For the past week or so, the stories coming out of New England Patriots camp have felt more like a horror film to the ears of their fans. Concerns over the new emphasis on offense and reports of struggles on that side of the football have many wondering if the 2022 version of New England’s offense is going to be, well, offensive.
However, perhaps there are some signs of life from the Patriots offense, thanks to a touchdown drive in the first quarter against the New York Giants on Thursday night.
The two big plays came via the passing game. The first was this deep connection between Brian Hoyer and wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson on a go route along the right sideline:
Brian Hoyer is out here dropping dimes. 🎯@bhoyer7 | @Patriots
📺: #NYGvsNE on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/E0QNI4OSYN pic.twitter.com/9TQ8IpJzns— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2022
Wilkerson’s route is the “go” in a “go/flat” design, termed Ohio in some offensive systems. Hoyer reads man coverage and, perhaps liking the matchup with the speedy Wilkerson, drops in a perfect throw to get New England deep into Giants’ territory.
They capped off the drive with this touchdown from Hoyer to rookie Tyquan Thornton:
Touchdown, Tyquan Thornton! The rookie WR from Baylor gets the @Patriots on the board.@Humble_Ty19 | #ForeverNE
📺: #NYGvsNE on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/E0QNI4OSYN pic.twitter.com/UaiM7qQcxE— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2022
Thornton is actually on the backside of this concept. The Patriots run their Tosser concept to the left side, which is a pair of slant routes, and that is where Hoyer’s eyes focus after the snap. But the combination of pressure from the left side as well as an underneath defender jumping the inside slant route forces Hoyer to pull the football down and flush to his right.
On that side, Thorton is running a corner route while the tight end releases to the flat, setting up a Smash concept. The cornerback is initially in good position against Thorton, but he breaks late towards the boundary, and Hoyer hits the rookie for six.
Patriots fans are hoping that Thorton’s speed and route-running will help New England produce in the passing game, particularly when attacking downfield.
For one drive, at least, the Patriots offense seemed to click. Of course, it is one drive, in the first preseason game, with and against players who might not be starters come Week 1. But after the past few days of reports from Foxborough, Patriots fans will gladly take the touchdown.
