The Official "Pats Have a Second Half Problem" Thread - New England Patriots Forums

aluminum seats · 09-21-2010, 09:57 AM

It seems that the main point of contention following the Jets’ game is whether the Pats’ struggles in the second half are due to the players or the play calling. While I would hope most of us would agree that it’s probably a combination of the two, there seems to be a contingent here that simply will not accept the idea that coaching may be a factor.

It’s silly to just look at one game and list miscues: this guy dropped a pass, that guy missed a block, etc. But looking back at the last 19 games—inclusive of Pats’ blowouts, Pats getting blown out, close losses, close wins, whatever—allows us to analyze a decent chunk of data.

So. Over the past 19 games, in which the Pats have gone 11-8, they have “won” (meaning, scored more points than the opposition) the second half of those games only 6 times. Six out of 19. Over the last 11 games, the Pats have won the second half ONCE. One time over the last 11 games have the Patriots outscored their opponents in the second half. This would seem to suggest a problem with coaching.

Now, to those who get hysterical over any potential criticism of the coaching staff: you know, the “Oh, so you know more than the best coach in the NFL, leader of the team of the decade!” types….stop. Just stop. It’s a little odd to praise the coaching for years and then decide that, you know, it’s really about the players.

For the record: it’s great Bill Belichick is the coach of this team, there are a lot of young players who will naturally be making young player-type mistakes, and I’m still hopeful for a Super Bowl this year, even with the rebuilding. But the Pats do seem to have a second half problem. The question is, why, and what can be done about it?

51Hits · 09-21-2010, 10:02 AM

It's a pretty impossible question to answer. Looking on the field, to me it's an execution problem and a coaching problem. What will make it stop, I don't know if the team hasn't realized it yet or not but a year and 2 games later, these issues don't seem to stop. I don't think the excuse that this is a young team carries weight all the way here, because that's the cop out I've been hearing for 2 years now.

I simply don't have an answer for it, but I just hope it stops and soon. The thing that bothers me is I've been hearing the Patriots say they need to be more mentally tough ever since that Miami nightmare of last year, and I still have yet to see it.

***sbpatfan*** · 09-21-2010, 10:06 AM

There is already a million threads talking about this, why did you have to make this one? Wasn't aware that you had the power to make something official either, I think you mean unofficial.

BadMoFo · 09-21-2010, 10:06 AM

Sure glad we have an official thread because we've never heard of these second half problems. Glad it's confirmed.

***Calciumee*** · 09-21-2010, 10:07 AM

Second half problem and my life is over...

...wait I am over that now

aluminum seats · 09-21-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbpatfan

There is already a million threads talking about this, why did you have to make this one? Wasn't aware that you had the power to make something official either, I think you mean unofficial.

Having some fun with the title....yikes.

BadMoFo · 09-21-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aluminum seats

If you don't like a thread, then stay out of it. Nice of you to post your picture, though.

What a comeback. Just what we need to correct these official second half problems.

aluminum seats · 09-21-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadMoFo

What a comeback. Just what we need to correct these official second half problems.

Oh, but you're bringing a lot to the table.

Run along now, little boy. Oh wait, I mean "bad mofo."

boston22407 · 09-21-2010, 12:02 PM

:bric ks:

letekro · 09-21-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aluminum seats

So. Over the past 19 games, in which the Pats have gone 11-8, they have “won” (meaning, scored more points than the opposition) the second half of those games only 6 times. Six out of 19. Over the last 11 games, the Pats have won the second half ONCE. One time over the last 11 games have the Patriots outscored their opponents in the second half. This would seem to suggest a problem with coaching.

Why does this "seem to suggest" a problem with coaching any more than it seems to suggest a problem with the players? I don't understand why you think your conclusion is so self-evident. The Championship Patriots teams used to win games by making ONE or TWO plays in CRITICAL situations in the second half of games. The 2009 and so far the 2010 versions don't make those plays. This is the simplest explanation, it's the one Reiss gave in his mailbag today (although he admits that coaching also plays a role), and I think it's the best one, unless you can point me to some EVIDENCE that the coaches become incompetent in the middle of games.