The Pats are coming off the disappointing loss to the Colts as they head into a huge stretch of three straight division games. First up, Buffalo. Highlighted by a nineteen-play drive to put the game away in the fourth quarter, a big start to this stretch of games by the Pats. A somewhat misleading 20-10 score, a solid, grind it out, ball control game equaled the sixth win of the Pats season.
The biggest crowd I've seen at Murphy's Pub, including Stef! WooHoo!, this season was treated to a lot of good things from the Pats today. A flashy game? No. But the days of two play drives that cover eighty yards, not going to happen this year. When you control the ball though, good things usually happen. Running game, really liked. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is really coming in to his own as a running back. Find hole - run through hole. Are you watching, Laurence Maroney? I hope you're able to recover from the shoulder injury but pay attention to what Ellis is doing, it's good for your career.
Wes Welker? What else can you say. First guy in NFL history with six or more catches in the first nine games of the season. Is he even better than last year? Yup. Matt Cassel is turning into a solid NFL starting quarterback right in front of our eyes. The early touchdown run was pure instinct, yeah I see the middle of the field so I'm running an unscheduled QB draw for the touchdown. I'm not going to hold his fumble against him, a great all around game.
Defense? Yeah! The best effort of the season in my opinion. Marshawn Lynch? Didn't do very much, D kept him in check all game long. I've ripped on Deltha O'Neal all season, not today. Came up with a pick, covered very well when the outcome was still in doubt, and I thought Buffalo's James Hardy pushed off on the garbage time touchdown. And even that was after an eighty yard plus kickoff return where Gostkowski saved a touchdown by slowing the returner down just enough so Jonathan Wilhite could catch him.
Great to see the Pats pressure pay off with a couple of sacks too. Ty Warren in particular was a beast on the D Line. Seymour had one of his better games of the season as well. The only concern, Jabar Gaffney had a bit of Maroneyitis, a.k.a as not lowering his shoulders for the extra yards. Solid, 6-3, first place tie, and not to go ESPN on you, but Thursday night is a huge game vs the Jets. Win that and the Pats will be a game up on the Jets with the tie-breaker, and at least one game over Buffalo, with the tie-breaker. After the Jets comes a trip to Miami, but first things first.
Finally, I can't say this enough, but if you're a Pats fan in the area, get out to Murphy's Pub. The mojo was definitely back today. And are we starting to see Belichick work his magic again with a patchwork secondary? Let's find out. Go Pats!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Week Nine - Even the best have crappy days sometimes
Let's be up front about this: As great has Bill Belichick has been as the Patriots' head coach, last night was not one of his moments of glory by any means. There were quite a few puzzling decisions that were just as puzzling right after they were made as they were post-mortem. Even if the Colts' spare DB didn't get off the field in time, was five yards really worth throwing a challenge flag? 1st and 10 isn't much different from 1st and 5 or whatever it would have been. Calling the time out just in time to nullify a successful QB sneak by Cassel? Maybe it's karma coming around from past time outs helping the Pats, but it sure looked like the hurry up and run the sneak would have worked before the ball was even snapped.
The worst decision, however, was chasing the points by going for two when the Pats went up 12-7 in the third quarter. Sorry, but that was way too early to chase the points, even if you think you needed them because Peyton Manning can and will rip apart your depleted secondary. Still, that didn't make sense to me. I like our coach, but he screwed up a lot last night against a weakened and certainly beatable Colts team that has now been let back into the playoff picture.
There were a lot of positive things too. Cassel gets better each week I've seen, I admit I missed the Rams game since I was watching friends run in the Marine Corps Marathon. He was solid throughout, I won't blame him for the pick, it was 4th and 16 due to a bad penalty by David Thomas. He tried to make a near miracle play, it just didn't work. The run defense was excellent. I found myself wanting to jump out of my chair every time the Colts set up for a run. Yeah! They can't do much! Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk did a good job running the ball. And if they're going to lose, at least it was a fast moving game, ~ 2 hr 40 min, so I could go to bed at a normal hour.
Going forward, two huge games vs the Bills and Jets. Win both, the Pats are probably AFC East Champs again. Cassel's turning into a pretty good QB, but Moss needs to get the ball more often. Trent Edwards and Broadway Brett Favre won't be able to take advantage of the Pats' secondary like Manning did either. I'm optimistic now that the frustration of last night has worn off.
The worst decision, however, was chasing the points by going for two when the Pats went up 12-7 in the third quarter. Sorry, but that was way too early to chase the points, even if you think you needed them because Peyton Manning can and will rip apart your depleted secondary. Still, that didn't make sense to me. I like our coach, but he screwed up a lot last night against a weakened and certainly beatable Colts team that has now been let back into the playoff picture.
There were a lot of positive things too. Cassel gets better each week I've seen, I admit I missed the Rams game since I was watching friends run in the Marine Corps Marathon. He was solid throughout, I won't blame him for the pick, it was 4th and 16 due to a bad penalty by David Thomas. He tried to make a near miracle play, it just didn't work. The run defense was excellent. I found myself wanting to jump out of my chair every time the Colts set up for a run. Yeah! They can't do much! Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk did a good job running the ball. And if they're going to lose, at least it was a fast moving game, ~ 2 hr 40 min, so I could go to bed at a normal hour.
Going forward, two huge games vs the Bills and Jets. Win both, the Pats are probably AFC East Champs again. Cassel's turning into a pretty good QB, but Moss needs to get the ball more often. Trent Edwards and Broadway Brett Favre won't be able to take advantage of the Pats' secondary like Manning did either. I'm optimistic now that the frustration of last night has worn off.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thank You, Rodney Harrison
I'm posting this later than I intended, but wish I wasn't posting this at all. As all Pats fans know by now, Rodney Harrison tore a quadriceps muscle last Monday night in the win over Denver. He is out for the season, and I hate to say it, probably for his career. I really hope I'm wrong about that, but if I'm not I want to say this:
Thank You. For being the ultimate badass for six great years with the Pats, with one bad mistake that led to a suspension. The Wikipedia summary of his Patriots career is really good so I'll use it. You wanted someone to give an opposing receiver a good pop, Rodney was your man. Later in his career, to play half safety, half linebacker, Rodney was your man. Big plays, leadership, fire? That's Rodney. His team play, dedication, and ferocious hitting will always be remembered fondly by us who follow the Pats.
Post your favorite memories of Rodney Harrison's time with the Pats. Hopefully there will be more memories. But if not, you've had a hell of a run, 37.
Thank You. For being the ultimate badass for six great years with the Pats, with one bad mistake that led to a suspension. The Wikipedia summary of his Patriots career is really good so I'll use it. You wanted someone to give an opposing receiver a good pop, Rodney was your man. Later in his career, to play half safety, half linebacker, Rodney was your man. Big plays, leadership, fire? That's Rodney. His team play, dedication, and ferocious hitting will always be remembered fondly by us who follow the Pats.
Post your favorite memories of Rodney Harrison's time with the Pats. Hopefully there will be more memories. But if not, you've had a hell of a run, 37.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Awesome First Half!
Not just Sammy Morris, contributions from all sorts of folks. Mike Wright, Pierre Woods, LeKevin Smith, all the underheralded guys getting in on the act. 20-0 at the half. The only concern, 5 sacks of Cassel. But the fifth was one of those deals where you're in the shotgun, big lead, good field position, if you can get a 25 yard gain and get into FG range, awesome, if not, eating the ball isn't a bad thing.
Pats get the ball to start the second half. I will never count a Mike Shanahan team out. I am, however, shutting down the blog for the night so I can get some rest.
Pats get the ball to start the second half. I will never count a Mike Shanahan team out. I am, however, shutting down the blog for the night so I can get some rest.
Kornheiser actually makes a good point
I haven't liked his work since that first game in New Orleans after Katrina. But Kornheiser actually made a good point about all these sacks the Pats have given up. 22 already this year, Brady was sacked 21 times all of last year. Kornheiser says it's a big part of the ripple effect. I agree to a point. Brady would have gotten rid of the ball on a few of the sacks, sure. But I don't remember the pocket collapsing this quick, this often, all of last year either. I also don't remember as many missed blitz pickups by running backs either. It's not all Cassel folks, the overall blocking was a lot better last year.
Denver might as well be down to one RB
Andre Hall fumbles again! Pats recover and get an opposing personal foul to start at Denver's 23. The Broncos are running the ball very well otherwise so I'm a bit concerned about that. Champ Bailey cuts off a quite-well-thrown ball to Gaffney, FG makes it 6-0.
Speaking of RBs, Maroney's on injured reserve with his shoulder injury. Done. For. Season. I may have to take back the crack on him for dancing out of bounds two weeks ago, even though I was very irritated at the time.
Speaking of RBs, Maroney's on injured reserve with his shoulder injury. Done. For. Season. I may have to take back the crack on him for dancing out of bounds two weeks ago, even though I was very irritated at the time.
Early Pats-Broncos blogging
Both teams are really hurting for running back depth! Pats have no Maroney and Jordan, their opponents only have 2 RBs on the roster, one of who was kind enough to fumble us the ball on th first drive. Thanks!
30 plus yard swing out pass to Ben Watson! That's the Ben Watson we like to see. Okay, it was only 29 yards. 3-0 Pats, another field goal by Gostkowski. Sack that Forced the Pats into 3rd and long was a line breakdown, not on Cassel at all. Yates and LeVoir will fix that as they play together more, Heath Evans didn't pick up his guy either.
Incase I actually got readers from the Murphy's Patriots II site link, I'm blogging a bit differently tonight since I'm trying to keep a cold from settling in and getting worse, and sadly may not be able to watch the whole game as a result. I'll suck it up as best as I can. It may be a quicker than usual game since Jay Cutler smashed up his finger on the first play and may be very limted throwing as a result. Transation: more running and faster game.
30 plus yard swing out pass to Ben Watson! That's the Ben Watson we like to see. Okay, it was only 29 yards. 3-0 Pats, another field goal by Gostkowski. Sack that Forced the Pats into 3rd and long was a line breakdown, not on Cassel at all. Yates and LeVoir will fix that as they play together more, Heath Evans didn't pick up his guy either.
Incase I actually got readers from the Murphy's Patriots II site link, I'm blogging a bit differently tonight since I'm trying to keep a cold from settling in and getting worse, and sadly may not be able to watch the whole game as a result. I'll suck it up as best as I can. It may be a quicker than usual game since Jay Cutler smashed up his finger on the first play and may be very limted throwing as a result. Transation: more running and faster game.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
At least the Chargers couldn't score the FU touchdown
I wasn't expecting a Pats win tonight, but that was very damn ugly. First quarter, Deltha O'Neal gets burnt like popcorn after someone hits 21:00 instead of 2:10 in the microwave but doesn't realize it. Twice. Or was it three times? Three players go out with injuries (Jarvis Green, Ellis Hobbs, Nick Kaczur). Meriweather leaves in the second quarter. Rest of game, it got worse. Bad throws, drops, Cassel has a nice drive to start the second half but gets no points after a first and goal at the two. Deltha O'Neal gets burned again. Does anyone have Ty Law's phone number?
Cassel makes more bad passes as the game goes on. Defense continues to struggle. Deltha O'Neal screws up again. Defense still can't get a sack. Quentin Jammer did do a nice job shutting down Moss, I'll give him that. On the field, the only available solace was that the Chargers never got to really take the opportunity for the Bill Simmons made famous FU Touchdown. You know, the one with :45 left to make it 37-10. In all fairness, had the Chargers tried to do that in the 4th, I can't say I blame them.
I'm just glad it's over, and hope Green can come back soon. The MVP of the game is the new right tackle, Mark LeVoir. Fumble recovery, solid blocking, a huge improvement over the Ontario Oxycontin Turnstile, I mean Kaczur. Warren played a solid game as well, and Morris and Faulk had some good runs. But this was not a good night, at least it was a fairly quick game. Next up, the Broncos on Monday Night Football (remember when MNF was actually good?). It can't get much worse for the Pats than tonight. Talk to you next week.
But before I do, one fantastic thing tonight: the appetizer spread Murphy's Pub gave to us Pats fans, I cannot thank them enough for this. I had to mention that.
Cassel makes more bad passes as the game goes on. Defense continues to struggle. Deltha O'Neal screws up again. Defense still can't get a sack. Quentin Jammer did do a nice job shutting down Moss, I'll give him that. On the field, the only available solace was that the Chargers never got to really take the opportunity for the Bill Simmons made famous FU Touchdown. You know, the one with :45 left to make it 37-10. In all fairness, had the Chargers tried to do that in the 4th, I can't say I blame them.
I'm just glad it's over, and hope Green can come back soon. The MVP of the game is the new right tackle, Mark LeVoir. Fumble recovery, solid blocking, a huge improvement over the Ontario Oxycontin Turnstile, I mean Kaczur. Warren played a solid game as well, and Morris and Faulk had some good runs. But this was not a good night, at least it was a fairly quick game. Next up, the Broncos on Monday Night Football (remember when MNF was actually good?). It can't get much worse for the Pats than tonight. Talk to you next week.
But before I do, one fantastic thing tonight: the appetizer spread Murphy's Pub gave to us Pats fans, I cannot thank them enough for this. I had to mention that.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I Left Laurence Maroney In San Francisco
Well, not really. But I wasn't the only one who wanted him chained to the very end of the bench after dancing out of bounds instead of lowering his shoulder to get the extra yard on the first drive of the second half. Stop freaking dancing around the holes the line opens up for you and run through them, for bleep's sake! Hip Shakin Santa is cool for about 39 seconds at Christmas time, Hip Shakin, Dancing or whatever Maroney is not cool at all. Dude, use the gifts you have or I will start calling for Kyle Eckel to be activated. At least he'll run hard all the time, I'm not sure that you do.
But I'm not going to complain anymore, since the Pats won their first game ever in San Francisco today, 30-21. A solid all-around effort with some issues, but a solid win against an occasionally decent team on the road, I'll take it. After a shaky start, the Pats controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes and were never in any real danger of losing. 3-1! 1/2 game out of first place!
What I liked: Matt Casell. Bounced back big time from a couple early picks and a fumbled snap. The very next play after he recovered that fumbled snap, he stayed calm, didn't let the rush get to him, boom! 66 yard bomb to Moss, who had totally burned the 2 DBs that tried to cover him. That may go down as a landmark play this season that really got Cassell in gear with the offense. The INT on the first series, he was hit as he threw the ball, causing the trajectory to go to SF's Takeo Spikes instead of the Pats target down field. But coming right back with the long play to Moss was a huge bounce back in so many ways. And the jumping up in the air to mimic a high snap on the direct snap to Kevin Faulk (2 rushing TDs for the first time in his career) was pure football brilliance.
Also liked Faulk's 2 record touchdowns, Moss was a real part of the offense again, Brandon Meriweather was solid through. Adalius Thomas was big time in the second half too. But today may have been Matt Cassel's coming out party, sort of speak. He was sacked five times, but I don't recall him making a reckless throw to avoid a sack. He seemed to know when to just take the sack and move one. Stephen Gostkowski is establishing himself as a Pro Bowl caliber kicker too. Clutch field goals and great kickoffs again. Props to the Pats braintrust for drafting him when they did.
Needs Improvement: O-Line. I don't know if they miss Stephen Neal more than anyone realizes, but the Niners were able to put far more pressure on Cassel than they should have been able to. I would have liked to have seen the pass rush finish the job more often when pressuring SF, but you can't have everything. After all, they did force a lot of throwaways. And with Maroney's performance he should be left in San Francisco for a week on the bench.
But the important part is the win. Go Pats!
But I'm not going to complain anymore, since the Pats won their first game ever in San Francisco today, 30-21. A solid all-around effort with some issues, but a solid win against an occasionally decent team on the road, I'll take it. After a shaky start, the Pats controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes and were never in any real danger of losing. 3-1! 1/2 game out of first place!
What I liked: Matt Casell. Bounced back big time from a couple early picks and a fumbled snap. The very next play after he recovered that fumbled snap, he stayed calm, didn't let the rush get to him, boom! 66 yard bomb to Moss, who had totally burned the 2 DBs that tried to cover him. That may go down as a landmark play this season that really got Cassell in gear with the offense. The INT on the first series, he was hit as he threw the ball, causing the trajectory to go to SF's Takeo Spikes instead of the Pats target down field. But coming right back with the long play to Moss was a huge bounce back in so many ways. And the jumping up in the air to mimic a high snap on the direct snap to Kevin Faulk (2 rushing TDs for the first time in his career) was pure football brilliance.
Also liked Faulk's 2 record touchdowns, Moss was a real part of the offense again, Brandon Meriweather was solid through. Adalius Thomas was big time in the second half too. But today may have been Matt Cassel's coming out party, sort of speak. He was sacked five times, but I don't recall him making a reckless throw to avoid a sack. He seemed to know when to just take the sack and move one. Stephen Gostkowski is establishing himself as a Pro Bowl caliber kicker too. Clutch field goals and great kickoffs again. Props to the Pats braintrust for drafting him when they did.
Needs Improvement: O-Line. I don't know if they miss Stephen Neal more than anyone realizes, but the Niners were able to put far more pressure on Cassel than they should have been able to. I would have liked to have seen the pass rush finish the job more often when pressuring SF, but you can't have everything. After all, they did force a lot of throwaways. And with Maroney's performance he should be left in San Francisco for a week on the bench.
But the important part is the win. Go Pats!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Troy Brown - one of the greatest Patriots ever
I've been ridiculously busy lately so I have not had the chance to post my personal tribute to Troy Brown. One of the greatest Patriots of all time retired last week. Troy Brown came to the Patriots in 1993 as an eighth round draft pick from Marshall when they were a 1-AA (I'm not calling it by its other name since it doesn't make sense) school. The eighth round does not exist in the NFL Draft today. Cut at least once at the beginning of his career, he kept coming back, never gave up the dream, and turned into one of the most versatile, classy players the NFL has seen in a long time. Not to mention one of my favorite Patriots ever.
In an attempt to get any traffic at all to this blog, what are your favorite Troy Brown Memories? Being part of the blocked field goal return for a TD in the 2001-02 AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh? Not giving a fake away when casually jogging off the field on a field goal attempt in St. Louis in 2004 when the Pats totally caught the Rams sleeping and catching the easiest TD pass of his career on the fake? 101 catches in 2001? 97 the following year? The 82 yard pass from Brady for a game winning touchdown in Miami in 03, the first time the Pats ever won in Miami before November 1? Breaking all those punt returns? Stripping Marlon McCree of the ball after the interception in the 2006-7 divisional playoff in San Diego? Ah there are so many.
Thank you and then some, Troy Brown. One of the greatest ever. I need to pick up this in honor of one of the best Pats ever.
In an attempt to get any traffic at all to this blog, what are your favorite Troy Brown Memories? Being part of the blocked field goal return for a TD in the 2001-02 AFC Championship game in Pittsburgh? Not giving a fake away when casually jogging off the field on a field goal attempt in St. Louis in 2004 when the Pats totally caught the Rams sleeping and catching the easiest TD pass of his career on the fake? 101 catches in 2001? 97 the following year? The 82 yard pass from Brady for a game winning touchdown in Miami in 03, the first time the Pats ever won in Miami before November 1? Breaking all those punt returns? Stripping Marlon McCree of the ball after the interception in the 2006-7 divisional playoff in San Diego? Ah there are so many.
Thank you and then some, Troy Brown. One of the greatest ever. I need to pick up this in honor of one of the best Pats ever.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Week Three: I guess Joey Porter was right
Miami did have a great game plan, executed it to perfection, and got their first win of the season in convincing fashion. I have so many concerns about this loss I don't think I can list them all, but Cassel and the O Line need to improve immediately. Moss is already sulking. I normally hate an early bye week but it's really needed this year to get angry and get a plan in place for the season. What did I like about this game, same guys as Mike Reiss again, I wonder why. Ellis Hobbs' kick returns and Stephen Gostkowski's field goals and kickoffs. I'm not so sure about the AFC East right now, but you can't have everything and can't overreact over something you have no control over, just watch and enjoy. Besides it could be worse: Tyler Thigpen could be your quarterback. Or Beasley Reece could return to network television.
Oh well, talk to you in two weeks. I think I'm going NFL-less this week with the Pats bye and no games I'm really interested in. CBS has their weakest lineup since they got the NFL back. Heck the whole week sucks, I'll be running a race and just may go for a local hike afterwards.
Oh well, talk to you in two weeks. I think I'm going NFL-less this week with the Pats bye and no games I'm really interested in. CBS has their weakest lineup since they got the NFL back. Heck the whole week sucks, I'll be running a race and just may go for a local hike afterwards.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week Two: Same old JETS!!!!
We still may not be sure how well the Pats will do throughout the season without Tom Brady, but boy was I happy with the game yesterday!!!! Murphy's Pub wasn't as packed as it was for most games in past seasons, but it was 99 degrees out and the game was on the local CBS affiliate (I often stay home when the game's on locally to save $). But, the Cassel chants were going before the opening kickoff; everyone in the bar rallied around him all game.
Speaking of the game: A vintage play the disrespect card, plan thoroughly, make adjustments, Patriots style win. Will Cassel throw 50 yard deep routes to Moss and Gaffney? Not yet. Are we going to see any 48-13 wins this season? Unlikely but with Miami on the schedule twice you never know. But for a guy who hadn't started a game since 1999, he managed the game very, very well. No fumbles, no picks, made nearly every play he had to against a defense that, as much as I can't stand them, is pretty good. The defense? As my buddy Ed mentioned to me after a rare Jets big play, "this is all broken plays, they've done nothing else". That held true pretty much throughout, even on the TD Rodney Harrison got bumped into by another Jets WR and Pats DB, making his missed fade coverage basically a broken play. The Jets never threatened after cutting the Pats lead to six, and the fans were pouring out of the exits before it was over.
What I liked: Meriweather's overall play and the pick. All the Ups that the Globe's Mike Reiss wrote about, but I also want to add Ellis Hobbs to the list of guys who played exceptionally well. Standout all game long. Did I mention that J E T S still stands for Just End The Season?
What concerned me: Pass protection. A few more sacks than I'd like but the line with get healthier and this part of the game will get better.
Finally, if Walt from Annapolis is out there in cyberspace, Kyle Eckel is re-signed! The cult hero of many of the Murphy's Pub faithful is back!
Other team notes: while their drive was aided by a shady non-fumble call, I give Mike Shanahan a keg of Fat Tire of credit for going for two at the end of their game. I'd say the same thing even if the attempt was not successful. As a football fan, it's very refreshing to see a coach see that his defense is beaten down and go for two in the usually conservative NFL.
I can't wait for next week's game against the Dolphins!
Speaking of the game: A vintage play the disrespect card, plan thoroughly, make adjustments, Patriots style win. Will Cassel throw 50 yard deep routes to Moss and Gaffney? Not yet. Are we going to see any 48-13 wins this season? Unlikely but with Miami on the schedule twice you never know. But for a guy who hadn't started a game since 1999, he managed the game very, very well. No fumbles, no picks, made nearly every play he had to against a defense that, as much as I can't stand them, is pretty good. The defense? As my buddy Ed mentioned to me after a rare Jets big play, "this is all broken plays, they've done nothing else". That held true pretty much throughout, even on the TD Rodney Harrison got bumped into by another Jets WR and Pats DB, making his missed fade coverage basically a broken play. The Jets never threatened after cutting the Pats lead to six, and the fans were pouring out of the exits before it was over.
What I liked: Meriweather's overall play and the pick. All the Ups that the Globe's Mike Reiss wrote about, but I also want to add Ellis Hobbs to the list of guys who played exceptionally well. Standout all game long. Did I mention that J E T S still stands for Just End The Season?
What concerned me: Pass protection. A few more sacks than I'd like but the line with get healthier and this part of the game will get better.
Finally, if Walt from Annapolis is out there in cyberspace, Kyle Eckel is re-signed! The cult hero of many of the Murphy's Pub faithful is back!
Other team notes: while their drive was aided by a shady non-fumble call, I give Mike Shanahan a keg of Fat Tire of credit for going for two at the end of their game. I'd say the same thing even if the attempt was not successful. As a football fan, it's very refreshing to see a coach see that his defense is beaten down and go for two in the usually conservative NFL.
I can't wait for next week's game against the Dolphins!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Brady done for season. Are Pats? No Super Bowl, but Hell No They're Not Done!
Not necessarily, although the first weekend in February freed up for a potential hiking or skiing trip. Yeah, the Super Bowl is a pipe dream now, a lost cause. But the AFC East is still winnable. There's still talent around Foxboro. Still enough to win the AFC East? Very likely. The other three teams aren't all that. Cassel may surprise of all of us. You never know. After seeing the hit, I'm not blaming anyone on either side. That's football. This sucks, but football wise we've had it very good for a long while now, and it's supposed to be fun so I need to try harder than ever not to take things personally.
As for next week? Of course, beating the Jets will be tough in their home opener, the first home game in the Favre era. Fired up crowd, fired up team, all of Giants Stadium smelling blood in the river. But......in the words of the immortal Lee Corso......not so fast, my friend. Until they prove otherwise, they're still the Jets. I trust Bill Belichick and his staff to come up with the game plan to make things interesting, if not pull off what many would consider an upset. I'll still be at Murphy's Pub, win or lose. Who's with me?
As for next week? Of course, beating the Jets will be tough in their home opener, the first home game in the Favre era. Fired up crowd, fired up team, all of Giants Stadium smelling blood in the river. But......in the words of the immortal Lee Corso......not so fast, my friend. Until they prove otherwise, they're still the Jets. I trust Bill Belichick and his staff to come up with the game plan to make things interesting, if not pull off what many would consider an upset. I'll still be at Murphy's Pub, win or lose. Who's with me?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Brady injured - everybody breathe, at least so you can sleep
Welcome to my little, humble Patriots blog from Alexandria, VA. I'll post comments on each week's game, other Pats developments, random Jets / Colts / Dolphins bashing, and whatever comes to mind.
Week One: PATS 17 Chiefs 10
As of 8:40 pm ET on Sunday night, I haven't seen the play that injured Brady yet. I was in transit from Colorado Springs to Alexandria via DFW Airport. I get to the airport, find a TV in one of the restaurants that had the NFL ticket, check some scores, 7-3 Pats 14:55 left in 3rd. Shoot, it's taking the offense a bit of time to get in synch this year. I walk around looking for another place to eat, find out Brady left the game in the first quarter. Crap. I eventually settle into a Chili's, where I was able to see the last 20 minutes or so of the game.
I'll only comment on what I saw. A workmanlike, circle the wagons, simplify the offense a bit for Matt Cassel, opening day last twenty minutes. I just saw the hit at 8:46 am, that doesn't look good at all. ESPN's Trent Dilfer spoke with a Pats player who thinks it's season ending. Breathe so you can sleep. What I saw started with a Laurence Maroney 20 yard juke, duke, and spin across the field for 20 yards or so gain. Then I don't recall seeing him again. did he get hurt too?
What I liked: Welcome back Sammy Morris!!!! Pounds the ball, goes outside for a couple of carries, finds the end zone, great to have him back in the offense. Mike Vrabel crashing the collapsing pocket for two sacks. Ellis Hobbs steps up after the KC touchdown and picks off backup Damon Huard. (I GUARANTEE about a million other Pats fans thought uh oh the game gets tougher now with him instead of Brodie Croyle) Brandon Meriweather helping out on the coverage. Seymour stuffing Larry Johnson.
What I really liked: The goal line stand at the end of the game.
Didn't like: Quite a few breakdowns in the blocking didn't help Cassel at all. Giving up a TD right after scoring one to make it tight again. The total breakdown that allowed KC's Darling (WR, not a darling) to make a huge gain down to the Pats 5.
Question: Did the announcers miss a penalty altogether? Because I swear KC got 5 plays from the original first and goal at the end.
Everyone try to sleep tonight.
Week One: PATS 17 Chiefs 10
As of 8:40 pm ET on Sunday night, I haven't seen the play that injured Brady yet. I was in transit from Colorado Springs to Alexandria via DFW Airport. I get to the airport, find a TV in one of the restaurants that had the NFL ticket, check some scores, 7-3 Pats 14:55 left in 3rd. Shoot, it's taking the offense a bit of time to get in synch this year. I walk around looking for another place to eat, find out Brady left the game in the first quarter. Crap. I eventually settle into a Chili's, where I was able to see the last 20 minutes or so of the game.
I'll only comment on what I saw. A workmanlike, circle the wagons, simplify the offense a bit for Matt Cassel, opening day last twenty minutes. I just saw the hit at 8:46 am, that doesn't look good at all. ESPN's Trent Dilfer spoke with a Pats player who thinks it's season ending. Breathe so you can sleep. What I saw started with a Laurence Maroney 20 yard juke, duke, and spin across the field for 20 yards or so gain. Then I don't recall seeing him again. did he get hurt too?
What I liked: Welcome back Sammy Morris!!!! Pounds the ball, goes outside for a couple of carries, finds the end zone, great to have him back in the offense. Mike Vrabel crashing the collapsing pocket for two sacks. Ellis Hobbs steps up after the KC touchdown and picks off backup Damon Huard. (I GUARANTEE about a million other Pats fans thought uh oh the game gets tougher now with him instead of Brodie Croyle) Brandon Meriweather helping out on the coverage. Seymour stuffing Larry Johnson.
What I really liked: The goal line stand at the end of the game.
Didn't like: Quite a few breakdowns in the blocking didn't help Cassel at all. Giving up a TD right after scoring one to make it tight again. The total breakdown that allowed KC's Darling (WR, not a darling) to make a huge gain down to the Pats 5.
Question: Did the announcers miss a penalty altogether? Because I swear KC got 5 plays from the original first and goal at the end.
Everyone try to sleep tonight.
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