1) We ran lots more screens under Charlie. After all, we often didn't have a running game (poor OL), and the screen was a way to get the ball in the running backs hands.
That is not true. I went back and looked at his situational stats and here is what I found as the percentages of passes behind the line of scrimage:
2009 - 14.5% (82 of 565 passes)
2008 -Leaving out because it was Cassel and might skew the argument eventhough he threw 81 of 516 times behind the line or 15.7%
2007 -13.3% (77 of 578 passes)
2006 -16.4% (85 of 516 passes)
2005 -12.4% (66 of 530 passes)
2004 -13.2% (63 of 474 passes)
2003 -16.7% (88 of 527 passes)
2002 - 21.1% (127 of 601 passes)
2001 - I couldn't find that info I would assume it is in the 20+% range though
So other than Brady's first few years as a starter, he didn't throw much more screens with Weis than he did with McDaniels or O'Brien.
2) Even with a solid running back, Charlie liked the screen.
The numbers does not support that. Percentage-wise Weis had Brady throw screens less with Corey Dillon as his RB than Brady did this past season or any other season for that matter. And now people are complaining we don't throw enough screens.
3) It helped to have a fullback on the squad.
I don't know about that. The FB is a dying position especially in the passing game. Faulk has taken over the screen pass responsibilties that guys like Larry Centers, Patrick Pass, and Marc Edwards used to have. I think they could have improved their TEs though and they probably did.
4) Yes, our play-calling has gone downhill since Charlie left, although many here think that Josh did a great job.
Josh did a great job. There is no denying it. Last year proved it.
Also, Charlies' job has been overrated. Take 2003 where the Pats had a ton of three and outs and the defense carried that team to the Super Bowl.
5) In any case, our playcalling last year was NOT very good. Injuries limited the possibilities more than we let on, but still many of us believe that we could have done better, especially in the 4th quarter.
Agreed, but I thought it got much better as the year went along. With a rookie signal caller, the Pats already had a lot of growing pains (although some people refused to accept this as a possibility since they hated McDaniels and thought Brady could overcome everything). Add things like Galloway being a bust pickup and injuries only compounded it.
5) This year should be better with the addition of three tight ends, including one who can be our h-back.
I agree. Also, with Brady and Moss returning healthy and O'Brien having a year under his belt and an offseason to review the tapes and see where he screwed up will help.