Steve Balestrieri's Archive:

Tom Brady will try to replace Rob Gronkowski in their passing offense by going to Julian Edelman and spreading the ball around to other receivers.

The rivalry with a national stage on Monday Night Football, this one will have an intensity that will be a possible preview in the postseason.

When under no pressure, Flacco’s completed 70 percent of his passes this season with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions for a passer rating of 94.7.

John Madden who would foretell what was to come when he said, “What Tom Brady just did on that final drive, gave me goosebumps.”

“They respect me, and nothing changes in the game plan or anything if I’m in or Gronk’s out or anything like that. We just run our offense.”

While Brady is always quick to point out the team aspect of the game, his place in history is further cemented here and the moment will not be lost on him.

With the “Pony” backfield of James White and Dion Lewis in the passing game, there will be too many weapons to guard and the Patriots should find success.

This will change the Patriots offense, but at least the coaches have time to implement their changes before the playoffs start

After the Rams game at home this week, a game the Patriots should win, is when the crucible of this season’s schedule begins.

The Rams (4-7), continue their mediocrity under coach Jeff Fisher. They always teeter between making the jump to being a good team and doing enough to lose.

Due to the tiebreakers, and a win over a conference foe, the Patriots are back as the #1 seed since Oakland beat an NFC foe yesterday (Carolina).

Brady tied for the most career wins by a QB with 200. He passed the 60,000-yard threshold and the comeback win was the 50th of his NFL career.

With a win today, Brady will tie Peyton Manning’s career mark for wins by a QB (200). And with 57 yards passing, Brady will pass the 60,000-yard plateau.

Turnovers are way down this year. Questions still abound as to who the #2 corner is and who will cover backs out of the backfield.

The QB carousel for the Jets is swinging back to Ryan Fitzpatrick this week and Bowles is hearing it from not only the media but Jets fans as well.