Content Post Idle thoughts - the "a win is a win" edition.

[long distance]

I think the complete pass Rush Group is a bit under the expectations. We had only two pressures i believe Outside of judon. Neither wino uche ht kvn or our DT show much consistency so far.

There were two very different game plans - TB pressure, HOU contain - so of course pressure results would be different (not as much though)
I agree individual players too looked uninspired yesterday but im more disappointed that they dont play (well) as a group.
Judon has soliloquiums on his island, Wise is doing his job well but you can't see much thought behind collective movement.
Is this about scheme, play caller, the group not gelling (old with young)..idk.. but lots of time esp. on rush downs it looks like each player has his own plan and just goes for it instead of creating opportunities collectively.

 

[Fuzz]

When we were in the Brady years we would put up usually around one or two duds a season where we played down to the opponent and we would usually still win but it would be an ugly win. In that scenario I can go for the "win is a win" logic because in the end of the day we knew they were a good team who just had an off day. This team on the other hand is not a good team and while we did win yesterday that performance would likely result in a loss against about 28ish other teams. I kind of feel like this is how the Jets game would have been had Wilson not thrown 4 interceptions.

Yeah, and the pats would have scored zero points if we take away their touchdowns and field goals. Come to think of it, we’d be 0-5 now. Unbelievable. If only we lived in the Brady era when all of those things actually counted.

 

[203Pat]

Yeah, and the pats would have scored zero points if we take away their touchdowns and field goals. Come to think of it, we’d be 0-5 now. Unbelievable.

Yes I know. God forbid anyone use a hypothetical that isn't in our favor. I forgot hypotheticals only work one way around here.

 

[Fuzz]

Yes I know. God forbid anyone use a hypothetical that isn't in our favor. I forgot hypotheticals only work one way around here.

They just need to get back to how they’ve always won - minimize their mistakes and capitalize on their opponents. That’s how they usually win against bad teams. They didnt do the first part very well in this game, but they pulled it out anyway.

 

[203Pat]

They just need to get back to how they’ve always won - minimize their mistakes and capitalize on their opponents. That’s how they usually win against bad teams. They didnt do the first part very well in this game, but they pulled it out anyway.

It is uncanny the way they keep turning the ball over especially at the worst possible times. Harris has now had two bad fumbles, Rhamondre just got out of the doghouse for one and JJ took his place. Not sure what they can do to fix it but it needs to get fixed ASAP.

 

[denverpatsfan]

Gotta clean up the turnovers. Cost them 2 games and made the wins too close for comfort.

 

[Chevy]

They just need to get back to how they’ve always won - minimize their mistakes and capitalize on their opponents. That’s how they usually win against bad teams. They didnt do the first part very well in this game, but they pulled it out anyway.

I wonder if this is the limit of the 'take away their strength' approach vs 'attack their weaknesses' when it comes to lower-tier opponents when it comes to defense.

Don't get me wrong - the 20 year sample size says a lot. Don't get burned, patient between the 20's, etc. With a solid offense, this approach works very well - even a burn or two can be overcome. This year's offense, however, is still very much in a state of flux. Maybe it's time to dial up the aggressiveness on D.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

It is uncanny the way they keep turning the ball over especially at the worst possible times. Harris has now had two bad fumbles, Rhamondre just got out of the doghouse for one and JJ took his place. Not sure what they can do to fix it but it needs to get fixed ASAP.

The season sure would look different without those four fumbles. So in a way that gives hope - RB fumbles are not a given going forward. Will always be some interceptions in our future though- that's just football.

The lack of a reliable third-down back is a big issue though. Burkhead?

 

[patsfanfromoversea]

There were two very different game plans - TB pressure, HOU contain - so of course pressure results would be different (not as much though)
I agree individual players too looked uninspired yesterday but im more disappointed that they dont play (well) as a group.
Judon has soliloquiums on his island, Wise is doing his job well but you can't see much thought behind collective movement.
Is this about scheme, play caller, the group not gelling (old with young)..idk.. but lots of time esp. on rush downs it looks like each player has his own plan and just goes for it instead of creating opportunities collectively.

it seems that on both side of the trenches there are issues for several reasons. i think this should be one of the priorities moving forward to fix that. Maybe they will have better communication moving forward but i don't think we have big communications skills on our front. There could be some coaching issues as well to be honest. As mentioned before why are the same O-Line players way worse than last year. Retained 4 of 5 starters. It is hard to imagine communication issues then. I think there is an overestimation issue of our front 6 signings as well. KvN and HT aren't performing as expected for several reasons. I admit it is unfair to assume HT is the same player after a year off.

 

[Nikolai]

Seems to me there is a lot of inconsistency from week to week, and often from series to series. It's the hallmark of a generally younger team that needs more time to gel.

We don't really know what this team is just yet; great effort against a top team (Tompa Bay) and then a very inconsistent effort against a bottom-feeder (Houston)...a fumble away from 3-2, and a 4th down conversion/FG away from possibly 4-1...a boneheaded punt play from possibly 1-4.

QB is the most important factor for the future of the franchise and I think we've got a real one in Mac.

 

[holyredeemer]

Uche only played 14 snaps. But then Collins only played 3.

Interesting that Godchaux and Barmore each had 30.

Patriots Snap Count Analysis: Jamie Collins Made Big Impact In Cameo

Breaking down snap counts and play percentages from the New England Patriots' 25-22 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

nesn.com

Uche and Wino are never going to have a decent amount of playing time here. Bill needs to see if either hold any value around the league and unload ‘em if it’s there. No reason to waste their first contracts because they aren’t a system fit.

 

[Pats1971]

Gotta clean up the turnovers. Cost them 2 games and made the wins too close for comfort.

Turnovers cost most teams games in the NFL. Thats why good teams do not have many and bad teams have more.

 

[long distance]

it seems that on both side of the trenches there are issues for several reasons. i think this should be one of the priorities moving forward to fix that. Maybe they will have better communication moving forward but i don't think we have big communications skills on our front. There could be some coaching issues as well to be honest. As mentioned before why are the same O-Line players way worse than last year. Retained 4 of 5 starters. It is hard to imagine communication issues then. I think there is an overestimation issue of our front 6 signings as well. KvN and HT aren't performing as expected for several reasons. I admit it is unfair to assume HT is the same player after a year off.

When you change so much of the roster its not easy to gel all together immediately esp. with all the practice limitations. But thats on the coaches and clearly they could do better. Losing Popovich could be significant but is hard to know.

There are interesting GM/HC questions as well. Its first BBs complete rebuild in a long time, maybe ever. I wonder if he would treat HT the same if he was GM only. He knows he's not getting 2019 HT back and he is def. not getting 12.4.M LB on the field. You have easy way to walk out since nothing was left guaranteed and the player opted out (which i fully support ftr). If it was anybody else Bill would not have him back imo esp. not under that contract after 1 long year out (few opt outs were kept across the league). But Bill the HC thinks a bit differently. He can use remaining top vets to help him keep/install the culture with so many new players & has deep trust in them as his on field lieutenants.
Beyond all that HT is very special to BB and organization personally so i guess all combined they decided to take the bullet while HT accepted to play with no guarantees. Maybe off the field this is a good investment in the future of the team and worth 10M.

nb - HT still can and should improve if he stays healthy. Maybe Collins puts a missing spark in him..

 

[long distance]

As we were saying

 

[Hyped]

YES!!! Take away those goddamn slant passes!

Good stuff as usual...missed you the last two weeks, PFK!

 

[PScottman]

As we were saying

The run defense was very good yesterday. It was team-based as well meaning that the front seven are hopefully starting to become a unit versus a bunch of individuals. It also seemed that the intent/scheme was to focus on limiting the run; but unfortunately the QB Mills played well (better than previous games) and the patriots secondary wasn't sharp extending drives.

 

[patsfanfromoversea]

When you change so much of the roster its not easy to gel all together immediately esp. with all the practice limitations. But thats on the coaches and clearly they could do better. Losing Popovich could be significant but is hard to know.

There are interesting GM/HC questions as well. Its first BBs complete rebuild in a long time, maybe ever. I wonder if he would treat HT the same if he was GM only. He knows he's not getting 2019 HT back and he is def. not getting 12.4.M LB on the field. You have easy way to walk out since nothing was left guaranteed and the player opted out (which i fully support ftr). If it was anybody else Bill would not have him back imo esp. not under that contract after 1 long year out (few opt outs were kept across the league). But Bill the HC thinks a bit differently. He can use remaining top vets to help him keep/install the culture with so many new players & has deep trust in them as his on field lieutenants.
Beyond all that HT is very special to BB and organization personally so i guess all combined they decided to take the bullet while HT accepted to play with no guarantees. Maybe off the field this is a good investment in the future of the team and worth 10M.

nb - HT still can and should improve if he stays healthy. Maybe Collins puts a missing spark in him..

I completely agree, good Post.
I personally love HT being back since he is one of my favourite players and my first pats jersey is a HT jersey. I bought it last season and then he opted out so i'm glad i can still wear it with him on the field.

 

[long distance]

The run defense was very good yesterday. It was team-based as well meaning that the front seven are hopefully starting to become a unit versus a bunch of individuals. It also seemed that the intent/scheme was to focus on limiting the run; but unfortunately the QB Mills played well (better than previous games) and the patriots secondary wasn't sharp extending drives.

Good point about team run D. They def seem to be coming together better as a unit and pass rush groups should follow.
Guy is improving, having Bentley back helped, also released HT & allowed him to play to his strengths.

Mills was reportedly Pats second option fwiw. The big difference was he only played a few college games so he came into the league and now into the fire extremely underexperienced and untested. He was quite liked in our Draft threads. If he survives this brutal baptism by fire he might develop into decent starter or at least coveted backup. Wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in NE if he cant keep starting job elsewhere..

 

[SlowGettingUp]

unfortunately the QB Mills played well (better than previous games) and the patriots secondary wasn't sharp extending drives.

If Jackson had timed his jump for the attempted interception a little better, maybe we wouldn't be saying that. It was a very dangerous throw that turned out to wildly succeed.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

As we were saying

And Hightower here