Oswlek

I thought that the KO coverage had ore to do with Carolina's lousy blocking than anything else. There were a couple KOs were three of four defenders converged on the returner while there were Carolina players blocking no one on the screen.

The bullying of them on the FG attempts was impressive regardless. On both attempts you see two guys just fly backwards immediately after the snap.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

Fencer

Other than one of the few Super Bowl losing performances that despite the loss deserves to be called truly clutch, what has he accomplished to make you feel that way?

Oswlek

I can't say that I agree. He seems to have NE's number because NE thrives more on defending structured passing offenses. The Cats, by comparison, have more of a "draw the play in the sand" type offense and are very good at fixing a broken play. Take a look at the 2003 SB, all you see in the second half is a bunch of jump balls that Carolina's WRs consistently came down with. Very seldom is there any clear timing involved. That is the best way to attack a BB defense that is willing to forego atleticism for being in the right place.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

fgssand

I agree with your basic conclusion that a few jump balls off of broken plays are about the only way to beat a BB defense, when he is on and the team is healthy and playing well - HOWEVER, no way do I accept your statement that this "BB defense has foregone athleticism - are you kidding me???

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Oswlek

"Has forgone" is not at all what I said. "Will forego" is certainly the case in some respects. I have firmly been in Samuel's corner, but there are probably 30 guys in the league that have better measurables than he does. Samuel has great ball instincts and positions himself well, which is just what I am talking about. Does that mean that I think *every* Patriot is in this boat? Of course not. The DL is as athletic as any in the league. Now with AD added the LB corps is up there. Obviously the RBs are dripping with athletic ability.

"Willing to forego" does not mean "every postion on the roster is a smart statue" not do I think it comes across that way. It just means that given two choices:

1) A guy who oozes talent but doesn't have natural game insticts and really isn't that smart.

2) A guy who is average or slight above in physical abilities, but is a hard worker who knows his position well.

BB is choosing #2 every time. Obviously #2 cannot be a dud physically or his instincts and intelligence won't matter. But you can be damn sure that not every team is making that choice. Lots of teams look at #1 and get all googly eyed think just how good he would be if he learned the game.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

primetime

Everytime I've seen him play he makes passes that are right on the money. Granted, having Steve Smith helps quite a bit too, but I think Jake fairly deserves some of the hype Smith gets. I just think he's a good QB; it might be an unshared sentiment by a majority, but if I had to pick a QB for the Patriots besides Brady, it'd go Manning, Palmer, Brees, then Delhomme.

patchick

If we're talking exclusively about the secondary, I'd have to agree. The Patriots routinely sign and draft DBs with uninspiring measurables but great ball skills, field awareness, etc. This year's #1 draft pick is a prime example, and Samuel and Hobbs are hardly burners.

psychoPat

They announced and flashed a graphic that
Panthers were LAST in the NFL last season in KO returns.
Averaged 19 and a fraction yards!

Box_O_Rocks

Okay, this link is worth a read for those interested in the O-line and that RB kid...makes me even grumpier about being forced to watch a game I could get on NFL Network in a replay. Oh, DaBruinz, there's a Washington remark in AWTE's breakdown - it's not Special Teams, but it's another report on Kelley.
http://www.patriotsplanet.com/BB/sho...threadid=24894

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RayClay

Just wanted to say I was keeping my eye on Gay and he is a smooth looking cornerback.

Hard to believe he keeps his consistency with his absences, but the proof of the pudding and all that.

I'd still like to see them bring someone along, because I don't like counting on a player whose heart isn't in it.

Even if they make it this year, they need more than Richardson for the future.

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