Reiss: Pats give out game-balls :: What it says about this team. - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 10-08-2009, 09:20 AM

Sorry if this was posted yesterday. I didn't notice it. Good for these guys!

I think the names on this list have a lot to say about this team. Two Guards and Two formerly "reserve" DL are key players in the victory.

New England Patriots Blog - Patriots give out game balls for win over Ravens - ESPN Boston

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Eric Alexander -- Core special teams player made an immediate impact by forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff

Jarvis Green -- With four tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit, he played more snaps than any defensive lineman, lining up at end and moving inside in some passing situations.

Brandon Meriweather -- Safety played every snap, led the team with nine tackles and had two deflected passes.

Logan Mankins -- Starting left guard held up at the point of attack against the Ravens' big, physical front

Sammy Morris -- Running back converted in key short-yardage situation again, rushed for a 12-yard touchdown, and added five catches for 35 yards in a versatile effort

Stephen Neal -- Starting right guard held up at the point of attack against the Ravens' big, physical front

Ty Warren -- Defensive end came up with big third-and-1 stop in the fourth quarter, had two quarterback hits, and continued his overall consistent play.

Mike Wright -- Defensive lineman led a pressure-based attack with a strong interior rush, totaling two sacks and three tackles (one for a loss)

***KontradictioN*** · 10-08-2009, 09:24 AM

I think McGowan deserves an honorable mention in there as well. The guy doesn't even start and he was flying all over the field when he got the chance. He was there on the last play and, even if Clayton had caught it, McGowan would have blown him up with a big hit.

JSn · 10-08-2009, 09:26 AM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

I think McGowan deserves an honorable mention in there as well. The guy doesn't even start and he was flying all over the field when he got the chance. He was there on the last play and, even if Clayton had caught it, McGowan would have blown him up with a big hit.

That brings up a good point: If Clayton grabs that pass and even THINKS about not getting down, I think we see a forced fumble and maybe another on-field visit from the stretcher guys. I don't buy the idea that Clayton alone is the reason that ball didn't get caught.

***KontradictioN*** · 10-08-2009, 09:29 AM

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Originally Posted by JSn

That brings up a good point: If Clayton grabs that pass and even THINKS about not getting down, I think we see a forced fumble and maybe another on-field visit from the stretcher guys. I don't buy the idea that Clayton alone is the reason that ball didn't get caught.

It isn't. I watched the replay and played that in slow motion (I have DVR) and, when the close-up is on him, you can see his eyes shift off the ball and onto McGowan. He got out of #30's way just in time because, whether he caught it or not, he knew he was going to get lit up/sandwiched.

JSn · 10-08-2009, 09:33 AM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

It isn't. I watched the replay and played that in slow motion (I have DVR) and, when the close-up is on him, you can see his eyes shift off the ball and onto McGowan. He got out of #30's way just in time because, whether he caught it or not, he knew he was going to get lit up/sandwiched.

Oh man... I NEVER thought this defense could change SO MUCH in one year.

It's like we've got two "in-the-prime" RH's out there.

If I was an opposing WR, I'd be adding "depends" to my game-day checklist. I have a feeling that tandem (along with Guyton and Mayo) are going to clean some clocks this year and make a good number of guys play scared.

I think the forced fumbles are already making RB's/KR's think twice about fighting for extra yardage.

***Patjew*** · 10-08-2009, 09:35 AM

Sammy deserved two game balls.

***KontradictioN*** · 10-08-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

Oh man... I NEVER thought this defense could change SO MUCH in one year.

It's like we've got two "in-the-prime" RH's out there.

If I was an opposing WR, I'd be adding "depends" to my game-day checklist. I have a feeling that tandem (along with Guyton and Mayo) are going to clean some clocks this year and make a good number of guys play scared.

I think the forced fumbles are already making RB's/KR's think twice about fighting for extra yardage.

This is easily the most physical secondary I have seen us have, as a whole, since the 2001 squad. They were laying the lumber out there on the Ravens' receivers the entire game... and I was loving it. I never thought that I would actually see the day when this team could outmuscle the mighty Baltimore Ravens on defense.

***KontradictioN*** · 10-08-2009, 09:36 AM

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Originally Posted by Patjew

Sammy deserved two game balls.

He and BM. Both were equally awesome. BM could have wound up with 2-3 picks in that game.

***Patjew*** · 10-08-2009, 09:38 AM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

This is easily the most physical secondary I have seen us have, as a whole, since the 2001 squad. They were laying the lumber out there on the Ravens' receivers the entire game... and I was loving it. I never thought that I would actually see the day when this team could outmuscle the mighty Baltimore Ravens on defense.

I'd say that the 2003 secondary was the most physical (and best) secondary we've had. Any backfield with Ty Law and Rodney is all-universe.

furry · 10-08-2009, 09:45 AM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

He and BM. Both were equally awesome. BM could have wound up with 2-3 picks in that game.

And a flat out touchdown saving pass deflection on which he makes up massive ground at scary pace

He had a great game

Sammy's numbers perfect example of how the numbers alone don't tell the whole story of their worth to the game