BradyManny

Obvious variables include: health of the players, specifically Kyle Brady, the weather & the opponent.

But the question remains - is the notion that was floated after the Dolphins game (that the Patriots hold back scheme-wise in the end of the season when stuff is wrapped up) - going to come to fruition in the post-season.

Will we see anything radically new, formation wise, on either side of the ball then we saw in the first 16 wins?

I still maintain we'll see more of the 2-WR, 2-TE than of the 4-wide. I think the 4-wide spread is pretty much gone, it was effective, they know exactly what kind of defense it will draw, but in the playoffs, 3-wide, 1-TE, 1-RB will be their main offense. It's ultimately much more effective when they have the personnel for it (K Brady, Watson).

Grogan's neck roll

I said it in another thread, I do think the Pats have been "vanilla" down the stretch, and that there will be some unique and complex schemes revealed in the playoffs. People are talking about how tough the Jags are, and you have to love their running backs, but with a young QB, I'm pretty confident in BB's ability to gameplan against a strong running team.

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BradyManny

Couldn't agree more....really, I don't see why the Jags are pegged as the Dark Horse to beat the Pats. BB is obsessed with stopping the run, and particularly running up the middle, power running. MJD and Taylor don't scare me as much as an LT or an Addai with that stretch play.

I also agree about Garrard, he might not make mistakes, but he's certainly not going to hurt the Pats. The Pats bend don't break defense is made to beat teams just like the Jags - good rushing attacks with QBs that just aren't lethal enough to beat you.

atomdomb

i wonder about the scheme on defense also. remember the colts game? adalius was in the game for a handful of plays. was BB holding him back in that game? i think both sides of the ball will be different looking in the playoffs.

BradyManny

That had as much to do with Adalius injury as anything, I think - though I agree, an added benefit is that the Colts don't know how the Pats will use him in the playoffs.

tedylb

Uneducated guess: I have a feeling Tom will spread the passing game-more to Gaffney, Stallworth and Watson, and when needed, to LM in the flat.

fnordcircle

This is what will change. Tom will go back to more even ball distribution.

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Oswlek

I have been watching LoMo closely and he is usually left open underneath. On the early 4th down conversion against the Giants, LoMo was completely uncovered at the marker but Brady went to Moss anyway. Laurence has been on the field for more and more pass plays as the season has progressed - partly to give Faulk some rest and partly due to improved blocking - and NE has to see the same thing that I am seeing. Teams just don't care about him.

I have a feeling that Maroney will be a the recipient of more postseason passes than regular season.

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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]."

Patsfanin Philly

Like last season's Gaffney with 11 catches in the regular season and 21 in 3 post season games...

ALP

hmm, i think we will see different things...

i think welker and randy wont be as effective, but will become incredible decoys....

and donte, watson, gaffney and Lomo will benefit greatly...

on defense....i dont know why, but i see the pats doing some very wierd things....good things

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Last time I lived in New England the Pats became a Dynasty

Then I moved away and they haven't won since

...now I'm moving back, and a Lombardi I predict