I think the Pats used up all their tricks

This is not saying now the Patriots can't win the next 2 games cause i think they can.

However ask yourself how many tricks can the Patriots have left. They were behind and desperately trying everything to win that game. Once you break out the 4 OL formation I would guess you have probably used everything you have.

You can argue they have something left but that is arguing you felt during the game being behind 14 two times they felt they had the opportunity to save something. I do not think they felt that way at all.

Just have to hope that game was a wake up call and the week 9 Patriots show up next Sunday

They haven't brought out the direct snap/statue of liberty yet or a flea flicker.

Since when do we `need` tricks? Pats aren't going to see another front like that, and that's the kind of front that gives the Pats tough games.

Also, Belichick is never out of tricks

I dont care if they used all the tricks; I can't imagine Belichick said "dont call the Edelman pass play, save it for the superbowl" LOL

Que??? De que tu hablas? Mama Mia..

BB is almost certainly the greatest student of the game in the game. I'm guessing there's a trick or two still up his sleeve.

They've added wrinkles and special stuff nearly every playoff run since they started making them 13 years ago. When they have the horses and health they almost always put something completely unique in the gameplan that confuses the opposition and generates headlines. From the 1-5 nickel, to the 0-5 dime, to the empty shifting 81 to runningback, to the 34 ineligible, they've always had something. I expect the same this week and especially in three if they make it there.

Doubt it. Bill always has a card up his sleeve.

Regardless, the Pats don't go to the trick plays unless they are desperate. Being down 14 twice in a game counts as desperate. Odds of that happening again are slim.

Gee, what a lovely thread. What "tricks" would you have said they had before that game? You, like John Harbaugh, probably assumed you had seen it all. But you hadn't. So it stands to reason you wouldn't be able to guess at anything else they might be working on.

If that's the case, they can always make new tricks.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Solder lined up at TE after reporting eligible and catching a TD, or maybe Jamie Collins coming over and doing the same, ala Vrabel

Fake punt. Fake spike.

I wouldn't oversell the "gadgetry" in this game.

First, there are always other gadgets.

Second, one thing about the Edelmensch pass... put him in a receiver screen and how many guys have their eyes back downfield instead of on him? That's the gift that keeps on giving.

Third thing - every game demands its own matchup-based gameplan in NE's game. Denver/Indy will know that what we dial up for them will be different from what we dialed up for Baltimore.

More reasons to love NE.

Palm Beach Pats Fan said:

Wouldn't be surprised to see Solder lined up at TE after reporting eligible and catching a TD, or maybe Jamie Collins coming over and doing the same, ala Vrabel

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I'D love to see Collins catching a TD around the goal line!!

Raven fans saying our legacy should be tarnished because we needed "trick plays" to beat them.

Ravens going full Steeler fan. You never go full Steeler fan.

PatsFanInVa said:

I wouldn't oversell the "gadgetry" in this game.

First, there are always other gadgets.

Second, one thing about the Edelmensch pass... put him in a receiver screen and how many guys have their eyes back downfield instead of on him? That's the gift that keeps on giving.

Third thing - every game demands its own matchup-based gameplan in NE's game. Denver/Indy will know that what we dial up for them will be different from what we dialed up for Baltimore.

More reasons to love NE.

Click to expand...

This.

Every opponent is different, and the matchups/situations will all evolve after New England finds out who is coming to town next weekend. In addition, who plays, who is inactive, etc, will depend upon many things, including who is inactive on the other team, what the weather conditions are, etc.

So many variables.

Second, one thing about the Edelmensch pass... put him in a receiver screen and how many guys have their eyes back downfield instead of on him? That's the gift that keeps on giving.

Click to expand...

The other thing about that play, of course, is now every time Edelman doesn't cross the LOS, opposing Ds have to consider the possibility of a gadget play to him.

Don't forget we ran a wildcat snap in the final game of the season. I can see a Brady read option run coming. There isn't a person on the planet that will see that coming (for good reason ). How about a Wilfork short yardage fat man TD run?