FOXBOrough, Mass. — Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who is preparing to face the midfielder Mac Jones and New England Patriots‘ attack on Monday night, indicating the unit’s defensive-minded approach stands out.
Joseph commended the Patriots’ talent, noting that the way they played reflects the player’s origins in Matt Patricia as a former defensive coordinator.
“I see an attack that’s doing football well. It’s a very conservative game of passing – lots of screens, all kinds of screens. That’s what a defensive guy would call phases. attack — ‘don’t flip the ball, go four yards a play, and let’s try to burn the clock’,” he said.
“That’s what they’re doing and that’s what he’s going to do on Monday night. He’s going to be patient. Maybe take one shot from time to time. But for the most part, it’s a running game, a quick game and that’s the screen.”
That approach was at the root of Jones’ boiling frustration on the sidelines in last Thursday’s 24-10 loss buffalo bill.
Jones explain later that he is calling for less “quick game” and a deeper throw on the field, adding that his words were not directed at anyone in particular and were intended to spark the team’s spark.
The Patriots have played short of players in attack, which may have contributed to the approach a week after Jones threw his career 382 yards high to lose to the Vikings. But it’s been a struggle for offense during season-long stretches, as the unit ranks last in the NFL in red zone efficiency, 25th in third or less, 25th in number take per pass and 28th in first kill total.
Head Coach Bill Belichick said earlier this week that it’s “too difficult” to make significant changes to offense, adding: “If we can consistently do what we’re doing, I think we’ll be fine.” .”
Joseph said the Cardinals will focus on running again Rhamondre Stevenson on Monday, calling him a “special” player and adding, “he’s definitely guilty.”
Despite the Patriots’ lower ranking in several key categories, Joseph — whose defense is last in the NFL in the red zone and 31st in points allowed — sees potential for behavior. commit their crimes.
“It’s scary when you watch the team because they have a lot of talent around Mac, and Mac is a good, young midfielder. He can process information quickly, the ball gets out of his hand quickly. He She’s very, very smart,” he said.
“So you’re waiting for it to explode, because they have a lot of attacking talent. But it’s been running, the game is fast and there’s more screens. Hopefully they won’t change much on Monday. for us.”
Receiver Jakobi Meyers. That raises questions about his condition for Monday’s game.
ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss contributed to this report.
