Reiss: Pats give out game-balls :: What it says about this team.

[JSn]

Sorry if this was posted yesterday. I didn't notice it. Good for these guys!

I think the names on this list have a lot to say about this team. Two Guards and Two formerly "reserve" DL are key players in the victory.

New England Patriots Blog - Patriots give out game balls for win over Ravens - ESPN Boston

Eric Alexander -- Core special teams player made an immediate impact by forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff

Jarvis Green -- With four tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit, he played more snaps than any defensive lineman, lining up at end and moving inside in some passing situations.

Brandon Meriweather -- Safety played every snap, led the team with nine tackles and had two deflected passes.

Logan Mankins -- Starting left guard held up at the point of attack against the Ravens' big, physical front

Sammy Morris -- Running back converted in key short-yardage situation again, rushed for a 12-yard touchdown, and added five catches for 35 yards in a versatile effort

Stephen Neal -- Starting right guard held up at the point of attack against the Ravens' big, physical front

Ty Warren -- Defensive end came up with big third-and-1 stop in the fourth quarter, had two quarterback hits, and continued his overall consistent play.

Mike Wright -- Defensive lineman led a pressure-based attack with a strong interior rush, totaling two sacks and three tackles (one for a loss)

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

I think McGowan deserves an honorable mention in there as well. The guy doesn't even start and he was flying all over the field when he got the chance. He was there on the last play and, even if Clayton had caught it, McGowan would have blown him up with a big hit.

 

[JSn]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

I think McGowan deserves an honorable mention in there as well. The guy doesn't even start and he was flying all over the field when he got the chance. He was there on the last play and, even if Clayton had caught it, McGowan would have blown him up with a big hit.

That brings up a good point: If Clayton grabs that pass and even THINKS about not getting down, I think we see a forced fumble and maybe another on-field visit from the stretcher guys. I don't buy the idea that Clayton alone is the reason that ball didn't get caught.

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

That brings up a good point: If Clayton grabs that pass and even THINKS about not getting down, I think we see a forced fumble and maybe another on-field visit from the stretcher guys. I don't buy the idea that Clayton alone is the reason that ball didn't get caught.

It isn't. I watched the replay and played that in slow motion (I have DVR) and, when the close-up is on him, you can see his eyes shift off the ball and onto McGowan. He got out of #30's way just in time because, whether he caught it or not, he knew he was going to get lit up/sandwiched.

 

[JSn]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

It isn't. I watched the replay and played that in slow motion (I have DVR) and, when the close-up is on him, you can see his eyes shift off the ball and onto McGowan. He got out of #30's way just in time because, whether he caught it or not, he knew he was going to get lit up/sandwiched.

Oh man... I NEVER thought this defense could change SO MUCH in one year.

It's like we've got two "in-the-prime" RH's out there.

If I was an opposing WR, I'd be adding "depends" to my game-day checklist. I have a feeling that tandem (along with Guyton and Mayo) are going to clean some clocks this year and make a good number of guys play scared.

I think the forced fumbles are already making RB's/KR's think twice about fighting for extra yardage.

 

[Patjew]

Sammy deserved two game balls.

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

Oh man... I NEVER thought this defense could change SO MUCH in one year.

It's like we've got two "in-the-prime" RH's out there.

If I was an opposing WR, I'd be adding "depends" to my game-day checklist. I have a feeling that tandem (along with Guyton and Mayo) are going to clean some clocks this year and make a good number of guys play scared.

I think the forced fumbles are already making RB's/KR's think twice about fighting for extra yardage.

This is easily the most physical secondary I have seen us have, as a whole, since the 2001 squad. They were laying the lumber out there on the Ravens' receivers the entire game... and I was loving it. I never thought that I would actually see the day when this team could outmuscle the mighty Baltimore Ravens on defense.

 

[Kontradiction]

Sammy deserved two game balls.

He and BM. Both were equally awesome. BM could have wound up with 2-3 picks in that game.

 

[Patjew]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

This is easily the most physical secondary I have seen us have, as a whole, since the 2001 squad. They were laying the lumber out there on the Ravens' receivers the entire game... and I was loving it. I never thought that I would actually see the day when this team could outmuscle the mighty Baltimore Ravens on defense.

I'd say that the 2003 secondary was the most physical (and best) secondary we've had. Any backfield with Ty Law and Rodney is all-universe.

 

[furry]

He and BM. Both were equally awesome. BM could have wound up with 2-3 picks in that game.

And a flat out touchdown saving pass deflection on which he makes up massive ground at scary pace

He had a great game

Sammy's numbers perfect example of how the numbers alone don't tell the whole story of their worth to the game

 

[Kontradiction]

YouTube - NFLWeek 4 - Patriots 27 - 21 Ravens Highlights

For you guys' viewing pleasure so you can see what I saw. Go to the 5:45 mark of the video and wait for the second, slow motion replay of the pass. You can see Clayton's head/eyes shift over to McGowan for a second as McGowan is closing in for the hit. It's ever so slight, but you can see it and it was obviously enough to take his attention off the pass.

I'd say that the 2003 secondary was the most physical (and best) secondary we've had. Any backfield with Ty Law and Rodney is all-universe.

Yeah, 2003 secondary was definitely awesome. The 2001 secondary just always comes off as more physical to me because I have great memories of them roughing up the Rams' receiving corps throughout the entire Super Bowl.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Equally interesting is what it says about this boards ability to assess a players value pre season... Alexander and Jarvis were clearly on the armchair chopping block...either for suckitude or because they were overpaid...and Wright wasn't too far behind...

IBBWT isn't homerism, it's just common sense after observing how well he constructs teams for 9 seasons.

 

[Patjew]

Yeah, 2003 secondary was definitely awesome. The 2001 secondary just always comes off as more physical to me because I have great memories of them roughing up the Rams' receiving corps throughout the entire Super Bowl.

The Rams were never the same after that game. Literally. Re-watch that game and Marshall Faulk's hatred for the Pats is understandable.

 

[DarrylS]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

This is easily the most physical secondary I have seen us have, as a whole, since the 2001 squad. They were laying the lumber out there on the Ravens' receivers the entire game... and I was loving it. I never thought that I would actually see the day when this team could outmuscle the mighty Baltimore Ravens on defense.

I also think they are the quickest as well.. no more backs of Pats Jerseys chasing WR's down the sidelines...

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: Reiss: Pats give out game-balls.

I'd say that the 2003 secondary was the most physical (and best) secondary we've had. Any backfield with Ty Law and Rodney is all-universe.

Agreed. But this is the best secondary we've had since 2003, and is likely to get significantly better. It may end up surpassing 2003 in the long run.

I was glad to see Logan Mankins' name mentioned. The job he did on Ngata is huge.

 

[Tunescribe]

Isn't eight game balls a lot to give out? Never heard of so many for one game.

 

[stevedogc]

I agree with the comments about the secondary. After watching them against the Ravens I am really excited to see them go out against Manning and the Colts. Over the past few years it seems the BB has been hesitant to go after Manning and has always laid off the Colts wr's over a fear of getting burnt. I dont think that is the case this year. It wil be interesting to see if BB blitzes Manning more with a sronger secondary.

 

[mayoclinic]

I agree with the comments about the secondary. After watching them against the Ravens I am really excited to see them go out against Manning and the Colts. Over the past few years it seems the BB has been hesitant to go after Manning and has always laid off the Colts wr's over a fear of getting burnt. I dont think that is the case this year. It wil be interesting to see if BB blitzes Manning more with a sronger secondary.

I would have given a game ball to the secondary as a unit. Too many people playing well, and playing together. Lots of big plays:

- Leigh Bodden for the INT in the red zone at the end of the first half.
- Darius Butler for his play at the end of the game. Without him, we lose the game.
- Meriweather and McGowan, as already mentioned.

 

[mgteich]

I would note that many on this board wanted to cut at least some of the following.
Alexander
Green
Morris
Wright

Sorry if this was posted yesterday. I didn't notice it. Good for these guys!

I think the names on this list have a lot to say about this team. Two Guards and Two formerly "reserve" DL are key players in the victory.

New England Patriots Blog - Patriots give out game balls for win over Ravens - ESPN Boston

 

[Ghost of Ben Dreith]

Isn't eight game balls a lot to give out? Never heard of so many for one game.

Teams have given game balls to an entire side of the team (offense/defense) after big wins. My feeling is you give out game balls to as many whose play was outstanding in a win.

But on the secondary.......I think most Pat's fans are excited to see the speed and hitatude from this young secondary. You know they are going to be something in the future.

I'm also willing to bet that Bodden takes a home discount to stick around on a longer term deal. If you don't think coming to the Pats and winning after spending time on the Browns/Lions will have an impact....I believe you are sadly mistaken. It won't be cheap, but it will be below market value.

This team has reloaded well.....not an overpowering defense, but a very good one it looks so far. And.....they look better when they let them play aggressively,,,,hope it keeps up!