What can the Pats learn from Indy.

[Oswlek]

I think if you take a step back and look at it in hindsight on a game by game basis you will find that lack of talent, unfamiliarity with WR's, inconsistent player availability, and uneven execution - and not the game plan or failure to adjust which those situations directly impacted an ability to - were at the root of the problem in 2006. And I firmly believe that 12-4 and three minutes from a 19th game in Miami under the circumstances was a moral victory for the coaches and the system so to speak.

I agree with this sentiment. I do think that there were times that McDaniel's inexperience reared its head, but now - just like any young player - he will have the offeseason to evaluate his performance and improve.

 

[RayClay]

Which is precisely what happened against KC and Balitmore.

Against NE, the loss of Dillon and Faulk as well as Maroney's ineffectiveness forced them to be a predictible pass offense. Add either of those guys back in and Indy never has the chance to make their drive at the end.

Maybe, but our healthy defense wouldn't have allowed long drive after long drive. That's usually our game. We needed some vets to be in top form because there was little behind them. Rolled the dice and lost on DB an LB depth.

Chicago was a different animal. Indy's D in the playoffs was all about stopping the run and the long ball. That is all Chicago knows how to do. Their passing offense absent the long toss is abysmal.

I am not saying that Indy didn't deserve to win the SB. In fact, sometimes it makes it sweeter when you know that you overcame long odds to pull something off. The luster of the 2001 SB will never go away for me precisely because of this.

But it is still the truth that Indy will need a perfect combination of opposition quality and health to have any chance of winning another SB as they are currently constituted.

That is the point though, isn't it. Indy's looked much more impressive, but they didn't win. It's about doing what it takes to win a few key games.

The Pats had a shot, that's all I ask.

There's never a guaranteed year.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

That is the point though, isn't it. Indy's looked much more impressive, but they didn't win. It's about doing what it takes to win a few key games.

The Pats had a shot, that's all I ask.

There's never a guaranteed year.[/QUOTE]

Well said. Unless you're the <coughcoltscough>

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

Saying we need a new OC is the same as saying Belichick doesn't know what he's doing and/or he scared to replace as assistant.

And I really didn't see the OC as being the true crux of the problem,though he definitely had a hand in it at times. But anyone would be crazy to get rid of him at this stage of the game-at the very least you give him another year. Had he screwed up the 03-04 team I'd be calling for his head but this offense struggled early on for reasons besides just coaching. Those other reasons should resolve themselves and then we'll have a clearer view of McDaniels.
He'll be alright.He's young,he's bright,and he's in a system that works.He should have a more cohesive and experienced unit to work with next year.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

Our playmakers on defense are old or gone. Only the DLine is young and of superior talent.

Mcginest is gone, Bruschi on the downside and Vrabel not far away if he doesn't get help.

If Rodney's back, it won't be for long and Artrell is an older vet too.

The DLine will lead the way while we transition to new leaders.

That's how I see it. What huge losses-Harrison,Vrabel,Bru. Ouch.

 

[RayClay]

That's how I see it. What huge losses-Harrison,Vrabel,Bru. Ouch.

Add a few key defensive players and we still have a young vet corps emerging.

Can you say Seymour Wilfork and Warren? And we're young on offense all around besides Dillon.

I'd like to see them add some young talent while they can still be schooled by Bru, Vrabes and Rodney.

Their linebacker replacement program has me , though and they need talent at DB.

If they draft all tight ends and linemen I might blow a gasket!!!:bricks:

 

[ATippett56]

Our playmakers on defense are old or gone. Only the DLine is young and of superior talent.

Mcginest is gone, Bruschi on the downside and Vrabel not far away if he doesn't get help.

If Rodney's back, it won't be for long and Artrell is an older vet too.

The DLine will lead the way while we transition to new leaders.

I hope the New England Patriots are serious about drafting linebackers this year. The New England Patriots can't rely on Bruschi, Vrabel, and possibly Seau turning back the clock. Heck, Ponce de Leon never found the fountain of youth.

 

[jczxohn1]

One of the main points I think we might learn from the Colts is that you can't base your defense on role players if the opposition can run a hurry-up offense based on the run and the pass. Trust me, we will see that again next year.

It is better to have healthy starters. Can't get over what a difference Bob Sanders made to the Colts D.

Speed, speed, speed. The Colts play a 4-3, we don't, but we need more speed.

The Colts had the best O-line in the game this year.