When you ask a question here you would always be well advised to take the initial responses you get with a huge grain of salt. It mitigates the confusion you will suffer when the responses are rooted in the principle that arrogance and ignorance are the hallmarks of most armchair critics.
This team always gameplans matchups. Unfortunately we are down a blocking TE and last night were forced to play with backups at RG and RT as well. We are also facing teams down the stretch with pretty good pass rushing capability not to mention stout run defenses. So we take what they give, including going for Moss whenever a mismatch in coverage indicates it's the best percentage play. Earlier in the season we were forcing more balls into better coverage and scoring almost at will. The league and the season caught up to us a bit, and execution has been somewhat more inconsistent down the stretch. The bye will help, as will getting some players healthy. But we've faced a series of games against teams who were playing for nothing but pride - which is when NFL teams often play their best. And we still managed to win against all comers - so we must be doing something right.
Thanks. I didn't realize about the backup RB/RT situation. That + no blocking TE might have reduced Brady's options I guess. Hopefully all return in full form for the first playoff game.
W.r.t armchair views of general fans: You are correct that many, like me, are regular fans who might not be fully aware of the various nuances playing out in each game. After the Jets game, and thanks to Simms' pointing out on national TV that many WRs were free on a failed attempt to Moss, I was also under the impression that Brady was overthrowing to Moss - which he did acknowledge in his PC after the game.
But, I didn't think too much into it because the players and coaches on the field obviously know the situation better than others. And, as Brady confirmed after the Fins game, they believed that specific coverages dictated that cornering in on Moss was a better option given Moss' capabilities. So, I enjoy the game as it unfolds without trying to figure out if Brady could have done better.
Since Mike Reiss also pointed out to the various scouts in the game that could have played a role in the playcalling, I was trying to figure out if our offensive schemes yesterday were drastically different from that of the previous week's.
I can't get over the feeling that, under the cover of going for the records, they purposefully put up a convincing show of Moss-is-my-only-WR and will do it drastically different in the playoffs. Let's see. I will be happy to see the W after every game irrespective of whether Tommy throws to Moss 100 times or 0
