THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 1997 TAG: 9701210407
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 39 lines
Coates
1996 league rank: 7th overall (1,468 yards rushing, 3,901
passing, 335.6 per game)
Offensive philosophy: Old school, just what you'd expect from
Bill Parcells, who was so happy with Curtis Martin running the ball
and Drew Bledsoe throwing to to tight end Ben Coates that he wanted
to draft for defense in the first round last year. Owner Bob Kraft
had him take Terry Glenn, who became the league's finest rookie WR.
What makes it work: Martin, who is among the rising stars in the
league after gaining 1,152 yards on the ground during the regular
season. There's also a line that didn't have a single player miss a
start this season. Bledoe-to-Coates keeps drives alive and the
signing of RB/H-back Keith Byars gives Parcells to have it both
ways, play two tight ends without compromising his passing game.
When they became good: Gradually. Bledsoe returned closer to his
form of two years ago. Then there was the free-agent signing of
Shawn Jefferson (50 catches, team-best 15.4-yard average), the
drafting of Glenn (team-high 90 catches) and the clutch receiving of
Coates (62 receptions, 9 TDs).
Red-zone success: Patriots drove inside the opponents' 20 63
times during the regular season. They scored 35 touchdowns and 20
field goals, a 55.6% TD ratio.
Achilles heel: Bledsoe was sacked nearly twice a game and was
responsible for 18 turnovers (15 interceptions, 3 lost fumbles).
Otherwise, this is a polished group capable of big numbers.
They're in trouble if: Coates and Byars don't have big days
catching the football. New England must try to exploit Green Bay's
linebackers, second-year pro Brian Williams and fill-in Ron Cox.