Comments on: Instant Analysis from the Patriots win over Atlanta

By: Derek Havens

Derek Havens — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:46:41 +0000

Hey JoeFla,
I completely agree. I believe that the offense has a lot more options and potential targets for Brady to utilize throughout the season. The receivers right now that make the roster will most likely be Moss, Welker, Edelman, Tate, Price, Aiken (for special teams). I think with the continued growth of Edelman and Tate should do wonders for this team, especially while Wes gets back into the daily NFL grind. Some people forget how much Tate was hyped in college before injuring his knee – he was considered a mid first round pick. I believe the Patriots think he can be a playmaker for them on offense; first play for the team vs the Bucs in London they used him in an end around and second play threw it to him deep. Crumpler and Gronkowski should contribute to the pass protection, I think Hernandez still needs work in that area. You cannot argue with your point on Brady, no QB in the NFL can throw on his back, I think the offensive line can recover though. Bill always seems to find guys on the line to plug in, hopefully; this is one of those times. I do think this team could be a surprise. The fact of the matter is, without an improved defense, expect the same early exit from the playoffs again this year – if we make it there.

By: JoeFla

JoeFla — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:12:01 +0000

Derek,
My pre-season impression is Tom Brady will have more and better offensive options. We haven’t even seen Tate and Price yet. Much of this will depend on the consistency and depth of the offensive line. Once the season starts, the TE’s will be doing more blocking in max protect just as they did last year. Tom can’t throw laying on his back. The defense is better but will give up yardage as a philosophy to prevent the quick strike. Stronger teams will challenge that defensive line putting more pressure on the linebackers. Most of the kids have done a good job so if we can stay away from too many injuries, this team could be a big surprise.

By: Derek Havens

Derek Havens — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:27:42 +0000

Hello Greg,

Yes, I was a little lofty on the defense. I think that Mayo is as solid as a linebacker can be without qualifying him as a “star”. He is going into his third year and he needs to make more plays (Interceptions, forced fumbles, sacks, etc.) I think that he has a great future but, I hope he continues to make strides. I could talk about the defense for hours so i will try to keep it short by saying that there are a lot of rookies and sophomore players on the team that can contribute. I think McCourty will be an impact player along with Spikes immediately. I think that the defense will dictate how the season goes for this Patriots team. I honestly think they will either be a 7 -9 / 8-8 team with a mediocre defense, too a 10 -6 / 11-5 team with a more stout defense. To the offense, I agree and disagree with you. I believe they were a little predictable but this is the second pre-season game. Coaches (especially BB) do not want to show their cards early. I think the offense has a lot of promise if they continue to run the ball as they did so well yesterday and Dan Connelly continues to perform at a good level. I also really enjoyed watching the TEs get involved and I am very excited to see how BB and O’Brien incorporate them into the offense. I know you are worried about the predictability but be patient. Still 3 weeks until it actually counts and there are a lot of potential weapons on this team. It is still a little too early to have a true gauge on what the team will look like but I think if they can play better defense than last year, the team could once again return to the playoffs. Great overall performance last night though! Glad you commented

By: Greg McGurin

Greg McGurin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:23:47 +0000

I think your expectations of the defense are a bit lofty. This is a unit with only 2 legitimate NFL stars (Wilfork and Mayo) and a cast of young players/ career back-ups at several key positions (McCourty, Butler, Wright, G Warren, Spikes, Murrell). If you’re waiting for them to come out and dominate teams, you may be waiting a long time.
Any comment on the play-calling last night? True, there was run-pass balance but I worry that we’re too predictable like we were last year. If we throw underneath, it’s to Welker, if we throw deep it’s to Moss, on third down, it’s Faulk. Would have like to have seen Edelman involved more and perhaps Tate on an end-around. How about a draw to someone other than Faulk? Yes, they moved the ball last night but I worry when we face the Jets or other solid Ds.
Thanks – glad to see there’s analysis posted so soon after the game.