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There was a tweet by Bedard before the start of the last Jets drive which stated "Well, Patriots defense gets a chance to show it can get a stop when it matters, even if it's the Jets". This is the reaon for the thread title, but you can see that kind of commentary by the mediot's in run up to this game. And it's not going to change until we play the Bronco's and even then, if we win, there will be plenty of caveats. I have to say, it's really starting to piss me off. You can be critical (and I will during this thread), but it's become too stylish among the media, that if we aren't concentrating on EVERYTHING negative you will be labelled with the dreaded "homer" tag. It's starting to get really old.
The game itself was pretty much what we expected. The Pats played their B game, the Jets played their A game, and the game was won by the Pats. I also think the fact the Jets were coming off their bye week, while the Pats didn't get back from the west coast until 5am on Monday, plus the disruption of Thanksgiving; was also a factor. And Brady missing 2 practices clearly had an effect on his play, especially early, certainly didn't help either.
But is is what it is, so lets gets started on the break down. You know Elementary and Madam Secretary will be on soon, not to mention an important story on my biggest fear, Altzheimer's disease, on 60 minutes
OFFENSE
1. OL - The Jets DL is very, very good, and the Pats OL looked pretty shaky at the start of the game with many hits and hurries on a clearly less nimble Brady. But like usual, as the game went on, Brady seemed to have more an more time, and more open receivers to catch the ball. Clearly a win for them by the end of the game.
On thing to watch going into the future is how teams will start to attack David Andrews by making him play with a big, explosive player right on his head. In the early going he was knocked back, significantly which created a number of those hits and hurries. When you don't attack Andrews directly, at the snap, you are playing into his strength, which is to help his other teammates in protect and get to the 2nd level on run plays. Areas which are his strengths. As time moves forward I think we will see more and more teams trying this strategy. That being said, Andrews was a LOT more sturdy in the 2nd half.
As far as the runing game goes, it wasn't great, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't much at all. I guess the best description was that it was effective, when they bothered to run at all. They had 100 yds on just 18 carries, though it seems the Pats decided early not to bang their heads against that DL, but when they did, it was pretty effective, if not always consistent. You can't hate a 2nd game in a row where you are kneeling down inside the opponents 5 yard line.
2. Receivers - It was a shame Gronk went down early - He was open on 2 deep throws. One were Brady missed him and one he was interferred with. When one of your key guys in the game plan leaves, it takes a bit to regroup, and it showed in the choppy play by the offense all game. We essentially played without any TE's for most of that game, since Bennett was clearly taking one for the team by being out there at all. Not only should he be given a lot of credit for toughing it out, it should put an end to anyone who is worried if he'll be pissed if you aren't throwing him the ball. Clearly he's is "all about the wins". Otherwise he had ample reason to watch this game from the sidelines.
Early in this game I thought the Mitchell vs Roberts match up was one the Pats could exploit. I was right, but they also exploited him vs Revis as well. The development of Malcolm Mitchell continues at a gradual pace. He is now getting first looks on key 3rd down plays and obviously, around the GL. He and Hogan gives us a great hope for the long term depth of the WR position as Edelman and DA get older. The think I like best about him is he seems to play a lot bigger than his actual size. We might even see him break the 600 yd barrier as a rookie.
Edelman was solid as usual, while DA, for the first time all season, was pretty much a non-factor in the passing game.
2. RB's - I know White broke a tackle (finally) today on a key 3rd down, and was once again an effective receiver out of the backfield, but for the life of me I couldn't understand why Lewis was not the RB on that 2 point conversion. He is not only the better runner, he is also faster, and more instinctive RB than White. There is no doubt in my mind that had Lewis been the ball carrier on that play, it would have succeeded.
LGB had a 6ypc average on what amounted to a day off for him with only 11 carries. Plus once again he got a key first down at the end of the game which allowed the Pats to again do their kneel downs inside the Jets 5 yardline. (I can only smile as I think about all the bettors who were dying one way or the other as he neared the GL on his last run. )
3. QB- Certainly not Brady's best day "only" completing 6o% of his passes. Only having a 24% 3rd down coversion rate, and generally being the least accurate he's been this season on his mid range and long balls. Some of that could be the result of the long week, the practices he missed, his bad knee, and the shaky protection he got at the start of the game. But he came up big (again) in the game's biggest moments, and did what was necessary to get the win. They can't all be gems.
4. General offensive comments.
a. Losing Gronk and soon after effectively losing Bennett, forced the Pats to make some significant adjustments to the game plan during this game. It could be part of the reason the offense was so inconsistent during the game.
b. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see Devlin get 2 targets. Just knowing that that is a possibility will make the running game more effective down the road. We need to do it more.
c. Only 2 for 4 in the red zone, when 3 for 4 would have been acceptable. That needs to improve.
d. I think the Pats showed great discipline and focus from the offense in getting just 2 penalties for 15 yard in an away game. It was a bigger factor than most will acknowledge, and a GREAT improvement from most of the games this season.
f. In the past the Pats have shown that they are masters of the no huddle genre. There were times I felt it would have been effective in this game. One of the best ways to mitigate a great pass rush is to spread the team out and run a no huddle offense. Not only are you usually getting the ball out quicker, you are tiring out the rushers. Just a thought for the future.
Defense -
5. Front 7 - I think I heard them say that the Jets were averaging 130+ yds rushing the ball over a number of games. The first positive for the defense is that we held the Jet rushing game to just 60 odd yards in 22 carries, with a long gain of 7 yards. What was even more impressive was how COMPLETELY the Jets running attack was throttled. I would guess half of those yards were gotten after first contact by great efforts by Powell and Forte. The defensive front had a mandate to stop the Jets from having an effective run game and they did their job in spades.
The Pass rush was obviously not a effective, but it DID get better as the game went on and in the end furnished the big play that ultimately sealed the game.
6. DB's The one criticism I had of the DB's was the softness the S's were showing in that deep crossing pattern the Jets ran so effectively. The one that caught my attention was on the drive before the blocked FG. The Jets picked up a big 3rd down on a deep crossing pattern to Marshall (I think) The Jets had 5 receivers out, and they all went wide clearing the middle for the crosser. The CB was a step behind and Fitz threw a dart right on target. My problem was that it SHOULD have been a play where the Saftey (Harmon) should have done a LOT more than assist in the T. This was a pattern I know the Pats practiced against. It was not even the first time in this game that they ran it. With the other receivers going wide, Harmon should have read this pattern and JUMPED the receiver. He should have either made the play or blown Marshal up. That's what Earl Thomas would have done. THAT is what I want to see improved. A successful defense can't be afraid. I feel our DB's are good enough to warrent more aggressive play down the stretch and still maintain the philosophy of the defense. THAT's what I'll be looking for in the future.
Also, on the game day page, Butler too a lot of heat for the TD pass to Enunwah. That's BS. Butler was in perfect position on the play. He timed his leap perfectly, and if he didn't leave his DNA on the ball, I'd be surprised. Unfortunately for him the guy he was covering was 6'4 and the ball was in the only spot that allowed the receiver to catch the ball and BARELY stay in bounds (if in fact he really did) Butler did his job, but sh!t happens in the NFL.
Fitzpatrick played his best game of the year. He threw one pass after another into minute holes and when he didn't, he wisely checked down to receivers he'd rarely targeted before this game. The pass defense is going to take a lot of heat this week for allowing Fitzpatrick (with the lowest QB rating in the league) 280 yds and 2 TD's. When the reality is that Fitzpatrick's achilles heal is his inconsistency. By definition while he is capapble of playing badly, he is also capable of playing well. Well tonight the pride of Harvard played well....very well. And the fact he did shouldn't demean the efforts of a much maligned defense. Just something to think about.
BTW- the good news that the Jets STILL lost and because he played so well it is unlikely that Bowles will be able to take him out of the line up, which means that it will delay any info they get on Petty and his other guy, and thus set the Jets' QB problems back a few more months.
6. ST's
Nothing bad, short of miss by Gotskowski, but nothing wildly good either. Just a good solid job by ST's.
BTW- anyone else notice that all or most of Gotskowski's FG misses this season have come from the right hash? There have be 4 now. There isn't going to be anything done about this situation. Gotskowski clearly has not had a good year, but it hasn't been horrible. Though the game would have been a lot less nerve wracking if he'd made that kick.
BTW -2 The FG block has be all on the kicker. IIRC, the guy that blocked it was knocked back off LOS and didn't even jump to get it. If all it took was for a tall guy to raise his hand to knock it down, it was kicked WAY too low.
7. General thoughts
a. I was very impress with the improved play by the LB's in run defense. The Jets RB's had to fight hard for every measely yard they got.
b. I'm now resigned to the fact that we have no pass rushers that will individually create consistent pressure. But that doesn't mean the defense can't effectively rush the passer. As I've said on many occasions, best of BB's defenses in the "golden era" of the early 2000's never had great individual pass rushers either. For the Pats sacks and QB pressures need to be a team production, just like they were in the so called glory years.
c. The Rams are a mess. I couldn't be more pleased to see Jeff Fisher get what he deserves. Maybe this season, his mediocrity will finally get him fired. That being said this will be another "can't win" situation for the Pats. BTW- dispite what BB says publicly about Fisher, I really believe he tries to hurt other players like Rodney has said all along, and is one guy I don't think BB likes at all. If the game is ending inside the Rams 5, I don't see the Pats kneeling
d. With BOTH Gronk and Marty banged up, wouldn't AJ Derby be nice right now (he said with perfect 20-20 hindsight)
I didn't pay much attention to any of the other action except to note the scores, so I have nothing more to add to that subject. Time to rap it up and get the discussion started. As always let me know what you think
The game itself was pretty much what we expected. The Pats played their B game, the Jets played their A game, and the game was won by the Pats. I also think the fact the Jets were coming off their bye week, while the Pats didn't get back from the west coast until 5am on Monday, plus the disruption of Thanksgiving; was also a factor. And Brady missing 2 practices clearly had an effect on his play, especially early, certainly didn't help either.
But is is what it is, so lets gets started on the break down. You know Elementary and Madam Secretary will be on soon, not to mention an important story on my biggest fear, Altzheimer's disease, on 60 minutes
OFFENSE
1. OL - The Jets DL is very, very good, and the Pats OL looked pretty shaky at the start of the game with many hits and hurries on a clearly less nimble Brady. But like usual, as the game went on, Brady seemed to have more an more time, and more open receivers to catch the ball. Clearly a win for them by the end of the game.
On thing to watch going into the future is how teams will start to attack David Andrews by making him play with a big, explosive player right on his head. In the early going he was knocked back, significantly which created a number of those hits and hurries. When you don't attack Andrews directly, at the snap, you are playing into his strength, which is to help his other teammates in protect and get to the 2nd level on run plays. Areas which are his strengths. As time moves forward I think we will see more and more teams trying this strategy. That being said, Andrews was a LOT more sturdy in the 2nd half.
As far as the runing game goes, it wasn't great, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't much at all. I guess the best description was that it was effective, when they bothered to run at all. They had 100 yds on just 18 carries, though it seems the Pats decided early not to bang their heads against that DL, but when they did, it was pretty effective, if not always consistent. You can't hate a 2nd game in a row where you are kneeling down inside the opponents 5 yard line.
2. Receivers - It was a shame Gronk went down early - He was open on 2 deep throws. One were Brady missed him and one he was interferred with. When one of your key guys in the game plan leaves, it takes a bit to regroup, and it showed in the choppy play by the offense all game. We essentially played without any TE's for most of that game, since Bennett was clearly taking one for the team by being out there at all. Not only should he be given a lot of credit for toughing it out, it should put an end to anyone who is worried if he'll be pissed if you aren't throwing him the ball. Clearly he's is "all about the wins". Otherwise he had ample reason to watch this game from the sidelines.
Early in this game I thought the Mitchell vs Roberts match up was one the Pats could exploit. I was right, but they also exploited him vs Revis as well. The development of Malcolm Mitchell continues at a gradual pace. He is now getting first looks on key 3rd down plays and obviously, around the GL. He and Hogan gives us a great hope for the long term depth of the WR position as Edelman and DA get older. The think I like best about him is he seems to play a lot bigger than his actual size. We might even see him break the 600 yd barrier as a rookie.
Edelman was solid as usual, while DA, for the first time all season, was pretty much a non-factor in the passing game.
2. RB's - I know White broke a tackle (finally) today on a key 3rd down, and was once again an effective receiver out of the backfield, but for the life of me I couldn't understand why Lewis was not the RB on that 2 point conversion. He is not only the better runner, he is also faster, and more instinctive RB than White. There is no doubt in my mind that had Lewis been the ball carrier on that play, it would have succeeded.
LGB had a 6ypc average on what amounted to a day off for him with only 11 carries. Plus once again he got a key first down at the end of the game which allowed the Pats to again do their kneel downs inside the Jets 5 yardline. (I can only smile as I think about all the bettors who were dying one way or the other as he neared the GL on his last run.
)3. QB- Certainly not Brady's best day "only" completing 6o% of his passes. Only having a 24% 3rd down coversion rate, and generally being the least accurate he's been this season on his mid range and long balls. Some of that could be the result of the long week, the practices he missed, his bad knee, and the shaky protection he got at the start of the game. But he came up big (again) in the game's biggest moments, and did what was necessary to get the win. They can't all be gems.
4. General offensive comments.
a. Losing Gronk and soon after effectively losing Bennett, forced the Pats to make some significant adjustments to the game plan during this game. It could be part of the reason the offense was so inconsistent during the game.
b. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see Devlin get 2 targets. Just knowing that that is a possibility will make the running game more effective down the road. We need to do it more.
c. Only 2 for 4 in the red zone, when 3 for 4 would have been acceptable. That needs to improve.
d. I think the Pats showed great discipline and focus from the offense in getting just 2 penalties for 15 yard in an away game. It was a bigger factor than most will acknowledge, and a GREAT improvement from most of the games this season.
f. In the past the Pats have shown that they are masters of the no huddle genre. There were times I felt it would have been effective in this game. One of the best ways to mitigate a great pass rush is to spread the team out and run a no huddle offense. Not only are you usually getting the ball out quicker, you are tiring out the rushers. Just a thought for the future.
Defense -
5. Front 7 - I think I heard them say that the Jets were averaging 130+ yds rushing the ball over a number of games. The first positive for the defense is that we held the Jet rushing game to just 60 odd yards in 22 carries, with a long gain of 7 yards. What was even more impressive was how COMPLETELY the Jets running attack was throttled. I would guess half of those yards were gotten after first contact by great efforts by Powell and Forte. The defensive front had a mandate to stop the Jets from having an effective run game and they did their job in spades.
The Pass rush was obviously not a effective, but it DID get better as the game went on and in the end furnished the big play that ultimately sealed the game.
6. DB's The one criticism I had of the DB's was the softness the S's were showing in that deep crossing pattern the Jets ran so effectively. The one that caught my attention was on the drive before the blocked FG. The Jets picked up a big 3rd down on a deep crossing pattern to Marshall (I think) The Jets had 5 receivers out, and they all went wide clearing the middle for the crosser. The CB was a step behind and Fitz threw a dart right on target. My problem was that it SHOULD have been a play where the Saftey (Harmon) should have done a LOT more than assist in the T. This was a pattern I know the Pats practiced against. It was not even the first time in this game that they ran it. With the other receivers going wide, Harmon should have read this pattern and JUMPED the receiver. He should have either made the play or blown Marshal up. That's what Earl Thomas would have done. THAT is what I want to see improved. A successful defense can't be afraid. I feel our DB's are good enough to warrent more aggressive play down the stretch and still maintain the philosophy of the defense. THAT's what I'll be looking for in the future.
Also, on the game day page, Butler too a lot of heat for the TD pass to Enunwah. That's BS. Butler was in perfect position on the play. He timed his leap perfectly, and if he didn't leave his DNA on the ball, I'd be surprised. Unfortunately for him the guy he was covering was 6'4 and the ball was in the only spot that allowed the receiver to catch the ball and BARELY stay in bounds (if in fact he really did) Butler did his job, but sh!t happens in the NFL.
Fitzpatrick played his best game of the year. He threw one pass after another into minute holes and when he didn't, he wisely checked down to receivers he'd rarely targeted before this game. The pass defense is going to take a lot of heat this week for allowing Fitzpatrick (with the lowest QB rating in the league) 280 yds and 2 TD's. When the reality is that Fitzpatrick's achilles heal is his inconsistency. By definition while he is capapble of playing badly, he is also capable of playing well. Well tonight the pride of Harvard played well....very well. And the fact he did shouldn't demean the efforts of a much maligned defense. Just something to think about.
BTW- the good news that the Jets STILL lost and because he played so well it is unlikely that Bowles will be able to take him out of the line up, which means that it will delay any info they get on Petty and his other guy, and thus set the Jets' QB problems back a few more months.
6. ST's
Nothing bad, short of miss by Gotskowski, but nothing wildly good either. Just a good solid job by ST's.
BTW- anyone else notice that all or most of Gotskowski's FG misses this season have come from the right hash? There have be 4 now. There isn't going to be anything done about this situation. Gotskowski clearly has not had a good year, but it hasn't been horrible. Though the game would have been a lot less nerve wracking if he'd made that kick.
BTW -2 The FG block has be all on the kicker. IIRC, the guy that blocked it was knocked back off LOS and didn't even jump to get it. If all it took was for a tall guy to raise his hand to knock it down, it was kicked WAY too low.
7. General thoughts
a. I was very impress with the improved play by the LB's in run defense. The Jets RB's had to fight hard for every measely yard they got.
b. I'm now resigned to the fact that we have no pass rushers that will individually create consistent pressure. But that doesn't mean the defense can't effectively rush the passer. As I've said on many occasions, best of BB's defenses in the "golden era" of the early 2000's never had great individual pass rushers either. For the Pats sacks and QB pressures need to be a team production, just like they were in the so called glory years.
c. The Rams are a mess. I couldn't be more pleased to see Jeff Fisher get what he deserves. Maybe this season, his mediocrity will finally get him fired. That being said this will be another "can't win" situation for the Pats. BTW- dispite what BB says publicly about Fisher, I really believe he tries to hurt other players like Rodney has said all along, and is one guy I don't think BB likes at all. If the game is ending inside the Rams 5, I don't see the Pats kneeling
d. With BOTH Gronk and Marty banged up, wouldn't AJ Derby be nice right now (he said with perfect 20-20 hindsight)
I didn't pay much attention to any of the other action except to note the scores, so I have nothing more to add to that subject. Time to rap it up and get the discussion started. As always let me know what you think
