Home News “Recognizing the Importance of Pass Blocking: Patriots Impressed by Ezekiel Elliott and Bailey Zappe”

“Recognizing the Importance of Pass Blocking: Patriots Impressed by Ezekiel Elliott and Bailey Zappe”

In their quest for talented players, the New England Patriots have their eyes set on more than just the traditional running back stats. They are looking for running backs who can also impress with their pass blocking abilities. One player who has caught their attention is Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys.

Elliott is known for his explosive running capabilities, as evidenced by his impressive rushing statistics. However, the Patriots are equally impressed by his ability to protect the quarterback in pass-blocking situations. They believe that this skill is often overlooked when evaluating running backs’ overall contributions to the team.

Mac Jones, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, recently spoke highly of Elliott’s pass blocking skills. He mentioned that Elliott’s awareness and technique in picking up blitzes and blocking defenders are exceptional. Jones believes that having a running back who can effectively block gives the quarterback more time to make decisions and helps keep him protected in the pocket.

Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ head coach, has always valued intelligent and versatile players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. He believes that having a running back like Elliott, who excels not only in running but also in pass protection, adds another dimension to the offense. Belichick considers pass blocking as an essential aspect of a running back’s repertoire and believes that it often goes unnoticed by mainstream statistics.

Another player who has impressed the Patriots in terms of pass blocking is Bailey Zappe, an undrafted rookie quarterback. Despite being relatively unknown, Zappe showcased great awareness and ability to read the defense during rookie minicamp. He consistently made the right decisions in identifying blitzes and delivering accurate passes under pressure, impressing the coaching staff.

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The Patriots are always on the lookout for hidden gems and players who possess unique skills. The ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback is a skill that often goes unnoticed by casual fans and even some football analysts who solely focus on traditional running back statistics. However, the Patriots understand the significance of this skill set and value players like Elliott and Zappe who can excel in pass protection.

In summary, the Patriots recognize the importance of pass blocking skills in running backs and quarterbacks alike. Players like Ezekiel Elliott and Bailey Zappe have impressed the coaching staff with their ability to read defenses, pick up blitzes, and protect the quarterback. These skills add an extra layer of versatility to the team’s offense and demonstrate the Patriots’ commitment to finding players who can contribute in various ways.