There is much fear and loathing in Patriot Nation as the New England Patriots were beaten by the loudmouthed New York Jets. After months and weeks of hearing the BS coming out of New York and the Kerry Rhodes versus Rodney Harrison tweeter war, the Patriots just could not handle the defensive pressure brought on by Rex Ryan’s group.
Although Kerry Rhodes made a play or two, the Jets defensive pressure was helped along by the secondary or mostly, Darrelle Revis, as they shut down Randy Moss and left Wes Welker-less Patriots limited possibilities to beat them in the air.
Joey Galloway still doesn’t seem comfortable in the Patriots system and rookie Julian Edelmann (a converted quarterback to wide receiver) had a Welker-like day catching the ball eight times for 98 yards. But that still wasn’t enough for a touchdown never mind a win.
For the second game in a row, Tom Brady still had issues on his accuracy and for the first time since probably 2001, often confused at the line of scrimmage with the different looks the Ravens, um Jets, gave him. So much so that there were back to back delay of game penalties against him.
Not all things were bad, the offensive line did not give up a sack and Brady was not hit as often as the Jets had talked about. This is big as each week the offensive line will now be challenged as other teams start to apply pressure to Brady. The good thing is that not every team will be able to execute it the way Ryan’s group did Sunday afternoon.
Some of the problems may have been due to former Patriot Kevin O’Connell giving information and secrets outlining the Patriot system. For all his effort, Ryan made him an honorary team captain. The fool O’Connell fell for the limelight and looked more like a scumbag than a football player. It is fine to do well for your new team, but to shown as a fake captain to prove your worth for the game is downright moronic. No wonder why the Pats dumped him after one year.
Defense
Readers know I often criticize the defense, however, this week the Patriots did very well in the first half and somehow lost their composure in the third quarter before recovering somewhat by the end of the game. As much as fans may complain about the defense, Vince Wilfork and Mike Wright both had forced fumbles and did extremely well against one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. Wright also had a sack along with Ty Warren. The front seven did well in their efforts to contain the Jets running game and not allowing the running backs to be a big part of the passing game.
Gary Guyton did a great job in play calling and also lead the team in tackles. Not a bad job for an second year undrafted free agent! Congrats to Guyton!
Not so special
After a week where special teams saved the day, this week they were the weakest link with too many penalties (two by captain Sam Aiken), to many missed tackles on kick off returns and also a terrible punt by Chris Hanson.
Overall
Too many fan boards are already calling for Belichick to be fired, Brady to be traded and Kraft to being rebuilding. To all those that believe this let me stop the wagon for you before I throw you off.
Sure no one should be happy about losing the Jets, but to lose heart in your team, THE TEAM that has brought so much happiness to those of us the know what a one win season looks like. Well, you’re not needed. Go follow the Giants or Cowboys.
Obviously 2008 is forgotten and 2007 is so close to the rearview mirror fair weather fans cannot even see the Giants getting to Brady in the Super Bowl never mind the Eagles and Ravens during the regular 2007 season.
With this mindset no one remembers how the Bills and Jets started off 2008 and failed to finish the season. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell No!
So let’s remember to stay cool kids as up next are the Atlanta Falcons! This will be a big defensive test for our team and Brady will not face as much pressure as the Jets, but the Falcons have improved since last year!
IN BILL WE TRUST!!
is that really what people are saying on the fan message boards??? Thanks for reminding me why I don’t read those things..
The Patriots will bounce back. I have no doubt that they will be working their butts off in practice this week to get the execution down. No worries.
Wow trade tom brady??? That’s a good way to thank him for winning is 3 superbowls.when tom brady gets back to form watch out people forget he hadn’t played in nearly a year just wait. And as for the defense keep up the good work boys
Ah, when did Germany bomb Pearl Harbor… that would have been Japan. I also doubt any “real” Patriot fans want Brady or Bill gone, except those wanting to just make noise, just like your article.
i don’t have many worries for this team. were in a rebuilding phase right now on the defense and they have proven most others wrong. the secondary was stout against the Bilss great offense, the front seven was great against the jets running game and screens. the secondary was also good against the Jets passing game allowing sanchez to throw for like 4 yards in the first half. up until the third quarter once they put jonathan wilhite on jericho cotchery we were doing great offensively. we just need a better pass rush. Tully banta cain should have 3 recorded sacks but his first this sunday went to warren who didn’t do much of the work to get sanchez on the ground. Banta cain just absolutely flung D’brickshaw ferguson off of him so that is a good sign. time to get ready for the Falcons.
i don’t have many worries for this team. were in a rebuilding phase right now on the defense and they have proven most others wrong. the secondary was stout against the Bilss great offense, the front seven was great against the jets running game and screens. the secondary was also good against the Jets passing game allowing sanchez to throw for like 4 yards in the first half. up until the third quarter once they put jonathan wilhite on jericho cotchery we were doing great offensively. we just need a better pass rush. Tully banta cain should have 3 recorded sacks but his first this sunday went to warren who didn’t do much of the work to get sanchez on the ground. Banta cain just absolutely flung D’brickshaw ferguson off of him so that is a good sign. time to get ready for the Falcons.
Thanks for all the comments!
Dirk – the line is from Animal House. If you have not seen the movie or not in a while – rent it or down load it.
Another good quote:
‘Youth is wasted on the wrong people!’
Which movie, who starred in it and what was the theme???
“Ah, when did Germany bomb Pearl Harbor….”
Let him run with it Dirk, he’s on a roll.. haha