My 5 observations (at least ones I haven't seen yet). All of these are initial observations pending rewatching the game:
1) Moore is a liability
He just can't stay close enough to a receiver to make any plays. The Pats had a solid gameplan to force Manning to go downfield and/or outside the numbers. Given Manning's punt-like downfield throws, it is inexcusable to allow a receiver to get excessive separation. Don't have to be in his pocket the whole time, but if you can stay a step behind you will get a chance for a breakup. Moore just couldn't stay that close. Luckily Dennard did a much better job and got Moore off the field.
For those asking about the strip of Thomas on the first drive, what would you say to someone who sets your house on fire but rushes inside to save your cat? You would say "arrest that guy officer" or at least "let go of my cat, you pyro!" I'm certainly not going to praise Moore for getting a strip after letting Thomas get 10 yards behind him. If Manning was even close to his old self, Thomas walks into the end zone and the game likely unfolds differently.
2) McCourty is not a liability
I'll need to see the PI call to see what went wrong, but McCourty did a fine job otherwise. The deep pass to Thomas was so underthrown that it is hard to get too upset with McCourty.
Quick aside to the media...There is never a time when a QB throws a deep back-shoulder throw. So when a QB underthrows a deep sideline pass and the receiver makes a good adjustment to catch it, stop saying the QB intended it to be that way. Just stop it.
3) 4th down decision was fine, play call was bad
If you are going to go for it on 4th down to close out a game, the defense is going to send everyone up the middle at Brady. That isn't a guess or a feeling...it is an axiom. So to call a play that has Brady in the pocket looking downfield with no hot receiver is just criminal. The Pats were willing to accept a failure to convert, but they certainly didn't want either a sack or a fumble. In a game that featured outstanding play-calling and decision-making, this was not a highlight.
4) Empty backfield with RB split wide outside the numbers
People still seem to be confused why the Pats sometimes take their RB and split them wide outside the numbers...particularly with the Pats running the ball so well. It actually serves 2 purposes. It gives Brady a clear indicator of what the defense is doing based on who covers the RB (CB staying outside indicates a zone look and a LB/S following the RB wide indicates M2M). It also allows Brady to clearly identify mismatches. If Brady gets a favorable look with Gronk or Welker (and eventually Hernandez), he snaps the ball and looks there. If the defense seems to have a good coverage look, Brady can shift the RB to the backfield and strike to a run. Just because the Pats shift someone like Bolden out wide, it doesn't mean they think he is a real threat in that configuration.
5) Vereen on the goal line
It seemed a little odd that Vereen didn't get many looks between the 20's (where he can operate in space) but got the call in some red zone situations. I'm sure there is a method to the madness. It is possible that against certain teams, Vereen is more of a matchup issue than any of the other RBs. One thing is clear though. Belichick definitely still sees a significant role for Vereen. As much as he values red zone work, you don't put a player out there just for giggles.
