We're On to Arizona

[BobDigital]

Still a few back roster moves to make but it seems the we have most of it worked out. So thoughts on this match up?

With Palmer pass rush will matter a lot as will limiting the passing game particularly with David Johnson who can get first down after first down.

Anthony Johnson and Collins will be key in this game on defense.

On offense we just need to take advantage of turnovers and field position when we get it. Ideally we get a defensive score cause it will be hard to get a lot of points on this D with Jimmy G. The OL needs to have a good game and staying away from the middle of the field would be smart as AZ does have the best slot CB in the game.

 

[long distance]

I just hope that keeping 4 OTs doesn't mean Solder is not starting.
I guess keeping 10 OL also means Cooper and Mason are no go.

They kept a lot of support for running game: Develin, Harbor, Fleming.
Still I expect a lot of suffering on the offense.
Deffense should be fun. They might have a lot of extra minutes. Don't think they'll mind.

We could win it - but my hunch is on turnovers.

 

[Bradyking12]

I think our defense will step up very well, i think its possible we win a close one in a nail biter. Our defense is the top key to us winning the first four games.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Without Tom, I think the first four games might feel like an extension of the preseason, or a strike season.

We should look for positives, and be encouraged by them, win or lose.

I don't expect us to hit our stride until after midseason, and as we've done in prior title-winning years, improve in November-December.

 

[Bradyking12]

I just hope that keeping 4 OTs doesn't mean Solder is not starting.
I guess keeping 10 OL also means Cooper and Mason are no go.

They kept a lot of support for running game: Develin, Harbor, Fleming.
Still I expect a lot of suffering on the offense.
Deffense should be fun. They might have a lot of extra minutes. Don't think they'll mind.

We could win it - but my hunch is on turnovers.

Yea i'm already expecting a pick/fumble/ strip fumble following a sack all 3 when it comes to our D going against AZ offense.

 

[oldrover]

 

[Delicate Genius]

4-0

 

[goheels22002]

Just wondering what Bruce Ariens will do when he sees a four wide set with Gronk, Bennett, Amendola, and Edelman. He'll probably forget to cover DJ Foster on the wheel route.

 

[BobDigital]

Just wondering what Bruce Ariens will do when he sees a four wide set with Gronk, Bennett, Amendola, and Edelman. He'll probably forget to cover DJ Foster on the wheel route.

There are only 2 slot CBs that can defend Edelman and one is on AZ. However covering Bennett, Gronk, Hogan and Foster will be tough.

 

[long distance]

Just wondering what Bruce Ariens will do when he sees a four wide set with Gronk, Bennett, Amendola, and Edelman. He'll probably forget to cover DJ Foster on the wheel route.

Id be surprised if he sees Amendola much. Hogan is another story.
Come to think of it - at the moment he is our only 100% ready WR.
But I prefer this risk to a bunch of suspect WRs.
Edelman should be close to his former self. And Foster could be revelation as backup WR not only RB.

 

[Guts]

How good is AZ on paper? Anyone know if they have key guys injured?

 

[Wheelman]

There are only 2 slot CBs that can defend Edelman and one is on AZ. However covering Bennett, Gronk, Hogan and Foster will be tough.

Who?

 

[BobDigital]

Who?

Tyrann Mathieu. He was a big binkie of mine a few years ago AKA Honey Badger. He was a steal in the 3rd and we should have taken him. Him along with Chris Harris are the 2 best slot CBs in the NFL by a good amount and the only 2 guys capable of covering Edelman in the slot.

Personally I think Tyrann is a hair better than Chris but is it close.

 

[BobDigital]

The key about the AZ defense really centers on Peterson and Mathieu taking out 2 of your guys. They have a lot of other good D players but their pass rush is not amazing. They run a 3-4 and tend to come at you from weird angles though which could be bad particularly for a new QB.

Deone Buchanan is a guy a lot of people here wanted but plays a kind of tweener position as a coverage LB/S. Of course they have Chandler Jones will can be pretty good. But their D is built on their coverage and their run stopping.

On offense they have a group of good WRs and a very good 2 way RB who can pass and run.

 

[102 Pat]

I wonder if BB tries to take advantage of any weaknesses of Jones, he could be baited into mistakes being hyped up facing his old team.

 

[long distance]

In 3rd game vs Houston the only thing working in their offense was a string of really good versatile RBs.
It will be interesting to see how we stop that.

They struggled in their secondary without Mathieu. Still looks like there will be a lot of room in the backfield for Hogan, Gronk, Bennett (or Derby).

 

[QB12]

How good is AZ on paper? Anyone know if they have key guys injured?

Let me ask the Panthers and I'll get back to you.

 

[long distance]

Here is a very good breakdown of 53 roster - with rookies and injuries marked.

Patriots 53-Man Roster Set (for now) - PatsPropaganda

 

[patsinthesnow]

The path to victory likely is our defense overwhelming Palmer & co.

The CB matchups will be key. Coleman (or Cyrus) will have their biggest matchup of the year vs. Fitzgerald in the slot.

Ryan/McCourty - Floyd
Butler - Brown
Coleman - Fitzgerald

Our third CB could be targeted a ton.

 

[long distance]

The path to victory likely is our defense overwhelming Palmer & co.

The CB matchups will be key. Coleman (or Cyrus) will have their biggest matchup of the year vs. Fitzgerald in the slot.

Ryan/McCourty - Floyd
Butler - Brown
Coleman - Fitzgerald

Our third CB could be targeted a ton.

Harmon was a monster in preseason. He was all over the place. Maybe he can give a hand w Fitzgerald.