After 4 Games Where Are The Weaknesses? - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

***mgteich*** · 10-05-2009, 12:06 AM

I generally agree with your comments.

I do disagree with regard to your suggestion that we are weak in secondary depth. I don't think that our secondary depth has ever been as good as it is now. We have STARTED seasons with only three corners. We've counted on Earthwind and Poteat and Spann. This year we have three excellent safeties and three excellent corners (I'm including Butler). We also have Wilhite, Wheatley and Chung as our #7-#9.

When have our 7th through #9 been so good? Besides, is Wheatley a worse dime than Spann? We only will need Wheatley at dime if Wilhite is down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

1) Kickoff Coverage - they've allowed more decent returns this year than I remember in the last two - I'll have to research it and see how accurate that is. But I can say I don't remember Steve Gostkowski in past years being involved in or nearly making a tackle as much as he has been this year.

2) Depth at receiver - Welker being gone made it clear that Brady relies on him. I don't know what's going to happen with Galloway, but that aside Brady's not where he needs to be yet with Aiken either. Thankfully Edelman is developing well, but they're one injury away from being in tough shape here.

3) It's too early to give up on Maroney - if he can't run the ball effectively the one thing I can say (if you can set your hatred for him aside) is that we've seen him contribute in other areas. He's been decent on kickoff returns, but more importantly he really has been pretty effective catching the ball out of the backfield. If you look at several plays he's made (including that 30 yard one that was nullified by that ridiculous holding penalty) he's actually decent catching the ball in the open field and is elusive in that sense. It's too bad he's struggling to read the hole at the line of scrimmage. Taylor got knicked today - so those who hate him need to admit that they're still going to need him.

4) Depth in the secondary - We watched another one go down today and it seems like every other week someone is getting banged up. Although the injuries today allowed us to see some good things from Butler. Guys can't get better without experience, nor can they get their shot without an opportunity. Needless to say he was a pleasure to watch today but one would hope that this group doesn't get any thinner.

***Disco Volante*** · 10-05-2009, 12:10 AM

Being too good.

Ian · 10-05-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

When have our 7th through #9 been so good? Besides, is Wheatley a worse dime than Spann? We only will need Wheatley at dime if Wilhite is down.

That actually is a really good point - this is probably one of the first years I remember where they actually have a good blend of youth, and pretty good role players. The young guys actually have looked terrific when we have seen them on the field, and I think what I meant was more regarding having a lot of guys with real experience. Then again that gets thrown out the window when you see a guy like Butler step in and immediately make a big play.

But I do agree that this is definitely one of the better groups they've had in recent years and I just hope they all stay healthy enough to be able to continue to get better.

Holy Diver · 10-05-2009, 12:20 AM

Maroney's vision at the line of scrimmage.

He was killing me. Hard to watch at times. Skippy dance steps? Taylor has what Maroney needs, the fearless burst.

MAKE A DECISION AND RUN FAST!!!!

***Patjew*** · 10-05-2009, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Volante

Being too good.

They care too much and work too hard.

bostonia3333 · 10-05-2009, 01:01 AM

Problems that remain

1. Play calling on offense

2. Dean Pees

3. Wilhite

Problems that have been resolved

1. Pass rush

2. Home crowd noise!

Deus Irae · 10-05-2009, 01:05 AM

D-line, against both the pass and the run

LB depth and ability against the run

CB coverage against quality receivers

O-line run blocking

#3 receiver

Brady's consistency

Moss/Welker health

I expect that Mayo's return will help a lot against the run, especially if Seau is able to get up to speed as well. A return to more 3-4 would do wonders to help hide the weakness of the line against the run, and situational substitution would still allow for the pass rushers and blitzers to come in on passing downs. The team should, moreover, become less vulnerable to a hurry up style of offense once Mayo and Seau are ready to go. Also, if the team's newest giant is willing to dedicate himself in a way that he wasn't willing to do in Oakland, that might very well help as the season goes on as well.

Brady seemed much improved against the Ravens, especially in the short passing game and in his ability to move his feet. Once he gets the consistency down, and finds his ability to hit the long pass, the offense should jump up a notch.

I don't see Aiken as the answer at the #3 receiver spot, so I hope Galloway (or his replacement if he gets cut) can start to get the system now that Welker and Moss will be there and the #3 receiver can be just that.

The CBs are looking better with pressure, though, and Butler certainly looked good when the camera was focused on him today. This group seems to have excellent depth, and I expect the coverage will improve once the linebacker situation is resolved and the safeties don't have to worry about covering quite as much ground in pass defense.

neuronet · 10-05-2009, 01:28 AM

Running game: Taylor is exactly what we need, someone who makes a decision, and smashes forth like a ram. This doesn't mean he rushes plays, Taylor will let the blocking develop before he makes his attempt to push through, and then that blessed bastard just doesn't give up. That one run last week, against Atlanta, where he goes into the scrum, and then pulls the pile with him, that's what I'm talking about.

He is not a great running back, and he never will be, but I agree with those that think Maroney has a place on the team. He is good in the open field. Use him on special teams and for quick passing plays as a third or sixth receiver.

Passing game: people have nailed it in terms of lack of depth/experience. The offensive line is starting to come together, but of course Brady could always use a wee bit more time.

Pass defense: surprisingly agile, aggressive, and potent this year. I'm really impressed.

Rush defense: weakest link on defense, clearly.

***DarrylS*** · 10-05-2009, 04:07 AM

The only obvious deficit can see right now, besides the everpresent complaint about Hanson, is that Brady still seems somewhat off... he is winning and playing well, but has not risen to the next level we are accustomed to.. his rustiness, combined with the medical issues of Welker and Moss seem to have slowed him down.. a reliable 3rd reciever would be helpful, but still believe that Galloway will be the man ( he will probably be cut on Tues

)

Very pleased with the D, particularly the D backfield... felt the front 7 would be above average, but the D backfield is a whiz bang unit with mucho depth... this is much improved, and perhaps BB has finallylearned that he cannot just go out and pick players up from the street to meet this need.

***mayoclinic*** · 10-05-2009, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

The team will continue to develop. I don't expect us to have a major weakness coming out of the bye. Even as of now, I don't see much.

OFFENSE
inexperienced backup QB
ineffective #3 wide receiver (Watson has picked up the slack)

DEFENSE
lack of depth at linebacker (obviously Mayo coming back will help)

SPECIAL TEAMS
ineffective returners (or blockers; it is difficult to see which)

You've hit the big ones. LB depth is particularly a concern - imagine what an injury to Adalius Thomas would do.

I think there's room for improvement in all phases of the game. We're not really smoking on any aspect of our game, except possibly the way the safeties are playing right now. I'd like to see some steady incremental improvement, and most of all, consistency.

No letdown the next 3 weeks would be huge. Denver is a setup for a fall if ever I saw one.