Patriots D Stuffed Kincaid in Week 4, Now Braces for Raiders' TE Duo
The Patriots held one hot tight end in check last week — now two more are lined up for Week 5.
Give the back seven a game ball for this one. Per ESPN, the Patriots' defense took away a red-hot Dalton Kincaid in Week 4. Shutting down a tight end who was rolling isn't luck. That's discipline in coverage, bodies around the football, nobody freelancing. That's the kind of fundamentals stuff that never makes the highlight reel but wins you the game underneath.
Problem is, this league doesn't let you catch your breath. Week 5 brings the Raiders, and per ESPN, New England knows it's about to see a tougher assignment at the position: Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, a legitimate 1-2 punch at tight end. One good cover job is one good cover job. Two deep is a whole different homework assignment for the coverage unit.
Film room
Credit where it's due: neutralizing a hot tight end is a sign this group is playing with structure, not just talent. But one good week doesn't carry over by itself — not against a tight end room that deep. The linebackers and safeties are going to have to go do it again, against better personnel. Nobody gets a medal for last week's film.
