Starting Slow

[MainePatsFan26]

Hey all, two amazing wins in a row. In terms of preparing for the Super Bowl, one area we've struggled this postseason is starting strong early with us down 7-0 and 14-3 against the Titans and Jaguars.

What are the reasons we've had issues against both teams early? Is there anything the team can do to be more effective out of the gate? Outstanding wins in both games, but the iffy early play seems like a trend just as much as our phenomenal play in the second half of each game.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

Probing. Lots of probing. Sooooooo much probing...

 

[livinginthe past]

Great win, but the Patriots seem to make things hard for themselves a lot - needing huge Danny Amen-dola conversion on 3rd and 18.

What would I suggest? Commit to the run and let Brady enjoy the luxury that every other QB enjoys - play action passes!

We put up not much through 3 quarters but using too much shotgun - get Develin in there and run it.

 

[MainePatsFan26]

Probing. Lots of probing. Sooooooo much probing...

Lol.

 

[bruce_w]

What I have to say is for the first time ever EVER ACTUALLLY. Patriots fans showed up! You showed up and helped your team to win. No doubt about it. This was the best home crowd this team hAS EVER HAD! Hands down you were awesome! I am sure BB and TB and the Kraft's will never forget this day. Nice job Pats fans!!!!!!

 

[MainePatsFan26]

Great win, but the Patriots seem to make things hard for themselves a lot - needing huge Danny Amen-dola conversion on 3rd and 18.

What would I suggest? Commit to the run and let Brady enjoy the luxury that every other QB enjoys - play action passes!

We put up not much through 3 quarters but using too much shotgun - get Develin in there and run it.

Agreed. The shotgun took away our great sense of balance. Here's hoping we see a bit more running in the Super Bowl.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

I think we just feel out what the opponents do well and what they revert to when they are in a must-convert situation. Then we adjust what we do and make sure that by the end of the game they're ineffectual on each side of the ball. Look at the improvement in third down defense in this game, or the way that Brady absolutely shredded the Jaguars in the fourth quarter. It's all part of the plan (although I don't think we want to stall out on drives if we can help it ). I'm not worried.

That said, I hope we finally score in the first quarter in the Super Bowl. It would be nice to have a dominating win start to finish, if only for my heart.

 

[richie021501]

Ok so I know I'm risking getting run off the board with this but oh well lol I just feel like I need to get this off my chest.

The last 2 super bowls the Patriots played spotty for 3 or so quarters but came back with unbelievable 4th quarters. I feel like, as great as belichick and Brady are, if they keep putting themselves in this position (the same position they found themselves in against the Jags as well) at some point it's going to catch up with them. I feel like a win against the Eagles is going to take a solid 4 quarters of football to get the W. If the Pats are down double digits late, I think, chances are, they are not coming back this time. Especially if they are down like they were against Atlanta, what happened in that game was a once in a lifetime occurrence. Here's to hoping the pats come out strong and play a complete game against Philly.

Sorry if it seems like I'm being negative, I know no one here probably cares what I think but I just had to get this off my chest and I felt better putting it out there publicly. Feel free to flame me if you want, it's all good.

 

[The Brandon Five]

Nah, that would be too easy!

 

[Pats1989]

Ok so I know I'm risking getting run off the board with this but oh well lol I just feel like I need to get this off my chest.

The last 2 super bowls the Patriots played spotty for 3 or so quarters but came back with unbelievable 4th quarters. I feel like, as great as belichick and Brady are, if they keep putting themselves in this position (the same position they found themselves in against the Jags as well) at some point it's going to catch up with them. I feel like a win against the Eagles is going to take a solid 4 quarters of football to get the W. If the Pats are down double digits late, I think, chances are, they are not coming back this time. Especially if they are down like they were against Atlanta, what happened in that game was a once in a lifetime occurrence. Here's to hoping the pats come out strong and play a complete game against Philly.

Sorry if it seems like I'm being negative, I know no one here probably cares what I think but I just had to get this off my chest and I felt better putting it out there publicly. Feel free to flame me if you want, it's all good.

Quite frankly, it's disturbing they've come out flat for three straight playoff games. You'r correct, the SB comeback will never be replicated. You'r also correct in predicting they likely won't come back from ten or more this time around.

Why do they continuosly come out flat? No idea. It's not a normal habit for a BB led team.

 

[richie021501]

Nah, that would be too easy!

lol yeah it might be too much to ask but here's hoping

 

[IcyPatriot]

They are hesitant to open the playbook too early ...

It works ... but it is tough on my nerves - I age at least a month for every game they play.

 

[mosslost]

Ok so I know I'm risking getting run off the board with this but oh well lol I just feel like I need to get this off my chest.

The last 2 super bowls the Patriots played spotty for 3 or so quarters but came back with unbelievable 4th quarters. I feel like, as great as belichick and Brady are, if they keep putting themselves in this position (the same position they found themselves in against the Jags as well) at some point it's going to catch up with them. I feel like a win against the Eagles is going to take a solid 4 quarters of football to get the W. If the Pats are down double digits late, I think, chances are, they are not coming back this time. Especially if they are down like they were against Atlanta, what happened in that game was a once in a lifetime occurrence. Here's to hoping the pats come out strong and play a complete game against Philly.

Sorry if it seems like I'm being negative, I know no one here probably cares what I think but I just had to get this off my chest and I felt better putting it out there publicly. Feel free to flame me if you want, it's all good.

Eagles getting, I would say roughly a 21 point spot, but Brady is able to get three in the 4th, force another OT, they get the ball this time, come all the way down to our 2 yard line, but get pushed back.... FG

Brady needs 7 or 3 to keep us alive... he has to make like three 4th down conversions on the drive, gets to their 5... scores and wins on a third down TD...

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

They are hesitant to open the playbook too early ...

It works ... but it is tough on my nerves - I age at least a month for every game they play.

Why not just have 3 plans and burn one if it gets adjusted to before the half? I would love nothing better than having a 2-3 score lead (as long as it doesn't lead to too much bend but don't break scenarios by the D)

 

[mosslost]

They are hesitant to open the playbook too early ...

It works ... but it is tough on my nerves - I age at least a month for every game they play.

you would think it the playoffs (especially the SB) that would be unwise thing to do, no?

 

[Dingleberry]

If Blount doesn't fumble in the SB, that drive was looking like a 7-0 start. I

But ya, I could really go for a SB quick start blowout. This shyt we are witnessing is awesome. But it's taking years off my life!

 

[mosslost]

Why not just have 3 plans and burn one if it gets adjusted to before the half? I would love nothing better than having a 2-3 score lead (as long as it doesn't lead to too much bend but don't break scenarios by the D)

45-10

 

[jimnance]

I think you're not giving enough credit to the other teams.
These are the BIGGEST of games. These are the BEST teams in the NFL Patriots are playing in these games.
The other guys can coach too.
They can also play or they wouldn't be in a SB or afccg.
All of these teams are bringin' the house to open the games. They know getting down to the Pats is a death sentence.
I don't see it as Patriots coming out flat.
I see it as the Patriots playing very tough elite competition.
Which makes their comebacks even more remarkable.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

So looking for potential explanations I can think of the following:

1. They are better at making adaptations than other teams. But then why does it take until Q4 instead of Q3 or even Q2?

2. They are better conditioned than other teams and/or they rotate players more.



3. They think they are better and so can get away with being cautious on both offense and defense. Only when their backs are to the wall do they break out the full playbook.

4. It's too small a sample size and so it's just random.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

I don't think we came out flat yesterday, as much as I think Jacksonville was playing an almost perfect game on both sides of the ball and executing far above their normal levels. The Patriots then countered and the Jags did not adjust well.