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For the Patriots, winning is fundamental

Sporting News, The, Feb 11, 2005 by Brian Baldinger

When I view game film, I notice defenders lying on the ground. They can't make plays on the ground. But if they play with a good base, with their feet beneath them and in good hitting position, they should be able to stay upright until they make a tackle.

In the AFC championship game, Pittsburgh's defenders had trouble staying on their feet. But not one Patriots defender slipped or fell. Not the entire game. That's good fundamental football.

And that's what the Patriots are about. Yes, they display great teamwork and selflessness. Their coaching is outstanding. But if Bill Belichick is a genius, it's not so much about schemes as it is about teaching and demanding strong fundamental play and putting each player in the best possible position to succeed.

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I saw Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson bend his knees, get underneath fullback Dan Kreider's pads and melt him in the hole. I hadn't seen that happen to Kreider all year, but that's what happens with sound technique. The Patriots also made Alan Faneca, whom I consider the best guard in the league, look average. Every time he'd be slightly off balance, Tedy Bruschi or somebody would square up, hit Faneca and knock him down. More good fundamentals. And the way the Patriots' offensive linemen handled stunts, well, you could use that game tape in a clinic. They were flawless, which was why Tom Brady almost never got touched.

Belichick also is great about playing to players' strengths. Linebacker Mike Vrabel, a Pittsburgh discard, can play rush end, outside linebacker and even tight end and fullback, but he isn't strong in pass coverage. So, the Patriots typically don't have him make zone drops or match up on a receiver. That's just smart coaching.

The Eagles are very well-coached. Their roster has as many stars as the Patriots'. And they're fundamentally solid--but not like New England. When Atlanta's Warrick Dunn ran 10 yards for a touchdown in the NFC title game, the Eagles made about every mistake possible, and a hole opened up that your grandmother could have run through. That's just not sound football.

Philadelphia could win this game. Donovan McNabb could outplay Brady, and Andy Reid could develop a game plan that makes Belichick wince. But I'm a firm believer that when you take care of the little things, the big things take care of themselves.

The Patriots are masters of the basics. I have to give them the edge.

Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on FOX Sports. Listen online at radio.sportingnews.com.

For the Patriots, winning is fundamental

Sporting News, The, Feb 11, 2005 by Brian Baldinger

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