I’ve seen enough from the Patriots offense for the last month to make me feel like they really could still break through. I know, it’s been 16 games and this sounds super homerish...I get it. But here’s what I see from the glass half full perspective:
- Harry is a legitimate threat (a month ago was completely written off). They know how to use him, which is to get him the ball on simpler concepts and let him use his athleticism.
- Meyers is a real wild card and could make a big difference, but it’s not like he’s the make-or-break player.
- The running game and pass protection have both vastly improved with Wynn’s return and just overall better blocking due to Scar.
- Maybe it’s time for Tom to ditch whatever homeopathic, ineffective snake oil he’s rubbing on the elbow. Put a brace on it, cortisone shot, whatever. It’s only 3 hours and now it’s the postseason. Destroy your body over 20 years only to refuse to use every advantage at this juncture? That’s really my biggest hope, that he uses the same legal remedies that other players would and isn’t going to throw away a season due to Alex Guerrero’s sacred teachings.
- Edelman will likely be doing whatever is necessary for playoff football, when it comes to having his body ready. I feel dirty typing this, like I’m sending a soldier to die, but the guy is such a warrior.
- Folk has been surprisingly very reliable.
- Burkhead is rounding into form at just the right time. They must have listened to this forum because they are using the pony formation now with White and Burkhead (and sometimes Roberts.). That formation and using Harry on runs are about the only deception/versatility options they have.
- Elandon Roberts gives at fullback who is at least competent.
- HOPEFULLY they’ll cut Sanu’s targets way, way down. Nothing good ever happens when he’s targeted. This is their last chance to figure out what the fans can plainly see. Their Xs and Os and analytics may say one thing; practical application is clearly not aligned. Guy should be seeing 4-5 targets per game. If they’re going to target him 10 times, they’re going to lose. It’s that simple.
On defense, Jason McCourty’s return should make a huge difference. I think against Houston and Miami it was shown very early that (a) zero blitz wasn’t going to work, and (b) it wasn’t Gilmore’s day/matchup. Gilmore should have been put on WR2 (especially Fuller) and they double Hopkins/Parker. Seemed incredibly stubborn and the team just didn’t make what seemed like obvious adjustments. Note both teams coached by former BB assistants.
The pieces are all there. This team is capable of winning a championship, bye or no bye. The biggest issues this team has is capitalizing on the easier plays..they blow so many gift wrapped receptions, open targets, and defensively outthink themselves by being too aggressive/elaborate when it isn’t necessary.
