Tale of the Tape: Patriots and Raiders
By: Derek Havens
The first edition of my post-game analysis entry "Tale of the Tape". This entry offers further analysis and thoughts from the previous week's game after emotions have settled. ...
Why are you dumbfounded on the pass rush?
The pass rush had 4 sacks, double digit hits, and pressure on Henne. Mike Lombardi wanted to give Henne a Medal of Honor for the pounding he took.
Pressure was fine against San Diego. Pressure was the key to the second interception.
No pass rush against Buffalo or Oakland? OK but through four games, who has had a pass rush against them?
Buffalo and Oakland have given up exactly 2 sacks each through four games. If the brain trust felt pressure was that important, ya gotta blitz against good Olines.
The fundamental flaw with these types of articles is the players are executing a game plan not what article authors think should happen.
Here's what we knew going into Sunday
McFadden is their best player, most likely the best in the league right now
Oakland has an explosive offense
The Oakland Oline has been very effective this year
Jason Campbell is the weak link.
The Patriots are playing without CB 2 and 3.
Limiting McFadden and making Campbell beat you is the best chance to win. What happened Sunday was a gaff prone player proned gaffs. This is just like San Diego yet another week and it's shocking.
If anything, the pass rush might have been too aggressive. I would have worked it to get some pressure but keep him in the pocket. The guy gets happy feet and appears confused. Letting him get a run and move makes him a more effective QB.
The Jets have an elite defense, just ask them. How do you reconcile 34 points one week 19 the next with 13 when the game was reasonable?
