Fencer

Every unit or subunit can have its bad games or bad couple of games. And the media loves to talk about the possibility that these are lasting weaknesses that somebody will exploit to beat the Pats. E.g., I'm inspired to post this by the Jags-built-to-beat-Pats thread.

With that as background, what are the Pats' REAL weaknesses, if any?

My answers:

1. In the offense, there are none. The running game is just OK, creating a huge imbalance vs. the superlative, historically great passing game. But if the Pats need 3 yards and a cloud of snow, they're in pretty good shape to grind it out.

2. A great dink-and-dunk -- or power-running -- offense will move the ball on a great defense, until the field shortens, at which point the movement grinds to a halt. I think most apparent signs of defensive weakness have boiled down to a version of that, or else have been due to transitory problems. E.g., I think the red zone defense is back, and will prove that it's back even against better offenses than it's been tested against recently. That is to say, I think bend-not-break is back.

3. I do think there is one genuine defensive weakness -- playmaking in the center of the field. Bruschi is evidently a JAG now, even being relatively healthy. Seau is a JAG+, with the + being superior blitzing ability. An offense that can punch through the DL or throw over it has an easier job bending the bend-not-break guys than I'd like.

4. I see no particular weaknesses on STs.

Jafo

I dont see a glaring weakness, but if i had to choose one, I would say if your intial rush can be contained by a scheme, the middle of the field seems vulnerable. Easier said than done though. The pats are going to have to start thinking about reloading their D soon though.

PF1996

Offense

1. Running
Pat's OL isn't particularly good at runblocking but they would be better if they had a running back that 1. didn't run with his head down and 2. hit the hole without hesitation.

2. Playcalling
Very predictable. Pats seem not to have made any adjustments to the adjustments defenses have made to the Pats new WR group.

3. Brady - biggest weakness. Is obsessed with the long ball and refuses to give it up until he hits one.


Defense

Worse unit is the LBs. Can't get off blocks, overrun plays, can't tackle.

jct

1) Not to thrilled about our running game against better competition.
2) Weather can limit our passing attack
3) Refereeing can require us to require larger cushion to insure the win
4) Loosing Colvin hurt
5) Bruschi is less than a Jag now

In spite of all that above 80% chance we go 19-0

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RayClay

Classic!!!!!!

No wonder we suck!

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RayClay

Depth at LB and CB, that's about it.

Health at TE is always questionable, for some reason.

Running isn't a strength or a weakness, it's average right now.

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DaedalusX

Yea, Brady's the biggest weakness in this offense, for sure.

Given your recent posts, you have some seriously irrational hatred for Brady and are masking it as 'constructive' criticism.

Deus Irae

I was going to say "the fan base", and this post by PF1996 is a perfect example of why.

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Joker

I'd narrow that down a bit to the Scary Mary segment of the fan base, Irate Dionysus

PatsFanInEaglesLand

Are you serious?

Do you not remember the Steeler game when he completed about 6 straight passes to Welker because they took away the deep stuff?