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Patriots Gridiron News: Trey Flowers highlights team’s pass rush woes

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 26: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 26: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots 34-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans highlighted the team’s inconsistency getting to the quarterback.

There has been a common them in the New England Patriots three losses this season.  Fall behind early, the other team establishes a running game that feeds the passing game and mediocre quarterbacks have career games.

If there is any blueprint for beating the Patriots this season, that would be it.  Sure, Tom Brady and the offensive unit has their problems, but the defense has not been able to keep the team in games when that happens.

Exhibit No. 1 and No. 2 were losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions in consecutive weeks.

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Exhibit No. 3 was Sunday’s meltdown in the Music City.  Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans offense was able to do whatever they wanted.  As promising as Trey Flowers and the defensive line was against the Green Bay Packers in getting pressure on Aaron Rodgers, they were just as discouraging against Mariota.

What was the difference other than being on the road verses Gillette Stadium?

They fell behind early, couldn’t stop the run and therefore had to honor the threat of the run, which played right into the Titan’s game plan.  In being asked why the pass rush couldn’t get to Mariota, Flowers touched upon just that.

"“I think it’s just, for one, we didn’t put ourselves in a lot of pass situations,” Flowers said, as transcribed by NESN.  “We couldn’t stop the run, so it was one of those deals that we didn’t make them one-dimensional, so we had to play the run.  We had to have a lot of calls to play the run and respect the run.”"

In all, the Titans were able to rack up 150 yards on the ground and control the game in the trenches.  To get better and be more consistent, Trey Flowers knows his team has to be more physical and just execute the game plan from week to week.

Most importantly, when the opposing team’s offense tries to punch them in the mouth, they can’t fold and be the more physical team.  The New England Patriots may not be the most talented unit, but they have shown glimpses that they can be a solid unit.  They have six weeks to prove it.

Duke Dawson activated

The New England Patriots made a few roster moves Tuesday, including activating 2018 second-round pick Duke Dawson to the active roster from injured reserve.

The talented rookie out of the University of Florida should be a nice addition to the secondary as he will compete for playing time.  Expect the team to also use him on special teams, an area Bill Belichick pointed out needed some improvement.

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To make room for Dawson, the team has released linebacker Nicholas Grigsby and running back Kenjon Barner.  Don’t be surprised if you see either of these players back in some capacity before the end of the season.

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