The specific E.P. system the Patriots run is "The Air West Spread." This is a hybrid of three systems. One the West Coast Offense perfected by legandary head coach Bill Walsh. Combined with Jack Neumeier's spread, and LaVell Edwards's Air Raid.
Belichick has been able adapted his system to allow for two to four tight ends and I would not doubt that the Patriots have a five tight end set. Bill even allowed adaption once for Randy Moss but it's still the " Air West Spread" and the Patriots are ever adapting it to keep ahead of NFL defenses.
Brady's lack of mobility has hurt Belichick's offense. Bill has tried to adopt more of the air raid, so he can go empty formations and have a running game with his QB is a threat to run the ball. However, Brady is slower than Heinz ketchup. However, as much as the Patriots would like to use more run-pass-options, Bill will not sacrifice accuracy for mobility.
If you look , Bill Has gotten Flutie, Tebow, Garoppolo, Brissett, Etling, and now Stidham; just to name a few. While not on the level of Lamar Jackson, they could be a threat with their legs.
Belichick's offense is one that relies heavily on a yard management scheme that utilizes the backs and tight ends as receiving targets with the same importance as their slot receivers. Utilizing three receivers or pass catchers with the goal to stretch the defense out along the line of scrimmage.
The slot WRs are the stars, not the X. They make the offense move and you want the ball going to them as much as possible. The offense is all about spreading the ball around to whoever gets open and allowing players freedom in adjusting their routes depending on what they read.
The short pass isn't set up the run, it is the run in order to manage or dictate the game. The pass catchers also run routes to different areas of the field to stretch the defenders in all windows on the field. While leaving players open underneath.
The concept on running this offense is creating a mismatch with the defenders, such as a linebacker covering a wide receiver. Running the spread from this system proficiently also requires the quarterback to call/change plays from the line of scrimmage, read defensive coverage without fault and then get rid of the ball quickly.
Bill utilizing the west coast offense ideas, they can then hit the ground and pound run game with their fullbacks and tight ends to close out games once he has the lead, or confuse strong pass defenses with a hard nose rushing attack.
Belichick has combined three of the most power offensive systems into one system. It has allowed him to maintain success over the last twenty years. Was Brady a system quarterback? Yes, and whether you want to simplify it and just call it the Belichick system; The Air West Spread is one of the most adaptive offenses in the modern football era.
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