Since seeing the results of the last 2 games - How do you feel now?

[PATRIOT64]

How do you feel now about the remainder of the season since the result of the last 2 games in which the Patriots pass defense showed weaknesses and the offense was contained much more?

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

I guess I'm a little concerned about both phases of the defense. But I am convinced that while the defense may be a step below what I thought coming in that it's easily a "good enough" defense to go with our soon to be record setting offense. I'm just happy to see we can win however we need to - blowout or close, tough game.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I'm just happy to win. Better to get some of these looks now so the players and coaches can work on it during practice rather than having a so called "blue print" lol, being dropped on us in the semi final game of the playoffs.

Philadelphia played awesome,no question about it. Baltimore on the other hand after watching the game again shouldn't of been as close as it was. Despite all the holds on Moss,Welker and Stallworth etc they did not execute to there fullest. This teams motivation is not to be perfect in record,but to execute each play to perfection which if achieved generally results in a win. Dropped passes by Watson and Moss{Moss gets a free pass though,he normally catches everything} were key in this game as well as some bad routes that I noticed.

Anyone thinking that the days of blowouts are over better think again. This team is more than capable of doing this to the Steelers,Jets and Phins. One thing I did notice that I really liked was Maroney gettting involved in the passing game. He ran strong and hard and I hope they add that page to the playbook.

Hence, after reviewing the last 2 games I have learned one important thing about our team. The Patriots still have the "it." Rocky Balboa in the 15th round,the last mile of the Boston Marathon, call it what you want but when the game is on the line they are not going to give it to you. You are going to have to outlast them and play for 60 entire minutes.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

Me?

I feel fine. Call it arrogance or call it blatant homerism but i told everyone i was watching both games with. We're winning these games. We won both messy but thats what good teams do.

They take advantage of other teams errors and then they exploit it.

The only thing that bothers me is the run defense looked really bad.

Not a good sign. But it could have just been a slump week.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

Our defense is not as good as 2003-2004.

Our offense has looked sloppy these past couple weeks.

Our run game is enigmatic.

However, at this point, I would vote for the option you left out: Hopefully this is just a little lull in the action and the boys will find a little Mojo for ****burger.

 

[DarrylS]

I haven't changed in my belief that this is a great team that might run the table, but if they do not have a great chance at the SB.

They have had a couple of tough games against some physical teams, but have won in the end. There are no style points only W's.

I think they are fine, will make some internal adjustments to hide their weaknesses and ultimately prevail. The equalizer here is Brady and Belichick..

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I'm signed on as worried about both the pass D and the run D. I have no problem with an offense that rarely dips as low as the high twenties.

PFnV

 

[kierkegaard]

I'm concerned about the defense in both phases of the game. Also concerned about the O. Either Tom isn't getting enough time (which he isn't) or he needs to do a better job of getting rid of the ball quicker (I also think he is partially to blame for this). In Tom's case I feel like the stellar blocking had through the first 10 games (minus the Colts) has actually served to his detriment. At times he looks like Drew back there, hanging onto the ball too long waiting for the play to develop. Maybe we haven't been running as many short routes or dump offs. I don't know but we need to get the ball out of his hands quicker. Through the first 10 games he had pretty much the entire year to throw the ball wherever he wanted. The last two games he has looked out of rhythm - at least in my estimation.

I agree with the previous sentiments about Lo Mo. I want to see him catch more balls. Remember what he did against Cincy last year (I think it was Cincy)? He made some nice runs after the catch in that game. I realize we have Kevin Faulk but I think Lo Mo is more explosive.

Defensively I'd really like to see us get more pressure on the QB. Where has Vrabel been the last two games? Not in the backfield from what I've seen. I also agree with the general sentiment on the board that Seymour has done next to nothing. I'd really, really like to see him involved in more plays, hopefully some QB pressures.

 

[Scouse Patriot]

I generaly feel the same way I did before the these games. The Patriots aren't going to have it easy all the time and the fact that we still won these games should give you more confidence in this team to get it done. Even on the back foot.

It's true our D needs more depth and some more energy at linebacker but I'm more than confident that we have enough, not only talent on defence but intelligence, experience and work ethic. Teams wont get that much against us often. Every team has it's downs and right now it's our turn to be a little flat. Can't perform at 200% all the time.

 

[PatriotsReign]

How do you feel now about the remainder of the season since the result of the last 2 games in which the Patriots pass defense showed weaknesses and the offense was contained much more?

Since we're having trouble stopping both the pass and the run, I voted "I'm concerned about our pass defense" because it's a lot easier to make adjustments to stop the run than to stop the pass.

But both start with the D-line's ability to dominate the LOS. Stop the passing game and force teams to run. the run D will be ok, I know BB can fix that...not as sure as the pass defense though.

 

[PatriotsReign]

I'm concerned about the defense in both phases of the game. Also concerned about the O. Either Tom isn't getting enough time (which he isn't) or he needs to do a better job of getting rid of the ball quicker (I also think he is partially to blame for this). In Tom's case I feel like the stellar blocking had through the first 10 games (minus the Colts) has actually served to his detriment. At times he looks like Drew back there, hanging onto the ball too long waiting for the play to develop. Maybe we haven't been running as many short routes or dump offs. I don't know but we need to get the ball out of his hands quicker. Through the first 10 games he had pretty much the entire year to throw the ball wherever he wanted. The last two games he has looked out of rhythm - at least in my estimation.

I agree with the previous sentiments about Lo Mo. I want to see him catch more balls. Remember what he did against Cincy last year (I think it was Cincy)? He made some nice runs after the catch in that game. I realize we have Kevin Faulk but I think Lo Mo is more explosive.

Defensively I'd really like to see us get more pressure on the QB. Where has Vrabel been the last two games? Not in the backfield from what I've seen. I also agree with the general sentiment on the board that Seymour has done next to nothing. I'd really, really like to see him involved in more plays, hopefully some QB pressures.

The reason...the ONLY reason you see Tom holding onto the ball longer is because both the Eagles and the Raven held & interfered with our receivers all game long. Brady is doing nothing wrong. No team can shut down our wide receivers. But if they hold them and wack them around past the 5 yard rule, all we can do is make sure the refs don't allow it by whatever means is necessary.

 

[PatriotsReign]

Hey Rocky belongs to Philly, get yore own hero. I think perhaps Richard Simmons fits the bill in NE.

Shutup or I'll "Rocky" you!

 

[marty]

I'm signed on as worried about both the pass D and the run D. I have no problem with an offense that rarely dips as low as the high twenties.

PFnV

Agree. The D got out-physicalled these past 2 games. May be a result of having had such a large cushion before, and playing prevent most other games? I'm onboard with the feeling that they will "wake up" and play the smash-mouth kinda D that they are known for. The alternative is not pretty!

 

[PatsfanGlo]

I think it helped to have best offense in the league and having other team playing catch up. That only allowed us to play pretty much pass defense all game and just tee off on other teams' QB. I think if Pats can go on to score early, it should solve our defensive problem automatically. Its bit late in the season to change the personnel at this point and that's pretty much only way I can see our D improving.

 

[80Brown]

Run D - seen it for most of the year - Dallas, Philly, Baltimore, etc.

 

[Gopats!!!]

I already had concerns about our defense, these last two games just brought it more into focus.

I know some people thought there were no problems and these two games may have opened thier eyes a little more.

I don't think we will play as bad as we have the last two games, but we do have issues (who doesn't).

As for our offense -- we have Brady -- nuf said!!

 

[psychoPat]

I guess I'm a little concerned about both phases of the defense. But I am convinced that while the defense may be a step below what I thought coming in that it's easily a "good enough" defense to go with our soon to be record setting offense. I'm just happy to see we can win however we need to - blowout or close, tough game.

and PatriotMissile said:

I'm just happy to win. Better to get some of these looks now so the players and coaches can work on it during practice rather than having a so called "blue print" lol, being dropped on us in the semi final game of the playoffs.

....
after reviewing the last 2 games I have learned one important thing about our team. The Patriots still have the "it." Rocky Balboa in the 15th round,the last mile of the Boston Marathon, call it what you want but when the game is on the line they are not going to give it to you. You are going to have to outlast them and play for 60 entire minutes.

'Nuff said !

 

[kierkegaard]

The reason...the ONLY reason you see Tom holding onto the ball longer is because both the Eagles and the Raven held & interfered with our receivers all game long. Brady is doing nothing wrong. No team can shut down our wide receivers. But if they hold them and wack them around past the 5 yard rule, all we can do is make sure the refs don't allow it by whatever means is necessary.

Not saying you're wrong but its funny how we are now on the other side of this discussion. It wasn't too long ago that Colts fans were *****ing about our cbs and safeties holding and interfering and we returned the favor by saying the NFL shouldn't bend and cater to offenses in this league. Maybe there is a difference here, I don't know.

 

[CountChocula]

I am concerned and very disappointed with our D. We can't stop the run, allowed the Ravens, who can't score, to lay 24 on us, and we made A friggin J Feeley look like a Pro Bowl quarterback. The Stillers and Parker must be licking their chops.

 

[psychoPat]

... its funny how we are now on the other side of this discussion. It wasn't too long ago that Colts fans were *****ing about our cbs and safeties holding and interfering and we returned the favor by saying the NFL shouldn't bend and cater to offenses in this league. Maybe there is a difference here, I don't know.

The conspicuous difference is that
the zebras snapped to attention and called "Illegal Contact, 5-yard penalty; automatic first down!"
... whenever Marvin, Wayne, or Dallas got brushed.

You don't see any such diligent enforcement
when it is Randy, Wes, or Donte being "undressed all night".