NEGoldenAge

I rarely question BB. I try not to forget, that often, when his decisions seem a mystery, they are based on information that he has and we don't. Last night however, this was not the case... the information was all right there in front of me. I started second-guessing BB not altering his game plan last night to adjust to the situation, and went more than 3 quarters convinced that he was making a mistake. Then, when Feely threw that last INT, I understood. BB's plan wasn't fundamentally failing, though some aspects didn't work out as planned, some odd things happened and the Eagles played well.

BB had a plan and he stuck to it. He didn't let Westbrook beat him and he figured Feely wouldn't. Although there are some aspects of his plan that didn't work real well, I think strength of the foundation of the plan was sound enough to overcome the parts that didn't work, the PI on Moss and the bold onsides kick.

BB really crowded the line of scrimage and sent people after Feely and also in his face with waving hands. He was hoping to knock Feely out of rythem and generate turnovers from pressure whether it's a strip sack, bad hurried throw or a ball tipped at the line of scrimage. None of these things happened, but guys on the line were able to stop Westbrook who had 17 carries for 52 yards. Obviously this aggressive, run stopping D will leave the middle of the field a little vulnerable. If Rodney had an normal day of excellent coverage, this wouldn't be as much of a factor, but he didn't and gave up a lot of catches.

The Eagles pass protection was fantastic, both the linemen and the backs. Feely was able to hit the open guys underneath and sometimes over the top. Although the Eagles defense was able to pressure Brady and bump the receivers, they were aided by a phantom PI call that negated a Moss touchdown, a missed FG and a stolen possion by a recovered on-sides kick, they did give up 3 TD's and a field goal.

The Patriots pass protection was not up to it's usual standards. Whether against blitz's or a three man rush the Eagles were able to get pressure on Brady creating sacks, hurried throws and not allowing Brady to step into his throws. Throw in some dropped passes and a negated TD, Tom had his work cut out for him. But, Brady being Brady, it didn't matter, he did what he had to do to win.

BB trusts his players, is completely aware of what's happening, and why, in the game, and trusts his gameplan. And again, BB was right. Feely being Feely gave Asante a couple of easy INT's and ultimately couldn't beat the Pats. With Westbrook out of the game, BB had confidence that his offense would score enough to win.






... on a side note, does anyone get the feeling that BB is hiding something? The way the running game is being used, it gives people the impression that it's not effective, when, in fact, the running game has been effective no matter who was in the backfield, and much of that running has been in situations where the D knew it was a run. I've never seen anything in football hidden so well in plain sight. I really think our running game is gonna shock people in the playoffs. BB is unlike any coach ever seen, as he has mastered all points about anything related to football and it's operation.

psychoPat

This is an interesting take.
Hope you're correct !

upstater1

I can accept your premise about the defense.

But not about the offense.

I saw Heath Evans lining up wide with an empty backfield in the second half. Nothing will convince me that the play is more effective with Evans lining up wide than it is with Maroney in the backfield with at least the threat of a run.

Belichick needs to rethink that, and this is the first time I've ever questioned him. 5 WRs is fine, and I don't know enough about football to argue it, but if one of your 5 is Heath Evans, then I can guarantee you it's more effective to have Maroney back there.

fair catch fryar

I see your point and agree that the running game could explode at any time, but at the same time, I think BB trusts his fate in the hands of Tom Brady and the stellar receivers we have. Whether it's 30-40 yard gains or 5-10 yard gains, BB will force most teams try and stop us.

NEGoldenAge

I don't disagree. Part of the reason, IMO, that Maroney is used sparingly is both part of this concealment BB is so masterfly doing, but also in the interest of keeping him healthy... especially considering Sammy on the IR and Faulk getting banged up. I think Maroney is gonna blow teams away in the Playoffs.

NEGoldenAge

I don't think the Passing game will go away , I just the the running game is a surprise for the playoffs in sunny Foxborro The passing game will be there too!

dwayne

BB is unlike any coach ever seen, as he has mastered all points about anything related to football and it's operation.

Hyperbole much?

upstater1

Is the Hyper Bowl played after the Super Bowl? No matter, we'll win that too.

NYCPatsFan

I strongly disgree with the 'hiding part' (after all, isn't BB so clear and forthcoming in all his interviews and injury reports?? )

My 2 cents: we seem to be purposefully going away from the running game because:

(a) we are trying to keep Maroney fresh for the playoffs

(b) now that we have locked up the division, we can concentrate fully on the passing and see what all schemes ('blueprints' if you will) that the other teams are capable of throwing at us so that we can be adequately prepared during the playoffs, and

(c) mixture of both.

fair catch fryar

Does that mean we could go 20-0?