chris_in_sunnyvale

I didn't see a thread on this so if there is, please merge...

What new (or rarely used during the season) wrinkle or gameplan aspect do you think the Pats will use in January? Do you think they'll surprise everyone with a heavy dose of Maroney? Do you think they'll use more 4-3 with Seymour at his more dominant and natural DT position?

Here's my guess: Instead of sticking with the usual Asante at LCB and Hobbs at RCB, they'll put Asante on the opponent's top receiver if the game dictates such a change. I'm looking at you, Reggie Wayne, who normally lines up on the left side opposite Hobbs. If they do this, this will mean they're playing a lot more man-coverage because the CBs may not have their zone assignments down pat if they switch sides.

I also think that if the weather is bad, especially the wind, they'll play a ton more bump-and-run, figuring no balls over 25 yards will be thrown with great accuracy so there's no major danger of getting beat deep.

Regards,
Chris

xmarkd400x

I don't know what it will be, but I expect this defense to clamp down in the playoffs.

Oswlek

I have already stated that I think that Maroney will be more involved as a receiver in the passing game.

That said, beyond anything specific, I am really intrigued by these playoffs just to see how NE performs. To date, they have played their best ball in the playoffs under BB and TB. Sure they didn't play all that well against Denver or SD in 05 and 06, but the defense besaically stoned Denver after allowing them to do whatever they wanted earlier in 2005. And mid 2006 NE was struggling with the likes of Miami, NYJ and Detroit. I highly doubt that they would have handled SD in November.

Here are the scores of teams that they faced earlier in the season and then again in the playoffs.

2001

StL 17-24 / 20-17

2003

TN 38-30 / 17-14
Indy 38-34 / 24-14

2004

Indy 27-24 / 20-3
Pitt 20-34 / 41-27

2005

Denver 20-28 / 13-27

2006

NYJ 24-17 / 14-17 / 37-16
Indy 20-27 / 34-38

Average regular season score 24-26
Average playoff score 26-19

That is a 9 point swing in the positive with the D giving up a full TD less. Remarkable. And that includes a completely BS Denver game where the scored about 24 points more than they earned.

__________________
"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]."

BradyManny

Good stuff. Bumping this thread.

Oswlek

Thanks....

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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]."

JoePats

Any playoff loss hurts obviously, but that Denver game was brutal. We had about 5 or 6 turnovers, including fumbles by Faulk, Troy, and Hobbs.

I think we out-gained them about 420-190. Absolutely brutal.

And their longest scoring drive was 40-something yards, and 40-something minus-1 was on a hideous PI call in the end zone.

PatsWickedPissah

I also think that the MIA screen pass to Faulk & Maroney will return.

Somebody 'new' will catch a TD pass on the short goal line offense.

Not really new, but we'll see more of Evans running FB lead blocking for Maroney; Evans went from being a stiff with this last season to being effective

__________________
Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck." RAH

BradyManny

I'm bumping this thread a second time just b/c I like it.

aluminum seats

I just think we'll see dominance, I really do. The offense will do what it does, but I think we'll see a D we haven't really seen for awhile. I admit I was a little surprised the Giants put up 28 offensively, but I think that was a combination of an opposing team playing way over its head for awhile, coupled with the Pats being ever so tight due to what was at stake.

Not to get too far ahead, but I think it will be a near rout of Jax/Pitt, an easier than expected victory over the Colts, and a comfortable Super Bowl win (if there is such a thing!)

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"So I'm going to throw myself against the wall...
'Cause I'd rather feel bad than not feel anything at all."

BradyManny

Man I hope you're right!

I think it's certainly a possibility, save for the Colts I'd say - I really think that'll be tight no matter what. Peyton's too good.