Thoughts on the game and team.
#1 This was a great game for the Patriots penalty wise. They officially committed 11 for 65 yards. But at least 5 of those if not 6 are BS. So in reality they only committed 5-6 for 30-35 yards. This would make it the cleanest game of the season. Pity it can't go into the books like that, but it doesn't matter from the team building perspective. They played more disciplined today, hopefully we see more of that.
#2 The Defense is good but frustrating. They seem incapable of playing a clean game. The Bills was their best game. But this was an example of them yet again get run up and down the field, them slamming the door. It was an entire half of bad defense this time, but they came on in the second half. The question is, is this good enough in today's NFL? Yes. Yes it is. But it can be better. Hopefully they figure out how to be more consistent, but maybe this is what they are. If that is the case, Maye and the Patriots offense will have a chance every week to win and won't need to score 30 to do it most likely.
#3 Don't just blame the backs. The run blocking has been pretty subpar too. Which is surprising as this team was built for it. Yet the pass blocking has been the strength of this line.
#4 This game is an example of why i think McDaniels is only average as an OC. A better called game would have led to more points. I think everyone pumping his tires needs to take a breath and remember games like this. He's okay. That's all. When i say it again, don't be so fast to hit the dislike button next time. Okay yeah, i was a little salty about that.... I'll admit.
#5 Maye is ahead of schedule for sure. I will need to look at things carefully, but i would guess at a glance he should be in the top 5 of the MVP race. And he still has room to grow. But the big thing is the last 6 quarters I've noticed the game is slower for him. It is in his body language, how he keeps his eyes down field now, his pocket movement. The last 90 minutes of football he hasn't just put up numbers. He has looked comfortable back there. He was good but a bit twitchy in the first 4.5 But he has looked really smooth now. That to me is the sign the year 2 jump has happened officially.
#6 While the D annoyed us at times again this week, they did again shut down the run of the other team, though at times it didn't feel like it. Look at the box score. Perhaps the most impressive stat, no runs over 9 yards. This run D has been great all year.
-individual players who aren't QBs-!
#7 Duggers was out there and got beat bad on the first play for 50 yards. And i shrugged.... at least he isn't worse than Hawkins.
#8 Elliss has been so bad for this team this year. Worst contract of the year. Today he was pretty good. I am not hopeful it will continue. But maybe just maybe if he can be 'meh' we will have a massive upgrade at LB2.
#9 Woodson improves a little every game it seems. That has turned into a great pick. Imagine this team without him... my god.
#10 Andy B... Can we give this kid a break? I think it's time. Rookie got a massive case of the yips in his first 2 games, but has been perfect the last 4. Since those 2 XP misses he's hit 2 50 yarders including a game winner. Are we being too hard on the rookie? Maybe give him a mulligan for his first games on the big stage? Can we let him out of the doghouse now? I think it's time.
#11 Spillane since an ugly early start which was partly on the DC has really turned it on. He has for the last 4 or so games been as advertised.
#12 Boutte should be signed this year before the off season. He has shown he should be part of this teams long term plans. Do the contract early and save some cash. I see him as a safety valve for Maye for the next 10 years. He reminds me of (not in style) but Troy Brown outside of his borderline elite years. He is just one of those goes you know you can rely on. He will run the route, catch the ball, do the smart thing with it (stay in bounds/get out of bounds) and occasionally make plays. He can be that binky for Maye for the next 10 years who is the guy who makes the play when the other teams manage to cover our headliners. Make it happen.
Bonus - I heard a lot in the post game and solving this teams issues going forward in the year. Trying to make trades happen to fill some holes on it. I disagree... you should not make trades on this team for this year. You should make trades to set up you for the next three. Maye is legit. He is going to be elite if he isn't already. This team health willing will make the playoffs this year. Maybe win a game or two if they are lucky. But they aren't winning this year. BUT! I am convinced. If Maye can play like this... they are not in year 1 of a 3 year build. They are in a 2 year rebuild if they do it right considering their still considerable cap space. They can compete for the whole thing as early as next year. Make all moves with that in mind. This is the time to not be afraid to make more big moves and go all in. Keep your powder dry so you can make those moves. This year is a dry run learning experience for the team. Nothing we do will change that. But next that window can 100% be open.
