An Open Letter to Bill Belichick

[tatepatsfan]

Coach,

I have two major points I'd like to make to you.

First, let Matt Cassel air the ball out more. He's proven himself to be a good decision maker. Is he Tom Brady? Of course not. But he better than a lot of other starters in the NFL, and I think he's earned the right to take a few more deep shots. He hit Gaffney perfectly in stride last night, and if that were Moss, it would have been 6. I realize Moss was double and triple covered, but there were times where he had more one-on-one coverage. Let's take off the training wheels.

Second, privately - not publicly a la Mike Singletary - a point needs to be driven home to the entire team about David Thomas' actions. While I do not believe a loss ever comes down to one play or one player (there were plenty of other opportunities we didn't take last night), his bone-headed penalty seemingly cost us a shot at the win. One of the strengths of this team thus far has been the incredible discipline we've demonstrated in committing so few penalties. Get Thomas, and by implication, the rest of the team, back on board.

Thanks Coach - Pats 11-5 AFC East Champs,

Steve

 

[102 Pat]

Can anybody see BB having a post game press conference like Singletary? Or dropping his pants?

 

[BradyManny]

Coach,

I have to major points I'd like to make to you.

First, let Matt Cassel air the ball out more. He's proven himself to be a good decision maker. Is he Tom Brady? Of course not. But he better than a lot of other starters in the NFL, and I think he's earned the right to take a few more deep shots. He hit Gaffney perfectly in stride last night, and if that were Moss, it would have been 6. I realize Moss was double and triple covered, but there were times where he had more one-on-one coverage. Let's take off the training wheels.

Second, privately - not publicly a la Mike Singletary - a point needs to be driven home to the entire team about David Thomas' actions. While I do not believe a loss ever comes down to one play or one player (there were plenty of other opportunities we didn't take last night), his bone-headed penalty seemingly cost us a shot at the win. One of the strengths of this team thus far has been the incredible discipline we've demonstrated in committing so few penalties. Get Thomas, and by implication, the rest of the team, back on board.

Thanks Coach - Pats 11-5 AFC East Champs,

Steve

I couldn't disagree more on either point. Cassel is executing the game plan very well, why change it? He had some chance for deep throws at the end of the game, and was off the mark. Granted, the Gaffney drop was a perfect throw, I don't think Cassel has demonstrated consistency throwing the long ball - and with coverages on Moss being like they are, they should just go with what works.

As for Dave Thomas, what I believe they continually failed to show on the replays was that Thomas was retaliating for a cheap shot on Moss. Sure, Thomas' hit was a second too late, but guys with some nastiness like Thomas or Mankins have to let players on the defense know they aren't going to get away with taking shots at our superstars, especially Moss.

 

[oldskool138]

As for Dave Thomas, what I believe they continually failed to show on the replays was that Thomas was retaliating for a cheap shot on Moss. Sure, Thomas' hit was a second too late, but guys with some nastiness like Thomas or Mankins have to let players on the defense know they aren't going to get away with taking shots at our superstars, especially Moss.

So, retaliation is okay even at the expense of the game? Well, I'm sure the team can take solace in that as they travel back to Foxboro with an "L".

 

[Schmo]

I couldn't disagree more on either point. Cassel is executing the game plan very well, why change it? He had some chance for deep throws at the end of the game, and was off the mark. Granted, the Gaffney drop was a perfect throw, I don't think Cassel has demonstrated consistency throwing the long ball - and with coverages on Moss being like they are, they should just go with what works.

As for Dave Thomas, what I believe they continually failed to show on the replays was that Thomas was retaliating for a cheap shot on Moss. Sure, Thomas' hit was a second too late, but guys with some nastiness like Thomas or Mankins have to let players on the defense know they aren't going to get away with taking shots at our superstars, especially Moss.

I agree. We are doing fine with the game plan on offense, and it seems that BB is slowly giving Cassel more freedom anyways.

As far as the Thomas play goes, I thought the call was more in question than his actions. Plus, I think Thomas knows what he did and doesn't need anyone to point it out. For BB to single him out would be pointless humiliation and a waste of time. It says more to not say anything.

 

[BradyManny]

So, retaliation is okay even at the expense of the game? Well, I'm sure the team can take solace in that as they travel back to Foxboro with an "L".

There's no doubt he made a mistake - he made the hit one second too late. But the hit itself was not the issue, it was the timing.

Besides, they could've called a late hit or unnecessary roughness on probably 25% of the plays out there. It was a chippy and physical game. Mankins was roughing people up after plays, Colts players were getting their shots in.

Thomas was just dumb enough to do it right in front of the ref, and the ref had a big enough ego to derail a perfectly good and competitive game by making a ticky-tack call.

 

[DarrylS]

I couldn't disagree more on either point. Cassel is executing the game plan very well, why change it? He had some chance for deep throws at the end of the game, and was off the mark. Granted, the Gaffney drop was a perfect throw, I don't think Cassel has demonstrated consistency throwing the long ball - and with coverages on Moss being like they are, they should just go with what works.

As for Dave Thomas, what I believe they continually failed to show on the replays was that Thomas was retaliating for a cheap shot on Moss. Sure, Thomas' hit was a second too late, but guys with some nastiness like Thomas or Mankins have to let players on the defense know they aren't going to get away with taking shots at our superstars, especially Moss.

Could not agree more, the blame game makes little sense.. thought the game plan was well thought out, the pats were in a position to win.. a dropped pass may have made the difference..

I thought the Thomas penalty was overkill, his back was to the runner so how did he know he was down?? The hit seemed coincidental with the whistle..

 

[BradyManny]

I thought the Thomas penalty was overkill, his back was to the runner so how did he know he was down?? The hit seemed coincidental with the whistle..

Agree - I thought it was a lot closer to the whistle than fans/posters here are making it out to be.

 

[hyperpat]

There's no doubt he made a mistake - he made the hit one second too late. But the hit itself was not the issue, it was the timing.

Besides, they could've called a late hit or unnecessary roughness on probably 25% of the plays out there. It was a chippy and physical game. Mankins was roughing people up after plays, Colts players were getting their shots in.

Thomas was just dumb enough to do it right in front of the ref, and the ref had a big enough ego to derail a perfectly good and competitive game by making a ticky-tack call.

Like the "great" bob sanders who routinely dives in the pile and spears players and never gets called for it.

 

[BradyManny]

Like the "great" bob sanders who routinely dives in the pile and spears players and never gets called for it.

Exactly. (10)

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

Cassel is going to take what is there. He will learn from game time senarios and when he can take a chance and throw the ball into different coverages depending upon the coverage and our reciever.

Like I said earlier they are developing him and I agree with their pace....

 

[Robdude]

I agree. We are doing fine with the game plan on offense, and it seems that BB is slowly giving Cassel more freedom anyways.

As far as the Thomas play goes, I thought the call was more in question than his actions. Plus, I think Thomas knows what he did and doesn't need anyone to point it out. For BB to single him out would be pointless humiliation and a waste of time. It says more to not say anything.

Once again I am about to post my opinion then I find someone that has said what I am thinking in a very clear way. Thomas made a mistake and I am sure he feels awful about it. In the end it was a mistake when he was being over aggressive. Thomas is turning into a solid contributor on this team no reason to alienate him.

These next 2 games are much more critical then the Colts game was. With that said I am much more optimistic going against the Bills and Jets after this game then I was before the game. Go figure
:singing:

 

[Tunescribe]

Thanks Coach - Pats 11-5 AFC East Champs

Which two games are you telling BB he should lose?

 

[MassPats38]

Belichick has stated every game is its own animal and game plans are geared to the weakness of the opponent and probabilities of success against that team (he does what he believes works, not what fans would like to see). Even Madden seemed to contradict himself when he looked at the Colts defense and noted Moss was well-covered while at the same time saying get him the ball. While Madden's "long ball" comments got tiring through repetition, the Patriots game planned worked well, defensively and offensively. The Patriots just ended up on the wrong side of the score.

As for Thomas, I absolutely disagree with the OP conclusion on the penalty. Thomas was run blocking and the assumption is he heard the whistle and deliberately hit somebody late. Did he have a beef with the guy he hit or is there any evidence he was going at it with that defender previously? Is there any possibility he missed the whistle and was focused on downfield blocking? Everyone looking from the eye in the sky may say it was obvious on replay, but given the fact he appeared to be furthest downfield on the block, he probably did not have many offensive players to draw a reference from as to whether the play was ongoing if he missed the whistle. Defenders away from the tackle may loaf, so to have some players standing watching a tackle does not mean the play is whistled dead. Ultimately, I would rather see players aggressively blocking than loafing on blocks so I would take the occasional penalty like that if that is one of the associated risks.

At some level, I guess I should find it refreshing that fans are saying give Cassel more responsibility and open the game up more. As it appeared many posters had so little confidence in him to begin with (that's not pointing to anyone in particular, just a general observation) that is a sign of team progress and a sign that the Patriots are competitive now. Also, the fact that the Patriots are tied for the division lead in a "weak" division with more wins than all but two of the NFL divisions and no team with a losing record may surprise some of the "gloom and doomers" after the Brady injury.

 

[JMarr]

As for Dave Thomas, what I believe they continually failed to show on the replays was that Thomas was retaliating for a cheap shot on Moss. Sure, Thomas' hit was a second too late, but guys with some nastiness like Thomas or Mankins have to let players on the defense know they aren't going to get away with taking shots at our superstars, especially Moss.

If it was retaliatory it makes it 10 times more boneheaded IMO. Lose the game because you "got your homies' back?" Even Vince knows when and when not to pull crap like that.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Coach,

I have two major points I'd like to make to you.

First, let Matt Cassel air the ball out more. He's proven himself to be a good decision maker. Is he Tom Brady? Of course not. But he better than a lot of other starters in the NFL, and I think he's earned the right to take a few more deep shots. He hit Gaffney perfectly in stride last night, and if that were Moss, it would have been 6. I realize Moss was double and triple covered, but there were times where he had more one-on-one coverage. Let's take off the training wheels.

Second, privately - not publicly a la Mike Singletary - a point needs to be driven home to the entire team about David Thomas' actions. While I do not believe a loss ever comes down to one play or one player (there were plenty of other opportunities we didn't take last night), his bone-headed penalty seemingly cost us a shot at the win. One of the strengths of this team thus far has been the incredible discipline we've demonstrated in committing so few penalties. Get Thomas, and by implication, the rest of the team, back on board.

Thanks Coach - Pats 11-5 AFC East Champs,

Steve

I completely disagree. BB has managed the education and break in of MC as well as he did for TB. It's only midway on MC first season of play. He is doing fine in absorbing but not being overwhelmed in BB's controlled and increasingly complete QB educational plan.

 

[PATSNUTme]

Coach,

I have two major points I'd like to make to you.

First, let Matt Cassel air the ball out more. He's proven himself to be a good decision maker. Is he Tom Brady? Of course not. But he better than a lot of other starters in the NFL, and I think he's earned the right to take a few more deep shots. He hit Gaffney perfectly in stride last night, and if that were Moss, it would have been 6. I realize Moss was double and triple covered, but there were times where he had more one-on-one coverage. Let's take off the training wheels.

Second, privately - not publicly a la Mike Singletary - a point needs to be driven home to the entire team about David Thomas' actions. While I do not believe a loss ever comes down to one play or one player (there were plenty of other opportunities we didn't take last night), his bone-headed penalty seemingly cost us a shot at the win. One of the strengths of this team thus far has been the incredible discipline we've demonstrated in committing so few penalties. Get Thomas, and by implication, the rest of the team, back on board.

Thanks Coach - Pats 11-5 AFC East Champs,

Steve

Just got this PM to share:

Dear Steve,

As an avid reader of fan message boards, I want to thank you for your open letter to me.

Yes, young Matt is improving each week but he is what he is. He has now started 7 games since high school and perhaps he has earned the right to be turned loose, but not while I have a breath in my lungs.

As far as David is concerned, I took him to the woodshed while we were still in Indiana. I impressed on him and the rest of the team not to play hard for fear that some dumbass ref will try to grandstand on national TV and throw a flag at a crucial time.

Now, I'm glad that you didn't bring up the challenge that I made on the 12 men on the field. And, I thank you for not pointing out that I called a time out one half a second before we made the first down. A lot of people would have done that.

Regards,

Bill Belichick






done for humor, don't get upset with it.

 

[Ice Cold Bruschi]

I completely disagree our offensive problems are have nothing to do with taking deep shots we've had great success marching down the field, however its our red zone execution that is lacking, screens don't work in the redzone I feel like we need to get Watson Thomas and Moss more involved in the red zone as well as try to get the ball to welker on quick and/or deep outs (depending on the field position) like Brady did so many times last year, I mean how many of Welker's TD's last year were quick outs where he just stepped into the front corner of the endzone after catching the ball, obviously its easier with Brady but that play is bread and butter for us.

 

[lostjumper]

Just got this PM to share:

Dear Steve,

As an avid reader of fan message boards, I want to thank you for your open letter to me.

Yes, young Matt is improving each week but he is what he is. He has now started 7 games since high school and perhaps he has earned the right to be turned loose, but not while I have a breath in my lungs.

As far as David is concerned, I took him to the woodshed while we were still in Indiana. I impressed on him and the rest of the team not to play hard for fear that some dumbass ref will try to grandstand on national TV and throw a flag at a crucial time.

Now, I'm glad that you didn't bring up the challenge that I made on the 12 men on the field. And, I thank you for not pointing out that I called a time out one half a second before we made the first down. A lot of people would have done that.

Regards,

Bill Belichick






done for humor, don't get upset with it.

I knew Bill read our board! With all the great footballs minds here, I'm suprised he hasn't picked one of use to replace McDaniels as offiensive coordinator!