The Patriots vs Chargers POST Game Thread

Not enough can be said about the defensive effort last night:

- Facing a tough offense with a good quarterback on the road.

- Offense stalling for long stretches, giving the D very little rest.

- Screwed on the Browner penalty (how often do we see a defense in the NFL fold after a big play like that is negated).

And through that, they gave up 7 points, and I don't even think they were close to scoring any other drive. I heard a stat on the radio (can't verify it, but I believe it), that Rivers was 2-10 on passes more than 5 yards down the field. At first I was astounded that his percentage was so low, then I was even more astounded that he was only able to ATTEMPT 10 passes downfield. The coverage today was otherworldly, and the pressure was great.

No style points in the NFL, especially on the road against a playoff caliber team. Great win.

pwes said:

Something I haven't seen mentioned (sorry if I missed it). As anemic as the Offense was for most of the game it was really exciting to see Brady run for 2 first downs in the game. Its rare enough to see him do it once but he did it twice. I can't say it enough but I am so glad that Brady is being more mobile. In the past he'd have wide open lanes in front of him and wouldn't move but more and more this season we're seeing him capitalize on those opportunities. Sometimes it is crucial to keep the drive alive and a small QB scramble for 3 or 4 yards can make a world of difference. Hope he continues.

Click to expand...

...exactly my sentiments ...he does not need to be Steve Young or anything but he does need the D to respect that at least a minuscule...a little space gives these receivers more chance to be open so that the qb can get them the ball...

As subpar as the offense was they still amassed 400 yards.

Also in the last 4 games in the 2nd half the defense has only allowed 1 TD and 3 FG

The defense stepped up huge tonight. They are getting better every time out.

Bombdog said:

The defense stepped up huge tonight. They are getting better every time out.

Click to expand...

I just hope we can find a spot for Chandler Jones to get some playing time

I pray skippy gets a head coaching job...
Run on first down, they stuff the run because they know it's coming, panic and go empty backfield for second and third, punt, rinse, and repeat.

I know it's cliche to slam the OC (chanelling NEM), but I thought that fiasco on first and goal would cost them the game. Jasus Frickin' Christ...you're the best team in the league, act like it. Punch it in and set the tone for ****s sake. It's like he's afraid of success. It happens too often. The O is rolling and he has to get all cute.

PatsWickedPissah said:

I just hope we can find a spot for Chandler Jones to get some playing time

Click to expand...

Man when him and Hightower come back...scary D for opposing teams.

Somebody posted a clip of Minitron's postgame NFLN interview on Instagram. . . .

http://instagram.com/p/wVYjGnjk35/

"I'm a big fan."

"You're jealous."

I don't care if it is Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, Bruce Armstrong or John Hannah. If you're an O-lineman having your head jacked back the way that Ingram/Freeney were jacking Solder's head back, it's going to look like your playing like crap.. There is a reason they made it a point of emphasis (sic) prior to the start of the season..

Anyone notice who it was that jacked up Antonio Gates to prevent him from getting the first down on the last San Diego play of the game?? None other than Tavon Wilson.. He and Duron Harmon actually saw a bit time in Dime situations and they played well.

SD punter. Is "she" really hurt or did he faked an injury because he botched the play so his team wouldn't be so hard on him?

The biggest concern for me right now is the oline inconsistency. If teams bring more and more blitzes, this year's oline doesnt seem to react consistently well and even lose one on one battles. Thankfully this has been more of a road game phenomenon. Teams in the playoffs with good defenses will be a challenge though . They will take away the short passing game and bring the heat. We have to hope the oline plays well and gronk stays upright.

TinhWoodhead said:

SD punter. Is "she" really hurt or did he faked an injury because he botched the play so his team wouldn't be so hard on him?

Click to expand...

You mean the guy who had surgery today for his broken clavicle?

Can anyone find a link to the interview Edelman did with NBC after the game? I was at the game so couldn't watch it and can't seem to find a video. On another note, I watched a highlights video and wow Al Michaels could use a little enthusiasm in his voice. Can someone check him for a pulse? Or is he just a Pats hater as well? :/

Michaels is not a Pats fan
Collingsworth seemingly used to not be a Pats admirer but continued excellence has garnered his respect

TinhWoodhead said:

SD punter. Is "she" really hurt or did he faked an injury because he botched the play so his team wouldn't be so hard on him?

Click to expand...

'She' has a broken clavicle Felger.

Defense won this one for us, and what a performance. Truly speaks volumes to how well they played when you consider all the boneheaded mistakes and points left on the board by our offense, as well as a pick six taken away by the zebras, that we were still able to win this one by multiple scores. Great approach and execution, maybe the most impressive one of the season.

Kinda concerning to see the OL struggle back to back weeks now after they were seemingly fixed. Going to be interesting to monitor their performances next few weeks to see what we have there going into the playoffs.

Huge props to Bolden, Gronk, Edelman, and Collins for making some huge plays. When all was going wrong, Bolden and Edelman's plays in particular were life savers.

Gotta hold onto that #1 seed! These are 3 winnable games especially since the MIA/BUF ones are at Gillete. Would be suprised to see us lose any. If we do by some chance happen to drop one, at the very least we still should have the bye and may have HFA if Denver loses one - quite possible since they have games @ SD and @ CIN coming up. But I wouldn't count on it. Obviously, it's very hard to see this team losing more than 1 of these 3 and losing the bye.

Browner is well worth the contract, and the penalties. Look how well the defense played tonight despite 2 huge penalties on him (1 was clearly BS anyways). If we get more performances like this out our D, he can accumulate 30 yards in penalties. no worries!

Maybe it's just me ... But I find watching Rivers throwing the ball disturbing ...
Yeah ... it works for him but if I had to watch that every week I would go nuts.

I feel like I am at some carnival event watching some
dude trying to win a stuffed animal and he's got the trick to do it.


Yup this jerk just put you there to complain about watching you throw the rock.

Sign Revis. Immediately. He allows Belichick and Patricia to get as creative as the Pats of the early 2000's were. Revis HAS to come back next season.