This is a HUGE game...for my opinion

[Ring 6]

Its a division game, so its important, but ultimately for the Pats this is not much more than just 1 of 16.
For ME its a very big one. Why? Because I am stuck in an unknown zone with my opinion of this team.
My feeling is that looking at the other 52 players aside from starting QB, we have clearly the best team in the NFL. My feeling that Brady being the best QB took that talent from the best to the dominant.
Does losing Brady bring us from dominant to the best, or does Cassel detract from all of the other talent.
Is all of the other talent overrated because Brady carried them? Or is all of the other talent underrated because Brady got too much of the credit as the face of the franchise.
This week will begin to answer those questions.

Additionally, the Jets sucked last year, and the media wants to annoint them as contenders for reasons I disagree with. I found their off-season moves to be voluminous, yet unimpressive. Favre is being sold by the media as the reason they have improved drastically from 4-12. I do not see it that way. I see him as about as much a liability as a benefit with the poor decision-making and ints. I think he does enough good that he can make a weak team respectable, but I dont think he elevates any team at this point in his career other than the weak one.
I guess this will be tested this week too.

I can see the Pats coming out and surgically dismantling the Jets, just like they did to many opponents last year. Maybe it will take 3 quarters without Brady to get the game in hand instead of most games being over by halftime like last year.
I can also see the Pats struggling on offense, and every games being a battle.

If I had to guess, my guess would be that Cassel is going to be given a much larger amount of responsiblity than anyone expects, and that we are going to go out trying to run an offense resembling last years high scoring juggernaut, and plugging Cassel in. I can also see us going the other direction and taking the air out of the ball, but I think the first is more likely.

 

[thenepatsrule]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

i agree .......... would also say that as far as the current pats team is concerned each game is HUGE.....

 

[JSn]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

If I had to guess, my guess would be that Cassel is going to be given a much larger amount of responsiblity than anyone expects, and that we are going to go out trying to run an offense resembling last years high scoring juggernaut, and plugging Cassel in. I can also see us going the other direction and taking the air out of the ball, but I think the first is more likely.

Kinda what I'm thinking too.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

Is all of the other talent overrated because Brady carried them? Or is all of the other talent underrated because Brady got too much of the credit as the face of the franchise.

Tom Brady didn't carry Randy Moss in Minnesota. He didn't carry Welker in Miami. He didn't carry Gaffney in Houston or Washington in Cincinnati. He didn't carry Jordan in New York and Oakland, or Morris in his travels. The real question is how much better the offensive line looks like because of Brady.

That's a question that we likely won't know the answer to until O'Neal comes back and we can compare identical lines. Don't let this week become too big in your mind, for any reason.

 

[BelizePats]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

We can expect that Mangidiot will load the box with 8 to stop the run, at leats this is what I'm thinking. So, what is the best way to counter this kind of defence where the run stop is the priority?
I don't know the answer to this question. Is is is quick slants and out with screens? Someone with a better understanding of the x's and o's can chime in here, please!
If the Rats to load the box with 8, Cassel will have to throw more than most would expect.
My initial reaction to Cassel becoming the full time QB is that we would run alot more and play a far more conservative offence. Which made the Lamont Jordan signing a very smart one because if we run alot more there is a good chance that one of Maroney, Morris or Jordan will get dinged up and miss some time.
Which brings me back to loading the box to stop the run.
In short I have no idea what to expect?
I know what I want to see. A balance attack where they don't try to hide cassels arm. He's got to be able to throw it for us to be successful, long term.
I just can't wit for sunday!!!

 

[JR4]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

No matter how good the other 52 players are if the QB makes a lot of
bad decisions and/or turns the ball over or has low 3rd down convert
rate ... the team will not do very well.

It may not be until after the bye week that we see what will happen.
If PATs lose the next two and Cassel is seen to be the major reason
then look for a change after the bye week. If there is a change it may not
be O'Connell .... it may be a vet they bring in.

I am encouraged by what I saw from the defense in the KC game. This
defense is going to get a lot better as the season goes on as long as there
are no major injuries.

This Offense has all the potential .... to be very good with a decent QB.
I just hope Cassel is the man .... if not I hope they are quick to make
a change.

... so is this a HUGE game? ... it is for Matt Cassel.
... for me ... I'll try to restrain judgment until at least the bye week.
Maybe it will take 4 to 6 starts for him to settle in. He should get
better with more experience under real NFL fire. I just hope he learns
from his mistakes quickly.

 

[SVN]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

all the analysts are predicting the proverbial "stop the run and let the QB beat us" theory for teams opposing pats and that the pats "must run the football more" theory for the pats.
sometimes i wonder why these guys get paid to make the same statements every yr.
i think pats will play what is needed to win. if it means throwing 50 times , they will. if cassel sucks doing it look for BB to replace him with even o'connell.
he is not going to turn the pats into a predictable run first team. maybe against some teams he will take less risks than more but it will be eternally the same.
BB asked a 2nd yr QBto drive a 2 min offense with 1 min and change left in the SB to a game winning FG . that says all about all these conservative logic which all the media seems to throw out there.
"Pats must run the ball" . well sure but what about the opposing DT's and DE's stopping the run.?

EDIT: We are also not exactly loaded at TE to have an even effective running game so i dont expect a heavy rush attack

 

[cstjohn17]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

Why? Because I am stuck in an unknown zone with my opinion of this team.

Me too, don't know what to think. I guess we are kinda like 90% of the league's fans that don't truly know what to expect one week to the next.

I don't know how it will play out and the team is definitely psychologically stronger than us mortal fans but I can't help thinking it is a very important game for the team's morale. If they go in play tough and scratch out a win it will be a good way to get some mojo going, if they get killed then it could be the start of an epic tailspin.

 

[CheerforTom]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

This really is a huge game, arguably bigger than any we had last year. If Cassel crumbles under the pressure it could be a long year for us, but if he does a good job we can start thinking about the playoffs again.

For the record I really think Belichick-McDaniels come out throwing just like we did with Brady. The Jets are undoubtedly practicing defending the run right now.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

This game is worth two games IMO being a divisonal game. It could become a tie breaker.

When is the last time the Pats were dominant and surgically dismantled a team? it was about midseason.

This game could set the tempo for the rest of the season. But let me ask you this. What if the team performs awfully does that mean it's like that for the rest of the season? I wouldn't think so. It's only week 2. You would hope that week 2 team play is not the same as week 10 and week 10 is not the same as week 16.

We need to just take this as a divisional game and Matt Cassel's first full game. Hopefully we can take positives out of his performance and the teams which translated into a victory.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

The biggest positive I saw from Cassel was his poise in the pocket and his progression of reads. He did NOT lock into a wr. That shows me alot.

 

[The Sarge]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

I think we will HAMMER the Jets. Brett Favre looked like a fool the last time he played against our defense, and this time will be no different, he's going to wish he stayed retired. All the pressure is on the Jets. They are going to expect a short passing, ball control offense from us. I think we will go deep a few times to loosen up their D, then switch to balanced attack.

 

[Poker]

Interesting post. My view is that's it's way too simplistic to say "they're going to run the ball or "they're going the throw the ball a lot."

With Brady, we could line up 5 wides and throw with abandon from anywhere at any time. In other words, show pass, pass anyway, try to stop us.

I don't think there's much doubt that with Cassel in there, we're going to see a healthy mix and that is the best strategy to keep them guessing and also for us to be flexible based on the D presented.

Thus, I expect to see more formations with backs who are dual threats on that play to run or pass depending on what looks best. We have a lot of back that are dual threats--so let's see Maroney catching more passes in space and Faulk running and Jordan and Morris mixing it up 50/50. That would be hard for the D to predict and respond.

 

[nepatz11]

This is a huge game because I have always believed that Cassel has a rocket arm, good legs, and from all accoutn sis bright. What he needs is confidence! This game could make or break his year

 

[nepatz11]

The question is does he have the make up to succeed and confidence is a big part of that

 

[dhamz]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

This really is a huge game, arguably bigger than any we had last year.

I'd have to disagree. I don't think it compares in any way to the game at Indy or those 3 games in January/February. It is still September.

The Giants were 2-2 last September. The Pats title teams in 2001 and 2003 got out of the gate 1-3 and 2-2.

Tom Brady's first road start was against a division rival too. It was embarassing. I believe he threw 24 passes for 86 yards.

I honestly think people are really blowing this game way out of porportion. I understand the reason - Brady being out and Cassel starting. I just don't agree that anything we see Sunday (good or bad) is necessarily an inidcator of where the season goes from here.

 

[chrisfx811]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

I think any wins the Pats get for at least the first 6 weeks will be scrappy type fights. I think the defense behind the front 4 is in a learning mode with the new pieces worked in.
The offense is hampered by a patchwork o-line right now, in addition to everyone getting used to Cassel's timing.

 

[NYCPatsFan]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

The biggest positive I saw from Cassel was his poise in the pocket and his progression of reads. He did NOT lock into a wr. That shows me alot.

It is interesting to see this comment that is opposite of many others felt. I didn't watch the game and can't comment but did you read the other thread where one of the mod's stated that MC clearly signaled the plays by locking in to his targets?

I hope MC goes on a no-huddle on the opening drive. If he pulls it off, even with a field goal, he would deliver a loud statement that will make the Jesters and the hostile crowd change their mindset that his inexperience can lead him to make mistakes. Hopefully, that will force the Jesters to adjust their pressure plays. Hmmm..the more I think of this, the more amazing this no-huddle openign drive strategy is...Maybe I should email Josh right away...

 

[Ring 6]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

I'd have to disagree. I don't think it compares in any way to the game at Indy or those 3 games in January/February. It is still September.

The Giants were 2-2 last September. The Pats title teams in 2001 and 2003 got out of the gate 1-3 and 2-2.

Tom Brady's first road start was against a division rival too. It was embarassing. I believe he threw 24 passes for 86 yards.

I honestly think people are really blowing this game way out of porportion. I understand the reason - Brady being out and Cassel starting. I just don't agree that anything we see Sunday (good or bad) is necessarily an inidcator of where the season goes from here.

Thats kind of the point I was trying to make. This game is no different than any other, EXCEPT for being HUGE in helping us form new opinions.
We are all curious and guessing at what impact the best team losing the best player will have.
We could play fantastic and end up 4-12, or we could play horribly and end up 14-2. The value in this game is the first real chance to see the 'new look'.

 

[Clonamery]

Re: This is a HUGE game......for my opinion

Thats kind of the point I was trying to make. This game is no different than any other, EXCEPT for being HUGE in helping us form new opinions.
We are all curious and guessing at what impact the best team losing the best player will have.
We could play fantastic and end up 4-12, or we could play horribly and end up 14-2. The value in this game is the first real chance to see the 'new look'.

Yup, the anticipation of the team's response (not so much Cassel's) is paramount in my mind for Sunday's game.