Metaphors

1) Koppen's Shotgun Snaps

With Brady operating out of the shotgun so much, it is easy of overlook the fact that someone has to get him the ball before he can do anything. Team's often say they want to delay the QB a half-second to allow the pass rush to get him. You know what can delay the QB for a half-second? A shotgun snap at his feet or off to the side. Brady gets the ball in perfect position which allows him to keeps his eyes downfield and his feet under him.

2) Brady's Passes

Not his accuracy or touchdowns...but the flight of the ball itself. His technique has improved immensely in the last couple of years. The ball is almost always a tight spiral (important with the upcoming weather). He is putting the ball in the right spots to allow his receivers to get lots of YAC. Footwork, pocket movement, repeatable throwing motion, etc. Brady is still working hard to perfect his craft...and he is getting closer. So much has been made about Brady having weapons this year that I feel like his own improvements get overlooked.

3) Interior Line Pass Protection

We tend to get on Light and Kaczur when speedy ends come free and get to Brady. Have you noticed all the tackles/blitzers that have threatened Brady up the middle? Me neither. Not that there is never any pressure, but more times than not Brady has a clean pocket to step into when delivering his throws. Great job by Mankins, Koppen and Neal keeping Brady clean and comfortable.

4) Watson's Hands

Dude was kicking butt before Roy Williams (who is oddly on the payroll of Dr. James Andrews) horsecollared him. He was even pulling in low throws which were problematic for him in the past. Everyone talks about Moss, Welker and Stallworth...but look for Watson to be a force down the stretch with all the attention on the wideouts.

5) Special Teams Coverage and Blocking

There is a noticeable difference between what the Pats' kick returners see and what our oppositions' returners have to deal with. Networks don't show enough wide shots to really see what is going on, but when they do it is easy to see why the Pats' kick teams have been a strength this year.

6) Rodney's Flexibility

When he first came back from suspension, lots of folks were ready to write him off as old and slow. Since the Dallas game he has been fantastic. I've been surprised how much Belichick has focused on using him in key matchups (sealing the edge on the run, covering the slot, etc). If Rodney can stay healthy and AD can get healthy/experience...I'm not sure where you attack the Pats' defense with consistent success.

Gumby

Great comments.

although I would caveat the interior line protection - hasn't it still been susceptible once or twice to the delayed stunt up middle?
But that is hard to defend except by getting ball out quick.

Spirit of '76

What about Jarvis Green and the others who filled in admirably during Seymours absence?

Even Gaffney has snuck in a few key catches as well.

It's a shame TE Dave Thomas ended up on IR. I was hoping to see more from him this season.

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Metaphors

Yeah, that is why I threw in the "not that there isn't any pressure" part. I've really been impressed on the pocket integrity these guys have delivered. It is a lot easier to throw long or to his a slant route in stride when you can step into your throw.

patchick

Great points top to bottom. Interesting how Koppen figures prominently in 2 of them. Plus he handles the line calls, and BB has heaped praise on that part of his game -- smarts, awareness and communication.

Metaphors

Was going to mention Jarvis' improvement as a full-time player, but he has generally been universally praised (deservedly so) for what he has done this year. Talking heads discuss all 4 lineman...which is pretty good for a 3-4 team.

RayClay

Agreed, great points. Koppen is very solid, but only recently has it been discovered that Woody's snapping problem resulted from trying to hold a BK triple stacker in his left hand while snapping.

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The Predator

Who is showing under-appreciation for all these you list??? This is a great list that has been vital to our success, but how can you say they are not appreciated? By whom? BB and the team know all about it for sure. Any dedicated Pats fan would agree that your list is top notch for our wins, but I don't think these go non-appreciated.

Metaphors

My criteria was that I really haven't heard this points mentioned very often, if at all. I intentionally said "underappreciated" since I'm sure Koppen fans (for example) know exactly how much he brings to the table. Basically just things I've noticed but haven't had an opportunity to mention before.

The Predator

There is no doubt that you have added great observations. I do think that this team and BB don't miss a thing. The league has never seen anything like this and never will again IMO.