Our problems, in a nutshell - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

JoeSixPat · 12-11-2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunescribe

And the point of your joke is ... ?

That there's not a whole lot of "brightside" to consider given the size of that "nutshell"

the taildragger · 12-11-2006, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michigan Dave

I disagree. From what I saw in person at the Chicago game, and the limited wide shots on TV in the other games, I think the receivers are getting separation, I think we don't get the protection to enable Brady to hit them.

True.

With the exception of Colvin. I thought Colvin had the lone great game yesterday. He was everywhere. He has speed, and has been making plays.

Yup.

Ken Walter is an absolute joke. The field position battle yesterday was the key to the game. Our offense was limited because their punting game schooled ours.

While I don't think he has the speed he used to have, I think CD's an effective runner, but he's being misused. They are too interested in platooning this year, and with Maroney out yesterday, Dillon didn't get a chance to finish drives. I remember one specific series he had a couple of good runs, then gave us about 8 yards on 1st down. He immediately sat on 2nd and 3rd when we needed 2, and we were forced to punt. That was baffling.

He really looked frustrated. Injuries play a big part, but he needs to step his game up.

I don't think this is a huge deal. Faulk can get us decent field position. We're noticing this more because of the offensive struggles.

Wow. I never realized that.

True, but they haven't been playing that poorly.

This is huge. Gabriel's absence baffles me. He makes plays. I wish I knew what was going on there. Jackson is an enigma, because it's tough to battle that injury during the season, let alone as a rookie WR.

<sigh>, sadly, the story of the Pats lately. It's depressing. I just hope big Vince and Watson are able to play.

couple things to consider Dave...

First, Chicago played zone coverage most of the game and didn't blitz much either (guarantee you that changes if we face them again in Feb)...Miami locked down on the receivers and they weren't even able to separate on short patterns.

second, Dillon looked great because they had total disregard for the ground game...had we tried to run more regularly I really can't see them having any trouble stuffing him, can you?...Corey can still run inside and get us the tough yards (and he's an invaluable compliment to Maroney that will be sorely missed one day), but he can't reach the edge and gain positive yards out there anymore...without Maroney we have no perimiter threat (receivers don't help), so not only can we not stretch the defense deep, but w/o Maroney, we can't stretch them wide either (screens can help if you can trust your TEs not to fumble, which they can't).

any ray of hope they have is gone if Wilfork is lost. He's not as gifted as Sey, but IMO plays a more valuable role...he's the heart of the defense and w/o him, I'm afraid they morph into the run defense of mid-2005...wrong time of year for that. Bruschi hasn't made a play in 2 years, we better focus on LB next year either in FA or draft...with the money we've got I'd love to see us land Briggs.

Never thought I'd say it but it's safe to say we're dealing with a crisis of confidence here...never good after a performance like that when Bill is looking at the "big picture" or the "bright side"...strong effort against Houston may help lift spirits enough to get ready for all out war against Jacksonville...a team nobody is looking forward to...they're capable of playing better than Baltimore, and might be the strongest home team in football right now other than SD.