There are a number of things that pop out when watching the New England Patriots. It is clear who their leader is on offense. Tom Brady is the answer that many of the players give when asked about why they are able to win at the slot position. They point to his accuracy, the way that he demands them to run routes and most importantly, the timing. The Patriots are able to beat opposing defenses with smaller shifty receivers. They also have the ability to use brute force with tight end Rob Gronkowski lining up at the slot position.
Julian Edelman is the classic story of how a guy was able to settle into a spot after doing whatever it takes to secure a roster spot. He played numerous positions when he first got to New England. He has played everything from special teams to cornerback to wide receiver. Versatility has always been something of relevance to Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick. Edelman has bought into the idea. “Anytime the coach asks you to do anything around here you’re going to jump on it. That’s ultimately how I made this team and I take pride in going out there and trying to contribute in any kind of way I can. Coach has coached for 40 years in the NFL, so whatever he says he probably knows.”
Edelman’s previous experience as a college quarterback has helped him to be on the same page as Brady. He said that is essential to being successful in the slot. “Usually if you wind up in the slot you have to be on the same page as the quarterback. You have to be able to adjust and adapt quickly and be able to be familiar with coverage. We have a bunch of guys who can come in here and do that. Danny (Amendola) does a great job of doing that. JoJo (Brandon LaFell) comes in and he does the same thing.” Edelman said.
The underdog mentality and chip on the shoulder is something that helps smaller receivers such as Edelman and Amendola do so much damage from the slot. They both have the tough mindset that is needed to make plays in the middle of the field, an area where a linebacker is typically waiting for the opportunity to land a kill shot. They have to take on bigger guys in the blocking game as well. It’s all about the mindset.
Amendola is another example of the underdog that beat the odds. His mentality is perfect for the slot position and his quickness makes him able to win there also. He talked about the formula for being a successful slot receiver. “You have to be dip in and out of linebackers easily. It’s usually easier if you’re quicker guy with the ability to read the spaces and coverages on the run.” Amendola continued; “You have to deal with some bigger guys and you can’t be afraid of getting hit. Getting in and out of breaks allows quick receivers to beat corners like Richard Sherman.”
Defenses are so focused on stopping Amendola when he works the underneath routes. Playing the slot position requires precise routes and Amendola has become a master at converting routes according to the coverage that he sees. He may not have the big time yards per catch numbers but he is a major key to the Patriots ability to keep the chains moving. Brady throws to spots and trusts that his receiver will get to that spot when he throws it.
Brady said that the Patriots offense does a variety of things. He said that there is a lot of timing involved in what they do. The great players have the uncanny ability to simplify the game. Brady showed why he falls into that category when he explained the game that is played on the inside. “It comes down to one on one match ups. You have to win the match ups. Football is a game of match ups.” Brady said; “I have had a lot of great players at the slot position over the years. They do such a great job with their quickness and awareness. Those guys make it easier for me.”
Just when the opposing defenses adjust to covering the smaller slot guys, the Patriots unleash their power forward version of a slot receiver in Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski is the home run hitter from the slot position. Amendola and Edelman give opposing defenses “death by a thousand paper cuts” but the phrase “One hitter, quitter” is the best way to describe the way Gronkowski wins in the slot.
Gronkowski is a player that loves physical contact and that’s why he is perfect for the slot. Defenders simply have not found a way to stop him. Some attempt to fight his size with a linebacker while others attempt to use a safety to cover him down the field because he can run by most linebackers. Gronkowski said that he focuses on using technique along with his size. His body allows him to create space and separation.
“You have to use technique. You can’t slack; I use my body against a smaller, faster defender than myself.” Gronkowski said; “I can use my body in a way where I can get open and catch the ball. You have to be ready, focused and prepared. You have to be physically and mentally ready.”
The combination of Gronkowski and Brady has been one of the most potent ones in the NFL over the years. They help each other. Gronk has such a big frame and is able to use it when running the seam routes from the slot position. The Patriots like to throw it to him because his body naturally creates a window for Brady to drop the ball into. Often times, the defender tries to climb him and ends up being called for pass interference.
Gronkowski noted that Brady helps him as well. “Tom gives us tips how to get open. He sees it all the time out there on the field.” It’s a simple explanation but it makes sense. The Patriots are a lethal team on offense and it starts with Tom Brady as the trigger man. Amendola and Edelman nickel and dime defenses with the underneath routes until Gronkowski drops the hammer with a big gain. They will without a doubt be in attack mode on Super Bowl Sunday.
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