Initial Thoughts ... (Patriots lose to Arizona Cardinals)

[Crononaut]

Really great read, thanks for this.

In no particular order:
9. The game day threads are an embarrassment. Every missed play turns into hand wringing, epithets being hurled at the players involved, and cries of doom. Some "fans" seem to take delight in seeing the team fail. We're so spoiled by the sustained success of this team.

I agree with this to an extent, but I think it's important to remember the game day thread for what it is: a real-time kneejerk reaction to what we see happening on the field and how it makes us feel. Some people will naturally be more emotional during the game than others; I know during this game I was doing everything from yelling at the refs to cheering for Vince hanging onto the miracle fumble to saying f&#$ McDaniels and his love of runs going nowhere, f*&% Bill for the bizarre time management, f*&^ Gostkowski for going 4/5 on the day yet being the worst kicker in the league, f*&% that little girl in the stands for looking happy afterwards because she doesn't know what's going on (..ok maybe not, but you get my point). Basically, I was caught up in the game and said a LOT of completely reactionary nonsense.. I just didn't post it. If others on the otherhand want to vent by posting in that thread, I won't hold it against them.

*However*, even ten minutes removed from the game I was considerably calmer and already developing a perspective on the situation. The sky may have been awfully skirmish today, but it is most certainly not falling. I think it's more important that we keep a clear head in threads like this one, where we are discussing analysis of the game that is hopefully a little more cerebral and thought out.

As much as Arizona showed up today, it still sucks to lose to them because I believe we are the better team, and to go from looking like we'd come up short to stealing the W to having it just fall out of our grasp was both monumentally disappointing and exhilarating. But I would take that ending over the Cardinals just holding onto the football and kneeling any day: before that fumble, I just felt so discouraged and frustrated about the entire game, and if nothing else it gave us a silver lining that we may have a gamechanging defense on our hands.

 

[LetsGoPats36]

We did. We also ran a toss on 3 and 7.

In the fourth. As we were trailing. In a position to go for it on fourth down or kick a FG, so long as we don't lose yardage. We have Tom Brady.

There's plenty of reasons we lost and players culpable for it, but McD has gotta be the goat of the game

 

[1%er]

What game were you watching?

Patriots drop home opener to the Cardinals, 20-18 | nePatriotsLife.com - New England Patriots Fan Site, Blog, T-shirts
Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots: Week Two Aftermath | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2013 NFL Draft

 

[Ring 6]

We did. We also ran a toss on 3 and 7.

When did we run a draw on 3rd and 10?

 

[gmabel830]

I'm starting to hate all things AZ when it comes to football, and the Pats in particular!

Rob Gronkowski went to the University of Arizona.. so I take it you hate him?

 

[1%er]

When did we run a draw on 3rd and 10?

I still have the game on DVR if you want to come watch it. Then we can finish this conversation after that.

Let me know I will DM you my address.

 

[gmabel830]

Off topic, but where was the Cards first round pick Michael Floyd? I saw him on the sideline but didn't see him on the field at all. Not good for a high first rounder.

Very rough start for Floyd -- 0 catches in 2 games. Not getting a ton of opportunities, and Kolb chewed him out after calling a timeout (which indicates he might have lined up wrong).

Floyd still has a ton of natural ability and a big frame, but he's going to need some time.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

This is silly. There were 45 seconds and no timeouts left. A penalty had just moved the ball back. A sack would have ended the game. Another holding penalty would have made it a 52 yarder. It was the right thing to do, and the only way anyone even talks about it is if you miss a 90% shot on a FG.

AJ, don't know if I agree. Sure, it was the safe play but a quick pass or quick hand off would have negated the concern about a sack......and there was enough time to to be tackled in bounds and still run additional play(s). I'm of the mind that any kick past 40 should not be relied on as the safe play -- unless there isn't time or downs for anything else.

 

[Ring 6]

Do you just turn off the TV every third down? Because that actually happens multiple times per game.

Here are the 15 3rd downs we had today, 3rd and:

3 run, convert
6 pass convert
2 pass fail
9 pass fail
2 run fail
32 run after sacks on first and second down fail
10 pass convert
4 pass fail
10 pass fail
9 pass fail
1 run convert
6 run fail
1 run fail
10 pass fail
12 pass convert

So other than 3rd and 32 after back to back sacks, we ran exactly one time on 3rd down and longer than 3.
The other runs on 3rd down were on 3rd and 3,2,1,1

There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that we JMD showed any concern about throwing in obvious passing situations.

 

[everlong]

8. The Packers and Giants are 1-1, and both have a ton of problems. The Saints are 0-2. The Ravens lost to Philadelphia and gave up almost 500 yards of total offense. So one of the might Pats or the might Ravens will start their season 1-2 after next week's debacle. But I wouldn't count the loser out of the AFC race.

9. The game day threads are an embarrassment. Every missed play turns into hand wringing, epithets being hurled at the players involved, and cries of doom. Some "fans" seem to take delight in seeing the team fail. We're so spoiled by the sustained success of this team.

Imagine how embarassing #9 will be next week if the Pats go to sub .500 for the first time since the opening game of 2003 and the first time after game one since 2001.

I would also say the fans leaving in droves before the game was really decided rivaled #9. My brother and I were like WTF? and felt so justified when Spikes maybe that Bruschi-esque hit to cause the fumble.

 

[livinginthe past]

Well, the Patriots (like all NFL teams) throw out the odd stinker - for most teams they end up in a beating.

The offense just couldn't piece it together today, the fact that they make it look so easy so often leads alot of fans to conclude that is IS easy - it isn't.

Very impressed with the D - very solid, only TD given up was really a ST error on the blocked punt.

As others have noted, its a long season, being a high scoring, seemingly flawless front runner rarely works for teams (2007 anyone?) - i'd rather watch this young exciting team take their knocks during the regular season and learn from them.

Despite the numerous errors, miscimmunications - they still had a decent FG attempt for the win - thats a pretty good silver lining right there.

 

[Ring 6]

AJ, don't know if I agree. Sure, it was the safe play but a quick pass or quick hand off would have negated the concern about a sack......and there was enough time to to be tackled in bounds and still run additional play(s). I'm of the mind that any kick past 40 should not be relied on as the safe play -- unless there isn't time or downs for anything else.

We were at the 18 yard line with 46 seconds left and did a QB sneak to put the ball in the middle of the field. This came right after a pass play.
Are you really arguing from the 18 securing the game winning FG is wrong?
So we had a false start, and then did the same thing from the 23.
At best there could be an argument over 1 play. There is equal argument that the chance of something going awry, is as high as the difference in the chance of making a 42 yarder or the 36 yarder you would hope for my running 1 more play to get a little closer.

 

[Ring 6]

I still have the game on DVR if you want to come watch it. Then we can finish this conversation after that.

Let me know I will DM you my address.

No thats fine, I just listed every 3rd down play and what you would want to show me didn't exist.
Funny that you show such a dbag attitude when you are completely wrong.

 

[1%er]

No thats fine, I just listed every 3rd down play and what you would want to show me didn't exist.
Funny that you show such a dbag attitude when you are completely wrong.

Andy I am unsure of what you are referring to I was being sincere in my offer. I can recall several times we ran the ball on 3rd down. Was it exactly 3 down and 10 yards to go I do not know. I was speaking to 3rd and long, meaning longer then 5 yard. Also a situation I would deem a passing situation.

As far as dbag attitude I did not intend to make you feel that way. I am simply a new member of this forum attempting to discuss my favorite football team. I do not want to have a situation that turns into a serious conflict. I'm here to enjoy good football conversation. Please respect me and I will do the same for you. I think it is best for both of us if we do this.

 

[Ring 6]

Andy I am unsure of what you are referring to I was being sincere in my offer. I can recall several times we ran the ball on 3rd down. Was it exactly 3 down and 10 yards to go I do not know. I was speaking to 3rd and long, meaning longer then 5 yard. Also a situation I would deem a passing situation.

I said 'its not like we ran draws on 3rd and 10' you said WE DID.
We did NOT. I just posted all of them.
You are wrong, there is one case which was a 3rd and 6 other than a throwaway play on 3rd and 32 after 2 straight sacks.

As far as dbag attitude I did not intend to make you feel that way. I am simply a new member of this forum attempting to discuss my favorite football team. I do not want to have a situation that turns into a serious conflict. I'm here to enjoy good football conversation. Please respect me and I will do the same for you. I think it is best for both of us if we do this.

Then do not respond to me CORRECTLY pointing out you are wrong with a dbag answer like i can come to your house and watch the game. You may want to watch it yourself because what you said is 100% wrong. Trying to be cute with comments such as that doesn't change that.

 

[Ring 6]

Last time JM let Brady air it out he left the field with a blown knee. JM is mentally scared..

It was the first drive of the season. By that argument we would never pass the ball.

 

[1%er]

I said 'its not like we ran draws on 3rd and 10' you said WE DID.
We did NOT. I just posted all of them.
You are wrong, there is one case which was a 3rd and 6 other than a throwaway play on 3rd and 32 after 2 straight sacks.


Then do not respond to me CORRECTLY pointing out you are wrong with a dbag answer like i can come to your house and watch the game. You may want to watch it yourself because what you said is 100% wrong. Trying to be cute with comments such as that doesn't change that.

Andy with all due respect I am a grown man. I am not going to go back and forth with another grown man on a forum about who is right and wrong. If it means that much to you then I am unsure if they ran a draw on specifically 3 and 10 so you could be right and I could be wrong. My answer was not intended to be cute nothing I do is intended to be cute I am a 33 year old man who loves motorcycles and football.

 

[1%er]

It was the first drive of the season. By that argument we would never pass the ball.

Not everything I type is intended to be a "argument". This was just a thought that might be impacting some of his play calling decisions.

Andy do you come to this forum to get your kicks and just fight? Because like I said in previous posts I am not that type of man. I handle my business like a man should. Again ask that you target someone other then me to fulfill your needs.

 

[The Gr8est]

It's really too bad that the Pats weren't able to capitalize on the gr8 play by the defense to get the ball back to the offense. That would have been a real boost to the defense in particular as they develop as a cohesive unit.

As disappointing as this game was, I'm thinking the problems on offense begin with the inconsistent play of the OL. Players are being shuttled in and out, key players are still getting healthy/in game shape, and the line is getting used to different players at different positions. It's not like this is a line with longtime starters at each position. It is in flux and I expect it to get better as the season progresses. If the Pats can avoid too many bumps in the road like today, as the season progresses I expect the line to improve markedly and this defense to gel into a top unit.

I would also hope that at least one high pick gets invested in the OL next draft, and maybe we'll get lucky and a healed Markus Zusevics can be added to the mix later this year.

 

[PatsGirl2011]

Its not going to get any easier for the O-line..next is Baltimore, Buffalo, Denver.....Maybe Waters will decide to show up somewhere a long the line.