Official Pats - Raiders Post Game Thread....

supafly said:

We've seen trades 2 years in a row at the deadline.

2012 saw Talib, and 2013 saw Sopoaga since the run defense was completely decimated. I think it's certainly possible, but I couldn't start to envision just "who" exactly.

Another aspect to consider is how much the current/lesser OL players such as Kline, Devey, Wendell (who hasn't been playing in the past week due to injury) would know due to scheme, line calls, and practice? Obviously, it's nothing even close to the positions of QB or WR, but it'd likely take a couple/few weeks to get up to speed.

We may be able to hope that Stork is able to take over soon, instead.

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Who, and where are the big questions.

The goal IMO, is to make sure that Devey, Wendell, and Kline are not in the starting line-up. Obviously, we are hoping that Stork and Flemming both prove to be better alternatives than what we have, both what are the odds that both pan out? Furthermore, what if a guy like Solder continues to play like how he played today? Or god forbid, a guy like Vollmer misses any significant playing time?

Regardless of all those hypotheticals, the Pats are gonna have to make at least one major move in free agency/the upcoming draft to fix this. If BB is prioritizing the future over winning another ring with Brady, at least build a line that helps the successor in his first year.

Just watched on NFL gm rewind...

- defense played much better than I expected from following on GameCenter
- Carr had good numbers because of safe play calls and a good game plan
- Jordan Devey should not be on an NFL roster.
- Nate Solder was quite bad, too

We should have won this game by 20 and would have if not for:
- poor offensive line play
- bad job inside the Oakland 15 yard line (poor playcalling and execution)
- PENALTIES (mostly correct calls, a couple exceptions)

As a semi-aside, just watched the 1st half of the Jags-Colts game and I'm pretty sure Jacksonville has 5 Jordan Deveys up front.

Did I miss something or did we lose today?? Guys it's the NFL nothing comes easy the Raiders came to play and played us hard yet we still managed a win to tie us atop the division lead. Look for example Green Bay is 1-2 and looked more putrid on offense than we did and that's with having Nelson Cobb and Lacy. San Francisco is 1-2 they start hot and totally fade in the second half. Seattle is 2-1 were they showed inconsistencies and are beatable. Broncos were exposed today as being a finesse offensive team still and if it wasn't for three blown coverages that game doesn't go to OT. Panthers, Colts, Saints all the Superbowl picks have a lot to work on that being said New England does as well but luckily for us we have a HC and QB fully capable of riding the ship and improving as the season goes along. Winning is winning that's what matters if the Pats win like this the rest of the way witout those fancy stats so be it.

mgteich said:

We have just managed to defeat two of the very worst teams in the NFL. MINN played with half of their offense. OAK played without one of their best RB's and without 2 of their LB's. The OAK game was decided in the last minute of the game. We are 2-1, but we will need to be MUCH, MUCH better to make the playoffs. The good news is that we will likely improve a lot as the season progresses.

The BOTTOM LINE for me is that the team that we have watched for three weeks is much weaker than CIN or DEN, and weaker than a couple of others in the AFC. I expected that we would look better after three games.

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I disagree. The problems all trace to the Offensive line, and that is slowly being worked out. Stork made a big difference when inserted in the time Brady had to throw. He was no longer getting hit after throwing an Edelmen 5 yard dink. Instead he was throwing 15 yard throws and not ending up on his ass.

Cannon may not be a rookie but he has only ever played two games at LG. Stork is self explanatory; and Dever never played RG either, except for the past two games. Fleming got his introduction to RG this game. So its a completely new interior line.

When this line gells, in the next several games, the Pats will have the blocking power to force the run. That is ,something that they haven't had since the early years of the BB regime, if ever. The Tackles are there to enable the passing game when the interior settles down, while the RBs settle in with pass blocking responsibilities. Don't forget that Vereen is not used to doing that since he has been a 3rd down pass receiving back for his prior years here.

Here is a case where BB realized the problem and added the needed talent before his season. The talent is there to vastly improve the line. All that is needed is some game experience for the players, both rook & nonrook, at their new positions.

No one has mentioned that Gronk is still not himself as a in-line blocker.

The reason for our struggles today is McDaniels. Yes our offense in general sucks right now but he isn't helping and/or learning from his mistakes. I knew we were in for a long day when he tried that fake double reverse pass to the running back that NEVER works.

The Viking game is who we are and what we do best at the moment. Jumbo lines and mostly no more than two wr on the field at a time. I still feel that Lafell and Amendola are extremely similar and have their uses but I have now come to the conclusion that they should never be on the field at the same time.

AzPatsFan said:

Stork made a big difference when inserted in the time Brady had to throw.

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Hopefully Stork sees more reps, because they need to change something--and immediately. Brady took way too many shots again, and a couple of them were fairly significant.

AzPatsFan said:

Fleming got his introduction to RG this game.

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Cameron Fleming saw time at right guard yesterday? Really? Are you sure?

AzPatsFan said:

No one has mentioned that Gronk is still not himself as a in-line blocker.

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That whole aspect is something quite concerning as well, as I don't remember Gronk looking this tentative and slow coming back from injury before. So far through almost 25% of the season, he's a former shell of himself. Obviously we expect that to change, but his blocking doesn't appear to be linked to conditioning in my opinion.

Sorry if this has already been pointed out, but Doug Kyed noted on Twitter that Hightower gave up four catches on five targets which doesn't sound great but it was for the grand total of zero yards. Talk about keeping the play in front of you. He also had two QB hurries and a hit too.

manxman2601 said:

Sorry if this has already been pointed out, but Doug Kyed noted on Twitter that Hightower gave up four catches on five targets which doesn't sound great but it was for the grand total of zero yards. Talk about keeping the play in front of you. He also had two QB hurries and a hit too.

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Is there any question Hightower been our first half of the season MVP? Also Chandler Jones I noticed batted down 2 balls yesterday. Something else he added to his game.

I didn't get the play calls inside the red zone. I think McD tried getting to cute for his own good. With our OL as it stands , if we are trying to run it in, power it with Ridley. Not Vereen or Bolden. I'm loving the way Ridley running. Stats might not look pretty but he's doing the job.

Jackson 2 said:

Honestly, it sounds as though watching the Patriots is painfully miserable for you. If you don't already subscribe, it sounds like the Red Zone might help.

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Watching McDoofus call the offense is extremely painful.

I didn't see the game or even a highlight. Just logged in and looked at the box score. Overall the box score looks fine except for two stats: 1) four sacks, 2) 32 rushes for 76 yards. The offensive line is the weakness.

Every other stat looks good. No turnovers, only six penalties, TOP, 50% 3rd-down conversion, etc. Clean up the line play and the offense cooks with gas.

BB needs to cut Devey and sign Incognito.

Solder - Incognito - Stork - Connolly - Vollmer.

Triumph said:

Watching McDoofus call the offense is extremely painful.

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I didn't realize I was responding to one of your posts, but that's OK. However, since you offered your observation I'd offer the same advice: don't watch. There are many options available for your viewing (dis)pleasure.

Glad that many of you Pats fans agree that the OL is the biggest problem. The one sack Devey gave up yesterday and Brady got drilled shows again that he is just not ready to be a starting guard in the NFL at this point. Stork has already showed that he is ready and why the Pats are not using last years Rimington winner who also played guard at Florida State is getting confusion. Stork was considered the best NFL ready pick at center last year. Make him the permanent starting center now. If the Pats coaching staff doesn't think this makes sense look at yesterdays offense against a sub par Oakland defense. It stunk!

manxman2601 said:

Sorry if this has already been pointed out, but Doug Kyed noted on Twitter that Hightower gave up four catches on five targets which doesn't sound great but it was for the grand total of zero yards. Talk about keeping the play in front of you. He also had two QB hurries and a hit too.

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He's become a faster version of Spikes. Stops guys right in their tracks.

AzorianPats said:

Is there any question Hightower been our first half of the season MVP? Also Chandler Jones I noticed batted down 2 balls yesterday. Something else he added to his game.

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Yes there IS a question, says Julian Edelman.

BradyBranch39 said:

As a semi-aside, just watched the 1st half of the Jags-Colts game and I'm pretty sure Jacksonville has 5 Jordan Deveys up front.

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Any chance they want one more?

Jackson 2 said:

I didn't realize I was responding to one of your posts, but that's OK. However, since you offered your observation I'd offer the same advice: don't watch. There are many options available for your viewing (dis)pleasure.

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There is only 1 pro football team in NE.

Therefore, no, the Pats are the only option.

stcjones said:

If one hasnt been posted yet....if not combine it......My impressions.....Cannon Solder and even Connelly are weak links on O line......Brady has been very UN-Brady like thus far.....tailing and over/underthrowing a ton of balls.....

What say you all?

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Agree that Solder is not playing well, but clearly BB cutting your boyfriend Finch (as I and others readily predicted) has gotten to you

holyredeemer said:

Something is really off with this team. I cant really pin it on just one thing, or person. Its just....off. The playcalling, who's getting playtime, who's not. One week our D is rushing the passer like hell on wheels, the next wk we play against a rookie and can barely touch him. Its awkward to watch. Clearly, I hope for the best. By week 6, things will be coming together perhaps? I honestly dont know. I just hope the boys can hang in there and squeak out some hard fought wins by the time that happens.

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It looks like the Pats at times aren't playing like a team or have the typical motivation of a BB team. I really think the OL has to develop more motivation instead of letting TB get drilled like he has. I was hoping when the Pats drafted Stork and Fleming they would develop a real sound and extremely physical running game but it hasn't happened. The Pats lack a nasty attitude on the OLine and it has to change now. It is means making Stork your starting center and take a look at Free agents like Incognito and do it. Pats....do what you have to do that will allow you to gain 100 - 150+ yards running each game and the passing game with future HOF Tom Brady will fall into place.