Idle thoughts - the "dog days" edition

[patfanken]

After the game I was grousing around the house as if it were a loss. I had nothing but bad feelings after the game I didn't even watch the post game activities, so I decided not to do this post until after I had a good night's sleep. And now that I've had it, it is time to get going .

1 I you wanted a short version report it would go like this: The Pats did some good things and some bad things. They essentially played down to their competition.....and more people got injured. And there you have it. All I had last night after a fairly nice win, was the pervasive feeling that this game was ALL about the injuries. It was pretty much all I could think about. What about Amendola? What about Chung? What about Gronk? What about Hightower.......AGAIN!

Now none of these looked serious. But neither did Easley's injury right after the game. These days you just don't know and here we are going into Jets week, and all the talk this week will be about who is left there to play.

2. Now injuries happen to every team, but for a FEW teams each year the roof literally falls in. This is how Ravens and Giants feel right now. We are right in with those guys, but THEIR season's are over. We are freakin' 12-2. I know injuries are supposed be "no execuse" , the "next man up" and all that crap. But WTF, at some point injuries DO matter. And not just because of the drop in talent, but the loss of CONTINUITY.

It is hard to get better, when your offense is missing multiple practices, let alone the games. The Patriots have constantly gotten better over the season because of how hard they practice in preparation for games. How many times, over the years, have we heard how players say that, "after the week of practice, the game is fun", or something to that effect. Well the Pats aren't getting those practice hours in, and it is starting to show. On the OL, with the WR's, etc. Just look at Gronk. He missed a lot of practice this week and it showed in his execution. He clearly didn't have the same kind of focus to his game and he left plays out of the field he usually makes. Now I'm sure losing the loss of his friend was a factor, but the point is you can't be as focused if you aren't practicing hard, and too many of the Pats haven't been able to do that this season.

3. The OL - Well we had the rookie interior out there (Mason-Andrews -Jackson) and it showed. There were 2 more sacks (one was clearly a coverage sack), but Brady didn't have the kind of time he should have. On the other hand, the run blocking seemed a bit better. Again though, the only thing consistent in the OL play, is the lack of consistency. Stork out this week, Kline and Andrews back in, etc, etc, etc.

I think the talent is there to have a decent OL, going into the playoffs, but they really need some time for the unit to develop some cohesion. Well time is running out.

4. The Stork situation is both intriguing and troubling. The facts are that Stork wasn't at practice on Friday for non-injury reasons and a healthy scratch on Sunday, and not at the stadium on game day. The most likely speculation would be some kind of coach/player conflict that rose to the level where BB benched him. However this runs contrary to everything we know about this kid coming out of college and last season.

So in the end we likely WON'T know exactly what happened because BB will never throw him under the bus, and nothing will leak out to the rabid media piranhas. What ever it was, Stork will likely reappear at practice on Wednesday and BB will deflect any questions, until they stop asking them. At any rate none of it is any good..

5. Joey Iosefa, Joey FREAKIN't Iosefa. Has THIS what it has come down to. We have gone from D Lewis, and LGB, to Iosefa and White. My head just wants to explode. Since I was one of his most aggressive detractors, I have to again point out that White has become an adequate and dependable receiver, who still can't run the ball a lick....not even at a 3ypc level. That spin move he made on the pass the refs stole made even detractors like me stand up and notice.

BTW- people who keep on crapping on Blount seem to forget his 4.5 ypc average, and was obtained DESPITE having an OL that hasn't been on the same page all year. IMHO Blount was getting a raw deal by the media and fans who didn't think he was "doing his job". The facts tell us a different story. He will be missed more than the mediots will give him credit for

6. Iosefa and Boldin both averaged a solid 3.6 ypc Sunday and you know what... that is just FINE. We ran the ball 25 times and only lost yardage 2 times IIRC. With our offense things become much harder when we have to throw the ball more than 6 or 7 yards. Inside 7 yards is in our comfort zone. More plays, more options, just more likely that we will convert. Well this week the running game provided that kind of comfort level for most of the game. 3.6-8 is more than good enough to compliment this passing offense. It was good enough in 2001 and 2003 and it will be good enough now, as long as it is consistent in getting those hard yards in Short yardage situations.

 

[patfanken]

7. I have to say I had a literal melt down after Chung went down. He looked hurt, end of season hurt, and I blamed it all on the HORRID call the officials made just moments before on the 60+ yd throw to White. So instead of having the Pats first and goal from the 6, they had to punt and the next play not only does Tennesse score, our other starting safety is lying in agony a victim of his own teammate.

Getting back to the call. On the replay it showed White cutting inside on an inside release and Brian Orackpu making contact with his hands to slow him down. That was it. White's hands never left his sides. He didn't stop to "pick" him or interfere in any way. It is a play run by EVERY team in the league, and when THEY run it that well, it NEVER gets called. Yet here it was, ANOTHER big play taken away by a penalty....that didn't happen.

THAT is the thing that just kills me about the officiating. There are more than enough ACTUAL penalties that could be called on most plays that they wisely let go. They WHY do they seem to go out of their way to "manufacture" a call when no harm was done.

Of course then when Chung went down in what looked like a season ender, I knew that he wouldn't have been in that position if the ref hadn't made that inexplicable call. MELTDOWN.

8. Be prepared for some massive ball washing for the Steelers and Panthers. Now that Peyton is done, the ravenous parasite mediots will rush to erect another symbol to replace him and over hype, and Newton is their first choice. He's a kid who hasn't won a playoff game yet (IIRC) yet he has been anointed a superstar HOF'er before the season is even over.

Granted he has had a great season. He is on an undefeated team, and just threw for 5 TD's and brought his team back from near disaster. Now I still think what Brady has done with all the injuries that CONTINUE to affect his team, makes him the MVP, I don't care if Newton wins it. I NEVER care who wins the MVP. The very fact that Peyton Manning has won more than anyone tells me all I want to know about the importance of the MVP award. It ranks right up there with pro bowl selections and being in the top 5 of any PFF list.

So let the mediots ball wash Newton for the next month. Let him prance around. I hope they get to 16-0. We all should know by now that is the hollowest of records if you don't wind up with the ring. As of this moment, of all the potential superbowl oppents the Pats could face, the one I'd feel most comfortable with would be those 16-0 Panthers. (though every NFC team would likely be favored...and that makes me happy.)

I miss being the underdog. But I think if we get to the Superbowl, we will have the opportunity to go full Rodney again.

9. I only mention this because he's been the subject of a lot of crap lately, but Brandon LaFell made 2 huge catches on Sunday and should have probably had more targets than he got. Last season Brady and LaFell had several back shoulder sideline throws to their credit. When done well, it is impossible to cover. It never ceases to amaze me that the Patriots rarely attempt this throw.

I think we'd better learn to throw it because it seems the NFL is going out of its way to keep the Pats from throwing any kind of pick plays, which are allowed to the rest of the 31 teams in the league. :rolleyes;

10. Another ST's missed play. When will it ever end. Of course it was just the one play. The rest of the special teams play was pretty much stellar. BTW- if you watched the replay of the punt Fouts said was almost blocked....he was wrong. The personal protector road the rusher well outside the punting cone. So even though it looked on the surface that a rusher got close, there was never any danger of that punt being blocked.

11. So the shame of all this is that here we are going into Jets week and they are finally a decent team and all we are likely to talk about are our injuries. It is so bad that there are actually some Jet fans who are feeling sorry for us. No I'm lying. Those dolts are thrilled with our problems and are angry that more players aren't hurt. They are all wondering with all the injuries how come Brady is still healthy.

12. So just what will be the strategy this week. The Jets offense is certainly good enough to put up 400 yards of offense. They have a good enough defense to shut most offenses down. Now at full strength, I wouldn't give the Jets a thought. But we have no idea who the F we will have out there in a game the Jets DESPERATELY need.

As I write this there is an excellent possibility that Gronk and Amendola will join Edelman on the bench, and Brady will be left to face a very good Jet defense with Martin, Lafell, White Cleveland and Iosefa as his top skill player threats. Christ the Titans had a more impressive line up. Then on defense it is likely that Chung, and Hightower will join McCourty and Easley on the bench. While the defense will be able to function a lot better than the offense, losing over 35% of your starting defense can't be good.

Here's a suggestion. IIRC, if the Pats win just one of their last 2 games, they will grab the #1 seed and home field all through the playoffs. So why not treat the Jet game as the "rest" game. Sit everyone with minor dings and then bring them all back for a "shake off the rust game" (or half) in Miami for week 17 before we get another week off. Lets concede this game and throw up in our mouths for the ultimate good of a run for a ring. Just a thought.

 

[Bobsyouruncle]

Idle thoughts by me.

1. Why hasn't anyone photoshopped a picture of Malcolm Butler intercepting the Miss America crown yet?

 

[Mark.]

The Stork situation is both intriguing and troubling. The facts are that Stork wasn't at practice on Friday for non-injury reasons and a healthy scratch on Sunday, and not at the stadium on game day. The most likely speculation would be some kind of coach/player conflict that rose to the level where BB benched him. However this runs contrary to everything we know about this kid coming out of college and last season.

So in the end we likely WON'T know exactly what happened because BB will never throw him under the bus, and nothing will leak out to the rabid media piranhas. What ever it was, Stork will likely reappear at practice on Wednesday and BB will deflect any questions, until they stop asking them. At any rate none of it is any good..

Stork had a death in the family according to multiple reports.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Getting back to the call. On the replay it showed White cutting inside on an inside release and Brian Orackpu making contact with his hands to slow him down. That was it. White's hands never left his sides. He didn't stop to "pick" him or interfere in any way.

(1) Penalty was on Martin, not White.
(2) Regardless of what Martin did or didn't do with his arms, he did it within one yard of the LOS. By rule, there is no such thing as PI (OPI or DPI) within one yard of the LOS. That's the bigger officiating screwup on the play.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Stork had a death in the family according to multiple reports.

He was close to his uncle who died.

Edit - may have misread, sounds like it was his late Dad's uncle.

 

[ChessToCheckers]

BTW- people who keep on crapping on Blount seem to forget his 4.5 ypc average, and was obtained DESPITE having an OL that hasn't been on the same page all year. IMHO Blount was getting a raw deal by the media and fans who didn't think he was "doing his job". The facts tell us a different story. He will be missed more than the mediots will give him credit for

I for one, love Blount. When he gets out in space with a head of steam, he's very exciting to watch! He always seems to have a smile on his face and he sure looks like he loves The Game. I was pissed when he got away from us and thrilled we got him back mid-season last year. I think we'll miss him in January (and February )

 

[IllegalContact]

chung - he's been hurting for awhile now
as for the rest of the injuries, outside of roethlisberger, our injuries don't measure up to the losers the other teams have to play at QB

RBs - the most important thing is that white is doing a decent job in filling in for what lewis was doing. coming to full stride just in time

defense - keep playing for that contract, akiem!

the pats built a lead and then pretty much shut it down late in the game.

right now, I don't believe the jets pose a threat, I don't believe the dolphins pose a threat, I don't believe whoever we face in the divisional will be a threat (I think if we have the top seed, we will not see the steelers until the AFCC, and we will have the rest of our guys back)

The way I see, there's some work to do before the SB

 

[patfanken]

Stork had a death in the family according to multiple reports.

Well if that's the case that make sense is is in a way good news, though a death of a love one is never "good news". Well you know what I mean....I hope.

 

[rochrist]

As was said, Stork was out due to a death in the family. Also, not to nitpick, but Kline actually didn't play all that much. 20 snaps as opposed to 50+ for all the other OLmen.
I fully expect Gronk to be out there next Sunday. Not sure why you wouldn't be.

 

[aluminum seats]

3. The OL - Well we had the rookie interior out there (Mason-Andrews -Jackson) and it showed. There were 2 more sacks (one was clearly a coverage sack), but Brady didn't have the kind of time he should have. On the other hand, the run blocking seemed a bit better. Again though, the only thing consistent in the OL play, is the lack of consistency. Stork out this week, Kline and Andrews back in, etc, etc, etc.

Assuming good health the rest of the way, I'm guardedly optimistic about the Oline going into the playoffs. To me the key is Cannon. He can be capable, and he can be god-awful. Which one shows up will be huge.

9. I only mention this because he's been the subject of a lot of crap lately, but Brandon LaFell made 2 huge catches on Sunday and should have probably had more targets than he got. Last season Brady and LaFell had several back shoulder sideline throws to their credit. When done well, it is impossible to cover. It never ceases to amaze me that the Patriots rarely attempt this throw.

That's definitely the aspect LaFell brings we're not going to get somewhere else. Agreed it's a play that should be run more. Glad he looked good, he's another key to playoff success.

Here's a suggestion. IIRC, if the Pats win just one of their last 2 games, they will grab the #1 seed and home field all through the playoffs. So why not treat the Jet game as the "rest" game. Sit everyone with minor dings and then bring them all back for a "shake off the rust game" (or half) in Miami for week 17 before we get another week off. Lets concede this game and throw up in our mouths for the ultimate good of a run for a ring. Just a thought.

Not crazy. Since whoever plays has to play to win anyway, it comes down to who doesn't play, so the Pats should definitely rest whoever even slightly needs it. The one difference is Brady will definitely play, whereas the last game of the season he might only play a half or something. So for that reason, it would be good to win this one.

One sneaky "benefit" if the Pats lose to the Jets: it can be tough to beat a divisional foe 3 times in one season. Since they might play again, a million times better to lose this game than in the playoffs.

EDIT: Wait a minute, Jets can't make the playoffs if we beat 'em, right? So that last point is meaningless.

 

[jah]

Newton won a playoff game last year.

 

[VectorPrime]

I wish Easley didnt get hurt last week. Thats sticking with me almost as bad as Lewis getting hurt.

 

[patfanken]

I wish Easley didnt get hurt last week. Thats sticking with me almost as bad as Lewis getting hurt.

You are right. Losing that immediate pressure up the middle could have a more lasting impact that what we get from a RB, even one as talented as Lewis was. Consistent pressure up the middle is a lot harder to find and replace. A good example of what Easely was providing is the 2 QB hits, 2 hurries and one sack he got in just TWELVE snaps in his last game.

 

[PScottman]

Getting back to the call. On the replay it showed White cutting inside on an inside release and Brian Orackpu making contact with his hands to slow him down. That was it. White's hands never left his sides. He didn't stop to "pick" him or interfere in any way. It is a play run by EVERY team in the league, and when THEY run it that well, it NEVER gets called. Yet here it was, ANOTHER big play taken away by a penalty....that didn't happen.

THAT is the thing that just kills me about the officiating. There are more than enough ACTUAL penalties that could be called on most plays that they wisely let go. They WHY do they seem to go out of their way to "manufacture" a call when no harm was done.

It wasn't a conspiracy, despite every fan knowing it indeed was, until Tim Donaghey got caught/spilled the beans that NBA refs were, in fact, influencing (not outright fixing, but influencing whatever the heck the difference is) games both through what was called and more importantly how and when.

It doesn't have to be written out in a memorandum. It doesn't have to be planned or discussed. Just write ambiguous, contradictory rules - such as OPI and DPI relying on referees having to determine the INTENT (i.e. mind reading) of both players and put out "point of emphases" on a few of them using "examples" of certain players each year and voila - suddenly this year OPI is the "reason" some teams succeed offensively.

Add in an entire offseason where all everyone heard was how a certain team cheated and the subconscious of ANY referee is subtly influenced through conditioning that that same team CANT be succeeding purely through skill - it's via other means...and that little tickle in the back of a refs' head 'what did they emphasize in our seminars this summer?'...'oh yeah - OPI'...WAIT, GRONK JUST EXTENDED HIS ARMS TO GET THAT SCORE - IT MUST BE WHAT THEY ASKED US TO LOOK OUT FOR!

Once is a blip. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. Four or more? Just paranoia?

 

[rochrist]

I think, in context, iinfluencing refers to messing with the cover, fixing means determining who outright wins.

 

[VrabelJr]

Anybody who thinks we should take it easy against the Jets and then get serious against the Dolphins is off their rocker. Why would we mail in the game against the Jets thinking that we absolutely beat the Dolphins on the road? Did you forget Miami is a blackhole for Tom Brady for some reason? It's dead obvious we should give it our all against the Jets and rest against Miami if we beat the Jets. If we lose to the Jets, then the team needs to be even more focused going into Miami.

 

[SVN]

Anybody who thinks we should take it easy against the Jets and then get serious against the Dolphins is off their rocker. Why would we mail in the game against the Jets thinking that we absolutely beat the Dolphins on the road? Did you forget Miami is a blackhole for Tom Brady for some reason? It's dead obvious we should give it our all against the Jets and rest against Miami if we beat the Jets. If we lose to the Jets, then the team needs to be even more focused going into Miami.

Division games are flukey. We lost to 1-15 fins team the yr we won the SB. Got to get a win someway or the other when you can.

 

[borg]

OT...had lunch with a diehard Dolphins fan today....season ticket holder....and he gave me his confession.
"Tom Brady is the G.O.A.T. Brady and Belichick have ruined the last 15 years of my life. The Dolphins are the anti-Patriots. The Dolphins have no future.........."
It was sad. My JESTs fan friends have given me similar confessions. One guy said he feared his young daughter would never see the JESTs succeed in the playoffs thanks to Brady and BB

So.....we complain about penalties and injuries and every little thing........but it will never be as bad as it is for the rest of the AFC least and their downtrodden fan base.
Seven more years!

 

[patfanken]

I had a 2 more "idle thoughts" I thought I'd share.

1. Watching Iosefa successfully block from the FB position made me wonder how much better the team would have been if Devlin had been healthy this season. When he went on IR, few people gave it a thought. Why would we really care about a player who played a marginalized position like FB.

Unfortunately Devlin was on the verge of becoming a probowl caliber practitioner of that marginalized position. We forgot just how good Devlin was in creating the slightest creases that helped RB's get that extra yard or two. How good a receiver he was that Brady threw him the ball on deep wheel routes on several occasions. And how good he became himself in gaining that hard yard as a RB against stacked defenses. It was quite a transformation for a kid who played on the DL at an Ivy league school (Brown).
He was also a core ST player.

Josh liked having a good FB for his offense. It afforded him some match ups that he has struggled to find this season so far. Until Iosefa got a roster spot Josh never found a suitable replacement. I'm not sure Iosefa is one either, but at least he looked the part on Sunday.

Devlin was just another one of those so called "JAGs" who filled a lot of roles and made the Pats a better team with his presence, and weakened it with his absence. If Brandon Boldin went on the IR in September, I doubt it would have created much of a ripple in Pats Nation. But we all know now that BB would have been pissed.

There have been a LOT of injuries. Something like 17 players who made the roster have gone on IR. That's just one less than the #1 Ravens and their 4-10. James Devlin will not be mentioned when Pats fans bemoan all those injuries. Neither will guys like Terrell Brown, Brian Tyms. or Ryan Wendell and others. Guys who were "JAGs" but guys who we have missed their contributions. With them things would have been a LOT easier to get to where we are..

2. I am saddened that Becker's brief to the appellate court came and went so quickly from the media's mind. I am sickened that the Brady/Guerrero TB12 story had more legs among our talk show parasites. We really should allow it to die, because it contains all the answers you need to realize that there are NO qualifiers to this story. There is NO doubt about Brady's innocence, and the league office's guilt in this fiasco.

For the next month or so it is OK to let it slide while the playoffs progress. However when they are done, we should make the case that this not only proves Brady is guiltless, but the Pats are being robbed of a #1 draft pick for NO reason. And the NFL is keeping that pick to try and save face, or spite.

2.