The inability to score pts in the second half of games has plagued us for quite awhile now, and it usually rears its ugly head in important losses. This year it seems to be taken to a whole new level though, and it's been consistent even during our wins too--which is really disturbing.
This offense has got to get things together, and quickly. I'm tired of hearing excuses about who we may be getting back (and the assumption that no one else will be getting injured in their place!!!) and the thought that will save us in the upcoming games when it "all comes together." You've got to play with who is out on the field, and that is going to change depending upon the specific situation. Another important aspect to consider is that the addition of Vereen and Amendola isn't going to be nearly as beneficial as most here think if the current players cannot get their acts together and execute. The thought was to get certain injured players back at a time when the offense was growing out of their pains and clicking---so that the return of these players would be the icing on the cake. If we're still struggling the return of these players may be "wasted" on the growing struggle. The time to progress is right now. Going 5/30 on third down attempts against the NYJ is ridiculous, especially when we claim that "we have to learn how to face tough defenses that we'll be going up against in January." The offense has to grow through this right now or we won't even be speaking of this problem come January.
We have enough talent now with Ridley, Gronkowski, Edelman now that should help with some of the growing pains with Thompkins, Dobson, and Collie. We need to get the running game going, particularly in the second half where it's been thrown out the window; and the receivers need to catch the damn ball and run their routes properly.
These next 2 games are going to be important, and if I am Bill Belichick (sadly I am not, although one could argue that he'd possibly trade his 22 extra yrs on me) I would step on the gas during practice and film study until they hit the bye week. Wins in these next 2 games could have them sitting at 7-2 at the bye, with a shot at the first round bye and the second seed. There will be plenty of time to take off and relax when these next 2 games are out of the way, and don't be fooled...these next 2 opponents have the capacity to upset us at home. In the NFL you can throw records right out the window, especially for teams who are hungry and trying to climb out of a hole. Personally as a fan, I am not taking either one of MIA or PIT for granted.
