Category Archives: New England Patriots

Building on a tough win, Patriots still have work to do

A win is a win and two in a row over teams that had success in the playoffs last year and expecting to be there again this year is a good sign.

As much as I enjoyed watching the game late night in Geneva, at times it was frustrating and I was concerned by the lack of consistency with the offense. The running game was a bit awkward but did enough to keep the Ravens in check. No real big gains, but two touchdowns – one from Sammy Morris and the other a QB sneak by Tom Brady was enough of a threat in the redzone where in previous weeks there was none.

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Consistently inconsistent, will Patriots remain above .500?

Always take the ‘W’ no matter how you get it. During a tremendous comeback versus Buffalo in week one, a loss to the Jets in week two and a win versus a solid Falcons team in week three, The Patriots did something they do not often do. They did settled for field goals when normally they would have scored touchdowns.

The team mantra still seems to be inconsistency on offense, whether it is coming from Tom Brady, Sammy Morris or coach Bill Belichick. Missed opportunities converting on third and fourth downs, Brady overthrowing receivers or receivers dropping balls.

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Patriots face Falcons expect them to air it out

If anything has been proven over the past two games it is that Brady is throwing the ball alot. Over 100 times in fact versus the team running the ball just over 40 times.

This is not a balanced attack, but also do not expect it to change much this week. OK maybe a bit more balanced, however, facing a stout Falcons run defense will not help Brady. The Falcons defense have been successful in turnovers having five forced fumbles and an interception.

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Patriots mental lapses have been costly

In 2008, the Patriots were still following up from 2007 and setting NFL records – although of a different nature. Last year, the Pats were called for only 72 penalties and after declined or offsetting they were flagged for only 57 accepted penalties - the fewest ever during a 16-game season. A strong minded Bill Belichick team that came together and barely missed the pay-offs with an 11-5 record under Matt Cassel.

2009 looks to be a year where flags will be flying as the Patriots right now have been flagged 17 times after only two game. The worst offender is Tom Brady with three delay of game penalties against the Jets.

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Brighter side as Patriots youngsters stepping up

With all the complaining about everything from coaching, lack of offense power and penalties to bringing back Bruschi, some may need to stop, breathe, take a step back and see the bigger picture.

The defense is terrible! Now hold on, maybe the defense has been a bit inconsistent and giving up too many plays in the red zone - yes, but terrible? Not really.

The Patriots defense is younger, faster and limiting the strengths of the opposing offenses. The Bills were without Marshawn Lynch, but with TO on the team, they drastically improved their passing game. The Patriots defense did a great job stopping the Bills normal passing game and allowed Fred Jackson to run.

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Patriots have a bit more work to do, but not all is as bad as fans fear

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.

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Last minute thoughts before Patriots v Jets

As we look forward to week two of the 2009 season, I am excited to see how New England will play versus the Jets today.

Monday night’s game versus the Buffalo Bills has left more questions than answers on both sides of the ball and the one area to feel confident was the special teams play (an area of concern after losing the  2008 coach and captain) as it help the Patriots win.

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Patriots, Jets rivalry is just part of the fun

The rivalry between the Patriots and Jets have always been there as part of the AFC East division. Most older fans will say they hate Miami more than the Jets, but that is history.

Over a decade ago, Bill Parcells and his crew left new England and went back to New York. But instead of going back to blue they chose the New York Green to coach the Jets.

The Tuna Bowl was then established and since then the water has been muddied more than the Charles or Hudson rivers would ever hope to be. Alas we do love that dirty water!

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Patriots have a bit more work to do

As thoughts on Monday night’s game continue to roll through my head, I am aware of many things that should concern me, yet I am still just happy for Brady ending the game standing up and doing what he has done well so many times before. Oh yes, and the win, baby! Gotta love the W’s! Especially against an AFC East division opponent.

Sure the offensive line could have protected Brady better and the running game never was really established, and Brady overthrew the receivers too many times and of course there were a few drops. But Ben Watson (the same known as great athleticism but stone hands) came through in the tight end to win the game for the Patriots.

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Patriots pull out a wild one on Monday Night Football

A recap of a season opener that seemed to turn every prediction and expectation on its head–

First Half

Tom Brady in the throwback uniform means it now requires that much less imagination to picture him coming in to Super Bowl XX instead of Tony Eason.

And while he ultimately put in a performance far beyond Eason’s in this game, it seemed the spirit of the ham-handed signal-caller from back in the day was haunting Brady in the early going on the Monday Night big stage.

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