Pre-game thoughts...Buffalo

[patfanken]

Strangely, I'm not all that excited about Monday's game with the Bills. To me it amounts to little more than a scrimmage against the hapless Bills. Certainly there are elements of the game that I'll be looking forward to seeing, but when the issue really isn't in doubt, it kind of takes the edge off the game for me.

In Fact the more I think on it, the AFC East ISN'T going to be the division juggernaut that a lot of people thought (including myself).

Bills - They looked like a young up an coming team on the verge of taking the next step...and THEN they got TO and assembled one of the better WR corps in the league. Then this preseason, the dismantle their OL and will start 5 new guys. They fire their OC, and for now at least, seem to be in utter disarray. Not a bright image for a team that has to come into NE and face a very hungry Pats group.

Jets - for 2 thirds of a season they were among the league's elite teams, now they look like they will struggle to be a 500 team THIS season. Their OL is still one of the best, but they will start a rookie QB WITHOUT the benefit of quality WRs. Their DL is thin, and a Kris Jenkins injury from being a massive weakness. Any injuries in the secondary will cripple them. They are a step up from the Bills, but probably will not be the threat that they were last season.

Miami - I see the Phins being a lot like the 2002 Pats. They will be better than the 2008 team, but it won't reflect in their record, and they will likely take a step back...like the 2002 Pats. Reason, everything broke perfectly for the Phins last season, just like it did for the 2001 Pats. They had the fewest turn overs, few injuries, and won a lot of close games, etc. ALL those good things are unlikely to happen again.

So I see THIS year being a year where the Pats lose at most ONE division game. All that being said, 2010 will be the year that the AFCE will be a bear to get through.

Now back to the Bills game and what to watch for.

1. The most interesting match up for me will be the Springs/TO clash. It will go a long way in my mind in letting us know how much better this secondary will be than the one that was dismantled. IMHO, Springs was brought it for EXACTLY this kind of match up. He is here to match up against the bigger WRs and to give us a more physical presence in the Red Zone. Where as before the midget formerly know as Ellis Hobbs usually had to deal with these physical mismatches, Springs is a better choice...at least on paper

2, I want to see how the front 7 do against the run. The first unit has been pretty effective in preseason, but Fred Jackson tore us up last season.

3. It will be interesting to see how BB works the various rotations. Where will Brace, Butler, and Chung play and how often. How will he handle the RB carries. How will he work the TEs, etc

4. And then there is the pass rush issue, which looms like a summer thunderstorm. Can we get pressure from 4 man rushes or will we have to Blitz. Derrick Burgess...where are you?

I would expect the defense to be pretty successful for this run at the Bills. You will count me among the very nervous if they score more than 17 points. I'm less interested in what the offense has to offer, because I already think I know....and its GOOOOOOOOD. Still, like everyone else, I'll be watching to see if Brady is stepping INTO his throws. Is Welker going to play. Will the Moroney debate ever end.

Finally I'll be very interested to see how this team is constructed AFTER this game, because I think some moves are coming....at QB, WR, OL, LB We DON'T have enough QBs. We have too many OLmen, etc Once the team doesn't have to guarantee contracts for a season, we are going to see a flurry of roster movement. JMHO

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

Jets - for 2 thirds of a season they were among the league's elite teams, now they look like they will struggle to be a 500 team THIS season. Their OL is still one of the best, but they will start a rookie QB WITHOUT the benefit of quality WRs. Their DL is thin, and a Kris Jenkins injury from being a massive weakness. Any injuries in the secondary will cripple them. They are a step up from the Bills, but probably will not be the threat that they were last season.

PWP: Don't forget the JESTS strong running game. They'll try to limit the complexity and decisions early on for their new QB by playing run game posession with the excellent OL.


2, I want to see how the front 7 do against the run. The first unit has been pretty effective in preseason, but Fred Jackson tore us up last season.

PWP: Even at that it's not a true test because the Williams' passing game is sub-par BB can load up against the run.


Finally I'll be very interested to see how this team is constructed AFTER this game, because I think some moves are coming....at QB, WR, OL, LB We DON'T have enough QBs. We have too many OLmen, etc Once the team doesn't have to guarantee contracts for a season, we are going to see a flurry of roster movement. JMHO

I look for a trade of surplus OL for a 7th round or conditional pick. Could be that BB really is waiting on adding, say a Feeley, till after the game so he can possibly cut him later in the season if warranted without being liable for the salary hit. I'm not big on a 3rd QB because no Brady = no SB.

 

[patfanken]

I look for a trade of surplus OL for a 7th round or conditional pick. Could be that BB really is waiting on adding, say a Feeley, till after the game so he can possibly cut him later in the season if warranted without being liable for the salary hit. I'm not big on a 3rd QB because no Brady = no SB.

No I agree, I have been very vocal about having no 3rd QB, however what I expect to happen is that BB will sign a QB, most likely Feeley, then in about 3 weeks waive Hoyer back the to PS, when Feeley is ready. Nothing will change, except of course Hoyer's status. He'll even get too keep his full roster salary, while on the PS.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

No I agree, I have been very vocal about having no 3rd QB, however what I expect to happen is that BB will sign a QB, most likely Feeley, then in about 3 weeks waive Hoyer back the to PS, when Feeley is ready. Nothing will change, except of course Hoyer's status. He'll even get too keep his full roster salary, while on the PS.

That would be VERY smart, it seems to me.

 

[Gwedd]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I dunno. I remember a certain game where we went into Buffalo looking to start the season with an easy win and got our butts handed to us at 31-0

I NEVER take any game for granted, or easy, because, as has been demonstrated time and again, one never knows which team will show up on any given Sunday. That's why my cardiologist hates my obsession with football..

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

No I agree, I have been very vocal about having no 3rd QB, however what I expect to happen is that BB will sign a QB, most likely Feeley, then in about 3 weeks waive Hoyer back the to PS, when Feeley is ready. Nothing will change, except of course Hoyer's status. He'll even get too keep his full roster salary, while on the PS.

I can't see them pushing Hoyer to the PS, because I simply can't see him clearing waivers (how often does a UDFA rookie become the #2 QB on a team that went >.500 the year before?).

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I can't see them pushing Hoyer to the PS, because I simply can't see him clearing waivers (how often does a UDFA rookie become the #2 QB on a team that went >.500 the year before?).

No kidding. They may add a veteran presence after week 1 but that is all it will be. For that reason someone like Huard is a lot more likely to be the choice. He can help in lots of ways without ever getting near the field on gamedays.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

Strangely, I'm not all that excited about Monday's game with the Bills. To me it amounts to little more than a scrimmage against the hapless Bills. Certainly there are elements of the game that I'll be looking forward to seeing, but when the issue really isn't in doubt, it kind of takes the edge off the game for me.

Not a bright image for a team that has to come into NE and face a very hungry Pats group.

So I see THIS year being a year where the Pats lose at most ONE division game. All that being said, 2010 will be the year that the AFCE will be a bear to get through.

JMHO

Nothing is ever a given. That's why they play the games. Including Monday's in Buffalo...

I don't get why in 2010 the AFCE will be a bear. Juaron will be gone and Buffalo starting over AGAIN in further dissaray, Pennington will be giving way to the whomever new QB era in Miami and Bill will be itching to move on, the JETS will still be the JETS and Bill will have lots of film on whatever that is.

 

[Marqui]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I dunno. I remember a certain game where we went into Buffalo looking to start the season with an easy win and got our butts handed to us at 31-0

I NEVER take any game for granted, or easy, because, as has been demonstrated time and again, one never knows which team will show up on any given Sunday. That's why my cardiologist hates my obsession with football..

Same here. After SB42, I never EXPECT to win games anymore. The game still has to be played and the Pats need to bring full effort.

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I think the Pats are going to win, but I also think this game is going to be closer than some of you think. I'm excited about it. This is going to be an excellent test for our defense. They're going up against a T.O./Evans tandem, a no huddle offense, and a RB in Jackson that tore us up last season. If we can hold them to 17 points, I'll be thrilled.

 

[olschool]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

You got that right. The defensive backfield is a complete unknown. We don't know how the new players will do, they didn't show much in pre-season.
And the returning players didn't show much in the last couple of years.
We don't know how the pass rush will be. It looked better in pre-season, but with Seymour gone, who knows.

Buffalo has three very good receivers, a good running back, and a QB who has shown intermittently, that he can run an offense. They could torch us for 300 yards passing, like many journeyman QB's did in the last couple of years, or they could give up eight sacks, and have to rely on the run.

There are many unknowns with the Patriots rebuilt defense, and maybe the many questions will be answered Monday night.

To guarantee a big win is just blind faith. " In Bill We Trust ", is a nice slogan, but slogans have never won a game, as far as I know.

Release the hounds...Let the games begin.

 

[Patspsycho]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

Strangely, I'm not all that excited about Monday's game with the Bills. To me it amounts to little more than a scrimmage against the hapless Bills. Certainly there are elements of the game that I'll be looking forward to seeing, but when the issue really isn't in doubt, it kind of takes the edge off the game for me.

In Fact the more I think on it, the AFC East ISN'T going to be the division juggernaut that a lot of people thought (including myself).

Bills - They looked like a young up an coming team on the verge of taking the next step...and THEN they got TO and assembled one of the better WR corps in the league. Then this preseason, the dismantle their OL and will start 5 new guys. They fire their OC, and for now at least, seem to be in utter disarray. Not a bright image for a team that has to come into NE and face a very hungry Pats group.

Jets - for 2 thirds of a season they were among the league's elite teams, now they look like they will struggle to be a 500 team THIS season. Their OL is still one of the best, but they will start a rookie QB WITHOUT the benefit of quality WRs. Their DL is thin, and a Kris Jenkins injury from being a massive weakness. Any injuries in the secondary will cripple them. They are a step up from the Bills, but probably will not be the threat that they were last season.

Miami - I see the Phins being a lot like the 2002 Pats. They will be better than the 2008 team, but it won't reflect in their record, and they will likely take a step back...like the 2002 Pats. Reason, everything broke perfectly for the Phins last season, just like it did for the 2001 Pats. They had the fewest turn overs, few injuries, and won a lot of close games, etc. ALL those good things are unlikely to happen again.

So I see THIS year being a year where the Pats lose at most ONE division game. All that being said, 2010 will be the year that the AFCE will be a bear to get through.

Now back to the Bills game and what to watch for.

1. The most interesting match up for me will be the Springs/TO clash. It will go a long way in my mind in letting us know how much better this secondary will be than the one that was dismantled. IMHO, Springs was brought it for EXACTLY this kind of match up. He is here to match up against the bigger WRs and to give us a more physical presence in the Red Zone. Where as before the midget formerly know as Ellis Hobbs usually had to deal with these physical mismatches, Springs is a better choice...at least on paper

2, I want to see how the front 7 do against the run. The first unit has been pretty effective in preseason, but Fred Jackson tore us up last season.

3. It will be interesting to see how BB works the various rotations. Where will Brace, Butler, and Chung play and how often. How will he handle the RB carries. How will he work the TEs, etc

4. And then there is the pass rush issue, which looms like a summer thunderstorm. Can we get pressure from 4 man rushes or will we have to Blitz. Derrick Burgess...where are you?

I would expect the defense to be pretty successful for this run at the Bills. You will count me among the very nervous if they score more than 17 points. I'm less interested in what the offense has to offer, because I already think I know....and its GOOOOOOOOD. Still, like everyone else, I'll be watching to see if Brady is stepping INTO his throws. Is Welker going to play. Will the Moroney debate ever end.

Finally I'll be very interested to see how this team is constructed AFTER this game, because I think some moves are coming....at QB, WR, OL, LB We DON'T have enough QBs. We have too many OLmen, etc Once the team doesn't have to guarantee contracts for a season, we are going to see a flurry of roster movement. JMHO

RE: #2, I think we'll contain Jackson.. he surprised us last season, but BB is unlikely to let that happen again. I see our four men do gap cancellation on run plays (after all isn't that similar to DL responsibility in 2 gap 3-4?).

I too am interested in seeing how they will handle TO and Evans. My guess is a lot of LOS jamming, try to get TO out of the game. I see Buffalo going right to TO right away to try to get him actively involved.

In regard to the rookie OL for the Bills, I would hope our DL pulls some tricks to induce NZ infraction every now and then. Sey used to pull the old sudden 3 point stance flip to incur the false start.

I opened a thread that has long since disappeared with the question of what do you do with Evans/TO, neither of who you can leave in single coverage for too long.. or do they risk leaving Springs one on one with TO and roll double to Evans? After all they did leave TO in a lot of one on one coverage in Dallas '07 and opted instead, to stop Witten.

Am I off the mark? Comments?

 

[Patspsycho]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I think the Pats are going to win, but I also think this game is going to be closer than some of you think. I'm excited about it. This is going to be an excellent test for our defense. They're going up against a T.O./Evans tandem, a no huddle offense, and a RB in Jackson that tore us up last season. If we can hold them to 17 points, I'll be thrilled.

Are they still running no huddle with the new OC?

If so, wow.. talk about installing a new OC, a new offense inside of two weeks and deploying out of no-huddle.. can you say FUBAR?

 

[patfanken]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I can't see them pushing Hoyer to the PS, because I simply can't see him clearing waivers (how often does a UDFA rookie become the #2 QB on a team that went >.500 the year before?).

Just another example of fans over valuing THEIR players. He's #2 by default. Yes he looked good in the FOURTH preseason game. The game LEAST indicative of real play. Yes he's a great story, but please. Are roster spots so easy to come by that a team would "waste" one on a kid, who is a few years, MIGHT be another Chad Pennington. Listen I like the kid. I think in a couple of years he WOULD be a legit #2. But he's NEVER going to be Brady's replacement. That QB is probably still in HS.

I think the risk is minimal, especially in a few weeks, when rosters will be even more in place.

 

[patfanken]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I opened a thread that has long since disappeared with the question of what do you do with Evans/TO, neither of who you can leave in single coverage for too long.. or do they risk leaving Springs one on one with TO and roll double to Evans? After all they did leave TO in a lot of one on one coverage in Dallas '07 and opted instead, to stop Witten.

Am I off the mark? Comments?

That's a good thought. In fact I think they WILL single TO, when going man to man, and double Evens. Also your TE mention reminds me that it seems like TEs across the league, generally do well against the Pats. Who is Buffalo bringing to the table?

Also, I know that ANY team can beat another in the NFL. "On any given Sunday" as they say. The Miami game of a few years ago will forever etch that into my brain. However, while Buffalo has a "puncher's chance" to win this game, you HAVE to go with the odds makers on this one Buffalo is just in too much disarray...right now.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I won't take any team 'lightly' until our team gels. Maybe they do it in game one, maybe not. I learned very little in pre-season and my good expectations of a dangerous team are all on paper at this point.

I am excited to see these younsters play and I for one won't freak if they take a few lumps along the way because I sort of think the final product will be worth it.

I do expect a win on Monday but cannot help but think that the Bills will play us like it is their superbowl, with nothing to lose.


As far as the Jets, didn't Gunnail tell us that their new QB has IT?

 

[stinkypete]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I expect the typical New England/Buffalo game. The Bills come out hot, get 2 quick scores, the Patriots defense settles in the second quarter, New England ties it by halftime and winds up winning big in a game that felt close at first.

Pats 31 - Bills 17

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

Just another example of fans over valuing THEIR players. He's #2 by default. Yes he looked good in the FOURTH preseason game. The game LEAST indicative of real play. Yes he's a great story, but please. Are roster spots so easy to come by that a team would "waste" one on a kid, who is a few years, MIGHT be another Chad Pennington. Listen I like the kid. I think in a couple of years he WOULD be a legit #2. But he's NEVER going to be Brady's replacement. That QB is probably still in HS.

I think the risk is minimal, especially in a few weeks, when rosters will be even more in place.

Ken:

Where did I imply he's going to be Brady's full-time replacement?

What I said is that I don't think he'd clear waivers if the Pats tried to sneak him onto the practice squad in midseason.

My personal take on this is that if the Pats want to bring in a third QB, it should be in addition to, not instead of, Hoyer.

 

[p8ryts]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

I dunno. I remember a certain game where we went into Buffalo looking to start the season with an easy win and got our butts handed to us at 31-0

I afree, I NEVER take any game for granted, or easy, because, as has been demonstrated time and again, one never knows which team will show up on any given Sunday. That's why my cardiologist hates my obsession with football..

Why would anyone take the opening game for granted? Buffalo always plays us tough. Crazy talk. How can you not be excited about the opening game? GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JD10367]

Re: pre-game thoughts....Buffalo

Bills are not a pushover offensively. They have some weapons. I expect them to go deep early and often, testing the new Patriots defense and those new DBs. Buffalo's D isn't what it used to be, so I also expect the Pats to do some scoring. Buffalo's only hope is their passing game, and sending the house at Brady in the hopes he's still dinged up with that shoulder and makes a few bad throws. I can see the Pats breezing to a big win, but I can also see a close high-scoring game...