Could Krafts follow Pittsburgh’s coaching model?

Pats-Steelers storylines: Could Krafts follow Pittsburgh’s coaching model? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

PITTSBURGH — One team is still in the playoff picture. One is not. But that doesn’t mean that when the Steelers (7-5) take on the Patriots (2-10) there isn’t something on the line for players on both sidelines.

For the Patriots, it’s about pride. And future employment opportunities. Specifically for their offensive players.

Let’s dig into the “why” of that particular topic, which is one of our Storylines to Watch on Thursday night.

Resiliency check for key offensive players

When the Patriots were shut out by the Chargers last weekend, the offensive execution was poor. Bailey Zappe missed open throws. Mike Onwenu, one of the team’s best players on that side of the ball, had one of his worst games of the season. Receivers were guilty of not finishing plays.

But there was bad body language by wideouts who lingered on the turf for an extra beat after incompletions. There were mental errors from Pharaoh Brown, who seemingly missed on multiple blocking assignments. Ezekiel Elliott was bulldozed in pass protection and then whiffed on a fourth-down blitz pickup that led to a sack.

Now, on a short week, it’s fair for the Kraft family — as well as any coaches who will be around for 2024 and beyond — to be watching for things like effort and body language. Who wants to be a part of the solution next season on the offensive side?

It’s a serious challenge. It’s easy to see want-to on a weekly basis from defensive players like Christian Barmore, Jabrill Peppers, Jahlani Tavai and Jonathan Jones. This would be a good time for players across the offense — those who want to be around beyond this year, at least — to prove that they too can raise their level during a lost season.

Patriots decision-makers will be watching. And even if the games don’t mean much right now, opinions may be altered between now and the end of the season that could help shape the next iteration…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/pats-steelers-storylines-could-krafts-180945156.html

Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2023-12-07 18:15:53

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