New England Patriots

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 87 Offense: 89 Defense: 91 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: Hybrid Strengths: QB, TE, WR, LB, FS Weaknesses: CB, DT, LG, HB 2014 Team Rankings 1st AFC East (12-4-0) Passing Offense: 9th Rushing Offense: 18th Passing Defense: 17th Rushing Defense: 9th 2014 team leaders Passing: Tom Brady: 4,109 Rushing: Jonas Gray: 412 Receiving: Rob Gronkowski: 1,124 Tackles: Jamie Collins: 116 Sacks: Rob Ninkovich: 8 Ints: Devin McCourty: 2 Key Additions HB Travaris Cadet TE Scott Chandler DT Alan Branch Key Rookies DT Malcom Brown SS Jordan Richards DE Geneo Grissom Owner: Robert Kraft Legacy Score: 11,700 Coach: Griffin Murphy Level: 1 Legacy Score: 0 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: Hybrid

Offensive Scouting Report

• The Patriots will be in the hunt for a Super Bowl every year that Tom Brady is the starting QB. Start looking to Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be the heir apparent once Brady decides to hang them up and head to Canton.
• The Patriots have what seems like a patchwork backfield, but all the players are there for a specific reason. Know how to get the most from them. Use Travaris Cadet as a third down back in the passing game while having Blount as your downhill runner. You never know who is going to have the next big game.
• The Patriots’ receiving corps really came on strong during their Super Bowl run. WR Julian Edelman proved he is a special talent, while Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola also contributed. Keep Gronk safe over the middle with conservative catches from time to time, as he is the key to the offense.

Defensive Scouting Report

• DE Chandler Jones is the star of the defensive line, but Rob Ninkovich’s ability to line up anywhere is what really makes this hybrid front possible.
• The Patriots took a few drafts to build their LB corps, and it is now one of the most versatile in football. LOLB Jamie Collins is a athletic force who can play coverage or rush the passer at a high level.
• The Patriots’ secondary was one of the best in football last season, but it is now time for the young talent to step up after the departure of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and Kyle Arrington. The good news is that veteran leader Devin McCourty is still the anchor, and they have promising young talent like Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler.

Schedule

Key Players

• Gronk will be able to run over most defenders in the secondary with an 88 Trucking rating.
• Gronk is an very solid run blocker, so keep developing him there if you plan to pound the rock.

• The combination of speed, zone coverage, and play recognition separates McCourty from almost every other safety in the game.
• Spend any extra XP on boosts to strength and tackling; everything else is already up to par.

• This is back-to-back DT selections in the first round for New England, after Dominique Easley last year.
• Brown is a very balanced player, but don’t expect him to stuff the run — you already have plenty of players to handle that duty.

• Watson should be used on some passing downs as a zone defender or sent off the edge as a speedy blitzer.
• Watson probably won’t develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player, so use his strengths and get what you can.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Singleback Ace Overload — HB Belly Weak

Setup:

• This is a unique formation that could give smaller defenses problems. Otherwise, stick with passing as your main attack and mix in shotgun runs.
• In short yardage, go with the HB Smash from this formation and keep it behind the right guard.

Advanced Setup:

• Playmaker the run to the right.

Running Plays

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BEST PASS: Gun Split Close Pats — Z Spot

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage look to the short curl route sitting underneath. The HB Slip Screen can be solid vs consistent zone coverage teams.
• Against man-to-man coverage you should have two options getting open on their cut to the outside.
• Against the blitz, quickly send the ball out to the HB in the flat.

Advanced Setup:

• Drag or slant the far right WR (optional).

Passing Plays

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Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 4-3 Under — Will 3 Press

Setup:

• If your opponent is running to the right side, try the Sam 3 Press.
• The 4-3 Over also has Will 3 Press, which will protect the left side slightly better if you keep getting attacked there.

Player to Control:

• FS up off the left edge

Run Defense

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BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel 3-3-5 Odd — 3 Sky Wk Show 4

Setup:

• Look to add some extra heat off the edge by timing the snap with the slot CB.
• Get LB Jamie Collins in the game for his speed and zone coverage combo.
• If you think the opposing QB might try to sneak out of the pocket, call a QB contain before the snap.

Player to Control:

• Blitzing CB off the left edge

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ