What goes into a no-huddle offense? For starters, a lot of sweat.
Whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side, when a team is successful in the no-huddle like the Patriots, you can bet that there will be a lot of huffing and puffing.
Take All-Pro offensive lineman Logan Mankins, who is widely considered one of the best in the league. He’s not going to tell you he loves that style of offense, but you can bet he knows it’s a big recipe for success.
“It gets pretty tiring … but they’re getting tired, too, so that’s the main thing,” Mankins said. “It’s nice to do it occasionally when it’s working good. We like it. The D-line, I think they get more tired than we actually do because they have to chase the ball.”
While some defenses elect not to substitute — or can’t in time — when offenses speed things up, some do get off the field. That’s when you may see a fresh defensive lineman get to the quarterback against a winded offensive line.
“Anyone that is 300 pounds and has to run play after play, and doesn’t get a break is going to get tired,” Mankins said.
Formerly a member of the Chiefs, Brian Waters is now a part of that Patriots’ offensive line. Mankins has gotten to know Waters much better this season, and the two help form a formidable front for Tom Brady — hurry-up style or not.
“He’s a pro’s pro,” Mankins said of Waters. “He’s here for one goal and that’s to win football games and play good football. He’s always in there studying, watching film with us. He just wants to help the team.
“He’s very patient, he doesn’t get in bad positions. He knows where to be at the right time and how to get there.”
