This sucks...and can we stop with the "next man up!" bullsh#t? Next man up hasn't "worked" since 2003 or 2004 when Belichick put together a patchwork secondary that could succeed pre Polian rules. U could mug guys all over the field back then.
How did "next man up" work in 2013? How did "next man up" work in 2012? If the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl, then "next man up" is a crock. If the ultimate goal is to win a division round game, then cool, it works.
I firmly believe injuries are the only thing that has stopped this team in the playoffs of late. Whether it be Talib getting hurt in 2012 & 2013 or Gronkowski being 25% in 2011 and out in 12 & 13. Teams can only overcome a certain amount of injuries. I fully expect the Pats to be without Sheard, Vollmer, Cannon, Tre Jackson for 3-6 weeks. Most of this is simply due to the way the pats handle their injury reporting - we regularly see guys get off the field on their power & next thing u know they're out for 4-6 weeks.
The Pats offense was pretty close to unstoppable with a healthy Dion Lewis. The offense has looked very pedestrian without Lewis. 13 points without him yesterday vs a pretty average Washington D, and vs the NYJ without Lewis the offense sucked until the last two drives.
I'm very worried about the loss of Lewis. Coupled with an offensive line in tatters, it could derail the season. By derail i mean no super bowl. I am praying for good news on Vollmer, but please tell me the last time the Pats got any "good" injury news. Again, I'm betting Vollmer's out an extended period and DEFINITELY won't be back for Sunday...