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I almost did not post this week. I mean, the game didn't have much in the way of insights to talk about. Indeed, while it was a very workman-like effort on both sides of the ball, it was the injuries that were the only things distinguished this game from the rest, and that is NOT a good thing.
Nate Ebner, Trevor Reilly, Marquise Flowers, Trey Flower, LWaddle , and KVN to name just the ones I know about. They were all added to the long list of starters and contributors that were already out this week, and quite frankly, I'm beginning to worry that at SOME point there will be a tipping point where not even the brilliance of the Pats coaching staff will be able to stem the tide. (BTW- anyone who has any injury updates please let us know)
But then, while I kept flipping to some other games, a few thoughts emerged, so I guess, I'll just begin the process and see where it goes. We are definitely ad libbing this one, so I'm making no promises on the quality of this effort.
1. Offense.
a. General observations - They are as good as they have to be. The key development this week was the 200 yds gained on the ground, most of which came right up the middle into the strength of the Miami DL. - I really hope the "replay thread" and/or Bedard will break down some of the blocking schemes that led to those 200 yds. For the most part Josh dictated the tempo and had his team exploiting a myriad of mismatches throughout this game. And 5 for 5 in the red zone is the kind of execution we'd been looking for all season.
BTW- I remember a time when the Pats were an excellent screen team. Those were the days. Can anyone remember a screen pass that went more than 5 yds in recent memory? I can't. Sometimes I wonder if they are just too elaborate.
b. QB - Brady only threw for 227 yds, yet it seemed like more. He "only" completed 69% of his passes, though it seemed like it was better. Once again he demonstrated great mobility within the pocket (it is really fun to watch), and his signature overall toughness in the face of all together too many hits was lauditory I didn't find the Suh hit to be egregious, just powerful. I thought Alonzo's hit wasn't late, but clearly he didn't need to throw the flipper (though that is what I would have done back in the day.
)
I'm sure there will be a healthy discussion on whether Brady should have been pulled earlier, but I hope it won't be done here. Also, I was a bit worried about Brady's Achilles issue prior to the is game. It is such a "sore" subject, and can be so debilitating. I was pleased to see that any concern I had was unfounded.
In his presser Brady explained he basically made a dumb throw into coverage on the pick. He evidently tried to force the ball into a window that was closed shut. It happens I guess, to the best of them, and Brady IS still the best of them.
c. OL - Just when I was thinking that Ted Karras was going to Wally Pipp David Andrews, he made a few blunders to bring us all down to earth. His errant snap, while right on target, was clearly ill timed, and shouldn't happen, especially in a home game. I wonder what his explanation was to Dante on the sideline. Whatever he said, Dante was buying any of it.. I also saw a play or two where Suh or the other DT jacked Karras back a few yds into the backfield on runs. I would expect that from Andrews from time to time, but I had hoped the stronger and bigger Karras would fare better. On the other hand, there were several times Karras got to the 2nd level and was very effective opening up run lanes for Lewis and Burkhead.
I think it was Mason who was beat that one time and allowed Suh's hit on Brady. Waddle got backed into Brady by Wake at least once that I saw, and of course when he went out there was Flemming's sack. On the other hand, early season whipping boys Solder and Thuney both were pretty clean, at least from what I saw. And while there certainly too many hits on Brady, the overall protection was pretty good, maybe a B, B-.
Finally, anytime you have to start a backup C, who is playing his 2nd game at the position.....EVER, and you are down to your #3 RT and you run for 200 yds and give up only one sack, it is a pretty remarkable result. Don't you think? It's all about having perspective
d. RB's - NOW I am seeing the Dion Lewis from early 2015. It wasn't until this game, that I saw some of the same explosiveness and quickness we marveled at back then. Earlier in the season, it was good, but not THIS good. If we can keep him healthy, he is going to be a big problem for the rest of the league trying to stop this offense.
Have you ever seen a RB go from the "go to guy" to virtually invisible as fast as James White has in the offense in recent weeks, especially in the passing game. He had only 3 touches for 15 yds. Nothing against White, but it really points out the vagueries of the Pats offense and remind us again that we can never tell who is going to be "the guy" from week to week. It must be hell to pick Pats skill players in fantasy football, with the exception perhaps of Brady.
Which leads me to Mike Gillislee...our latest whipping boy. Mike was a healthy scratch for the 3rd week in a row. But I would venture it was less about how well he was playing and more about how well the OTHER 3 guys are playing. There is just no room on the game day roster for 4 RB's, especially one who has limited ST's value. When an injury finally does happen to the RB group, I'm comfortable Gillislee will provide the quality depth we are seeing on the OL.
e. Receivers - Once again Brady hit 8 different receivers within the first half, with Gronk and Cooks providing most of the impact and yardage.
Do you ever get the feeling that the Pats could make Gronk a featured receiver like this EVERY game, but just choose not to. The same goes for Cooks. Imagine the DC who is facing the Pats and trying to figure out who you have to cover, KNOWING that, while you HAVE to pay special attention to Cooks and Gronk, you also know that both could be merely decoys for that game.
Well today was the Gronk and Cooks show and now everyone knows it exists. I will be very surprised if next week they will both be so prominent.
2 Defense -
a General thoughts - Well last week I was wondering about the state of a Pats defense that had to give extensive snaps to the likes of Trevor Reilly, and Marquise Flowers. Now we might have to figure out what we are going to do to replace them. PLUS Kyle Van Noy. File that one under, "be careful what you wish for".
The key defensive stat (beyond the 10 points they gave up) was the 2 for 11 (18%) 3rd down conversion rate. Anything under 40% is excellent. As the secondary continues to solidify, assuming the Pats will have enough bodies to put on the field, Patricia will continue to produce a solid, if totally unspectacular, front seven.
b. Front Seven - Did Alan Branch get on the field today? If he did, it wasn't for many snaps. Is he back in BB's doghouse. Despite the lack of any impact from Branch, Miami got only about 70 yds rushing and the Pats did a nice job on several short yardage situations.
AND there were SEVEN sacks. I repeat 7 sacks. That's almost a third of the 24 of their season total. It was pretty fun to watch, including 2 each by Trey Flowers and Elandon Roberts. Eric Lee joined the team AND the sack stat list with a great execution of an inside twist. Both of Roberts' sacks were the result of some excellent scheming by Matty P.
c. Secondary - When I saw that Jonathan Jones led the team in tackles, I reminded of a game I was played one time against former Giant TE, Bob Tucker. It was a game I led the Atlantic Coast league back in 1969 in tackles with 18 IIRC. The problem was, that for most of that game, I had to cover Tucker one on one. So whenever they wanted to get a first down, they simply sent Tucker out and threw him the ball. He was 6'4. I was 6'. I'd jump. He'd jump. He'd catch the ball, and I'd tackle him. So about 10 of those tackles were due to my ineptness in covering him. I was always so close too.
In my dotage, I'd like to think my effort propelled Tucker into a 12 year NFL career with both the Giants and Vikings, while I was propelled into a long teaching and coaching career. But to get back to the point, Jones had a lot of tackles, while his man, Landry, had a lot of catches.
I kept waiting for Matty to make a switch, or try to double Landry with a LB, but it never happened. BTW- I really think Landry is a ****, but he's the kind of **** I wouldn't mind having on MY team. The guy always plays hard, regardless of score or how the rest of his team is playing
Gilmore continues to show why got the big money. Parker had one catch for 5 yds. BTW- I would contend that Gilmore should have gotten that pick at the end of the game. If he'd gotten credit for it, he would have had more catches than the guy he was covering. Harmon totally pirated that one.
Butler did a good job on Stills. Only the 37 yd PI marred his game. And the TE (Chung) did very little in the game until garbage time.
You know when I look at this defense, It kind of reminds me of the 2011 D. Back then the front 7 was pretty solid, while the secondary was recruiting Edleman to play the nickel, and Earthwind Morland was a star. This year, its the secondary that is the strength of the D, while the front 7 seems to be getting it down with blue smoke and mirrors.
3. Special Teams.
a. I don't think it was a coincidence that while special teams players were dropping like flies, starting with Ebner, that Miami managed to get past the 25 two or three times. IIRC there was only one short kick that was stopped inside the 20.
b. That being said, it was a gutsy call and a great play designed by Joe Judge, and executed by the punt team that got the Pats started on this rout. However given the cost, I would have rather the Pats had just punted the damned ball, and we'd have a healthy Ebner.
4. General thoughts.
a. Can't love the 7 penalties for 70 yds. It's a regression from recent weeks, though half the yardage was on the PI. The one that pissed me off was Gronk's motion penalty that helped kill a drive. That CAN'T happen when you are at home.
b. I'm OK with the almost late hits on Brady, but the missed call on the face mask of Lewis was inexcusable and marred what I thought was a decent job by that officiating crew.
c. I hope the Bills beating KC in KC will give BB plenty of motivation for next week's game. The Bills are always a tough out in Buffalo, and I'd hate to think this will become a trap game. If that isn't enough to prove that ANY NFL team can beat another on any given Sunday, the fact that the Steelers needed another last second FG to beat the hapless Packer AT HOME! From the highlights Antonio Brown really saved their asses with a great game.
Other surprises were AZ beating Jax. The Jets and Colts staying close to the Panthers and the Titans. Remember in any close game your team is subject to "sh!t happening". Bad calls, lucky bounces, and other assorted blunders, can lose a game you probably SHOULD win.
d. Speaking of the Steelers. While the Steelers could very well win a few weeks down the road, the Pats will ALWAYS have an edge on the sidelines. If you need another example. While the toothless Packers where an inch away from a 2 TD upset, Mike Tomlin, before the game, was already talking about the Pats game.
e. The more I think on it the more I believe that THIS is going to be Josh McDaniels last season. I think the Giants are going to clean house after the season and they will push hard for Josh. In fact I think the offer will include bringing Nick Casserio in to be GM. BB still loves the Giants franchise, and would have to recommend he take it. I worry about it because, while it would hurt to lose Josh, losing Casserio too would be a very big blow for us.
f. BTW - BB waxed poetic about Greg Schianno getting the job at Tennessee. He mentioned several time how much Schianno has taught HIM over the years. Plus how much his former players loved playing for him and remain close even now. Well it turns out the Vols, pulled their offer, (a whole nuther issue) and I can't help wonder if he might now wind up here IF/when Josh leaves.
OK, that's it to start with. More than I expected to come out, but less than usual. Certainly a lot better than the 3am sessions when its a late game.. Feel free again to add your comments and insights and begin the discussion of what we saw today and what kind of a team we will have next week.
Ebner, I fear is done. I hope the rest of group were just dinged. I don't expect Cannon back until Miami, the same for Hogan and Andrews. All three need to get at least one week of partial practice time before getting back in the flow. Rowe, who was limited this week is a possibility. Be prepared my friends. The injury report next Wednesday is going to be ENORMOUS. Pleasant dreams.
Nate Ebner, Trevor Reilly, Marquise Flowers, Trey Flower, LWaddle , and KVN to name just the ones I know about. They were all added to the long list of starters and contributors that were already out this week, and quite frankly, I'm beginning to worry that at SOME point there will be a tipping point where not even the brilliance of the Pats coaching staff will be able to stem the tide. (BTW- anyone who has any injury updates please let us know)
But then, while I kept flipping to some other games, a few thoughts emerged, so I guess, I'll just begin the process and see where it goes. We are definitely ad libbing this one, so I'm making no promises on the quality of this effort.
1. Offense.
a. General observations - They are as good as they have to be. The key development this week was the 200 yds gained on the ground, most of which came right up the middle into the strength of the Miami DL. - I really hope the "replay thread" and/or Bedard will break down some of the blocking schemes that led to those 200 yds. For the most part Josh dictated the tempo and had his team exploiting a myriad of mismatches throughout this game. And 5 for 5 in the red zone is the kind of execution we'd been looking for all season.
BTW- I remember a time when the Pats were an excellent screen team. Those were the days. Can anyone remember a screen pass that went more than 5 yds in recent memory? I can't. Sometimes I wonder if they are just too elaborate.
b. QB - Brady only threw for 227 yds, yet it seemed like more. He "only" completed 69% of his passes, though it seemed like it was better. Once again he demonstrated great mobility within the pocket (it is really fun to watch), and his signature overall toughness in the face of all together too many hits was lauditory I didn't find the Suh hit to be egregious, just powerful. I thought Alonzo's hit wasn't late, but clearly he didn't need to throw the flipper (though that is what I would have done back in the day.
)I'm sure there will be a healthy discussion on whether Brady should have been pulled earlier, but I hope it won't be done here. Also, I was a bit worried about Brady's Achilles issue prior to the is game. It is such a "sore" subject, and can be so debilitating. I was pleased to see that any concern I had was unfounded.
In his presser Brady explained he basically made a dumb throw into coverage on the pick. He evidently tried to force the ball into a window that was closed shut. It happens I guess, to the best of them, and Brady IS still the best of them.
c. OL - Just when I was thinking that Ted Karras was going to Wally Pipp David Andrews, he made a few blunders to bring us all down to earth. His errant snap, while right on target, was clearly ill timed, and shouldn't happen, especially in a home game. I wonder what his explanation was to Dante on the sideline. Whatever he said, Dante was buying any of it.
. I also saw a play or two where Suh or the other DT jacked Karras back a few yds into the backfield on runs. I would expect that from Andrews from time to time, but I had hoped the stronger and bigger Karras would fare better. On the other hand, there were several times Karras got to the 2nd level and was very effective opening up run lanes for Lewis and Burkhead.I think it was Mason who was beat that one time and allowed Suh's hit on Brady. Waddle got backed into Brady by Wake at least once that I saw, and of course when he went out there was Flemming's sack. On the other hand, early season whipping boys Solder and Thuney both were pretty clean, at least from what I saw. And while there certainly too many hits on Brady, the overall protection was pretty good, maybe a B, B-.
Finally, anytime you have to start a backup C, who is playing his 2nd game at the position.....EVER, and you are down to your #3 RT and you run for 200 yds and give up only one sack, it is a pretty remarkable result. Don't you think? It's all about having perspective
d. RB's - NOW I am seeing the Dion Lewis from early 2015. It wasn't until this game, that I saw some of the same explosiveness and quickness we marveled at back then. Earlier in the season, it was good, but not THIS good. If we can keep him healthy, he is going to be a big problem for the rest of the league trying to stop this offense.
Have you ever seen a RB go from the "go to guy" to virtually invisible as fast as James White has in the offense in recent weeks, especially in the passing game. He had only 3 touches for 15 yds. Nothing against White, but it really points out the vagueries of the Pats offense and remind us again that we can never tell who is going to be "the guy" from week to week. It must be hell to pick Pats skill players in fantasy football, with the exception perhaps of Brady.
Which leads me to Mike Gillislee...our latest whipping boy. Mike was a healthy scratch for the 3rd week in a row. But I would venture it was less about how well he was playing and more about how well the OTHER 3 guys are playing. There is just no room on the game day roster for 4 RB's, especially one who has limited ST's value. When an injury finally does happen to the RB group, I'm comfortable Gillislee will provide the quality depth we are seeing on the OL.
e. Receivers - Once again Brady hit 8 different receivers within the first half, with Gronk and Cooks providing most of the impact and yardage.
Do you ever get the feeling that the Pats could make Gronk a featured receiver like this EVERY game, but just choose not to. The same goes for Cooks. Imagine the DC who is facing the Pats and trying to figure out who you have to cover, KNOWING that, while you HAVE to pay special attention to Cooks and Gronk, you also know that both could be merely decoys for that game.
Well today was the Gronk and Cooks show and now everyone knows it exists. I will be very surprised if next week they will both be so prominent.
2 Defense -
a General thoughts - Well last week I was wondering about the state of a Pats defense that had to give extensive snaps to the likes of Trevor Reilly, and Marquise Flowers. Now we might have to figure out what we are going to do to replace them. PLUS Kyle Van Noy.
File that one under, "be careful what you wish for".The key defensive stat (beyond the 10 points they gave up) was the 2 for 11 (18%) 3rd down conversion rate. Anything under 40% is excellent. As the secondary continues to solidify, assuming the Pats will have enough bodies to put on the field, Patricia will continue to produce a solid, if totally unspectacular, front seven.
b. Front Seven - Did Alan Branch get on the field today? If he did, it wasn't for many snaps. Is he back in BB's doghouse. Despite the lack of any impact from Branch, Miami got only about 70 yds rushing and the Pats did a nice job on several short yardage situations.
AND there were SEVEN sacks. I repeat 7 sacks. That's almost a third of the 24 of their season total.
It was pretty fun to watch, including 2 each by Trey Flowers and Elandon Roberts. Eric Lee joined the team AND the sack stat list with a great execution of an inside twist. Both of Roberts' sacks were the result of some excellent scheming by Matty P.c. Secondary - When I saw that Jonathan Jones led the team in tackles, I reminded of a game I was played one time against former Giant TE, Bob Tucker. It was a game I led the Atlantic Coast league back in 1969 in tackles with 18 IIRC. The problem was, that for most of that game, I had to cover Tucker one on one. So whenever they wanted to get a first down, they simply sent Tucker out and threw him the ball. He was 6'4. I was 6'. I'd jump. He'd jump. He'd catch the ball, and I'd tackle him. So about 10 of those tackles were due to my ineptness in covering him. I was always so close too.
In my dotage, I'd like to think my effort propelled Tucker into a 12 year NFL career with both the Giants and Vikings, while I was propelled into a long teaching and coaching career.
But to get back to the point, Jones had a lot of tackles, while his man, Landry, had a lot of catches.I kept waiting for Matty to make a switch, or try to double Landry with a LB, but it never happened. BTW- I really think Landry is a ****, but he's the kind of **** I wouldn't mind having on MY team. The guy always plays hard, regardless of score or how the rest of his team is playing
Gilmore continues to show why got the big money. Parker had one catch for 5 yds. BTW- I would contend that Gilmore should have gotten that pick at the end of the game. If he'd gotten credit for it, he would have had more catches than the guy he was covering.
Harmon totally pirated that one.Butler did a good job on Stills. Only the 37 yd PI marred his game. And the TE (Chung) did very little in the game until garbage time.
You know when I look at this defense, It kind of reminds me of the 2011 D. Back then the front 7 was pretty solid, while the secondary was recruiting Edleman to play the nickel, and Earthwind Morland was a star.
This year, its the secondary that is the strength of the D, while the front 7 seems to be getting it down with blue smoke and mirrors.3. Special Teams.
a. I don't think it was a coincidence that while special teams players were dropping like flies, starting with Ebner, that Miami managed to get past the 25 two or three times. IIRC there was only one short kick that was stopped inside the 20.
b. That being said, it was a gutsy call and a great play designed by Joe Judge, and executed by the punt team that got the Pats started on this rout. However given the cost, I would have rather the Pats had just punted the damned ball, and we'd have a healthy Ebner.
4. General thoughts.
a. Can't love the 7 penalties for 70 yds. It's a regression from recent weeks, though half the yardage was on the PI. The one that pissed me off was Gronk's motion penalty that helped kill a drive. That CAN'T happen when you are at home.
b. I'm OK with the almost late hits on Brady, but the missed call on the face mask of Lewis was inexcusable and marred what I thought was a decent job by that officiating crew.
c. I hope the Bills beating KC in KC will give BB plenty of motivation for next week's game. The Bills are always a tough out in Buffalo, and I'd hate to think this will become a trap game. If that isn't enough to prove that ANY NFL team can beat another on any given Sunday, the fact that the Steelers needed another last second FG to beat the hapless Packer AT HOME! From the highlights Antonio Brown really saved their asses with a great game.
Other surprises were AZ beating Jax. The Jets and Colts staying close to the Panthers and the Titans. Remember in any close game your team is subject to "sh!t happening". Bad calls, lucky bounces, and other assorted blunders, can lose a game you probably SHOULD win.
d. Speaking of the Steelers. While the Steelers could very well win a few weeks down the road, the Pats will ALWAYS have an edge on the sidelines. If you need another example. While the toothless Packers where an inch away from a 2 TD upset, Mike Tomlin, before the game, was already talking about the Pats game.
e. The more I think on it the more I believe that THIS is going to be Josh McDaniels last season. I think the Giants are going to clean house after the season and they will push hard for Josh. In fact I think the offer will include bringing Nick Casserio in to be GM. BB still loves the Giants franchise, and would have to recommend he take it. I worry about it because, while it would hurt to lose Josh, losing Casserio too would be a very big blow for us.
f. BTW - BB waxed poetic about Greg Schianno getting the job at Tennessee. He mentioned several time how much Schianno has taught HIM over the years. Plus how much his former players loved playing for him and remain close even now. Well it turns out the Vols, pulled their offer, (a whole nuther issue) and I can't help wonder if he might now wind up here IF/when Josh leaves.
OK, that's it to start with. More than I expected to come out, but less than usual. Certainly a lot better than the 3am sessions when its a late game.
. Feel free again to add your comments and insights and begin the discussion of what we saw today and what kind of a team we will have next week. Ebner, I fear is done. I hope the rest of group were just dinged. I don't expect Cannon back until Miami, the same for Hogan and Andrews. All three need to get at least one week of partial practice time before getting back in the flow. Rowe, who was limited this week is a possibility. Be prepared my friends. The injury report next Wednesday is going to be ENORMOUS. Pleasant dreams.
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