Re: Mangini: The Ravens did to the Patriots what they used to do to the Colts
Adding Dennard, Spikes, and Hightower are a good start. All of those guys play a very physical style of football. And McCourty is a pretty physical guy too. Mayo is no pushover. I don't know who is out there that represents a real improvement to what they have in this department. Any ideas?
You're not the only one who has been skeptical. Manxman's been leading that cry for a while now.
My main hope is that some brutal losses like this and the fact that the Pats have had a dominant 3 year run (39-9 in the regular season) in which they have come close but been unable to finish the job in the postseason (3-3 in the playoffs over those 3 years, with a loss in each of the divisional round, AFCCG and SB) may convince him that it's time to shake things up a bit, on both offense and defense.
The last AFCCG loss was the catalyst for the conversion to a more wide open offense, with the acquisitions of Moss and Welker and the advent of the spread. Perhaps this loss will be the catalyst for the reversion to a more physical, punishing brand of football on both sides of the LOS. The Steelers (2008 victory, 2010 appearance), Giants (2007, 2011 victories) and Ravens and 49ers this year are all proof that you can get to and win the Super Bowl while still playing a very physical, punishing style.
Adding Dennard, Spikes, and Hightower are a good start. All of those guys play a very physical style of football. And McCourty is a pretty physical guy too. Mayo is no pushover. I don't know who is out there that represents a real improvement to what they have in this department. Any ideas?