Sicilian
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So, for those of you who follow hockey, Barry Melrose (who, love him or hate him, has been involved in every form of hockey for decades) came up with what he called the Reverse Superstar Theory. Basically, it unfolds like this:
A pivotal player on your team goes down to injury. Knowing there's a huge hole in the lineup now, every other player subconsciously fights just a little bit harder to try to make up for the absence, and in doing so the overall team gets better. Conversely, when that superstar returns, there's a psychological tendency to "relax", knowing that the talent is back, and the overall team gets worse.
Now, I'm NOT saying we're a better team without Wes, absolutely not. Just that we CAN be better, if certain people can up their play and give us their very best football over the next month (hopefully):
1) Julian Edelman - The obvious one, he's replacing Welker's role in the offense.
2) Randy Moss - It won't be enough to draw double coverage now, he's going to have to beat it more often now too.
3) Ben Watson/Chris Baker - Hopefully a healthy O-Line means these guys can get out on pass routes a bit more.
4) Tom Brady - I hate asking more of this guy, but it all starts with him really.
5) The RB's - Not only by carrying the rock, but through an improved role in the short passing game, screens and dump offs, etc.
6) The defense - Finding a way to get more turnovers will help take pressure off the offense, through return TDs or just better field position.
That's six people/units who we have seen play better in the past than they have this year, and who's game COULD be elevated on any given week. We don't need all of them to suddenly play like gangbusters to make up for Welker, just a couple each game, and we'll be fine.
A pivotal player on your team goes down to injury. Knowing there's a huge hole in the lineup now, every other player subconsciously fights just a little bit harder to try to make up for the absence, and in doing so the overall team gets better. Conversely, when that superstar returns, there's a psychological tendency to "relax", knowing that the talent is back, and the overall team gets worse.
Now, I'm NOT saying we're a better team without Wes, absolutely not. Just that we CAN be better, if certain people can up their play and give us their very best football over the next month (hopefully):
1) Julian Edelman - The obvious one, he's replacing Welker's role in the offense.
2) Randy Moss - It won't be enough to draw double coverage now, he's going to have to beat it more often now too.
3) Ben Watson/Chris Baker - Hopefully a healthy O-Line means these guys can get out on pass routes a bit more.
4) Tom Brady - I hate asking more of this guy, but it all starts with him really.
5) The RB's - Not only by carrying the rock, but through an improved role in the short passing game, screens and dump offs, etc.
6) The defense - Finding a way to get more turnovers will help take pressure off the offense, through return TDs or just better field position.
That's six people/units who we have seen play better in the past than they have this year, and who's game COULD be elevated on any given week. We don't need all of them to suddenly play like gangbusters to make up for Welker, just a couple each game, and we'll be fine.