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Mack Herron

He makes 3 points:

1. Offense too dependent on WW
2. Cannot block the blitz (he did nto mention inability to block 5 on 3)
3. No pass rush (calls out AD, Burgess)

borg

He also failed to point out that Koppen has been getting abused

chris_in_sunnyvale

I'm surprised the Saints are the first team to do this (take away Welker). It's been obvious that Welker is the guy who makes the offense go, not Moss. It's like the Colts with Clark...dare the QB to win throwing to secondary receivers. If he can, then more power to him, but at least make him do that.

The Pats are going to be looking at a lot more Saints-style D the rest of the way. If they don't force the D to change up (e.g. more power running, Brady with designed runs when 8 drop in coverage), the Pats are going to struggle, especially in the finale @ Houston.

Regards,
Chris

chris_in_sunnyvale

Koppen has been getting abused for 3+ seasons now. Put a guy on his nose and he struggles mightily in pass protection. Ditto Mankins. Both are much better steering guys away who line up in gaps, in help situations or picking up LBs/safeties on the blitz. The '07 Ravens and the SB42 Giants regularly put guys over them which played a role in the struggles. Teams have to have the personnel to make it work, but there are teams out there that do and they are usually the types of teams you run into in January.

Regards,
Chris

robertweathers

Huh? As in like bootlegs? Are you nuts?

Why does Houston scare you more than other teams?

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

borg

Considering that the Pats have held leads in most games...knowing the Pats have to/will pass made this stategy work in the 2nd half while trailing the Saints

Satchboogie3

I think he meant that Brady should have taken off and run. If his receivers were covered, a pass rush was closing in on his sides, and no one was in front of him, he needs to run for a first down. Make the defense account for him.

__________________
This is the year. We put our failures in the past, it's a new year, a new defense. It's time to prove to the league that the Patriots are back and aren't going anywhere and they will be the last ones standing in Feb.
Update: Well that didn't work out as I had planned. Next year baby, next year 19-0 we go. Next year.

chris_in_sunnyvale

Exactly. They can even design the plays for this like they did with Cassel last year. There were a few times in the home Jets game last year where Faulk would burst up the middle, then peel to the side and take the MLB with him. The moment Faulk cleared the short middle of the field, Cassel took off. The Pats need to do this with Brady, especially in the "rush 3, drop 8" situations.

Regards,
Chris

chris_in_sunnyvale

Pats are 0-4 in opponent's stadiums, Houston is the only remaining road game after this week (and I think Miami is too undermanned to win) and Houston has a DL that can bring pressure. Houston should have beaten the Colts...twice. I think "scare" is too strong a word, but the Pats will have their hands full in that game.

Regards,
Chris