We're on to Pittsburgh

[ViperGTS]

Nah, I've already been reading that he's almost certain to be here. The fact that the other game is in ATL pretty much solidifies this. He can't hide in the city of Atlanta forever.

I've seen nothing about it and he sure can go back to Atlanta. He'd of shown up earlier this season just to get it out of the way. He ain't going to show up and fire TB and crew up even more.

In fact, maybe you are right. It would be an incredibly dumb thing to do so why the hell not? It's the NFL's modus operandi.

 

[JMC00]

The two refs this next round will most likely be Vinovich and Clete Blakeman...the crews have yet to be assigned

Well you know what game that idiot Blakeman is getting assigned to.

 

[Gronkowski123]

Tomlin = ****sucker

He is one of BB's many *****es!!!

 

[SVN]

 

[supafly]

I've seen nothing about it and he sure can go back to Atlanta. He'd of shown up earlier this season just to get it out of the way. He ain't going to show up and fire TB and crew up even more.

In fact, maybe you are right. It would be an incredibly dumb thing to do so why the hell not? It's the NFL's modus operandi.

He hasn't been here in 2 years and was just at Atlanta's game yesterday. If he chooses to go back to Atlanta and hide from the entire fan base of NE, he will look ridiculous. The feeling is that he would've gone to Dallas had they won, but now he doesn't really have any choice.

We will see how it plays out. Personally, I don't really care. I may actually be more paranoid if he is at Gillette.

 

[Guts]

I think Mitchell being out was an issue. Also, I think that it was the first game that rally mattered w/o Gronk. They'll learn and move on better for it I imagine.

Crédit to the Texans D too. RAC had a great scheme

 

[BobDigital]

This is going to actually be a fairly boring week. I just don't think their is a lot to talk about particularly when it comes to our D vs their O.

Basically it comes down to Butler on Brown with safety shading to that side. Limit Bell running and keep a spy on him when he goes into the flat. Is Green healthy or not? That is pretty much it when it comes to talking about our D vs their O. Those are the important stories lines. Can they do it and will Green be good to go? Nothing else matters.

The O vs their D is a more interesting conversation. But really it comes down to this. Can the OL protect Brady? If yes then your conversation stops. I believe the OTs will again do very well. It is more about the IOL and if that can be exploited again. I think Scar will handle it. If the OL holds the rest of their D isn't important cause Brady will pick it apart. If it doesn't hold well other things matter. Their rush D is okay. Their pass D is average (I look at defensive passer rating more than yards). They don't usually get much pressure with 4 and their DBs are only okay.

 

[A Defiant Goose]

He's already talking about being back for the NFCCG

Add 2 weeks to that

That's pretty nuts Idon't think he'd make it through any full game

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

I think Mitchell being out was an issue. Also, I think that it was the first game that rally mattered w/o Gronk. They'll learn and move on better for it I imagine.

Agreed. I think Mitchell was missed/Floyd's newness showed through.

And the Patriots better learn. According to how Tomlin calculates time we have only 51.5 hours until kickoff. But seriously, our offense needs to be watching and practicing and planning for the (900 pound gorilla in the room) 'what if' their pass coverage plays up tight, crowds the middle, takes away that quick read-pass. How do we exploit it/make them pay for it? Houston gave us plenty of video on the underbelly and, assuming their is an answer, what adjustments would be needed (as needed). IMHO if a team can't successfully do what Houston did then our chances are very solid against any remaining team.

 

[drewskie]

You beat PIT by throwing the football. I see Dion playing a pivotal role again. Teams don't know if we're running or throwing with him in there at RB.

Butler on AB with safety help over the top. You sell out to stop Bell.

 

[edkk323]

Every year it's either Manning, Big Ben, Flacco kind of crazy

The opponents say: " Every year it's always Tom Brady, it is fking insane"

 

[drewskie]

Agreed. I think Mitchell was missed/Floyd's newness showed through.

And the Patriots better learn. According to how Tomlin calculates time we have only 51.5 hours until kickoff. But seriously, our offense needs to be watching and practicing and planning for the (900 pound gorilla in the room) 'what if' their pass coverage plays up tight, crowds the middle, takes away that quick read-pass. How do we exploit it/make them pay for it? Houston gave us plenty of video on the underbelly and, assuming their is an answer, what adjustments would be needed (as needed). IMHO if a team can't successfully do what Houston did then our chances are very solid against any remaining team.

The good thing is none of the remaining defenses has the personnel to execute a scheme that Houston was able to do to get us out of our rhythm.

Of note, is that while you can never show ARod the same look too often, the key to slowing him down is by bringing pressure from the edge (to keep him in the pocket and hold onto the ball longer than he'd like). If you sit back in coverage, his ability to scramble and throw with accuracy will demoralize any defense including ours.

 

[fnordcircle]

I'm super excited for this game and the winner will be the ones who hoist the Lombardi imo.

We've got a lot to improve but we're not going to be facing a D like Houston's, that's for sure.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I'm super excited for this game and the winner will be the ones who hoist the Lombardi imo.

We've got a lot to improve but we're not going to be facing a D like Houston's, that's for sure.

That is the single biggest thing is that Pittsburgh defense is not nearly as tight as Houston's. We should be able to out score Pittsburgh, if we bring our "A" game on offense.

We already know the defense is bringing theirs,

 

[gatsby47]

He's already talking about being back for the NFCCG

Add 2 weeks to that

If Atlanta doesn't "see" a big round target on his right side, just a wee pile on him might be enough for him to be re injured. It wont be pretty but it might also be dangerous to Nelson's after football life. I don't believe he can make to the big show if he plays in Atlanta next Sunday. It will have to be some Flak jacket!

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

He hasn't been here in 2 years and was just at Atlanta's game yesterday. If he chooses to go back to Atlanta and hide from the entire fan base of NE, he will look ridiculous. The feeling is that he would've gone to Dallas had they won, but now he doesn't really have any choice.

We will see how it plays out. Personally, I don't really care. I may actually be more paranoid if he is at Gillette.

Odds are 3 to 1 against it Sup .

While I see your logic I just don't see Roger coming to Foxboro quite yet. Roger's bad name hasn't been in the MSM for a while and I think he'd like to keep it that way. While it could drum up lots of free media, I think a super icy reception caught on TV is something Roger doesn't want.
So either he goes to ATL or his schedule will be suspiciously "too full to attend" (possibilities: he will be busy sharpening up on his 'physics' of air pressure acumen, he finally found a way to talk to his daughters about...Ray Rice, or the likeliest scenario that it conflicts with his prearranged series of visits to an orphanage, a house being built for a poor family and an animal shelter).

 

[supafly]

IMHO if a team can't successfully do what Houston did then our chances are very solid against any remaining team.

As long as the defense continues to play at such a high level, I like our chances to some degree. I think we go as far as that side of the ball takes us, particularly with the 3 "other" high powered offenses still in the mix.

 

[supafly]

Odds are 3 to 1 against it Sup .

While I see your logic I just don't see Roger coming to Foxboro quite yet. Roger's bad name hasn't been in the MSM for a while and I think he'd like to keep it that way. While it could drum up lots of free media, I think a super icy reception caught on TV is something Roger doesn't want.
So either he goes to ATL or his schedule will be suspiciously "too full to attend" (possibilities: he will be busy sharpening up on his 'physics' of air pressure acumen, he finally found a way to talk to his daughters about...Ray Rice, or the likeliest scenario that it conflicts with his prearranged series of visits to an orphanage, a house being built for a poor family and an animal shelter).

Are those really the odds? Or was it not intended for literal interpretation? I'm not being sarcastic. I honestly have no idea.

You guys may be right. I just think that he's painted into a corner having already attended the city of Atlanta this weekend. It's going to look weird as hell. It was a thought that was being circulated by some mediots on twitter, and there was even a link to it here on our newsfeed. I don't know if there's any truth to it or not, but in my opinion, he's still going to bring attention, while also looking like a major wussy.

 

[Brick27]

Definitely interesting if Roger doubles up and goes to Atlanta two straight weeks. On top of that, if Atlanta wins, maybe it would even give conspiracy theorists some ammo and they'll somehow tie it to Roger cozying up in Atlanta for two straight weekends.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

As long as the defense continues to play at such a high level, I like our chances to some degree. I think we go as far as that side of the ball takes us, particularly with the 3 "other" high powered offenses still in the mix.

Fair point. The Patriots' offensive potency isn't quite as sharp as in some years past (it's potent just not as potent). The balance of a solid and capable D is definitely needed to get us to number 5 (though I think the O if it gets hot could carry a game).

No doubt we will really need the D against our potential SB opponent. Either ATL or GB is capable of racking up yards, drives and points. But I'm not as sold on needing it as critically against Pitt. Yes we'll need it no doubt. Yet being unable to score a single TD against KC? KC's not a bad D but not a single TD? While it could have simply been an off night for their red zone O, it should be troubling to any Pitt fan to see not a single TD. I tell ya, KC is the only, formerly, remaining team they could get away with that with.