Halftime Update: What Each Team Needs To Change To Win
It’s halftime of Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.
After a scoreless first quarter Sunday, it seems that both teams are still in the feeling out process of the NFL’s biggest game.
HALFTIME in Atlanta!
Pats up 3-0!
?: #SBLIII on CBS pic.twitter.com/ylzfHuMGSf
— NFL (@NFL) February 4, 2019
With the New England Patriots leading the Los Angeles Rams 3-0, here’s what each team needs to do to in the second half to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.
What the Patriots need to do:
The Patriots have to start cleaning up their play in general. For a team that always prides itself on doing all of the little things correctly, the team’s first three drives ended in an interception in Rams territory, a missed field goal and a punt. That punt was preceded by the first sack the Patriots had given up all postseason.
Tom Brady has to figure out a better chemistry with receiver Chris Hogan. Brady’s first two throws to Hogan ended up in an interception and a very near interception. If the Rams can key in on Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowksi, that puts a lot of pressure on the Patriots running backs to carry the offensive load.
The @RamsNFL‘s defensive front is causing problems ???
?: #SBLIII on CBS pic.twitter.com/XMjZOXGh9Q
— NFL (@NFL) February 4, 2019
This one is far, far, far easier said than done, but the Patriots have to slow down the Rams all-universe defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Whether that’s going to be more double-teams, chip blocks and misdirection plays, the Patriots will have to do something to give Brady a slightly cleaner pocket.
What the Rams have to do:
This might sound obvious, but they have to score some points. For a team whose offense has been so highly touted all season with stars like Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods, there’s really no excuse to look so anemic against a Patriots defense that gave up 31 points in the second half versus the Kansas City Chiefs in their last game.
The Rams need to start going deeper into their bag of tricks. It doesn’t necessarily have to be more hijinks with their punter throwing the ball, but flea-flickers, halfback throws and jet sweeps all need to start being used. The Patriots’ normally maligned defense has looked far too comfortable playing against a rather vanilla offensive game plan.
SIDELINE CAM: @McCourtyTwins with the pass break up. #EverythingWeGot
?: #SBLIII on CBS pic.twitter.com/tGJTO4H97G
— NFL (@NFL) February 4, 2019
The Rams’ offensive line needs to tighten things up. The Patriots have just one truly top-tier pass rusher, Trey Flowers, and New England is still generating pressure against the Rams. When Goff has time, he’s been finding receivers. Under pressure, Goff has looked decidedly subpar, and with Gurley not his usual self, the Rams desperately need their young signal caller to make some plays.
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