Last week I posted that a small part of me was glad that the team had been given a reminder that they are flawed and need to work hard on their weaknesses if the dream of Miami in February has a chance of coming true. I dont really feel any different after the loss from the Jets. As I was watching I felt like the Pats were taking their foes for granted, though I know that is not the case. What I did see was one team more inspired, more committed and hungrier than the other, and for the second week in a row that team was not the Pats.
Both the Colts and the Jets had a history of grievances and losses to bring an edge to their game, and both defenses were far better than they have shown during the first part of the season. They weren't just better, by the way, they were playing out of their skins. I think the Pat's O-line was not prepared for such an assault. I dont mean technically or strategically unprepared, I mean they were put off their game by the passion and ferocity of the opposition.
There is only one other team that we have to face on the schedule with similar history and wish to rectify past imbalance, and that is Miami. They already have a pretty reasonable defense, but given the example of the Colts and Jets I dont think they will find it too hard to emulate their efforts.
That aside, I still think the Pats have a pretty good team, especially compared to last year:
OL will be as good as it was last year once Neal returns though they have to learn consistency and how to staunch passionate plays (see above).
WR/TE -the one area that is weaker than last year, although not by much, Caldwell is beginning to impress, teams are double covering Watson, and Gaffney, Gabriel and Jackson are progressing nicely. And no 80 is like an old insurance policy, always there to give you cover when you need it.
RB - much, much better than last year - Maroney has transformed the running game and CD is motivated, loved the 50 yarder. Only complaint is consistency but that is as much to do with blocking (Graham and Neal very much needed).
QB - Hmmm - not as good at the moment, but I have every confidence that TB will improve with better protection (once the OL learns to deal with passion......)
DL will be as good when Ty Warren returns
LB - so much better than last year - "can you say Beisel and Scott"? Seau has surprised me, he just doesnt play his age, Colvin is having a great year, and you can always rely on 50 and 54.
S losing Rodney is not good, but we didnt have him last year and I have growing respect for Hawkins and Scott. Hobbs is still learning and Wilson and Samuel are well above average DBs. I am hoping 37 will be able to return in time for the playoffs though.
ST - better than 2005, mainly from Maroney as KR, but also the Ghost is getting us better field position than #4. And as for his misses, put that one down to rookie experience. I think he will be fine.
Despite 2 losses in a row, I think the hunger will return, and with it consistency. 2006 team is much better, maybe not enough to win the Superbowl, but good enough to go deep into the playoffs. just as long as the team brings passion to meet passion.
