Encouraging sign: The Offense

[ivanvamp]

On the face of it, one might say that the offense struggled, scoring just 20 points. But consider these facts:

(1) This Panther defense was ranked #1 in points allowed and #3 in yards allowed in the NFL. #6 in opp passer rating, #10 in opp yards per pass attempt, #5 in opp pass yards per game, #3 in opp rush yards per game. In other words, the best defense in the league. And, in fact, one of the best defenses of the last 50 years, statistically.

(2) Against this defense, the Patriots amassed:
- 28 first downs
- 390 total yards
- 4.3 yards per rush
- Brady threw for 296 yards

(3) They got that offensive production despite having just *7* possessions. Out of those 7 possessions, one ended in a punt, two ended in turnovers (one after the ridiculous non-PI call at the end! grrrrrr), and four ended in scores. So they scored on 57.1% of their possessions. They averaged 2.9 points per possession. If they had the customary 11-12 possessions a game, they could have scored over 30 points against this great defense, on the road.

(4) Every drive had at least 9 plays and a minimum of 26 yards gained. They moved the ball very effectively. The Ridley fumble really hurt and, of course, the non-PI call just killed them. Took the game right out of their hands.

Now, if the Pats' fully-loaded offense can put up these numbers on the road against the best defense in the league, I think they can put up 40 points and 500 yards against Denver this coming week.

Of course, they'll probably need it given the state of the defense and the juggernaut offense coming to Foxboro. But still, it's nice to see the offense rolling again.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Like I said in the other thread it's good to have our offense back, really couldn't have played better the last 2 games and a half minus the fumbles. But unfortunately we've got our awful 3rd down defense back too, just too many injuries there.

 

[ivanvamp]

Like I said in the other thread it's good to have our offense back, really couldn't have played better the last 2 games and a half minus the fumbles. But unfortunately we've got our awful 3rd down defense back too, just too many injuries there.

Right. I wanted to be positive this morning and focus on the offense. If I wanted to be negative, I'd have a lot to say about the defense. Just as the offense played MUCH better than the final score indicates, the defense played much WORSE than the final score indicates. The Bronco game could end up being 51-48 or something like that.

 

[IllegalContact]

the pats punted once and did not have a single 3 and out......not only did the refs screw the pats the entire game (that was no illegal block on connlly on the first drive), but the pats were emotionally stupid (talib)

the pats ran the ball effectively and they threw the ball effectively. the ridley fumble and the mankins penalty absolutely crushed the pats.....14 potential points instead of 3