Is a Healthy Galloway the Hidden Key to a Super Bowl Season?

[tombonneau]

The more I think about the team this off-season, the more I can't help but think that a healthy Joey Galloway could be the hidden key to another dominant offense and (hopefully) Super Bowl championship.

His acquisition is kind of glossed over based on his age and the fact he was injured in '08, but if he is healthy and is a legit threat opposite Moss for 16+ games, this offense will average at least 35 ppg. Period. That will win you just about every game on your schedule.

I know a lot of folks are rightfully sweating the OLB spot, depth at ILB, will someone in the secondary step up, etc., and all of these are legit questions about the team, but the fact is even if no one is the answer at OLB and the Pats struggle at one of the corner spots, that's still a legit Super Bowl winning defense. (Remember, the Giants only scored 17 points.)

But I truly believe a healthy Galloway can have 2x the offensive impact that Stallworth had in '07, he really is that much better of a player than Donte. Now, obviously TB, Moss & company need to stay healthy too, but Galloway is the under-the-radar guy that can make this offense into something truly special and hopefully bring the Lombardi back where it belongs.

 

[PATS68]

I think the key is not the O, but the play of the new secondary mainly the 2 new starting DB's. Also what kind of pass rush will we see this year. Love Galloway and think he is an upgrade over what we had in the past.

For me it is all about the D.

 

[slash83]

Galloways gonna have a great oppertunity to make some big plays considering all the double coverage moss n welker will receive. Galloways probably just as fast or faster then stallworth, plus he's obviously a better overall wr too.

 

[ScottieC]

I think the key is not the O, but the play of the new secondary mainly the 2 new starting DB's. Also what kind of pass rush will we see this year. Love Galloway and think he is an upgrade over what we had in the past.

For me it is all about the D.

Secondary will be fine, I'm confident of it. We need a pass rush that scares teams and an O-Line that gives the receivers time to run the route.

Those two things fall in place and it's lights out for the rest of the league.

 

[BelichickFan]

The key is the OL but I agree that Galloway can really push this offense over the top. Stallworth made it a lot more explosive than Gaffney, too bad Stallworth lost time due to, evidently, his inability to play the mental game.

 

[PushnPencils]

I think you're right.

First off, I think the new secondary could potentially save us about 3 points a game over last year...even with questions at LB.

If Galloway is at 100%, he is a much more complete player than Stallworth was 2 years ago. With Moss and Welker now veterans of the system and a potentially lethal RB rotation this offense could outdo the offense of 2 years ago. My fear still comes in protecting Brady.

 

[tombonneau]

The key is the OL but I agree that Galloway can really push this offense over the top. Stallworth made it a lot more explosive than Gaffney, too bad Stallworth lost time due to, evidently, his inability to play the mental game.

I agree, the OL is crucial (as it is for every team), but I'm trying to look beyond the obvious keys to success. I just don't know if there is one, single, under-the-radar player that can have as huge of an effect on this team as Galloway, yet no one is talking about him.

As far as the secondary as others mentioned, if the offense is routinely putting up 30+ pts, the secondary need only be average, which I believe it will be.

But you're right, if the OL isn't giving Brady any time, it's all moot. (Of course, you can say the same about every HS, college and pro football team out there ...)

 

[Sicilian]

I'm not even sure Galloway will be the most important addition to the offense this year. I think it will be equal parts Taylor, Galloway, and Baker/Smith. They each add another option for this team at multiple levels. I don't expect this offense to be as explosive as 07, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's harder to defend because of the different things we can do. All assuming health of course.

 

[Liverpool_Patriot]

:If Galloway has the speed that the people at PFW say, he should just smoke past the single coverage he will often face and be another playmaker in this offense. I prefer Galloway than Stallworth since he is smarter, has better hands and can actually run routes. I don't think the offense will start off as explosive as '07 but will live up to its potential as the weeks go on as Brady gets back to form (hopefully by Oct 25th since I will see them in Wembley ).

 

[bostonia3333]

I don't want the Pats offense to be as explosive as the 07 squad, because that would mean more dropbacks for Brady. I would like to see a more ball-controlled offense, where we as fans could all chill for a bit and not get so worked up over Matt Light blowing assignments.

I think the biggest keys to this season are Mayo and Crable. The reason why the Pats didn't win the super bowl in 2008(yes 2008 with Matt Cassel) was due to their anemic pass rush. The offense played superb during the middle to latter parts of the year. It was not Cassel's fault the Pats didnt make the playoffs. The pass rush is the key to this year's Super Bowl dreams. No matter how good the secondary is, a great opposing qb will still manage to find some narrow windows if the pass rush is nonexistent. Crable and Mayo are gonna have to have career years in 09. Adalius Thomas is the Lamar Odom of the NFL--an extremely talented player that can wow you at times and then be a complete mystery. Bruschi is a great guy, but he is done as a player and this is a rare case of where the Pats held on too long and didnt have the guts to say goodbye.

 

[Kontradiction]

Well, since defense wins championships, I'd say we need a nasty 2003-2004 calibur Pats defense in order to win the big one. But a healthy and dangerous Galloway doesn't hurt either.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

A productive 40+ catch season from Greg Lewis would not hurt either

But the Pass Rush is the biggest hurdle without a known asset right now to get this team rolling all season down the road to the Super Bowl

 

[JSn]

If Joey G is healthy, he IS dangerous. Add in fantastic route running and I think we'll showcase he deadliest 3 & 4 wide sets EVER seen.

I'm stoked about the running game too, though. So many little adjustments this year to look for, but Joey's arrival definitely has added some excitement to seeing Brady survey a field full of real options.

 

[tombonneau]

Crable and Mayo are gonna have to have career years in 09.

Technically, the first down Crable plays in next season will qualify as his career year.

I agree that he (or another pass-rushing force) will be the single, individual game-changer on defense, but again, I don't think the lack of a dominant pass rush would preclude the Pats from winning it all with this offense.

People go on and on about defense wins championships and point to the Steelers, but what happened in the Super Bowl? Yeah, Harrison had that great play at the end of the half, but after that, the Cards had their way and it took a Big Ben to Holmes play to win the game.

What about the Giants? Yeah, their D was great that day, but still, despite frustrating that great offense, it took the flukey, ******ed Helmet Catch to beat the Pats.

I guess what I'm saying is it takes a mixed bag to win it all, but if you are dominant on one side, the other side need only be competent, which I believe the Pats D will be.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

If Joey G is healthy, he IS dangerous. Add in fantastic route running and I think we'll showcase he deadliest 3 & 4 wide sets EVER seen.

I'm stoked about the running game too, though. So many little adjustments this year to look for, but Joey's arrival definitely has added some excitement to seeing Brady survey a field full of real options.

I'm just so worried about Galloway's age. But yes, a healthy Galloway will only help take pressure off of Moss and Welker. Teams will have to pick their poison and live with whoever they decide to single cover (most likely Galloway). Also, I'm pretty sure teams will have younger and inexperienced corners on Galloway which he should eat up.

But like you, I'm really excited to see what Fred Taylor can do in this offense. I think their ground game could dominate with Morris and Taylor wearing down defenses which will make it easier for Maroney to break the big one. Lastly, Faulk will do what he does best, make clutch plays in the running and passing game.

 

[Synovia]

I'm just so worried about Galloway's age. But yes, a healthy Galloway will only help take pressure off of Moss and Welker. Teams will have to pick their poison and live with whoever they decide to single cover (most likely Galloway). Also, I'm pretty sure teams will have younger and inexperienced corners on Galloway which he should eat up..

Theres the very real possibility that this leaves the team's nickleback on Welker, instead of their #2. That might make a big difference.

 

[Feep50]

I've mentioned this in other threads. I live about 75 miles below Tampa so consequently Bucs games are always on here locally and I get to see the ones that don't interfere with my Patriots games viewing. Needless to say I saw a lot of Galloway and when he signed with the Pats I was thrilled. I can tell you with no reservations he is still flat out FAST. He doesn't have the hands of a Moss or he subtle moves, but few people will be disappointed Joey Galloway. The man can fly downfield, Garcia couldn't get the ball to him most of time. I'm really looking forward to seeing him opposite Randy and Welker working the middle of the field. It's gonna be a hellava show!

I also agree with posts citing the OLine play being key.

 

[PatsCanDoIt]

There will be games in windy conditions. Wind will shut down a deep passing came. Look at the final game at Buffalo last year. It took a great run game and Cassel's mobility on clutch downs to win that.

I'm confident the DL and LBs can stop the opponent in those games. Can the OL and TEs block against a stacked front and will our RBs be healthy at that point?

I'm thinking the addition of Baker, Smith and Taylor allow the offense sto shift heavy more easily. That's why this team will dominate later in the season.

 

[jmt57]

But yes, a healthy Galloway will only help take pressure off of Moss and Welker. Teams will have to pick their poison and live with whoever they decide to single cover (most likely Galloway). Also, I'm pretty sure teams will have younger and inexperienced corners on Galloway which he should eat up.

That's a great point because until last year Galloway had always been facing opponent's top corner and/or double teams. One deep pass to Galloway early on could possibly open things up for Moss, rather than the other way around.

 

[SyN65]

I think the key is not the O, but the play of the new secondary mainly the 2 new starting DB's. Also what kind of pass rush will we see this year. Love Galloway and think he is an upgrade over what we had in the past.

For me it is all about the D.

Completely agree. I've been lurking this forum for quite a long time and all anyone talks about is the offense. Who cares. We HAVE a great offense. There's no question.

Defense wins championships.