Things I Learned From This Game (Jetsicles)

[JSn]

Wow. What a game. It had everything I like in a football game, except for the W. But the winner of the coin toss had the game, that was pretty clear.

• Matt Cassel is a starting QB in this league and I would now rank him near the top of available FA's. At this rate of progression, arguably one of the most stunning thing about this guy, he will be the #1 sought after free agent at season's end. That last drive was executed at an elite level. The game wasn't flawless, but that drive was one for the highlight reels.
  
  I was very impressed when he got sacked in what looked like mid throw and pulled the ball down and kept it. Some of his escapes were mind-boggling, too. No hassle, indeed.
  
  
• Randy Moss is clutch. He's been taken out of games by other teams and last night is why. I believe Cassel to Moss is about to become a regular thing. Also, Randy punked Law and that makes a guy feel good.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Our defense was frustrating, but to be fair, that group had to adapt to no AT, Warren, and are probably still adjusting. Let those LB's play like they did in the second half all game and we win, easily. I feel like the Pats DO have to make some scheme or roster adjustments, but really just tweaks. We're very close to playing well even with a depleted backfield.
  
  
• The executioners really need to check out the scales of justice. Watson blocked pretty well last night. He's been improving. He had a fumble and drop, but also led the team in receptions and had a TD. He's obviously talented. As Matt continues to make use of his powers of amnesia, I believe Watson will continue to get better. Gaffney may have made a critical drop in the colts game, but he is looking more and more like a gamer in this offense. Also, Sam Aiken? Wow. I think Cassel told the rest of our scheduled teams that they simply have to cover everyone, because Matt is not going to steer away from a guy because he makes a mistake. Thinking that would be very flawed judgment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The no huddle is a big weapon and after last night, I believe we'll start seeing it a lot. It takes the defense out very quickly and our offense is starting to read oppositions very well as a unit.
  
  
• Belichick is a genius. It simply can't be argued anymore. He hates losing, probably more-so to the Jets, but the half-time adjustments were awesome. If we see the Jets in the playoffs, they will get destroyed. Bill is coaching a team in flux and they are handling adversity in a way I bet no team ever has. The '03 and '04 Patriots had big losses, but they had a constant at QB. They've been forced to find their way here on both sides of the ball with constant hits that must be absolutely demoralizing and Bill and co. are keeping them centred. Coach of the year? Pretty darn close.

This team is very close to playoff calibre. Few tweaks, couple of adjustments and hand Matt the no huddle. We've seen them run monster drives and eat clock like it was their last meal. We've seen them execute the two-minute drill in one-minute. With so many clutch play-makers emerging, we're a whisker away from being dominant. The hot streak HAS to start now, and I believe it will. We need to solve the wild-cat, and I believe it starts with knocking O'neil or Hobbs knocking Penny on his can with a vengeance. Anyway, awesome game, many bright spots and I'm looking forward to every game more and more.

 

[BradyManny]

Good stuff. Generally agree. Cassel will be a big FA prize if he keeps this up. He just has to learn to the throw the deep stuff to be attractive to other teams. For us, the threat of Moss going deep is good enough, and Cassel is money on everything intermediate and in.

 

[captadamnj]

Moss fought the Law...and won.

 

[Rob0729]

I do agree we will see more of the no huddle in the future. I always felt Belichick and McDaniels were limiting the extras they were going to ask Cassel to do until he felt more comfortable in the offense. He is ready now to take off the reigns a bit.

 

[mgteich]

You seem to be waiting for Watson's breakout game.

Wow. What a game. It had everything I like in a football game, except for the W. But the winner of the coin toss had the game, that was pretty clear.

• Matt Cassel is a starting QB in this league and I would now rank him near the top of available FA's. At this rate of progression, arguably one of the most stunning thing about this guy, he will be the #1 sought after free agent at season's end. That last drive was executed at an elite level. The game wasn't flawless, but that drive was one for the highlight reels.
  
  I was very impressed when he got sacked in what looked like mid throw and pulled the ball down and kept it. Some of his escapes were mind-boggling, too. No hassle, indeed.
  
  
• Randy Moss is clutch. He's been taken out of games by other teams and last night is why. I believe Cassel to Moss is about to become a regular thing. Also, Randy punked Law and that makes a guy feel good.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Our defense was frustrating, but to be fair, that group had to adapt to no AT, Warren, and are probably still adjusting. Let those LB's play like they did in the second half all game and we win, easily. I feel like the Pats DO have to make some scheme or roster adjustments, but really just tweaks. We're very close to playing well even with a depleted backfield.
  
  
• The executioners really need to check out the scales of justice. Watson blocked pretty well last night. He's been improving. He had a fumble and drop, but also led the team in receptions and had a TD. He's obviously talented. As Matt continues to make use of his powers of amnesia, I believe Watson will continue to get better. Gaffney may have made a critical drop in the colts game, but he is looking more and more like a gamer in this offense. Also, Sam Aiken? Wow. I think Cassel told the rest of our scheduled teams that they simply have to cover everyone, because Matt is not going to steer away from a guy because he makes a mistake. Thinking that would be very flawed judgment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The no huddle is a big weapon and after last night, I believe we'll start seeing it a lot. It takes the defense out very quickly and our offense is starting to read oppositions very well as a unit.
  
  
• Belichick is a genius. It simply can't be argued anymore. He hates losing, probably more-so to the Jets, but the half-time adjustments were awesome. If we see the Jets in the playoffs, they will get destroyed. Bill is coaching a team in flux and they are handling adversity in a way I bet no team ever has. The '03 and '04 Patriots had big losses, but they had a constant at QB. They've been forced to find their way here on both sides of the ball with constant hits that must be absolutely demoralizing and Bill and co. are keeping them centred. Coach of the year? Pretty darn close.

This team is very close to playoff calibre. Few tweaks, couple of adjustments and hand Matt the no huddle. We've seen them run monster drives and eat clock like it was their last meal. We've seen them execute the two-minute drill in one-minute. With so many clutch play-makers emerging, we're a whisker away from being dominant. The hot streak HAS to start now, and I believe it will. We need to solve the wild-cat, and I believe it starts with knocking O'neil or Hobbs knocking Penny on his can with a vengeance. Anyway, awesome game, many bright spots and I'm looking forward to every game more and more.

 

[JSn]

You seem to be waiting for Watson's breakout game.

Well, I think he's coming along slowly, but I don't think we've seen all there is to see just yet.

 

[BelizePats]

There is no doubt that Watson has a great deal of talent. What's been missing from his game is any level of consistency. Up/down, up/down, injured, up/down up/injured. Up/down. This has been going on for 3+ years so I don't think its going to change much. I like the kid but he has been an average pro at best.
We've all been waiting for him to break out and play on a consistent level! It just hasn't happened yet!

 

[BionicPatriot]

Watson is frustrating. He was the only thing stopping himself from getting over 100 yards last night. He has so much talent, but his brain farts and injuries hurt him too much. This loss is wierd, making I'm high on some good ****, but this loss just makes me feel like we're close. All year the Pats have done this or that to win a game, never yet finding their identity. I think they're starting to.

Last night, something really changed in the 2nd half with the LBs. If They can come out of the gates like that, imagine how different the game could've been. Maybe they just had a good half, or maybe the young guys are starting to get it? The defense is just brain ***** away from being very good. Maybe with more constant pressure they'll be a better unit.

The offense just looks better in every area. When you add all this up, I think the next 2 games are imperative. I think 2-0 is your only shot for the division and a possible BYE. I think they have the talent to not only compete in those games, but to win them.

 

[bbabin]

Moss fought the Law...and won.

I love the replay:

Moss is covered and held by Ty Law. He uses his one free hand to signal that he is open and then makes good on his promise by making an incredible clutch catch.

I also liked seeing him celebrating with Watson even though he had only 2 catches (I think) at that point. What a sulker.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

The good:

- Granted the score dictated it, but they finally took the leash off Cassel. And he produced. That game-tying drive at the end of regulation was superbly executed.

- Jerod Mayo. 20 tackles, 16 solo?!? Good Lord!

- Fumble aside, Ben Watson finally took an active role in the offense.

The bad:

- Pats still can't defend the middle of the field to save their lives.

- Koppen and Mankins continue to get abused in 1-on-1 blocking of DTs.

- Conservative red zone coaching has played a role in the last two losses. The Faulk 3rd-down draw was a horrible call as the Jets were already showing signs of being tough to stop early on, showing that FGs weren't going to cut it.

Going forward:

Obviously things like Watson's fumble, Gaffney's drop on 3rd down and the horrific kick coverage in the 1st half are correctable. What the Pats do about their pass coverage over the middle, an issue that has plagued them all season, is another matter. Ditto their pass protection when the D lines up beefy guys right on Mankins' and Koppen's noses and they get eaten up. The best thing to come out of last night was that Cassel proved himself when they cut him loose. I hope now the Pats start playing more aggressively in the red zone and avoid settling-for-FG situations like they did vs. Indy and early last night. They'll need it against a D like Pittsburgh and a scoring machine like Arizona.

Regards,
Chris

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Great post JSN. I only wish Cassel were under contract ONE more year than he was, we could have really used an extra day 1 pick next year or some other value in return.

I'm a little worried about our pass D, but if we play agressive like in the 3rd quarter maybe we're not so far off from a solution. Plus, if I had to choose between not being able to stop the run, or not being able to stop the pass, I'd easily choose the latter as a problem to work on. Red zone performance needs to improve on both ends, but more importantly on defense. Let's face it with all these injuries, this defense isn't going to dominate. But we have to contain. That was our specialty in 2001, another year where we didn't have the defensive talent of 03/04. We point to alot of breaks/mistakes that came in the last 2 losses, you can also say just one more red zone stop would make a world of a difference in the outcomes. The bogus penalty on Vrabel really hurt us, but thats just the way the cookie crumbles.

Like your comment on the offense being a 'whisker away' from being dominant, I feel this team is a whisker away from being capable of a title run.

 

[gomezcat]

Great OP. The team deserves a lot of praise for coming down from 24-6, as I have already said elsewhere. The D is necessarily a work in progress- think of all the players who will be gone in two years' time. The younger ones look better each game; guys like Mayo, Guyton, Hobbs and Meriweather. If we can develop a good edge rusher, this D could be great for years to come.

Let's not forget, as well, how much better the O line looks than it did against, say, San Diego. I can't pretend I am 100% happy with the line because they had some very bad moments, but still....

There are, of course, plenty of things to address but I'm pretty optimistic about the long term future of the Pats. I can't see them winning the SB this year, though.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I can't see them winning the SB this year, though.

:enranged: :banned:

 

[SVN]

The good:

- Granted the score dictated it, but they finally took the leash off Cassel. And he produced. That game-tying drive at the end of regulation was superbly executed.

- Jerod Mayo. 20 tackles, 16 solo?!? Good Lord!

- Fumble aside, Ben Watson finally took an active role in the offense.

The bad:

- Pats still can't defend the middle of the field to save their lives.

- Koppen and Mankins continue to get abused in 1-on-1 blocking of DTs.

- Conservative red zone coaching has played a role in the last two losses. The Faulk 3rd-down draw was a horrible call as the Jets were already showing signs of being tough to stop early on, showing that FGs weren't going to cut it.

Going forward:

Obviously things like Watson's fumble, Gaffney's drop on 3rd down and the horrific kick coverage in the 1st half are correctable. What the Pats do about their pass coverage over the middle, an issue that has plagued them all season, is another matter. Ditto their pass protection when the D lines up beefy guys right on Mankins' and Koppen's noses and they get eaten up. The best thing to come out of last night was that Cassel proved himself when they cut him loose. I hope now the Pats start playing more aggressively in the red zone and avoid settling-for-FG situations like they did vs. Indy and early last night. They'll need it against a D like Pittsburgh and a scoring machine like Arizona.

Regards,
Chris

i think we run this stuff more often , mcd is just trying to surprise but it isnt working.i would rather call a cassel run instead.

 

[SVN]

There is no doubt that Watson has a great deal of talent. What's been missing from his game is any level of consistency. Up/down, up/down, injured, up/down up/injured. Up/down. This has been going on for 3+ years so I don't think its going to change much. I like the kid but he has been an average pro at best.
We've all been waiting for him to break out and play on a consistent level! It just hasn't happened yet!

i always dread when he catches the ball and moves.he has the least confidence inspiring hands with the football in the hand.

 

[gomezcat]

:enranged: :banned:

Right, that's it! You're banned from the Religious forum!



It's worth making the point that I am a pessimist. I never thought we would beat the Rams in 2002 and didn't think we would go 14-2 back in 2004 (or whenever it was) after going 2-2.

 

[gomezcat]

i always dread when he catches the ball and moves.he has the least confidence inspiring hands with the football in the hand.

I agree re Watson. It would be interesting to know whether he has a higher-than-average fumble or drop percentage.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

It's worth making the point that I am a pessimist. I never thought we would beat the Rams in 2002

Hell, did anybody? Even the homers (like me) didnt like our chances then.

 

[PatsFan37]

Thanks, JSN, nice uplifting post. I'll admit right here than I'm a bandwagoner, watching the team only since the beginning of the '01 season. But I'm enjoying this season in some ways more than any other. I love seeing Cassel develop. The really tough players who pushed through their injuries, like Seymour and Hobbs, are inspiring. The young LBs are playing great.

On the one hand, the Jets game was a heartbreaker. OTOH, that comeback was absolutely terrific and it said a lot about the makeup of this year's team.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

[*]Belichick is a genius. It simply can't be argued anymore. He hates losing, probably more-so to the Jets, but the half-time adjustments were awesome. If we see the Jets in the playoffs, they will get destroyed. Bill is coaching a team in flux and they are handling adversity in a way I bet no team ever has. The '03 and '04 Patriots had big losses, but they had a constant at QB. They've been forced to find their way here on both sides of the ball with constant hits that must be absolutely demoralizing and Bill and co. are keeping them centred. Coach of the year? Pretty darn close.
[/LIST]

The loss hurts but the Jets have to be worried. I was thinking the same thing about the Jets getting destroyed if they met again. However, the Pats need to play better defense. They are a 3rd and 15 away from having a chance to win that game. Even though it's a moot point, if the Pats had their team fully healthy, they would kicked the crap out of the Jets.