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Had to watch in a sports bar on the island surrounded by Giants fans watching "Battle of NY" and listening to their laughter and loudly expressed disparaging remarks about all things Patriots for the 1st half. But it's Christmas before dinner and I thought as a homer I'd focus on the positives...
(1) Adjustments: for the 2nd game in a row it was obvious that substantive adjustments were made both to offense and defense that totally transformed the game. This capability had seemed missing previously, especially in 2010. Props to the coaches here.
(2) Team character: After looking like rodeo clowns for a half, somehow this crew got it together, focused on the prize and played better on both sides of the ball for the W. Didn't see much of this team character the last 2 seasons.
(3) OL Depth: Although I just about lost hope watching The Franchise get slammed around viciously for 30 minutes the makeshift line minus Light, then Mankins rebounded and performed well including late game run blocking for the W. Dante, you freakin Rock man.
(3) Running Game: Awful start but when it was needed it was there. Ridley is showing that he can be trusted out there in all phases of the game. Speed kills...and gets 1st downs outside the tackles. My man, The Woodchuck, was his usual squirmy, reliable stuff as he burrowed his way under center deep into enemy ground.
(4) TFB: Under heavy pressure he was, but he was also off target missing Welker and Gronk when open. Great catch by 85 on a ball thrown behind him. Again TFB got control of himself and the situation, avoiding critical mistakes and made nice moves to stay free on the Branch TD throw. Excellent 6 yard run up the middle for a 1st down. Brady needs to do this on occasion to keep defenses from cheating.
(5) Welker: Minitron continues to shred records and perform at an elite level.
There's more like minor points about Dane Fletcher adapting to game speed as he in year 2 learns the Bruschi role.
Merry Christmas everyone!
(1) Adjustments: for the 2nd game in a row it was obvious that substantive adjustments were made both to offense and defense that totally transformed the game. This capability had seemed missing previously, especially in 2010. Props to the coaches here.
(2) Team character: After looking like rodeo clowns for a half, somehow this crew got it together, focused on the prize and played better on both sides of the ball for the W. Didn't see much of this team character the last 2 seasons.
(3) OL Depth: Although I just about lost hope watching The Franchise get slammed around viciously for 30 minutes the makeshift line minus Light, then Mankins rebounded and performed well including late game run blocking for the W. Dante, you freakin Rock man.
(3) Running Game: Awful start but when it was needed it was there. Ridley is showing that he can be trusted out there in all phases of the game. Speed kills...and gets 1st downs outside the tackles. My man, The Woodchuck, was his usual squirmy, reliable stuff as he burrowed his way under center deep into enemy ground.
(4) TFB: Under heavy pressure he was, but he was also off target missing Welker and Gronk when open. Great catch by 85 on a ball thrown behind him. Again TFB got control of himself and the situation, avoiding critical mistakes and made nice moves to stay free on the Branch TD throw. Excellent 6 yard run up the middle for a 1st down. Brady needs to do this on occasion to keep defenses from cheating.
(5) Welker: Minitron continues to shred records and perform at an elite level.
There's more like minor points about Dane Fletcher adapting to game speed as he in year 2 learns the Bruschi role.
Merry Christmas everyone!
