PostGame Thread Official PostGame Thread - 2023 Week 7 - Patriots Win 29-25

[Sicilian]

PLAY OF THE GAME:

Final drive, 3rd and 8, Mac made a brilliant throw, stepped up into the pocket, there was even a light pass rush. He stepped into it, threw hard, passed 2 defenders, right into Henry's arms for 14 yards. That to me was the game.

Another encouraging thing on that drive: First and goal from the 1, in a situation where Buffalo KNOWS you can't run without giving up the rest of your attempts. And they get the TD on the 2nd down (and could have had it on 1st, but I think Mac was making sure it was either a TD or incomplete). Much like running out a clock even though a team knows you're going to run, any time you can still win plays when there's no mystery to what you're doing, it's a good sign to me. Stuff to build on.

 

[Rob0729]

Today showed the biggest issue with the offense up until this point was not Mac Jones, not the receivers, and not the play calling. It was the offensive line. The move of Owenu to RT changed the offense on a dime.

The offense was far from perfect, but it was even farther from what it was the last three or four weeks.

Also, part of the reason I still question Belichick is that he finally did things fans have been crying for for weeks like moving Owenu to RT and playing Pop Douglas more. Also ironic that some of the biggest play makers on this offense today are a late round pick, a player that was in the doghouse all last year, and a player signed to the practice squad in August after the Colts cut him over his second round pick, player he just extended, and his biggest free agent move this past season.

 

[Love The Drake]

Is he worth even that? 14 yards in 2 games. He's clearly not part of the offense.

I think you could sell it based off his past success.

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

100% agree. Caleb Williams is a generational talent who will be at Mahomes level for a decade or more. Anyone on this board who says they do not want him is insane

Not if he’s drafted by the Bears he wont.

Mahomes is great but connecting with Andy Reid was huge for both parties careers.

 

[Joey007]

This usually how I feel too. Still a fun game, Mac got a gsme winning drive for once

I’m still out on Mac overall. But a game like this may finally give him the confidence boost he needs. We’ll see.

 

[Sicilian]

So what do all the Strange haters think now?
It was immediately MUCH better in the inside rush with him instead of Mafi.
And Sow faired pretty well. I wonder if Onwenu is okay moving to RT full time?

If Brown, Strange, Andrews, and Onwenu (at RT) all play to their level, I think Sow can be adequate at RG. OLs can withstand one weak link usually. It's when there's two+ that defense just start blowing games up. Strange had a great game today!

 

[upstater1]

OK... I'm going to blow up some of the party here. The Bills hav e looked like dreck for 3 straight weeks, and the fans are talking about firing coaches.

I still see the same problems on this team as before. A very limited offense. Injuries.

 

[rogerthat]

Would the Eagles give up a second for Dugger?

I do that deal all day if they would.

 

[vicspats]

Based on game results today, and an assumption that Chargers will lose to Chiefs, Steelers will lose to Rams, and Dolphins will lose to Eagles later today/tomorrow:

Division winners:
Chiefs 6-1
Dolphins 5-2
Jaguars 5-2
Ravens 5-2
----
Wild card:
Buffalo 4-3
Colts 4-3
Steelers 3-3
----
Browns 3-3
Texans 3-3
Jets 3-3
Bengals 3-3
Raiders 3-4
Chargers 2-4
Titans 2-4
Patriots 2-5
Broncos 1-6

Patriots would only be 1.5 games behind the last wild card spot. Certainly not insurmountable. Plus many of the teams ahead of them have to play each other still, or still have to play several tough games. The Pats are mostly clearing their "tough" stretch.

If they can go 2-1 against Miami/Washington/Indianapolis before their bye week then I think they'll be primed to rest up and make a run after their bye against Giants/Chargers/Steelers/Chiefs/Broncos/Bills/Jets. That's a much softer slate - those are all teams they can beat if they play their A game like today, with the possible exception of KC, though maybe still.

I dare say chasing from behind might be more exciting and way less stressful than always leading the charge ..

 

[rogerthat]

If Brown, Strange, Andrews, and Onwenu (at RT) all play to their level, I think Sow can be adequate at RG. OLs can withstand one weak link usually. It's when there's two+ that defense just start blowing games up. Strange had a great game today!

Actually I think Sow is going to turn into a good football player. There is a lot to like there.

 

[50-yard-line]

I feel like Sylvio doing a Godfather impression on the Sopranos.

Well, there go my draft simulations...
Seriously, though, that was a big game for Mac Jones. I'm not a fan, not a believer, but that game will go a long way as a good start. Not more than that, but a good start. Keep it going, build on it. We'll see.
I love this defense. Even missing so many big pieces, they're for real and will be for a few years to come. Jennings is stepping up, as is Barmore, finally. Pay Peppers, please.

On the offense:
PAY ONWENU and make him your RT going forward. FULL EFFING STOP. Quit playing stupid games with "potential" guys plucked from other teams and go with the guy who can actually do it - Onwenu. Sow looked pretty beastly at RG, too.

Unload Juju and Parker at first opportunity and let Pop and Bourne lead the way with Boutte, Reagor, and Thornton fighting it out for 3/4.

Pharoah Brown has made a believer of me. Get him the ball.

They really need to play out this year learning how to win and truly seeing who's got it and who doesn't.

 

[jdlboot14]

Before today - it seemed we have to assume every game is a likely loss.
After today - Dolphins & Chiefs are the only games that we assume a loss.
Imagine the possibility of finishing 10-7 !?!?
I know - one game a time. Let's shock the Fins next!

 

[JR52]

Bill pretty much admits the reason why Pop hasn't been getting as many reps as a lot of people feel he should is ball security.

 

[vicspats]

Told ya guys.

4 starters out on defense is just not something that can be easily replaced.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

A lot to like about this game. The offensive line had its best game of the season against a good front. The defense did a good job creating pressure despite not having Judon, Uche or White. Jennings showed up in the run game a number of times. The secondary did a pretty good job on Diggs despite our best corner being done for the year. Seeing Douglas get yards after the catch I hope his role and targets increase. I loved all the pre-snap motion they did. The offense looked better without Parker getting many targets.

 

[Sicilian]

Actually I think Sow is going to turn into a good football player. There is a lot to like there.

I actually agree, it's just that he's a rookie who's bounced around the line a bit so far, so I'm expecting some rookie moments that look bad. But again, if the rest of the line is solid, they can 100% work with that setup on offense.

 

[stardawg]

Winning has a way of changing everyone's attitude and I've got to admit Mac had a good game.

 

[Pape]

But there's only 3 teams ahead of us in the division

only 3?

 

[Jim Beankie]

My 55-0 Pats victory prediction to balance those who voted a loss paid off. On to the dolphins!

Dangit! This is the week I forgot to put my Pats 24 Opponent 21. SMH.

 

[Free_Pacman]

100% agree. Caleb Williams is a generational talent who will be at Mahomes level for a decade or more. Anyone on this board who says they do not want him is insane

I graduated from USC’s medical school; I had season tickets for SC for a couple of years; I’m a SC fan.

I’m telling you: Caleb Williams is not who you think he is; he may very well be a good quarterback, but generational he is not.