Pre-Game Thread- Bills @ Pats (Thursday Night)

[mike_usagisan]

As of now, if you're into comps, he's on par with, maybe even a step behind, the likes of Mike White. Both can beat a really weak defense. Big deal. Is that good enough? I don't preclude the possibility Mac can improve, but I see little evidence to this point that he is making substantive progress. As of now, net, he's just not good enough.

While I agree with you on the coaching, I disagree on Mac. I don't know if he's the future, but he has better stats against the Jets, which have a great defense this year, than many other solid QBs. I don't know what the problems in the red zone are, though I think they're mostly coaching, but if they can get those worked out, I think it'll go a long way to changing peoples' opinions.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I actually think we have a really good shot. Their secondary has been a mess that's been picked on at times and they look banged up. Oliver has been on fire but with Miller out a lot falls on him. We should be able to put up some points. I like our chances tbh.

One would think if there was a good opportunity and time to beat that team, this would be it. The question is are we ready?

 

[Triumph]

I am resigned to our not making the playoffs. I don't think it's a big deal, frankly. If we did manage by some weird play of circumstance to end up in the postseason, we'd soon be out of there. Recall last year.

I expect us to lose to Buffalo.

This year is about next year and years following. It has been all along. We do not yet know whether Mac can rise above medicocrity. He has yet to achieve even that status on a consistent basis, after all. He had a nice game in a losing effort, one in which 3rd down and red zone play was not even close to mediocrity.

Much of the blame goes to the preposterously bad coaching/playcalling on the offensive side, no doubt. And if this season is about seasons going forward, that problem must be solved. The only rational and effective solution is to replace the two bumbling clowns "in charge of" the offense.

The ineptitude of the coaching does not let Mac off the hook, however. He shows NO SIGN of being able even to begin to overcome the bad coaching....none. A legit qb will be make a real, observable difference in such circumstances. Mac has not done so. As of now, if you're into comps, he's on par with, maybe even a step behind, the likes of Mike White. Both can beat a really weak defense. Big deal. Is that good enough? I don't preclude the possibility Mac can improve, but I see little evidence to this point that he is making substantive progress. As of now, net, he's just not good enough.

I expect and welcome very direct intervention in the team on the part of the Krafts. They have pressed Bill the GM on his nonsense, with some success. Given the inexplicable BS re coaching the offense, Bill the Coach obviously needs a boot as well.

While there are enough solid players on this team to form a core on which one can build, the jury is still out on Mac, the offensive coaching is...offensive, and the head coach needs, as my grandfather used to put it, "a kick in the slats."

If the Pats try everything possible to win this game and it doesnt happen, then it was meant to be.

The Pats have a VERY good team. Better than 6 wins. Harris out is a blow, but BB has depth ready at RB.

 

[denverpatsfan]

How many more weeks do we give in order to "work things out" in the Redzone and offense in general. At this point they are what they are. A team that can't score TD's and makes mental mistakes leading to penalties. Diggs and Allen alone will be enough to win this game on TNF. Tell me I'm wrong please.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

How many more weeks do we give in order to "work things out" in the Redzone and offense in general. At this point they are what they are. A team that can't score TD's and makes mental mistakes leading to penalties. Diggs and Allen alone will be enough to win this game on TNF. Tell me I'm wrong please.

I like Mac's message to the team and coaches not to overthink things just because the ball is inside the 20.

Mac Jones suggests Patriots must avoid getting in their own heads in the red zone

 

[mike_usagisan]

How many more weeks do we give in order to "work things out" in the Redzone and offense in general. At this point they are what they are. A team that can't score TD's and makes mental mistakes leading to penalties. Diggs and Allen alone will be enough to win this game on TNF. Tell me I'm wrong please.

Unfortunately, I think it's an offseason thing when they hire a new coach to design and call red zone plays.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

How many more weeks do we give in order to "work things out" in the Redzone and offense in general. At this point they are what they are. A team that can't score TD's and makes mental mistakes leading to penalties. Diggs and Allen alone will be enough to win this game on TNF. Tell me I'm wrong please.

Your not!

Look the Pats can’t score and haven’t made the Bills punt in two games. They will be lucky not to get blown out.

Even if by some miracle the game is close late, Mac has shown that he does not have a clutch bone in his body.

I say make a move for Rodgers in the off season or that Brady guy now that Yoko is gone!

 

[Nunchucks]

How many more weeks do we give in order to "work things out" in the Redzone and offense in general. At this point they are what they are. A team that can't score TD's and makes mental mistakes leading to penalties. Diggs and Allen alone will be enough to win this game on TNF. Tell me I'm wrong please.

I suppose they could finally figure it out, but it will be too late to matter. I don't think the coaching will magically improve this late in the season.

This team is what it is

 

[Zuma]

 

[jah]

Well...I guess at least it's the kind of money you wouldn't mind paying a ST only player.

 

[PatsFan2]

I would have waited until after the the Buffalo - Arizona and Raiders games. We know it's peanuts but that guy should only play on ST's. Really hope McMillan and Jennings step up.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

How many more weeks do we give in order to "work things out" in the Redzone and offense in general.

I think there are 6 more weeks left in the season. We played 11games, so there are 6 games left.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I would have waited until after the the Buffalo - Arizona and Raiders games. We know it's peanuts but that guy should only play on ST's. Really hope McMillan and Jennings step up.

Who cares. It's peanuts.

 

[Zuma]

...that guy should only play on ST's.

I felt that way too when he was signed...but he has made plays at LB. I think he is valuable there against "some" teams / schemes.

 

[Toofy]

Who cares. It's peanuts.

Agreed. A million more than vet minimum . Can we get a better depth piece for 2.2 million . Probably not .

 

[Sicilian]

I felt that way too when he was signed...but he has made plays at LB. I think he is valuable there against "some" teams / schemes.

Agreed. Show me a guy making 2.2m per year (not on a rookie deal) who does much of anything on defense. Even without ST that's fair money for a reserve LB. If they can sign/draft someone who is better, that's fantastic. But that's fine money for a guy like Tavai.

 

[PatsFan2]

I felt that way too when he was signed...but he has made plays at LB. I think he is valuable there against "some" teams / schemes.

We have games we have to Win against RPO QB's the Allen - Murray and Tua's of the NFL lets' hope he's not in the regular rotation then.

 

[Zuma]

We have games we have to Win against RPO QB's the Allen - Murray and Tua's of the NFL lets' hope he's not in the regular rotation then.

Yeah he shouldn't be covering TE's and RB's or playing in space IMO...but I do think he is good if the goal is to take away the run. He's a Bentley clone.

 

[BB8XSBW]

Too bad that BB Shula thread was locked that was a good topic. Was going to say that I think the Pats finish 9-8 which puts Bill 18 away from tying Shula. Definitely within reach. I voted no because the team has also never been all about the accomplishments of one person. That’s not who we are.

Terrible thread from a terrible poster. A poster who, after much deliberation, is just one strike away from getting thrown out of the club, Gronk style.

We got everything we wanted from him, and now he's about to be cut loose.

"Sam Bam Thank You Man"

 

[Sicilian]

Yeah he shouldn't be covering TE's and RB's or playing in space IMO...but I do think he is good if the goal is to take away the run. He's a Bentley clone.

This is always a point of contention I have with people's expectations of linebackers: There really aren't that many LB's that you DO want covering running backs and tight ends. The one's that are good at it are typically very light, borderline safeties (who are the players that tend to line up on TE's and passing backs). Because of their size, they aren't typically as stout against the run. The number of linebackers who are big enough to take a constant pounding on run defense, but athletic enough to cover TE's and RB's could probably be counted on one hand.

But that's the back and forth of gameplanning for an offense vs. a defense. The offense is trying to force matchups where they've got a pass catcher on a linebacker, and the defense is trying to avoid putting their linebackers in situations where they have to cover one on one. Tavai isn't an every down guy by any definition, but it's weird how often people criticize LB coverage ability in general. That's not their primary job.