Cutup (Classic) Friday: Brady Patriots Circus - Blade

The Patriots offense of the 2010’s were the gold standard for attacking defenses through the air. Their drop back pass game was incredibly unique, featuring more options routes than a Run and Shoot team.

They also carried some real effective play action concepts. Today we look at one of their Blade variations, paired with a Circus. They called this most often out of 11 personnel, off a Duo play fake.

Blade is a Dagger variation where the #2 receiver runs to the opposite seam. A “Special” route in some West Coast playbooks.

A Circus is a Comeback/Corner route where the receiver reads the leverage of the cornerback. The Patriots featured Julian Edelman on this route. If the defense got help to the Circus, the Special route should open up. The back side of the play creates a hi-low with the Dig and Check Burst.

The video below shows a 3:30 cutup of the Patriots calling this concept over a multi year span (2017-2019).