JSn

Wow. What a game. It had everything I like in a football game, except for the W. But the winner of the coin toss had the game, that was pretty clear.

• Matt Cassel is a starting QB in this league and I would now rank him near the top of available FA's. At this rate of progression, arguably one of the most stunning thing about this guy, he will be the #1 sought after free agent at season's end. That last drive was executed at an elite level. The game wasn't flawless, but that drive was one for the highlight reels.
  
  I was very impressed when he got sacked in what looked like mid throw and pulled the ball down and kept it. Some of his escapes were mind-boggling, too. No hassle, indeed.
  
  
• Randy Moss is clutch. He's been taken out of games by other teams and last night is why. I believe Cassel to Moss is about to become a regular thing. Also, Randy punked Law and that makes a guy feel good.
  
  
  
  
• Our defense was frustrating, but to be fair, that group had to adapt to no AT, Warren, and are probably still adjusting. Let those LB's play like they did in the second half all game and we win, easily. I feel like the Pats DO have to make some scheme or roster adjustments, but really just tweaks. We're very close to playing well even with a depleted backfield.
  
  
• The executioners really need to check out the scales of justice. Watson blocked pretty well last night. He's been improving. He had a fumble and drop, but also led the team in receptions and had a TD. He's obviously talented. As Matt continues to make use of his powers of amnesia, I believe Watson will continue to get better. Gaffney may have made a critical drop in the colts game, but he is looking more and more like a gamer in this offense. Also, Sam Aiken? Wow. I think Cassel told the rest of our scheduled teams that they simply have to cover everyone, because Matt is not going to steer away from a guy because he makes a mistake. Thinking that would be very flawed judgment.
  
  
  
  
• The no huddle is a big weapon and after last night, I believe we'll start seeing it a lot. It takes the defense out very quickly and our offense is starting to read oppositions very well as a unit.
  
  
• Belichick is a genius. It simply can't be argued anymore. He hates losing, probably more-so to the Jets, but the half-time adjustments were awesome. If we see the Jets in the playoffs, they will get destroyed. Bill is coaching a team in flux and they are handling adversity in a way I bet no team ever has. The '03 and '04 Patriots had big losses, but they had a constant at QB. They've been forced to find their way here on both sides of the ball with constant hits that must be absolutely demoralizing and Bill and co. are keeping them centred. Coach of the year? Pretty darn close.

This team is very close to playoff calibre. Few tweaks, couple of adjustments and hand Matt the no huddle. We've seen them run monster drives and eat clock like it was their last meal. We've seen them execute the two-minute drill in one-minute. With so many clutch play-makers emerging, we're a whisker away from being dominant. The hot streak HAS to start now, and I believe it will. We need to solve the wild-cat, and I believe it starts with knocking O'neil or Hobbs knocking Penny on his can with a vengeance. Anyway, awesome game, many bright spots and I'm looking forward to every game more and more.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

BradyManny

Good stuff. Generally agree. Cassel will be a big FA prize if he keeps this up. He just has to learn to the throw the deep stuff to be attractive to other teams. For us, the threat of Moss going deep is good enough, and Cassel is money on everything intermediate and in.

captadamnj

Moss fought the Law...and won.

__________________
"You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective." - Anton Ego

Rob0729

I do agree we will see more of the no huddle in the future. I always felt Belichick and McDaniels were limiting the extras they were going to ask Cassel to do until he felt more comfortable in the offense. He is ready now to take off the reigns a bit.

mgteich

You seem to be waiting for Watson's breakout game.

JSn

Well, I think he's coming along slowly, but I don't think we've seen all there is to see just yet.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

BelizePats

There is no doubt that Watson has a great deal of talent. What's been missing from his game is any level of consistency. Up/down, up/down, injured, up/down up/injured. Up/down. This has been going on for 3+ years so I don't think its going to change much. I like the kid but he has been an average pro at best.
We've all been waiting for him to break out and play on a consistent level! It just hasn't happened yet!

BionicPatriot

Watson is frustrating. He was the only thing stopping himself from getting over 100 yards last night. He has so much talent, but his brain farts and injuries hurt him too much. This loss is wierd, making I'm high on some good ****, but this loss just makes me feel like we're close. All year the Pats have done this or that to win a game, never yet finding their identity. I think they're starting to.

Last night, something really changed in the 2nd half with the LBs. If They can come out of the gates like that, imagine how different the game could've been. Maybe they just had a good half, or maybe the young guys are starting to get it? The defense is just brain ***** away from being very good. Maybe with more constant pressure they'll be a better unit.

The offense just looks better in every area. When you add all this up, I think the next 2 games are imperative. I think 2-0 is your only shot for the division and a possible BYE. I think they have the talent to not only compete in those games, but to win them.

__________________
Defense, defense, defense

bbabin

I love the replay:

Moss is covered and held by Ty Law. He uses his one free hand to signal that he is open and then makes good on his promise by making an incredible clutch catch.

I also liked seeing him celebrating with Watson even though he had only 2 catches (I think) at that point. What a sulker.

chris_in_sunnyvale

The good:

- Granted the score dictated it, but they finally took the leash off Cassel. And he produced. That game-tying drive at the end of regulation was superbly executed.

- Jerod Mayo. 20 tackles, 16 solo?!? Good Lord!

- Fumble aside, Ben Watson finally took an active role in the offense.

The bad:

- Pats still can't defend the middle of the field to save their lives.

- Koppen and Mankins continue to get abused in 1-on-1 blocking of DTs.

- Conservative red zone coaching has played a role in the last two losses. The Faulk 3rd-down draw was a horrible call as the Jets were already showing signs of being tough to stop early on, showing that FGs weren't going to cut it.

Going forward:

Obviously things like Watson's fumble, Gaffney's drop on 3rd down and the horrific kick coverage in the 1st half are correctable. What the Pats do about their pass coverage over the middle, an issue that has plagued them all season, is another matter. Ditto their pass protection when the D lines up beefy guys right on Mankins' and Koppen's noses and they get eaten up. The best thing to come out of last night was that Cassel proved himself when they cut him loose. I hope now the Pats start playing more aggressively in the red zone and avoid settling-for-FG situations like they did vs. Indy and early last night. They'll need it against a D like Pittsburgh and a scoring machine like Arizona.

Regards,
Chris