LOL! Patman... You really think Thomas can cover Gates? Ummm hate to break it to ya but the Bears had a Corner or Safety on Gates all day and they couldn't cover him. Now you telling us you think your LB can? Sorry bud but there isn't a LB in the NFL that can cover Gates 1 on 1.
Ahh, the proof of homerism.
1) While the Bears did have a corner or a safety on Gates, I actually watched the game and you can't cover Gates with a corner or safety. He's just too big and powerful. However, an athletic LB like Thomas, who has covered good TEs before, can hold his own against Gates. Will there be help? Probably.
2) You clearly have never watched Thomas play. Adalius Thomas, when he was with the Ravens, lined up at 9 of 11 different defensive positions at one time or another. YES, he lined up at CB. Yes, he lined up at safety. Yes, he lined up at NT. So, instead of being stupid and saying that Thomas can't cover Gates, learn a bit about the player.
BTW, Gates had 4 catched for 41 yards last year against the Ravens..And, without anyone to cover Gates in the play-offs, Gates had 6 receptions for 63 yards. So, forgive me if I think that the Pats have UPGRADED their ability to cover Gates.
The Pats are going to focus on taking away the run and making Rivers beat them in the air. Based on what Rivers showed yesterday, I don't think he can do it.