- Joined
- Nov 14, 2006
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Here we go:
- I think a large share of the loss goes on Brady. He was just off from the last drive in the first half on. Poor clock management on that drive (I blame him for not taking the time out which made Belichick have to run down the field to make), some poor decisions, some poor throws, seemed rattled at times, etc. It wasn't all on him, but he deserves a good piece of the blame pie.
- Chandler Jones needs to work on being more consistent (lobbying more for holding calls would help), but he is showing signs of being an elite DE. He is stout vs. the run and can rush the passer. The most amazing thing about his five sacks of the season, three of them have been strip sacks.
- Glad to see Arrington finally benched. Everyone was blaming McCourty this season, but Arrington was clearly the weakest link in the secondary. Obviously, the secondary has some issues (to put it mildly), but I think Dennard can be much better with some more experience. He did show flashes yesterday. And the Edwards' TD there was not much more he could have done. Even elite CBs get burnt on plays with coverage like that. Granted he did get burnt several other times.
- I am concerned a bit about the youth and inexperience on this team. I think a reason the Pats don't have a killer instinct at the end of games is in part because they decided to go so young. Wilfork can only do so much leadership on defense. Younger guys on offense seem to struggle down the end.
- Other than the end of the game, I was impressed by the o-line. They kept Brady pretty clean considering this is a defense known to get to the QB. Again, the end of the game goes to the last bullet point.
- Was it just me or did Slater injure himself celebrating a special team's stop? Looks like one of his teammates may have taken out his ankle to "congratulate" him. If that is the case and he is out for a significant time, that has to go down as one of the stupidest injuries since.... well, Edelman who may have broken his hand spiking the football during a TD celebration.
- Troy Brown may be right. Spikes just may be the best run stuffing LB in the league.
- I still think this team is a legitimate Super Bowl contender and other than the secondary are more mental and correctable errors. I also think the secondary can be fixed over time. Don't forget it was Dennard second game in the NFL and thrust into the starting role without preparation for it (taking back up reps at nickel and dime in practice). Wilson is also learning on the job. McCourty isn't nearly as bad as people make him out to be. Chung is inconsistent, but has the capability of being good.
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