can Pats' SIX linemen work out enough daylight against Detroit's FOUR downmen? We also know Lions DL is superbly talented & aggressive but can make its share of mistakes. Do ZB schemes -- theoretically -- match up better or worse against that type of front-four?

 

[Reverend]

 
I give Jonas "Full Charge" Gray a lot of credit there as much as the linemen play. He shot through that hole without a hint of hesitation. Imagine Maroney having that much conviction on a play? No? Me neither. 
 
I wonder how -- if -- this translates against the Lions front-four. Can Pats' SIX linemen work out enough daylight against Detroit's FOUR downmen? We also know Lions DL is superbly talented & aggressive but can make its share of mistakes. Do ZB schemes -- theoretically -- match up better or worse against that type of front-four?

 
I totally agree in principle--really great cuts and hits the hole hard. Also had 104 yards after initial contact, so he's getting downhill. Belichick said good things about him and this is all consistent with Belichick's apparent willingness to go with a guy who's always going forward to the point of preferring steady reliable guys over boom and bust guys.
 
But as to that particular play, my bad for being unclear--here's another angle from the piece:
 

 

[Stitch01]

If they use six lineman Sunday more than on a handful of short yardage plays I'd be shocked. Running the ball against Detroit 40 times is sort of silly and their sixth lineman from last week is injured and out.

Going forward, what made me feel most optimistic about Gray was the few plays the line didn't block great on. He made a couple of first downs/TDs on his own, that's a big weapon to add as it's been a weakness now for a couple of seasons and might extend some drives and turn threes to sevens come January.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

If they use six lineman Sunday more than on a handful of short yardage plays I'd be shocked. Running the ball against Detroit 40 times is sort of silly and their sixth lineman from last week is injured and out.

 
True. Here's another encouraging part though -- rewatching the game vs. Bears and who makes the exactly same cuts and bursts through the hole? Jonas Gray. 
 
I completely forgot that he sported a team best 17 rushes and 86 yards that game. No, no six linemen were utilized on that game. I think his performance was somewhat lost due to Brady just carving up the Bears secondary in the tune of 354 yards and 5 TDs, but looked liked the same Gray had shown up before the Colts game:
 
http://www.patriots.com/media-center/videos/Week-8-New-England-Patriots-running-back-Jonas-Gray-highlights/a2ec006d-b559-4b3f-ae16-dd8de11f0850

 

[nazz45]

 
I have a question -- if deploying six linemen can be so successful (I think regardless of weight), why hasn't this happen more often for the Pats?
 
Also, I believe the Steelers are one of only couple of other teams that used six-linemen (and even then, less than 80 snaps the entire season). Why do other teams almost never do this?

 
Good question. One answer is that it limits your options and makes you predictable on offense. Unless the 6th lineman (when receiver eligible) is a true receiving threat - which is unlikely - you are either declaring a run play more often than not to the defense or, if passing, removing a receiving threat from the equation. It also greatly limits your formations assuming the extra lineman will always be in tight and on the LOS.
 
There is also the theory of constraint. Usually, video game football tactics of running the same play out of the same formation do not work. I say usually because the Colts did appear unable/unprepared to respond to the 6OL tactic (32 out of 38 Fleming snaps resulted in run plays) and they admitted as much. The Colts cleary feared the threat of the pass/play-action even out of these heavy formations, but one easy adjustment would have been bringing a safety down into the box to create a 5-3 alignment / eight-man front, which would have allowed the Colts to more evenly spread out gap assignments among the defenders in the front. Instead, the Colts almost always found themselves misaligned at the point of attack with a numbers disadvantage, particularly when the Patriots pulled a lineman from the back-side to the run-side.
 

Edit: also, how was this zone-blocking ideas different or similar to a team like the Texans who almost exclusively use ZB run schemes?

 
Prior to O'Brien, the Texans were well-known for a lot outside zone runs (stretch type). I don't know for sure how much that has changed under O'Brien, but this article suggests some changes, like implementing more power runs and inside zone runs. The Patriots use a fair amount of outside zone runs - they actually use it a lot to sell play-action - but they seem to have transitioned to more power-man, inside zone runs of late.
 

 
I wonder how -- if -- this translates against the Lions front-four. Can Pats' SIX linemen work out enough daylight against Detroit's FOUR downmen? We also know Lions DL is superbly talented & aggressive but can make its share of mistakes. Do ZB schemes -- theoretically -- match up better or worse against that type of front-four?

 
Given their DL's ability to penetrate the backfield, I would be surprised to see a repeat of the amount of pull blocks and trap schemes used against the Colts. Imagine a guard covered by Suh pre-snap asked to pull, which likely leaves the center one on one with him. Seems like a difficult assignment.
 
Going unnoticed is that the Lions linebackers, even without Tulloch, are solid defenders against the run, too, especially DeAndre Levy. Their linebackers are fast and will be able to fill gaps quick, so if the pulls in the hole are late or the traps allow too much penetration into the backfield, you have more problems. Their safeties are more active in the run game as well (Ihedigbo).
 
That's why what we saw against the Colts was likely matchup specific - based on personnel, 3-4 defense (less penetration, more run gap control from DL), tendencies (like using eight-man fronts), etc. Doesn't mean 6OL won't be used at all (though seems less likely with Fleming out). In theory, ZBS should always be effective no matter the front but just relies on the blockers reading the uncovered/covered keys and executing from there.
 
FYI, the team that had the most success on the ground against the Lions was the Jets, who were in the shotgun 51 of 62 snaps. They ran the ball 19 times out of the shotgun with only 8 attempts under center.

 

[Super Nomario]

Given their DL's ability to penetrate the backfield, I would be surprised to see a repeat of the amount of pull blocks and trap schemes used against the Colts. Imagine a guard covered by Suh pre-snap asked to pull, which likely leaves the center one on one with him. Seems like a difficult assignment.
 

Then again, the 49ers did this a couple years ago, taking advantage of Suh's aggressiveness to set him for a wham block by Delanie Walker (#46, lined up as an H-back):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EbICAVUG30
 
That's a well you definitely don't want to go to too often, though maybe running it once or twice curbs his aggressiveness a little when rushing Brady.

 

[RoyHobbs]

So...Jonas gets the day off today, doesn't he?

 

[RIrooter09]

No he'll come in during garbage time.

 

[Leather]

We have a solid backup RB.

 

[soxhop411]

So now we have 3 starting RB. Hopefully he gets some carries next week

 

[soxhop411]

“@DougKyedNESN: Belichick on Gray: We do what we think is best.”

 

[Ed Hillel]

Revis didn't get punished when he was late, did he? You gotta wonder if that doesn't play all that well, not that I fear a mutiny or anything.

 

[Byrdbrain]

Power running should be back next week against Green Bay especially if they keep pretending Clay Matthews is a MLB. Steady dose of LGBT and Gray next week i think.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Revis didn't get punished when he was late, did he? You gotta wonder if that doesn't play all that well, not that I fear a mutiny or anything.

 
There's a bit of a difference between Revis and Gray. Reiss on the situation
 
No snaps for Gray: One week after earning AFC Player of the Week honors for totaling 201 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the Colts, running back Jonas Gray didn't have a single offensive snap. Part of that was likely due to him oversleeping on Friday and being sent home for being late, per Bill Belichick's longstanding team rule. But this was also a pass-first approach by the Patriots, and the projection all along was that "passing back" Shane Vereen would see the majority of snaps at running back against the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense. Our unofficial count of snaps, including penalties, looked like this: Vereen (62), LeGarette Blount (17), Brandon Bolden (2) and Gray (0).

 

[soxhop411]

“@Trags: Gray said it was "unfortunate" he couldn't contribute”

 

[Reverend]

There's a bit of a difference between Revis and Gray. Reiss on the situation
 
No snaps for Gray: One week after earning AFC Player of the Week honors for totaling 201 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the Colts, running back Jonas Gray didn't have a single offensive snap. Part of that was likely due to him oversleeping on Friday and being sent home for being late, per Bill Belichick's longstanding team rule. But this was also a pass-first approach by the Patriots, and the projection all along was that "passing back" Shane Vereen would see the majority of snaps at running back against the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense. Our unofficial count of snaps, including penalties, looked like this: Vereen (62), LeGarette Blount (17), Brandon Bolden (2) and Gray (0).

Yep--I think they rushed for 5 yards total in the first half.

 

[Dogman]

 
There's a bit of a difference between Revis and Gray. Reiss on the situation
 
No snaps for Gray: One week after earning AFC Player of the Week honors for totaling 201 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the Colts, running back Jonas Gray didn't have a single offensive snap. Part of that was likely due to him oversleeping on Friday and being sent home for being late, per Bill Belichick's longstanding team rule. But this was also a pass-first approach by the Patriots, and the projection all along was that "passing back" Shane Vereen would see the majority of snaps at running back against the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense. Our unofficial count of snaps, including penalties, looked like this: Vereen (62), LeGarette Blount (17), Brandon Bolden (2) and Gray (0).

 
I think part of it was Gray's now deleted tweet about "people turning their back on him".  He received the same punishment as Revis for the same mistake and then doubled down. I'm fine with him not getting a single snap.

 

[Import78]

Heaping helping of humble pie, but not a bad thing given the game plan and the fact that he carried the ball so much last week.  Probably good to give him a week off so he can stay fresher, longer.

 

[Leather]

 
I think part of it was Gray's now deleted tweet about "people turning their back on him".  He received the same punishment as Revis for the same mistake and then doubled down. I'm fine with him not getting a single snap.

I think that was directed at his twitter followers and fans giving him crap for being late, not at the team.

 

[bibajesus]

That was my take as well

 

[Dogman]

I think that was directed at his twitter followers and fans giving him crap for being late, not at the team.

 
 
Fair enough.  

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

I actually think it's arguable that it was short-sighted of Belichick to serve up the DNPCD for Gray. I mean, the leadership in the locker room, and from BB himself, is enough to mitigate it, but doesn't benching him for the entire game keep it as a story, as opposed to nipping it in the bud? You throw Gray out there for two, three, five carries and it's still a punishment but it just sort of goes away. I guess it'll go away anyway, this is a team/coach that left the story of an alleged murderer in the dust, but it still seems a bit unfortunate.

Edit: fucking iPad. (By which I don't mean I made errors because I was fucking my iPad.)

 

[axx]

That's fair but the gameplan was mainly to pass. Blount had 12 carries but 8 of those were at the end of the game when they were mainly trying to run out the clock. Could pass it off as simply Blount needing the reps more.

 

[Van Everyman]

Jackie McMullen as always nails it:

http://m.espn.go.com/general/story?storyId=11927914&city=boston&src=desktop

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- There was considerable discussion about what New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray would do for an encore after rushing for 201 yards, being named AFC player of the week and landing on the cover of a national sports magazine.

The debate centered on whether his performance was an anomaly or the start of a productive, electric Patriots career.

Here's what he did on Sunday: nothing.

Nothing at all. Gray stood on the sideline with his helmet strap carefully tucked around his chin without getting onto the field for a single snap while his team completely dismantled the Detroit Lions 34-9.

You don't need to be a Rhodes Scholar or an analytics genius to discern that Gray's tardy arrival at practice Friday played a major role in his disappearing act.

It's one thing to be an All-Pro cornerback who shows up late to the facility, as Darrelle Revis did earlier this season -- and still started the following game. It's quite another to be a rescue from the practice squad who was given the opportunity of a lifetime, then botched it within days by breaking one of the rules that's guaranteed to trigger the wrath of Bill Belichick.

"We do what we think is best," Belichick said when asked why Gray didn't play. "That's what we did today."

...

In fact, team and league sources confirmed, Belichick let his team know following the victory over Detroit that he would not tolerate any tardy players on his team. Although he did not single out Gray by name, sources said, the young running back -- and the rest of his teammates -- got the message.

...

Since Revis knows a little something about how Gray feels, he offered his support following the win.

"It was kind of heartbreaking in a way," Revis conceded. "I talked with him, but he knows he has to abide by the rules."

Gray likely will have another opportunity before the season is over, perhaps as soon as next week in Green Bay. But now he will be sharing snaps with Blount, who is highly motivated to prove he's part of the solution, not part of the problem.

the solution, not part of the pr

 

[Harry Hooper]

It's worth noting Gray was late for a Friday practice. Revis was late for a practice earlier in the week. 

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

One of the only things, aside from Brady's red zone pick, that bummed me out during this game.

I'm just a sap, I guess, but it's just such a huge turnaround/bummer for a kid who seems entirely nice, humble, the epitome of "buying in," who just screwed up with a white hot spotlight on him. Hope he learns from it and gets more chances soon. Frankly, grand scheme-wise, it's really not much more than a blip.

 

[JohnnyK]

I think at least part of the reason for the DNP was that the Pats really did not need him gameplan- and especially scorewise. Had the game been close and the coaches felt he could help them win, they would have sent him out there

 

[crystalline]

I think at least part of the reason for the DNP was that the Pats really did not need him gameplan- and especially scorewise. Had the game been close and the coaches felt he could help them win, they would have sent him out there

Yes though his skillset is now redundant to LGBT. So the team only really needs Gray in games where there is a lot of power running, to take some reps to keep Blount fresh. And even then the team can live with only one power running back as we saw last week. Having depth at RB is quite nice but it keeps Gray from forcing his way onto the field.

Personally I was hoping he'd get a few second half carries after being benched early in the game. If he keeps a positive attitude this can be a good learning experience.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

My biggest issue with how it was handled is that now it's an extension of the story in a way that it wouldn't be if he had gotten a small handful of carries. Whatever, BB never let's anything actually BE a story so it's probably fine.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

My biggest issue with how it was handled is that now it's an extension of the story in a way that it wouldn't be if he had gotten a small handful of carries. Whatever, BB never let's anything actually BE a story so it's probably fine.

I'm a bit surprised that he dressed for the game yet did not get even a couple of snaps. That said, he did dress for the game, even though a case could have been made for a James White (as Vereen insurance). I think this story is over, provided Gray doesn't do anything to drag it out.

 

[IdiotKicker]

My biggest issue with how it was handled is that now it's an extension of the story in a way that it wouldn't be if he had gotten a small handful of carries. Whatever, BB never let's anything actually BE a story so it's probably fine.

 
Agree with your second sentence.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

This is one of those situations where Belichick tests the resolve of a young guy by tearing him down only to build him back up stronger later in the season. It also doesn't hurt to keep him fresh, especially by avoiding that Detroit front 7.

 

[Stitch01]

Its also not a bad time to get a message across given they've just destroyed four teams in a row including two of their main competitors.

 

[8slim]

Something tells me that had Blount still been on the Steelers that Gray gets some carries this week.
 
BB had the luxury of sending a message not just to Gray, but to the entire team.  So he took advantage.
 
Gray will bounce back.  Wouldn't shock me if he got the first carry in Lambeau on Sunday.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

Something tells me that had Blount still been on the Steelers that Gray gets some carries this week.
 
BB had the luxury of sending a message not just to Gray, but to the entire team.  So he took advantage.
 
Gray will bounce back.  Wouldn't shock me if he got the first carry in Lambeau on Sunday.

He better hold that ball pretty tight.

 

[dbn]

“@DougKyedNESN: Belichick on Gray: We do what we think is best.”

 
Another example of why we love BB. I'd be very interested to know his exact reasons for not playing Gray, and at the same time so very glad that he won't let anyone outside of the team know.

 

[C4CRVT]

There are a handful of new guys who might be tempted to lose some discipline or focus after all of these great wins. Gray just gave BB some great fodder to help keep all of the noobs in line.

 

[simplyeric]

I bet Gray is showing up early and practicing damned hard this week.
 
I wonder if he talked to Gray about it, immediately before or after.  Did he call Gray in and say "You fucked up; I'm benching you for the entire game."  Or "listen, you screwed up, and I'm making an example of you".  Or did an assistant coach tell him that he's not starting the game, but he needs to be on the sideline helmet on all game?
Or do they just do what they do and not talk to him?
 
I imagine it's different from case to case.  

 

[Granite Sox]

Gray reportedly went to Gillette to personally apologize to Coach Bill.  I'm guessing that conversation was pretty brief, and my hunch is that Ivan Fears has been chewing his ass pretty good over the past week (Fears' reputation is very "hands on" and vocal).

 

[Tony C]

The only surprise to me is that they suited him up for the game but didn't play him. If you're not going to play him, why waste the roster spot? My guess is the plan was to play him a few snaps after an early game benching, but between benching him for the first quarter or half, the pass heavy game plan, and Blount rolling he just ended up not getting in.

 

[bakahump]

Also its one thing to send a message....but if Blount got hurt you dont want to cut off your Gray to spite your face should you need a big back.
 
Plus I would think it sends more of a message.. "yeah....your dressed...and I am not playing you because I DONT WANT TO".   I know deactivating him could be the same arguement....but being "that much closer" (dressed as opposed to not dressed) and STILL not playing implies even more "power" (i guess is the right word.)  by BB.
 
Dressing him accomplishes both.

 

[Stitch01]

Only healthy scratches were Devey, Dobson, Butler, and White.  Guess they could have dressed Butler, but I think the thesis that he was going to sit early and then Blount ran well and the game plan called for more passing anyways is right.  They really don't seem to want to play Bolden on offense much any more.

 

[axx]

He lives! OK, one carry, but that's more than last week. Sure looks like Blount is going to get the most carries for the time being though.

 

[ifmanis5]

No way Bolden or Vereen should be seeing more carries than this guy until he's proven a fraud or a one hit wonder. Proving a point is one thing but playing your best players is another.

 

[Stitch01]

Bolden was real curious, although he had a nice TD run. Vereen in some ways plays a different position.

 

[lars10]

No way Bolden or Vereen should be seeing more carries than this guy until he's proven a fraud or a one hit wonder. Proving a point is one thing but playing your best players is another.

Especially when he has one run for 9 yards?  Seems like BB is being overly harsh on this kid...but maybe he's having trouble picking up blocking schemes?  Maybe he thinks he can count on Blount more in this regard?  Hopefully he's ready to go and hungry when called upon next.