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http://www.jaguars.com/News/Article.aspx?id=5754
http://www.jaguars.com/News/Article.aspx?id=5759Jay from Pleasanton, CA: Does one play really decide the outcome of a game or is it more a combination of plays, drives and results that determine a game? Do you think the fumble call on Garrard made that big a difference? I think, overall, the Jags played poor offense most of the day and that impacted the defensive play as the defense was out on the field far too long (see time of possession). The result is the Jags put themselves in the position that one call or one play made a huge impact and when you put yourself into that position, you lose more often than win in the NFL. Do you agree or disagree and why?
Vic: I agree completely with what you’re saying. The Jaguars were outplayed. They out-rushed the Patriots, but 74 of the Jaguars’ 144 yards rushing came on that one pop-up touchdown run by Maurice Jones-Drew, which would’ve been stopped at the line of scrimmage had the Patriots defender not decided to play official. Of everything that happened in that game, it bothered me most that the Patriots ran for 117 yards. I don’t think the defense had a good day. The Patriots had 14-and-a-half minutes more time of possession and had 10-point leads twice in the second half. Still, with 1:55 to play in the game, the Jaguars appeared to be headed for nothing worse than a game-tying field goal attempt. That’s a fact. I can’t help but think Bill Belichick might’ve traded places with the Jaguars at that point. The Jags had the ball at their 45-yard line and the Patriots defense on its heels. That’s where the one play enters. That one play saved the win for the Patriots. Jarvis Green made an outstanding play. He knocked the ball loose. I acknowledge everything you’re saying, but you can’t tell me the Patriots’ hearts weren’t in their throats with 1:55 to play in that game. I still can’t help but wonder if the right call was made. I’m going to check into it.
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Mikey from Lake City, FL: I always thought you were a little over the top with your love of Tom Brady but, after watching Sunday's game, I saw a field general. He took no more than what we gave him and, in time of trouble, he didn't panic. Maybe you really do know what you're talking about.
Vic: Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the game, period. Nobody takes charge of a game the way he does. His 99 yards passing in the first half may have been the best 99 yards passing I’ve ever seen, and Brady wasn’t even on his game. He made mistakes late in the game, such as not seeing Troy Brown wide open in the right flat on a third-down play, and not scrambling up the middle for a first down instead of throwing the ball away. He threw the ball high on a couple of occasions, too, but he was still magnificent. And you know what? He’s not going to the Pro Bowl. What a joke.
Skeeter from Green Cove Springs, FL: I noticed that Brady spent a lot of time in the shotgun; 45 out of 70 total offensive plays, 20 times on first down, 15 times on second down and only 10 times on third down. In my opinion, this kept the Jags defense off balance and allowed Brady to survey the field better while affecting the Jags defense’s ability to pressure the QB. By contrast, the Jaguars were in the shotgun 22 of 46 offensive plays; four times on first down, five times on second down and 13 times on third down. What's your take on this?
Vic: Skeeter, he’s Tom Brady. You can put him in any formation you want. Players, Skeeter. Always players, not plays.
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Ted from Jacksonville: Do you think Bill Belichick will be inclined to rest some of his starters this week against the Titans, thus increasing the chances of them beating the Patriots?
Vic: It’s Belichick’s track record to give his team a bye week whenever he can, and I understand why any coach would want to do that. His only concern is doing what’s best for his team. He has to watch himself here, however, because he could move ahead of the Colts in the playoff seeding with a win over Tennessee and a Colts loss to Miami. I’m sure Belichick doesn’t expect the Colts to lose, but can he be sure the Colts won’t lose? If he tanks it in Tennessee and the Colts lose, he’d be ripped nationally. That third-seed position is big, especially for the Patriots, who I have to believe would love to get a shot at Mangini and the Jets.
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Sam from Jacksonville: In your article “Good Cheer?†you state, “there is no doubt in my mind that Garrard was attempting to throw a pass,†and then later contradict with, “in fact, I thought Garrard was bringing his hand back toward his body.†Well, was he attempting to throw it or was he bringing the ball back to his body?
Vic: They’re the same thing, as defined by the tuck rule, to which I referred. When a quarterback is bringing the ball back to his body, he is to be considered in the act of attempting a pass. That’s why I thought the wrong call was made. I have a call into the league, seeking clarification of Walt Anderson’s call. It’s the holidays week, so we have to be patient.
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Jeff from Mayport, FL: I know you hate talk of individual accolades at this time of year, but I found something interesting. Maurice Jones-Drew, is third in the league in total touchdowns by a non-quarterback.
Vic: You’re right, I hate talk of individual accolades. I accepted a long time ago that individual awards are nothing more than popularity contests all sports leagues allow because they help market the product. I don’t need to be sold on football, therefore, I ignore individual awards. If Tom Brady isn’t on the Pro Bowl team, then the whole thing is a farce. Brady was asked last week for his reaction to not making the Pro Bowl, and he said the only Bowl that matters to him is the Super Bowl. That’s what I’m talkin’ about.
