Two Weeks to Re-coup and get healthy

[DaBruinz]

The Pats O-line was really run through the ringer tonight. Hochstein, O'Callaghan and Britt did an adequate, but not fantastic job. It hurt the running game and the passing game.

Hopefully, the Pats will get Kyle Brady, Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur back. As well as Willie Andrews.

 

[PatsFan24]

Yep, that would be good. If we play the Steelers or Jags it is going to be a very physical first game.

 

[363839]

The Pats O-line was really run through the ringer tonight. Hochstein, O'Callaghan and Britt did an adequate, but not fantastic job. It hurt the running game and the passing game.

Hopefully, the Pats will get Kyle Brady, Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur back. As well as Willie Andrews.

Of all the players you mention I think the Pats missed KB the most.
Not that we didn't miss the other guys, too.

 

[chrisfx811]

It was nice to see the Pats get through this game despite the injuries.
Another thing the media won't mention nearly as much as they do with the Colts.
The Pats have won despite injuries, some bad games, etc.

I hope the extra week off translates into a rested & ready defense for the playoffs. 4 TD's to the Giants is a rough way to finish.

 

[RobertWeathers]

This is the best post of the day.

The Pats need to take some time and enjoy their accomplishment. It's well deserved. Life is not worth living unless you can stop and enjoy it for a bit.

Over the next two weeks, I'm sure BB will say something like, "What you've accomplished is a tremendous achievement, but if you recall that was not our goal at the start of the season. Nor was the TD record, or points scored, etc. Our goal was to win the Superbowl. We need to do the things that will prepare us to be competitive on January 12th. We need to focus on that. If we can do that and execute successfully, everything will take care of itself."

 

[mosi]

I have a feeling that we are going to see a different Patriots team once the playoffs start. Even the game against the giants was handled in a way to minimize what other teams could scout. We are going to see a more aggressive defense and a more balanced offense.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I have a feeling that we are going to see a different Patriots team once the playoffs start. Even the game against the giants was handled in a way to minimize what other teams could scout. We are going to see a more aggressive defense and a more balanced offense.[/QUOTE

I'm not sure about that. They ran the ball about 45% of the time this year. If you go back and look at every Pats playoff game in the BB era, they have thrown more than they have ran.

I do agree with you on the defense side. They will force teams to beat them through the air (with exception to the Colts or Pitt) and load the box with 7-8 players and attempt to stop the run. (See JAX, Cle, SD)

 

[DaBruinz]

This is the best post of the day.

The Pats need to take some time and enjoy their accomplishment. It's well deserved. Life is not worth living unless you can stop and enjoy it for a bit.

Over the next two weeks, I'm sure BB will say something like, "What you've accomplished is a tremendous achievement, but if you recall that was not our goal at the start of the season. Nor was the TD record, or points scored, etc. Our goal was to win the Superbowl. We need to do the things that will prepare us to be competitive on January 12th. We need to focus on that. If we can do that and execute successfully, everything will take care of itself."

Thanks for the kind words, RW.

I have to agree with what you said about BB and the team taking the time to enjoy what they've accomplished. It would seem that some people on this board can't comprehend that.

 

[captain stone]

I hope that everybody takes the entire week off, and reports for duty one week from tomorrow rested, relaxed and refreshed. And healthy, too; so we don't have to watch Ventrone and Spann allow any more KO returns for TDs. Troy Brown would have done a better job than either of them.

 

[fnordcircle]

I have a feeling that we are going to see a different Patriots team once the playoffs start. Even the game against the giants was handled in a way to minimize what other teams could scout. We are going to see a more aggressive defense and a more balanced offense.

What we're going to see is a different Tom Brady on the other side of the 50 yard line because with Randy getting his record hopefully Tom stops forcing it into him.

 

[i support BB]

I'd like to see Troy Brown returning punts in the playoffs. Even though he muffed that one vs Miami, he's still very reliable back there with alot of playoff expierence

 

[Fencer]

I'd like to see Troy Brown returning punts in the playoffs. Even though he muffed that one vs Miami, he's still very reliable back there with alot of playoff expierence

Troy muffed a playoff punt once too.

 

[i support BB]

Everyone does at some point in time. I just feel like Troy Brown back there would be best for everyone because thats the only thing he would be concerned with. If we put Welker or Hobbs back there, they are doing 2 things, I just think it's best for the team. I'm not saying Welker and Hobbs can't handle it, it's just if we have the right guy for it why not use him.

 

[PatsSteve1]

Everyone does at some point in time. I just feel like Troy Brown back there would be best for everyone because thats the only thing he would be concerned with. If we put Welker or Hobbs back there, they are doing 2 things, I just think it's best for the team. I'm not saying Welker and Hobbs can't handle it, it's just if we have the right guy for it why not use him.

Things like this depend on who's healthy and if Troy is on the 45 man roster, who then isn't. BB switches the 45 man roster around depending largely on the opponent and gameplan. we don't even know who the opponent is yet.