****** (Un)official Patriots v. Chiefs game thread ******

[sevengables_2207]

Maclin ineffective or out will be a boost to our pass defense. He is a great receiver who can do damage short/intermediate/long.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Man, these injuries. Just read a story that mentioned Brady threw at least one interception in each playoff game last year (two in SB49). The team had the tools and the health to bounce back. I have to think turnovers will be even more important than usual today: clean on offense, a take away or two by the D — maybe a defense score or at least shorten the field for Ghost to be a big factor.

 

[PScottman]

at this point I fully expect the team to come limping out of the tunnel on crutches and stretchers with lots of bandages.

It's kind've sticking with the team's theme. We already have a revolutionary war drum & fife corps.

 

[everlong]

Chandler Jones pulled the fire alarm and was heard running through the halls screaming "I can fly", according to Chris Carter.

 

[sevengables_2207]

It's kind've sticking with the team's theme. We already have a revolutionary war drum & fife corps.

They should all come out in Revolutionary garb over their uniforms!

 

[102 Pat]

Now Vollmer... at this point I fully expect the team to come limping out of the tunnel on crutches and stretchers with lots of bandages.

If that's the case, just get some rascals

I said last night in the 11/16/16 thread that I woud be ready to "run through a brick wall" before kickoff, hell, I'm ready now!!! I love playoff football!!!

 

[Uncle Rico]

I can't figure out the Gronk situation at all. Is all the publicity about his health issues BB propaganda or Gronk Inc crap?

Can recall this much detail about injuries during the playoffs ever. Strange.

The late report on Gronk's back is a ploy to get the Chiefs defender to target that area and in doing so try to tackle Gronk by hitting him in the mid-section, rather than down low. Seems pretty obvious.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Maclin ineffective or out will be a boost to our pass defense. He is a great receiver who can do damage short/intermediate/long.

It'll be interesting how Houston and Hali play as both are dinged up.

 

[RobertWeathers]

The late report on Gronk's back is a ploy to get the Chiefs defender to target that area and in doing so try to tackle Gronk by hitting him in the mid-section, rather than down low. Seems pretty obvious.

Now that's deception....

 

[Connecticut]

 

[Concussion Protocol]

This is insane. The entire offense is either on IR or playing thru significant injuries. Literally.

Time for the defense to stop playing the supporting role and become the lead. At home against KC that means 17 or less points.

 

[goheels22002]

someone pulled the fire alarm at KC hotel last night.

Mike Kensil was seen bug-eyed and scurrying out of the hotel wearing a Reche Caldwell jersey as the alarm was going off.

 

[sevengables_2207]

It'll be interesting how Houston and Hali play as both are dinged up.

What concerns me is not so much those two but that monster in the middle Poe collapsing the pocket from the inside. Jackson is out, meaning that our resources along the interior offensive line are a bit thinner.

 

[sevengables_2207]

Now that's deception....

I look forward to hearing all about it from John Harbaugh lamentations following the game...

 

[PP2]

If there was a game Gronk had to be hurt for, this might as well be the game as Chiefs are very good at scheming against TE's. My real concern is how Edelman performs- I think he and Amendola are the real keys to the game as the Chiefs backfield tends to play long and have a tough time against smaller, shiftier players.

Chiefs like to pack their receivers in bunches or stacks so I think we'll play more zone than we did the first time. I'll be looking to see how we track Kelce coming out of those bunches, and if we handle that well, we have the edge on them.

If Smith starts picking up 3rd downs with his legs I expect Collins to start mirroring him, something the Texans didn't even bother to do, from what I understand.

 

[dannydyn]

With regards to Maclin's status, I just watched the NFLN where Brandon Marshall (Jets version) said he suffered a high ankle sprain during the season and it pretty much took him out for 4 weeks. Said if Maclin is active today he won't be more than a decoy. Marshall proceeded to say that there is no way a receiver is even 25% effective with a high ankle sprain, if that.

I predict he's active today but is nothing more than a decoy to draw coverage. He won't be able to run/cut much.

 

[RobertWeathers]

What concerns me is not so much those two but that monster in the middle Poe collapsing the pocket from the inside. Jackson is out, meaning that our resources along the interior offensive line are a bit thinner.

Agreed. Poe is a force which is why Stork needs to play C today.

 

[karguy85]

Jason La Canfora– Verified account ‏@JasonLaCanfora
Patriots expect this to be their healthiest game-day roster in weeks. All hands on deck. Excited about Gronk and Edelman's status

 

[sevengables_2207]

Agreed. Poe is a force which is why Stork needs to play C today.

Furthermore, he will likely demand double team/combo blocks from the IOL. He was very disruptive vs. the Texans last week.

 

[sevengables_2207]

Jason La Canfora– Verified account ‏@JasonLaCanfora
Patriots expect this to be their healthiest game-day roster in weeks. All hands on deck. Excited about Gronk and Edelman's status

This is probably the most optimistic tweet I have heard this morning.