The Gr8est
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 9,404
- Reaction score
- 12,325
I debated starting this thread since I can come up with more than 5 up and not many individuals down; but I'm sure others saw things that I didn't.
I'll limit myself to five in each case in any event.
Up
1) Shane Vereen - As alluded to post-game by Brady, losing Gronk and Woody early caused the Pats to revamp their game plan. Three TDs by Vereen along with tough running and also basically being a WR, Shane Vereen goes to the head of the class. He even had a nice block picking up a blitzer on one play that I saw.
2) Stevan Ridley - Combined with Vereen for a dynamic 1-2 punch. Ridley had his big boy pants on and had some outstanding runs. I am very enthused about his future in NE. He is looking llike the Pats' best RB since Curtis Martin.
3) Rob Ninkovich - His game alone would have been enough to be a top 5 guy, but considering how bad his injury looked in week 17 to come back and excel like he did was incredible. Still underrated, he had the pick and at least one outstanding hustle plays.
4) Devin McCourty - Set the tone with the outstanding hustle play running down the KR and saving a TD on the opening play. The secondary continues to play so much better with him at safety.
5) Tom Brady - Almost forgot about him, but he had some outstanding "dagger to the heart" throws, like the deep ones to Welker and Vereen.
Down
1) - The referreeing crew. That was a horrendous display of reffing. It was so bad that you had to wonder if it was intentional. On a couple of occasions I remember think that the let a Pats player continue to suffer abuse and potential ball stripping attempts, long after his progress was stopped, yet they were light speed quick with a whistle on Foster saving them a turnover. game should not have been as close as it was.
2) - Daniel Fells - Yeah, I know he was inactive, but WTF? Gronk is still hurting and you aren't valuable enough to even be active?
3) - Special teams coverage - Can't single any one player out, but the returns were "hold your breath" time.
4) - Deion Branch - Gr8 game dude! Did you play? Showering after this effort is a waste of water.
5) Steve Gregory and Brandon Spikes - For the stupid personal fouls.
As I mentioned, I really didn't see many players deserving of thumbs down. Lots of contributions.
Just as another positive to note Ghost was perfect on his kicks, and ball security was very good today; no fumbles. That bodes well going forward. Pats are hard to beat when they don't turn it over.
I'll limit myself to five in each case in any event.
Up
1) Shane Vereen - As alluded to post-game by Brady, losing Gronk and Woody early caused the Pats to revamp their game plan. Three TDs by Vereen along with tough running and also basically being a WR, Shane Vereen goes to the head of the class. He even had a nice block picking up a blitzer on one play that I saw.
2) Stevan Ridley - Combined with Vereen for a dynamic 1-2 punch. Ridley had his big boy pants on and had some outstanding runs. I am very enthused about his future in NE. He is looking llike the Pats' best RB since Curtis Martin.
3) Rob Ninkovich - His game alone would have been enough to be a top 5 guy, but considering how bad his injury looked in week 17 to come back and excel like he did was incredible. Still underrated, he had the pick and at least one outstanding hustle plays.
4) Devin McCourty - Set the tone with the outstanding hustle play running down the KR and saving a TD on the opening play. The secondary continues to play so much better with him at safety.
5) Tom Brady - Almost forgot about him, but he had some outstanding "dagger to the heart" throws, like the deep ones to Welker and Vereen.
Down
1) - The referreeing crew. That was a horrendous display of reffing. It was so bad that you had to wonder if it was intentional. On a couple of occasions I remember think that the let a Pats player continue to suffer abuse and potential ball stripping attempts, long after his progress was stopped, yet they were light speed quick with a whistle on Foster saving them a turnover. game should not have been as close as it was.
2) - Daniel Fells - Yeah, I know he was inactive, but WTF? Gronk is still hurting and you aren't valuable enough to even be active?
3) - Special teams coverage - Can't single any one player out, but the returns were "hold your breath" time.
4) - Deion Branch - Gr8 game dude! Did you play? Showering after this effort is a waste of water.
5) Steve Gregory and Brandon Spikes - For the stupid personal fouls.
As I mentioned, I really didn't see many players deserving of thumbs down. Lots of contributions.
Just as another positive to note Ghost was perfect on his kicks, and ball security was very good today; no fumbles. That bodes well going forward. Pats are hard to beat when they don't turn it over.