STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
NFL Team Report - New England Patriots</h2><br>PLAYER NOTES<p></p> RB James White: White can have a big day against the Vikings because he should get matched up against a linebacker. Linebackers have a tough time covering White. Look for the Patriots to throw a lot to White who is having a Pro Bowl season.<p></p> TE Rob Gronkowski: Gronkowski had three catches for 56 yards in his first game back against the Jets. He made a great touchdown catch in the first half and while he might not be the Gronkowksi of old, teams must respect him for his ability to make the big play in the key moment of the game.<p></p> --CB Stephon Gilmore: Gilmore looked great against the New York Jets after a miserable game against the Titans. It was his only blemish this year. Gilmore is one of the best five corners in football. Look for Gilmore to cover Vikings WR Stefon Diggs who has 79 receptions for 790 yards.<p></p> --CB Duke Dawson: If Dawson is active for the first time Sunday, the rookie could see some assignments against Adam Thielen. Surely, Dawson will have help over the top. Jonathan Jones struggled in the slot last week and the Patriots likely hope that Dawson can replace Jones. Nothing, though, like facing the game's hottest receiver potentially in your NFL debut.<p></p> PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: LG Joe Thuney: Thuney has played 100 percent of the offensive snaps this season. Thuney and Trent Brown have given the Patriots a strong left side of the offensive line this year. It was fair to worry about the left side of the offensive line in training camp - given that Brown was moving from the right side to the left side and first-round pick Isaiah Wynn was lost for the season.<p></p> GAME PLAN: Offensively, the Patriots first priority must be to watch where Vikings safety Harrison Smith is located. Head coach Bill Belichick compared Smith's ability to disguise his intent pre-snap to that of Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu. Belichick has called Reed the greatest free safety of all time. Smith could match up against Gronkowski. It would be a big break for the Patriots if Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes does not play. Rhodes (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. The Patriots can also attack the Vikings' second corner Trae Wanes.<p></p> Defensively, the task is easier said than done: limit receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. The Patriots will likely do whatever is necessary to take these two players away. If the Patriots limit Thielen and Diggs they win. The Vikings are unlikely to beat the Patriots with their two running backs Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray. Kyle Rudolph is a good tight end and given the Patriots struggles against Bears tight end Trey Burton earlier this season, Rudolph could have a big day. Safety Patrick Chung must prevent Rudolph from getting a free release. The Vikings also have a weak offensive line so the Patriots should be able to get pressure.<p></p>MATCHUPS TO WATCH<p></p> --Patriots RT Marcus Cannon vs. Vikings DE Danielle Hunter. Hunter has 11.5 sacks this season and is simply one of the best pass rushers in the league. Cannon must limit his athleticism and prevent Hunter from getting a strong burst off the line of scrimmage.<p></p> --Vikings RG Mike Remmers vs. Patriots DE Trey Flowers. Flowers is a better player when he lines up in a three-technique against the guard than a five-technique against the tackle. If the Patriots get a lead, they can put Flowers and Clayborn on the same side and allow him to do some stunts. It was a stunt that led to Flowers' sack against the Jets.
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