Coverage Assignments for Patriots Secondary


Photo courtesy of Nancy Lane

The additions of Brandon Browner & Darrelle Revis has given New England flexibility when making coverage assignments. Next up for our defensive secondary will be Calvin "Megatron" Johnson & Golden Tate.

Jeff Howe took to Twitter to share his strategy for covering these two receivers:



The suggestion from Jeff Howe seems to make the most sense. However, I wouldn't be surprise to see the Patriots secondary mix up their coverage assignments to keep Matthew Stafford guessing. Let's take a look at how creative the Patriots can get with their defensive schemes.


Option 1
- Revis vs. C. Johnson
- Browner vs. Ebron
- Arrington vs. Tate

Coach Bill Belichick may lean on this option for the most part. Revis has had some success covering Johnson and will be up for the challenge again. Browner will line up opposite Eric Ebron, as he looks to shut down the rookie tight end. I really like the matchup between Arrington and Tate. His exceptional play has definitely flown under the radar. During their victory last week against the Colts, Arrington was assigned the speedy T.Y. Hilton. Hilton & Golden Tate, do share some similarities and I like Belichick to play the hot hand.

Option 2
- Revis vs. Tate
- Browner vs. C. Johnson

The Patriots may elect to neutralize the Lions top two targets and let Ebron run free. Browner is one of the few defensive backs that can match the physicality of Calvin Johnson. Revis will have some struggles keeping up with the shifty Golden Tate. However, Belichick may switch it up between zone and man coverage with Revis possibly getting help.


Option 3
- Pick a cover, cover 1, 2, or 3

We may be over analyzing what coverage the Patriots secondary will use against the Lions. Let's not forget that New England has depth in their secondary, a luxury that they have missed for several years. Players like Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan, and Kyle Arrington can all be tasked with covering their respective zones.

In all honesty, I truly think that you will see the Patriots use all three options and really mix it up. As always, whatever Belichick & defensive coordinator Matt Patricia draw up, will keep Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense on their toes.


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