Playoff opponents succeeding in defensive plans

[TruthSeeker]

Two games in a row now, Patriot opponents have clearly defined a few major objectives - and then gone out and succeeded in accomplishing them.

Jacksonville schemed to take Randy Moss out of the game and to take away all the intermediate and deep routes for the Patriots. This was a rousing success as Randy Moss was only thrown to once (for a 14 yard completion) and the Patriots only attempted one deep pass on about the only blitz that Jacksonville ran all day. Admittedly, the Patriots completed the 50+ yard pass, but Jacksonville conceded the possibility of a deep pass when they chose the blitz and man to man coverage on that one play.

Likewise, the Chargers planned to take away Randy Moss and to create turnovers. They also succeeded admirably. Randy Moss was a non-factor as far as being thrown to and the Chargers managed to intercept the ball 3 times, the most interceptions Tom Brady has thrown all year.

This being the case, neither Jacksonville nor San Diego ultimately stopped the Patriots offense from scoring their 20+ points. Neither could contain Wes Welker, passes to Maroney or Faulk out of the backfield or the running of Laurence Maroney. When they absolutely, positively needed a stop at the end of the game, the Patriots got the first downs (Stallworth against the Jaguars, Faulk twice against the Chargers).

This Patriots offense is too good. The defenses they face win the battles, but lose the war.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

I genuinely believed that Tom laid an Egg and that, overall, the offense wasn't that bad. The pressure wasn't more than we've seen in a lot of games, and the guys were making some great catches. Few of Tom's throw's were well thrown (that screen over the lineman and the Gaffney touchdown are exceptions), and he didn't move in the pocket the way he usually does. He genuinely seemed dull, less aware. I think he was sick or something was going on.

This isn't a Tom Brady hating post, I love the guy. If they win the next game, he will be considered the Best QB of all time... and he's only 30.

 

[DonBlackmon55]

I genuinely believed that Tom laid an Egg and that, overall, the offense wasn't that bad. The pressure wasn't more than we've seen in a lot of games, and the guys were making some great catches. Few of Tom's throw's were well thrown (that screen over the lineman and the Gaffney touchdown are exceptions), and he didn't move in the pocket the way he usually does. He genuinely seemed dull, less aware. I think he was sick or something was going on.

This isn't a Tom Brady hating post, I love the guy. If they win the next game, he will be considered the Best QB of all time... and he's only 30.

Maybe Gisele announced to him she is pregnant.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

I agree, much of the lack of offensive production goes on Tom yesturday. Moss didn't get much, neither did Stall. Welker's catches were pretty much the same high % stuff we always toss his way. Gaffney's TD was a good throw, but still, if we're honest that was squarly a "we can't cover everyone" TD.

Moss had 1 drop, but the rest of the throws to him we sky'd or way off target.

I agree on the Jax point, but last nigh was more Tom playing poorly then SD defense stopping us. IMO anyway.

 

[spacecrime]

Two games in a row now, Patriot opponents have clearly defined a few major objectives - and then gone out and succeeded in accomplishing them.

The operation was a success, but the patient died, is what what you are trying to say?

All the Jags and Bolts did was develop another blueprint on how to look good while losing.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Maybe Gisele announced to him she is pregnant.

If that's all you can contribute, why not go post on some smack talking idiot board...

I genuinely believed that Tom laid an Egg and that, overall, the offense wasn't that bad. The pressure wasn't more than we've seen in a lot of games, and the guys were making some great catches. Few of Tom's throw's were well thrown (that screen over the lineman and the Gaffney touchdown are exceptions), and he didn't move in the pocket the way he usually does. He genuinely seemed dull, less aware. I think he was sick or something was going on.

Brady was dealing with pressure up the middle as well as from the edges which didn't allow him to step up in the pocket and meant he had to get throws off quickly including rushing throws he couldn't always step into to receivers who were not getting decent seperation. Against a ballhawking defense like SD's that makes for a really tough day.

Why some of you can't credit the opposition when they step up big is beyond me...Brady said in his postgame that while we didn't execute particularly well, and I don't think that was just him - he can't get receivers open - SD showed them a defense they had never seen film on. Credit Norv and his players for that, and credit Josh and his QB and this offense for finding a way around it on the fly.