The New England Patriots had just taken a 13-10 lead in the third quarter in Sunday night's prime time match up with the Atlanta Falcons when it appeared that Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan had grown tired of the cat and mouse game between his receivers and the Patriots defensive backs...
...frustrated because his trio of exceptional wide receivers were being held in check by a combination of coverage schemes that left him little choice but to target tight end Tony Gonzalez and his running backs instead of going down the field and engaging Atlanta's high-flying vertical game - so he started throwing caution to the wind, and throwing the ball to his speedy wideouts.
Starting from his own 20 yard line, he started to find them. A pass over the middle to Julio Jones and his world class speed and then to the left flat to cagey veteran Roddy White found the Falcons into Patriots territory and finally in a groove that had eluded them to that point.
That's where Joe Vellano decided to take matters into his own hands.
When Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork left early in Sunday night's game with what turned out to be a torn Achilles tendon, coach Bill Belichick turned to his rookie free agent out of the University of Maryland to fill Wilfork's big size 15 turf shoes...
...and with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter in the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta, Vellano filled those shoes. Big Time. And with 14 rookies on the roster - including seven of those undrafted rookie free agent types - is anyone surprised that Vellano jumped in those shoes and asserted his presence?
Vellano's sack of Ryan for a 13 yard loss stalled a promising looking drive and turned the momentum of a tight slug fest into a rout, New England's struggling offense suddenly coming to life and scoring on four consecutive possessions to take a 30-23 victory over the Falcons in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score would indicate.
That said, it took an Aqib Talib breakup of a pass intended for White in the end zone on a fourth down from the New England 10 yard line to stem a furious late comeback - spurred by a couple of fundamental breakdowns by the offense and special teams - before the Patriots walked out of the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta with their undefeated record still intact.
Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady overcame some early game shakiness to record his best performance of this weird and wonderful season, but it was his fumble on a 4th and inches from the Falcons' 37 just following the two minute warning that opened the door for Ryan and the Falcons to take one last shot at the Patriots' defense, and also setting the table for Talib's last second heroics.
Brady went 20 for 31 and two touchdowns, thirteen of those completions going to receivers Julian Edelman and rookie free agent Kenbrell Thompkins who combined for 245 of Brady's 316 total - both wide outs enjoying break out performances and delivering on their potential under the bright lights of the nationally televised stage...
...plodding clock-killer LeGarrette Blount rumbling for 64 yards on just nine carries - 47 of them on a highlight reel touchdown run that seemed to break the spirit of the injury ravaged Atlanta defense that had held on for dear life for the first three quarters, giving New England a 10 point lead just seconds into the fourth quarter.
Ryan threw for 421 yards on a 34 of 54 performance, nearly half of that yardage coming during a desperate fourth quarter rally that was aided greatly by New England miscues. Through the first three quarters, Ryan was an inconsistent 14 of 25 for just 237 yards as the Patriots defensive backs limited his trio of speedy wide outs, forcing him to target his backs and Gonzalez...
...but he was epic in the final frame with his back to the wall, hitting on 20 of 27 pass attempts for 184 yards as he started firing desperation fastballs into tight coverage. But in the end the Patriots balanced offense and a big play defense led by Talib was enough to hold off the hard-luck Falcons, sending them to 1-3 at the season's quarter-mark.
New England raised it's record to 4-0, undefeated despite the absence of several key playmakers on offense.
Atlanta took the opening kickoff and drove down into the Patriots red zone but, as has been a running theme for both teams this season, the Falcons had to settle for a 23 yard Matt Bryant field goal and a 3-0 lead that carried over into the second quarter.
Brady started their second drive by finding running back Stevan Ridley for a 24 yard gain to midfield, then turned to the running game - calling 10 consecutive running plays that sapped the will from the Falcons' defenders, finishing the drive with a one yard bullet to recently signed free agent tight end Matthew Mulligan and a 7-3 lead.
A 48 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal gave New England a 10-3 lead with three and a half minutes left before the half, but a frustrated Ryan started targeting Gonzalez and his backs exclusively, finding Gonzalez wide open in the right flat, the 37 year old slipping a Steve Gregory tackle and gliding into the end zone to tie the game at 10 heading into the locker room at the break.
After a third quarter dominated by defense, highlighted by Vellano's drive-killing sack of Ryan and smothering coverage in the secondary, Brady and the Patriots' offense sparked a fourth quarter rally by both teams' offenses that saw 30 points scored between the two.
Blount's 47 yard run right into the teeth of the Falcons' front, bursting through a huge hole then floating to the outside and skirting the sideline extended the New England lead to 10 points, the ensuing Atlanta possession falling short in the red zone once again, this time Ryan sacked by rookie defensive end Michael Buchanan, forcing the Falcons to settle for another Bryant field goal to cut the lead to 20-13.
Julian Edelman made his presence known when the Patriots got the ball back, catching two balls for 16 and 44 yards respectively before Brady hit Thompkins for a gorgeous diving touchdown grab and a 14 point advantage.
A Talib interception on the first play of the Falcons' next possession led to a Gostkowski field goal and a seemingly insurmountable 17 point lead with just over 6 minutes remaining in the game - but a desperate Ryan started finding his wide receivers, fitting perfectly thrown balls into excellent coverage - the big play coming on a Harry Douglas crossing route that went for 40 yards before Ryan found Gonzalez in the end zone to cut the New England lead back down to 10.
That's when the normally composed Patriots contracted a case of the yips.
The ensuing onside kick took a strange bounce, rookie tight end Zach Sudfeld failing to find the handle - and the Falcons were in business again at midfield with four and a half minutes remaining. Good coverage by the New England secondary forced the Falcons to settle for yet another Bryant field goal to make it a seven point game, and after the Patriots secured the next onside kick attempt, Brady took over just inside Atlanta territory...
...where on a fourth and inches at the Falcon 38, the Patriots decided to go for the first down that would have essentially ended the game - but instead, Brady couldn't handle the snap from center Ryan Wendell and Ryan had the ball back for one last gasp drive - and he promptly went vertical, hitting a tightly covered Jones on the sideline for 49 yards to the Patriots' 13 yard line.
But the New England defense stiffened and Talib's play on Ryan's attempt to White in the end zone ended the Falcons' valiant, if Patriots' error aided comeback bid.
Now the undefeated Patriots have to fill Wilfork's shoes for the rest of the season, and with run happy Cincinnati up on the docket next, they have to figure out their next move quickly - but the steady play of Vellano and with two defensive tackles healthy and ready to go on the team's practice squad, the answer could be already be on the roster.
With the way in which the Patriots have been able to make due with all of the injuries thus far, would it be that much of a surprise if the team didn't miss a beat?
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
History teaches that real Patriots overcome adversity
The following is an excerpt from an article appearing on Foxborough Free Press...
This group of Patriots have encountered some difficulties in the past few months, though there are not lives at stake, nor freedom, nor demoralizing defeats nor icy rivers to cross, the premise remains the same when Americans encounter any adversity – even in the shady little town of Foxborough, Massachusetts…
…because just as in war, the game of football is a challenge of violent ground acquisition, of battles in the trenches and of improvisation, adaptation and of overcoming the contingencies that stand in the way of achieving the team objective – and for the New England Patriots, the battle to remain relevant and competitive has been a hard fought one since the 2012 season ended in disappointment.
The New England Patriots pass catching corps has seen one crisis after another in 2013, what with Rob Gronkowski’s multiple surgeries, Wes Welker’s misguided faith in his agent and Aaron Hernandez’ anger issues and an affinity for cotton candy-flavored Bubblicious and firearms…
…then the anti-Welker tears a groin muscle and passing back Shane Vereen breaks his wrist on the very first play of the season – leaving Mighty Mite Julian Edelman and three rookie receivers to shoulder the load in the passing game.
Clearly the pass catchers are a hurting unit, but at the same time, the Patriots are probably the only team in the National Football League that could take a series of fiendish hits like that and come out relatively unscathed, not to mention undefeated through three games – and once everyone is healthy, the offense should resemble a juggernaut that steamrolls defenses.
To read the full story, go to foxborough-free-press.com here.
This group of Patriots have encountered some difficulties in the past few months, though there are not lives at stake, nor freedom, nor demoralizing defeats nor icy rivers to cross, the premise remains the same when Americans encounter any adversity – even in the shady little town of Foxborough, Massachusetts…
…because just as in war, the game of football is a challenge of violent ground acquisition, of battles in the trenches and of improvisation, adaptation and of overcoming the contingencies that stand in the way of achieving the team objective – and for the New England Patriots, the battle to remain relevant and competitive has been a hard fought one since the 2012 season ended in disappointment.
The New England Patriots pass catching corps has seen one crisis after another in 2013, what with Rob Gronkowski’s multiple surgeries, Wes Welker’s misguided faith in his agent and Aaron Hernandez’ anger issues and an affinity for cotton candy-flavored Bubblicious and firearms…
…then the anti-Welker tears a groin muscle and passing back Shane Vereen breaks his wrist on the very first play of the season – leaving Mighty Mite Julian Edelman and three rookie receivers to shoulder the load in the passing game.
Clearly the pass catchers are a hurting unit, but at the same time, the Patriots are probably the only team in the National Football League that could take a series of fiendish hits like that and come out relatively unscathed, not to mention undefeated through three games – and once everyone is healthy, the offense should resemble a juggernaut that steamrolls defenses.
To read the full story, go to foxborough-free-press.com here.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
New England Patriots on Paper: Rookie on rookie favors Pats in passing game
I sit in my desolate room - no lights, no music...
...just trying to wrap my brain around the absolute freaking soap opera that is the 2013 New England Patriots, and wonder aloud how in the name of Chuck Fairbanks are they an undefeated 3-0 going into their Sunday night matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Patriots' Summer of Pain is well documented and, matter of fact, still going strong as tight end Rob Gronkowski is apparently still on the mend from half a dozen trips to the operating room, his "Inner Circle" dictating to coach Bill Belichick when the All Pro man-child can return to the field - and then, reports that the two sides are not at odds after all.
And, whatever. Between the Boston media flying off the handle and reporting half-baked rumors and Belichick punking the Boston media every chance he gets, Patriots' fans are tiring of the act and want to change the channel to something more interesting - perhaps something like, As the Groin Tears, starring free agent pick up Danny Amendola dealing with a torn adductor muscle...
...leaving Julian Edelman and a quartet of rookies to catch quarterback Tom Brady's passes, as it has been for the past couple of weeks - the running game just as poorly off as passing back and part-time starter Shane Vereen shattered a bone in his wrist, leaving the backfield with limited athleticism.
Mix all of that together with an offensive line that is at times, well, offensive, and you have a team that has no business being undefeated - yet with solid defense and timely assists from the opposition, here they are.
Clearly, the injury situation for the Patriots is grim, and with the Falcons representing a jump in class from the Bills, Jets and Bucs, the question of how the Patriots are 3-0 is irrelevant - the better question now being how does New England extend the undefeated start to their season.
The Atlanta Falcons are just as banged up as the Patriots, but still round out the top five rush defenses in the National Football League, yet here they are losers of two of their first three games - a curious trend indeed, until you stop to consider that they reside near the bottom of the league in pass defense.
So when the undefeated New England Patriots take the field against the Falcons on Sunday night at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta, the game plan should be to run the ball right into the teeth of the Falcons run defense.
Bad craziness, right? Perhaps, but also absolutely essential.
The Falcons have done well in stopping the run in limited opportunities, but ultimately their opposition just couldn't resist throwing the ball at the Falcon's corners, and have been successful for the most part - but none of the trio of the Saints, Rams or Dolphins have tried very hard to establish the run and as a result the Falcons have given up a paltry 79 yards per game to the opposition.
But while it would be quick and certainly painless to throw at the Falcons' corners, the running game presents some unique opportunities - and potential reward - for a Patriots' team that has had some problems getting the most bang for their buck when it comes to the running game as a whole - and with the play action being all too important in setting up the Patriots' passing attack - the running backs become just that much more important to the game plan.
The Falcons are purportedly an upgrade from the Patriots' previous three opponents, and that is true so far as the offense goes, but their defense is just as banged up as the Patriots' receiving corps - and really weren't that good to begin with - so if New England finds themselves at 4-0 come Monday morning, the speculation would be that Atlanta was too wounded to keep up with quarterback Tom Brady and his young receivers...
...but only if the offensive line can give them the time to make plays, and with right tackle Sebastian Vollmer on the skids with a bum ankle, that prospect becomes less tangible. Vollmer made the trip to Atlanta and will try to go, but if not either Will Svitek or Marcus Cannon would get the start in Vollmer's stead - in which case the Falcons would be smart to target the right side of New England's offensive line as the potential weak link.
Cannon is a mauler, a wide load that is best suited at guard where his girth creates a natural barracade between the center and tackle, but may be pressed into service because the only depth behind Vollmer is a limping Svitek, who has been inactive since getting throttled filling in at guard in the third preseason game at Detroit.
The right side of the Patriots offensive line has been a sore spot since the Lions undressed them in that "dress rehearsal" - and even since incumbent right guard Dan Connolly returned - he and center Ryan Wendell are turnstiles at times in pass protection and have not been generating much push in the running game - but thankfully the blind side is well manned...
...fortunate because that's where the Falcons' previous opponents have been able to find what little running room there has been - and if the Patriots are to win this game, they are going to have to find more running room than their predecessors.
Running behind the blocks of Left guard Logan Mankins, tackle Nate Solder and a rotation of tight ends, the Patriots have found some success off the left side, primarily with clock-killing glider LeGarrette Blount. He's averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, but his breakout performance in the four minute offense last week to close out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was impressive enough to be cause for optimism going forward.
Brandon Bolden joined the lineup last week, busting a 46 yard romp with a video game quality cut through a small seam off right guard and added positive touches through the air to give new England at least the potential of generating production from the backfield in the passing game - which is an area that the Patriots can take advantage of as the Falcons' linebackers consistently come up short in pass coverage.
But the key to the Patriots running game is Stevan Ridley. The third year back rushed for over 1200 yards last season, but that success has not translated to this season - and not just because of the issues with the offensive line and the absence of Gronkowski, who is a superior run blocker in addition to one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL.
The line issues are part of it, no doubt, but it also seems that Ridley has lost confidence - where he used to explode through the tiniest of seams, he now tries to spin off or run around, losing yardage as a result, and when he does identify a hole and explodes through it, he's gone back to his old habit of getting big at the second level and is taking some unnecessary big hits.
At his best, Ridley gets low and small in the hole, generating power to finish runs. The Patriots need that kind of effort from him on Sunday night, and the holes should be plentiful. With Vollmer giving his ankle a go, it could potentially open up the possibility of Cannon taking over for Nate Solder at left tackle, Solder sliding to an inline tight end position to help open up holes for Ridley and company.
Barring that, tight end Matthew Mulligan made his presence known to the Buccaneers last Sunday, joining Solder at tackle and James Develin at fullback to manhandle a tired Tampa Bay front seven in the four minute offense, opening gaping holes for Blount, tight end Michael Hoomanawanui chipping in to form an impressive push to close out the game.
If the confidence generated in that end game push can carry over and the backs are successful in exploding onto the second level where the depth chart has been taxed by injury, the Patriots can control the clock and keep the prolific Atlanta passing game safely tucked away on the sidelines.
The Falcons front four have had trouble generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but they will have to find a way because when they sent extra men in the blitz, both Drew Brees of the Saints and Ryan Tannehill of the Dolphins burned Atlanta's disorganized secondary and underneath coverages.
Defensive end Osi Umenyiora has passed his prime, but flashed some of his old potential in collecting two sacks against the Dolphins last week, and also has forced two fumbles and returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown in his first three games as a Falcon - clearly he is the best player on a depleted Atlanta defense, and his production accounts for a full third of the team's sacks and picks, and all of the forced fumbles.
To counter Umenyiora's effectiveness, the Patriots should run the ball right at him as he is not the force in the run game that he is on the pass rush. Tackles Corey Peters and Peria Jerry have accounted for a sack each and left end Johnathan Babineaux lines up inside our out and all three are stout against the run, which is fortunate for Atlanta because there's only rookies and role players backing them up.
Sophomore Akeem Dent anchors a linebacking corps decimated by the loss of linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to the IR. He is flanked by undrafted rookie free agent Joplo Bartu and journeyman Stephan Nicholas - hardly a list of imposing characters, though Dent has performed ably and has 1.5 sacks to his credit, so whomever is in the backfield as protection for Brady will have to be aware of his presence up the middle.
This is another area that the Patriots can exploit with Bolden curling out of the backfield or even with Leon Washington, who will probably make season debut with the Patriots on Sunday night.
With Atlanta being two-deep into their depth chart at linebacker, it's a good thing that nickle corner Robert McClain is strong against the run since the Falcons will probably be in their sub package most of the game. McClain will probably be tasked with covering Edelman out of the slot and has the ability to blanket him underneath, but his fellow corners may not be that lucky.
Former Patriot Asante Samuel is the biggest name, but his production has been slowed by thigh injury and may not be able to keep up with anything that the Patriots can throw at him - and the only other options are both rookies - talented rookies, but rookies nonetheless.
Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford provide a glimmer of hope at corner, Trufant starting opposite Samuel and has tremendous athleticism and size for the position. His issue is going to be dealing with Patriots undrafted rookie Kenbrell Thompkins, who wins at the line of scrimmage and runs precise routes and maybe be able to get Trufant turned around.
That leaves third round draft pick Aaron Dobson for Samuel - or Alford if Samuel can't go. Dobson's speed can come into play in this scenario, though it's certain that both he and Thompkins will see a good safety tandem over the top in William Moore and Thomas DeCoud. Moore is a big hitter patrolling as the big nickle while DeCoud just earned a nice payday as a decent centerfielder.
The wildcards for the Patriots in this scenario could be the transparent Josh Boyce and the equally invisible tight end Zach Sudfeld - which is an impressive feat for both, given that Boyce has deep speed to burn and Sudfeld stands an imposing 6' 7" tall - and with the communication issues the secondary is having, New England could flood the pattern and try to confuse the coverage - perhaps utilizing a bunch formation to create natural picks and freeing up one of the speedsters for a long gain.
Sudfeld can be a factor in this contest as he has the speed and separation ability to run past any of the Falcons' backers and can challenge the seam vertically and presents a huge target in the red zone - and also a moving target for the heavy hitting safeties, though he has the size and athleticism to counter their aggressiveness and turn them into chasers instead of stalkers.
Of course, all of this looks great on paper, and it would seem that the Patriots should be able to score at will - and who knows, maybe they can - but the best bet is to control the clock with the run and short passing game, taking a shot or two downfield early to loosen up the underneath stuff and making sure to not leave points on the field.
Injuries are always going to be a part of football, but the New England Patriots' offense and the Atlanta Falcons' defense is taking that fact a little too literally - and at such an early juncture of the season, too. Both will be better once their starters return, but in the iterim the outlook is brighter for a banged up Patriots' offense than a decimated Falcons' defense...
...but only if Brady can get his guys in position to take advantage of the numerous tactical advantages that they should enjoy in this game. Either way, we'll know a lot more about the makeup of this team at around midnight eastern time...
...just trying to wrap my brain around the absolute freaking soap opera that is the 2013 New England Patriots, and wonder aloud how in the name of Chuck Fairbanks are they an undefeated 3-0 going into their Sunday night matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Patriots' Summer of Pain is well documented and, matter of fact, still going strong as tight end Rob Gronkowski is apparently still on the mend from half a dozen trips to the operating room, his "Inner Circle" dictating to coach Bill Belichick when the All Pro man-child can return to the field - and then, reports that the two sides are not at odds after all.
And, whatever. Between the Boston media flying off the handle and reporting half-baked rumors and Belichick punking the Boston media every chance he gets, Patriots' fans are tiring of the act and want to change the channel to something more interesting - perhaps something like, As the Groin Tears, starring free agent pick up Danny Amendola dealing with a torn adductor muscle...
...leaving Julian Edelman and a quartet of rookies to catch quarterback Tom Brady's passes, as it has been for the past couple of weeks - the running game just as poorly off as passing back and part-time starter Shane Vereen shattered a bone in his wrist, leaving the backfield with limited athleticism.
Mix all of that together with an offensive line that is at times, well, offensive, and you have a team that has no business being undefeated - yet with solid defense and timely assists from the opposition, here they are.
Clearly, the injury situation for the Patriots is grim, and with the Falcons representing a jump in class from the Bills, Jets and Bucs, the question of how the Patriots are 3-0 is irrelevant - the better question now being how does New England extend the undefeated start to their season.
The Atlanta Falcons are just as banged up as the Patriots, but still round out the top five rush defenses in the National Football League, yet here they are losers of two of their first three games - a curious trend indeed, until you stop to consider that they reside near the bottom of the league in pass defense.
So when the undefeated New England Patriots take the field against the Falcons on Sunday night at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta, the game plan should be to run the ball right into the teeth of the Falcons run defense.
Bad craziness, right? Perhaps, but also absolutely essential.
The Falcons have done well in stopping the run in limited opportunities, but ultimately their opposition just couldn't resist throwing the ball at the Falcon's corners, and have been successful for the most part - but none of the trio of the Saints, Rams or Dolphins have tried very hard to establish the run and as a result the Falcons have given up a paltry 79 yards per game to the opposition.
But while it would be quick and certainly painless to throw at the Falcons' corners, the running game presents some unique opportunities - and potential reward - for a Patriots' team that has had some problems getting the most bang for their buck when it comes to the running game as a whole - and with the play action being all too important in setting up the Patriots' passing attack - the running backs become just that much more important to the game plan.
The Falcons are purportedly an upgrade from the Patriots' previous three opponents, and that is true so far as the offense goes, but their defense is just as banged up as the Patriots' receiving corps - and really weren't that good to begin with - so if New England finds themselves at 4-0 come Monday morning, the speculation would be that Atlanta was too wounded to keep up with quarterback Tom Brady and his young receivers...
...but only if the offensive line can give them the time to make plays, and with right tackle Sebastian Vollmer on the skids with a bum ankle, that prospect becomes less tangible. Vollmer made the trip to Atlanta and will try to go, but if not either Will Svitek or Marcus Cannon would get the start in Vollmer's stead - in which case the Falcons would be smart to target the right side of New England's offensive line as the potential weak link.
Cannon is a mauler, a wide load that is best suited at guard where his girth creates a natural barracade between the center and tackle, but may be pressed into service because the only depth behind Vollmer is a limping Svitek, who has been inactive since getting throttled filling in at guard in the third preseason game at Detroit.
The right side of the Patriots offensive line has been a sore spot since the Lions undressed them in that "dress rehearsal" - and even since incumbent right guard Dan Connolly returned - he and center Ryan Wendell are turnstiles at times in pass protection and have not been generating much push in the running game - but thankfully the blind side is well manned...
...fortunate because that's where the Falcons' previous opponents have been able to find what little running room there has been - and if the Patriots are to win this game, they are going to have to find more running room than their predecessors.
Running behind the blocks of Left guard Logan Mankins, tackle Nate Solder and a rotation of tight ends, the Patriots have found some success off the left side, primarily with clock-killing glider LeGarrette Blount. He's averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, but his breakout performance in the four minute offense last week to close out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was impressive enough to be cause for optimism going forward.
Brandon Bolden joined the lineup last week, busting a 46 yard romp with a video game quality cut through a small seam off right guard and added positive touches through the air to give new England at least the potential of generating production from the backfield in the passing game - which is an area that the Patriots can take advantage of as the Falcons' linebackers consistently come up short in pass coverage.
But the key to the Patriots running game is Stevan Ridley. The third year back rushed for over 1200 yards last season, but that success has not translated to this season - and not just because of the issues with the offensive line and the absence of Gronkowski, who is a superior run blocker in addition to one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL.
The line issues are part of it, no doubt, but it also seems that Ridley has lost confidence - where he used to explode through the tiniest of seams, he now tries to spin off or run around, losing yardage as a result, and when he does identify a hole and explodes through it, he's gone back to his old habit of getting big at the second level and is taking some unnecessary big hits.
At his best, Ridley gets low and small in the hole, generating power to finish runs. The Patriots need that kind of effort from him on Sunday night, and the holes should be plentiful. With Vollmer giving his ankle a go, it could potentially open up the possibility of Cannon taking over for Nate Solder at left tackle, Solder sliding to an inline tight end position to help open up holes for Ridley and company.
Barring that, tight end Matthew Mulligan made his presence known to the Buccaneers last Sunday, joining Solder at tackle and James Develin at fullback to manhandle a tired Tampa Bay front seven in the four minute offense, opening gaping holes for Blount, tight end Michael Hoomanawanui chipping in to form an impressive push to close out the game.
If the confidence generated in that end game push can carry over and the backs are successful in exploding onto the second level where the depth chart has been taxed by injury, the Patriots can control the clock and keep the prolific Atlanta passing game safely tucked away on the sidelines.
The Falcons front four have had trouble generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but they will have to find a way because when they sent extra men in the blitz, both Drew Brees of the Saints and Ryan Tannehill of the Dolphins burned Atlanta's disorganized secondary and underneath coverages.
Defensive end Osi Umenyiora has passed his prime, but flashed some of his old potential in collecting two sacks against the Dolphins last week, and also has forced two fumbles and returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown in his first three games as a Falcon - clearly he is the best player on a depleted Atlanta defense, and his production accounts for a full third of the team's sacks and picks, and all of the forced fumbles.
To counter Umenyiora's effectiveness, the Patriots should run the ball right at him as he is not the force in the run game that he is on the pass rush. Tackles Corey Peters and Peria Jerry have accounted for a sack each and left end Johnathan Babineaux lines up inside our out and all three are stout against the run, which is fortunate for Atlanta because there's only rookies and role players backing them up.
Sophomore Akeem Dent anchors a linebacking corps decimated by the loss of linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to the IR. He is flanked by undrafted rookie free agent Joplo Bartu and journeyman Stephan Nicholas - hardly a list of imposing characters, though Dent has performed ably and has 1.5 sacks to his credit, so whomever is in the backfield as protection for Brady will have to be aware of his presence up the middle.
This is another area that the Patriots can exploit with Bolden curling out of the backfield or even with Leon Washington, who will probably make season debut with the Patriots on Sunday night.
With Atlanta being two-deep into their depth chart at linebacker, it's a good thing that nickle corner Robert McClain is strong against the run since the Falcons will probably be in their sub package most of the game. McClain will probably be tasked with covering Edelman out of the slot and has the ability to blanket him underneath, but his fellow corners may not be that lucky.
Former Patriot Asante Samuel is the biggest name, but his production has been slowed by thigh injury and may not be able to keep up with anything that the Patriots can throw at him - and the only other options are both rookies - talented rookies, but rookies nonetheless.
Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford provide a glimmer of hope at corner, Trufant starting opposite Samuel and has tremendous athleticism and size for the position. His issue is going to be dealing with Patriots undrafted rookie Kenbrell Thompkins, who wins at the line of scrimmage and runs precise routes and maybe be able to get Trufant turned around.
That leaves third round draft pick Aaron Dobson for Samuel - or Alford if Samuel can't go. Dobson's speed can come into play in this scenario, though it's certain that both he and Thompkins will see a good safety tandem over the top in William Moore and Thomas DeCoud. Moore is a big hitter patrolling as the big nickle while DeCoud just earned a nice payday as a decent centerfielder.
The wildcards for the Patriots in this scenario could be the transparent Josh Boyce and the equally invisible tight end Zach Sudfeld - which is an impressive feat for both, given that Boyce has deep speed to burn and Sudfeld stands an imposing 6' 7" tall - and with the communication issues the secondary is having, New England could flood the pattern and try to confuse the coverage - perhaps utilizing a bunch formation to create natural picks and freeing up one of the speedsters for a long gain.
Sudfeld can be a factor in this contest as he has the speed and separation ability to run past any of the Falcons' backers and can challenge the seam vertically and presents a huge target in the red zone - and also a moving target for the heavy hitting safeties, though he has the size and athleticism to counter their aggressiveness and turn them into chasers instead of stalkers.
Of course, all of this looks great on paper, and it would seem that the Patriots should be able to score at will - and who knows, maybe they can - but the best bet is to control the clock with the run and short passing game, taking a shot or two downfield early to loosen up the underneath stuff and making sure to not leave points on the field.
Injuries are always going to be a part of football, but the New England Patriots' offense and the Atlanta Falcons' defense is taking that fact a little too literally - and at such an early juncture of the season, too. Both will be better once their starters return, but in the iterim the outlook is brighter for a banged up Patriots' offense than a decimated Falcons' defense...
...but only if Brady can get his guys in position to take advantage of the numerous tactical advantages that they should enjoy in this game. Either way, we'll know a lot more about the makeup of this team at around midnight eastern time...
Q: How close was Rob Gronkowski to playing yesterday? BB: I don’t know. He was inactive. Q: Did he have a shot to play? BB: He was inactive. Q: Going into the day, was there a chance he’d play? BB: He was inactive for the game. Q: What about Danny Amendola? BB: He was inactive too. Q: I know they were inactive. BB: They were inactive so they didn’t play. Q: I think you have an idea how close they were. BB: Well, they weren’t able to play. What do you want, percentage points? They couldn’t play. Q: Going into the day, did you know they couldn’t play? BB: They were inactive. Q: That doesn’t answer my question. BB: They were inactive, it’s as simple as that
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/09/bill-belichick-media-have-hilarious-exchange-regarding-rob-gronkowski-danny-amendola-updates/
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/09/bill-belichick-media-have-hilarious-exchange-regarding-rob-gronkowski-danny-amendola-updates/
Q: How close was Rob Gronkowski to playing yesterday? BB: I don’t know. He was inactive. Q: Did he have a shot to play? BB: He was inactive. Q: Going into the day, was there a chance he’d play? BB: He was inactive for the game. Q: What about Danny Amendola? BB: He was inactive too. Q: I know they were inactive. BB: They were inactive so they didn’t play. Q: I think you have an idea how close they were. BB: Well, they weren’t able to play. What do you want, percentage points? They couldn’t play. Q: Going into the day, did you know they couldn’t play? BB: They were inactive. Q: That doesn’t answer my question. BB: They were inactive, it’s as simple as that
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/09/bill-belichick-media-have-hilarious-exchange-regarding-rob-gronkowski-danny-amendola-updates/
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/09/bill-belichick-media-have-hilarious-exchange-regarding-rob-gronkowski-danny-amendola-updates/
Friday, September 27, 2013
Gronkowski, Amendola active for Sunday night - or are they?
Bill Belichick leans back in his uber-comfy reclining office chair, lights dimmed to twilight setting, some of Jon Bon Jovi's softer ballads barely audible - the only other noise coming from the soft hum of the central air that keeps his secret office in the basement of Gillette Stadium fresh and the humidity level tolerable.
He is safe here. Only his most trusted advisers and a few select servants know about it, along with Gene Hackman, Will Smith and Jon Voigt - Hackman modeling his character in the film Enemy of the State after the paranoid coach of the New England Patriots - and this secret office, his "Jar", no phone or utility lines coming in, completely self-contained.
This is where Belichick conducts his most secret of tasks, the injury report for this Sunday night's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons among them.
Only he knows whether the dynamic duo of Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola will be suiting up for the game at the Georgia Dome, the rest of the world left to ponder and speculate - and every two-bit journalist from Maine to California is doing just that.
Belichick picks up the sheet and glances it over for a moment then letting it slide out of his hand to the middle of the desk, leaning back in the chair again, his head against the head rest, eyes closed, a slight smile escaping his features, knowing that his silence is frustrating many, many people - his grin becoming Cheshire Cat-like when he thinks of Albert Breer washing down a couple of xanax to ease the tension...
And, yes. An absurd notion, but Bill Belichick has never been fond of the members of the media and is, in fact, downright terse with them at times - but even that was taken to a new level in Belichick's weekly press conference on Monday, when NFL.com's Albert Breer got a little too uppity and took a demanding tone with Belichick...
...the ensuing Monty Python style banter now the stuff of legend, Belichick the taunting French Soldier to Breer's narcissistic King Arthur - Belichick's animosity toward Breer coming to the surface not in words, which were few anyway, but in attitude as the tight-lipped coach answered the former Patriots' beat writer's questions regarding Gronkowski's availability on the previous day's game:
Breer: How close was Rob Gronkowski to playing yesterday?
Belichick: I don't know, he was inactive.
Keeping in mind that everyone in the English speaking world and Canada knows that Belichick doesn't speak about players who aren't going to play or who didn't play, Breer could easily be accused of badgering Belichick by asking a question - repeatedly, if rephrased - that he knew there was no way in hell he was going to get an answer for, even if Belichick liked him - which he doesn't, so he decided to give Breer The Business:
Breer: Did he have a shot to play?
Belichick: He was inactive.
Breer: Going into the day, was there a shot he'd play?
Belichick: He was inactive for the game.
Breer (switching gears): What about Danny Amendola?
Belichick: He was inactive, too.
Breer (becoming agitated): I know they were inactive.
Belichick: They were inactive, so they didn't play.
Breer (with an accusing tone): I think you have an idea of how close they were.
Mother of God, here it comes...
Belichick: Well, they weren't able to play. What do you want, percentage points? They couldn't play.
Breer: Going into the day, did you know they couldn't play?
Belichick: They were inactive.
Breer (face melting): That doesn't answer my question.
Belichick: They were inactive. It's as simple as that.
Translations? Breer: I hate you. Belichick: They were inactive - and I hate you more...
Albert Breer's childish and hateful diatribe was the equivalent of throwing meat to a wolf, and Belichick's calculated responses went viral on social media mere moments after the exchange, making Breer look like a fool almost instantaniously - and why wouldn't Belichick want to keep that momentum going?
So somewhere along the line in the past couple of days, news leaked out that neither Gronkowski nor Amendola would play against the Falcons on Sunday night, Amendola due to a torn adductor muscle and Gronkowski supposedly because his surgically repaired forearm isn't quite ready to go - some sites reporting that it could be because of a recurring infection in the arm...
...which anyone who believes that has poo for brains - but then late on Friday night it was reported by several other sites that Gronkowski and Amendola would play in the game...
Ah, Bill. You can always count on Belichick to take gamesmanship to a new level, especially when pushed by a cyber-bully reporter on a subject that made no difference to anyone - except to the reporter who seemed to want to paint Belichick into a corner, but was instead left grasping at straws while the Patriots' coach stonewalled him and openly mocked him.
Meanwhile, the rest of us should know by Saturday afternoon whether or not Gronkowski and Amendola made the flight to Atlanta with their teammates, which if so would be a very good indication that they are going to play - or not, but it would probably be worth it to Belichick to take both along for the ride regardless of status, just to keep everyone guessing until 90 minutes before kickoff, when he would be forced by league mandate to spill the beans.
And the sports books are probably just as antsy about their status as anyone, probably more so since they've established the Falcons as a shaky 1 1/2 point home favorite based on the assumption earlier in the week that neither player would be suiting up - but either dressing could wipe out Atlanta's margin, maybe even send the betting line the opposite direction
But Belichick couldn't care any less about any of that. Sure he knows about it and, sure, he knows what kind of impact his decision could make to millions of Fantasy team owners, the bookies and to the media - but the only thing he cares about is the Falcons, and he's not tipping his hand to them any sooner than he has to.
He is safe here. Only his most trusted advisers and a few select servants know about it, along with Gene Hackman, Will Smith and Jon Voigt - Hackman modeling his character in the film Enemy of the State after the paranoid coach of the New England Patriots - and this secret office, his "Jar", no phone or utility lines coming in, completely self-contained.
This is where Belichick conducts his most secret of tasks, the injury report for this Sunday night's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons among them.
Only he knows whether the dynamic duo of Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola will be suiting up for the game at the Georgia Dome, the rest of the world left to ponder and speculate - and every two-bit journalist from Maine to California is doing just that.
Belichick picks up the sheet and glances it over for a moment then letting it slide out of his hand to the middle of the desk, leaning back in the chair again, his head against the head rest, eyes closed, a slight smile escaping his features, knowing that his silence is frustrating many, many people - his grin becoming Cheshire Cat-like when he thinks of Albert Breer washing down a couple of xanax to ease the tension...
And, yes. An absurd notion, but Bill Belichick has never been fond of the members of the media and is, in fact, downright terse with them at times - but even that was taken to a new level in Belichick's weekly press conference on Monday, when NFL.com's Albert Breer got a little too uppity and took a demanding tone with Belichick...
...the ensuing Monty Python style banter now the stuff of legend, Belichick the taunting French Soldier to Breer's narcissistic King Arthur - Belichick's animosity toward Breer coming to the surface not in words, which were few anyway, but in attitude as the tight-lipped coach answered the former Patriots' beat writer's questions regarding Gronkowski's availability on the previous day's game:
Breer: How close was Rob Gronkowski to playing yesterday?
Belichick: I don't know, he was inactive.
Keeping in mind that everyone in the English speaking world and Canada knows that Belichick doesn't speak about players who aren't going to play or who didn't play, Breer could easily be accused of badgering Belichick by asking a question - repeatedly, if rephrased - that he knew there was no way in hell he was going to get an answer for, even if Belichick liked him - which he doesn't, so he decided to give Breer The Business:
Breer: Did he have a shot to play?
Belichick: He was inactive.
Breer: Going into the day, was there a shot he'd play?
Belichick: He was inactive for the game.
Breer (switching gears): What about Danny Amendola?
Belichick: He was inactive, too.
Breer (becoming agitated): I know they were inactive.
Belichick: They were inactive, so they didn't play.
Breer (with an accusing tone): I think you have an idea of how close they were.
Mother of God, here it comes...
Belichick: Well, they weren't able to play. What do you want, percentage points? They couldn't play.
Breer: Going into the day, did you know they couldn't play?
Belichick: They were inactive.
Breer (face melting): That doesn't answer my question.
Belichick: They were inactive. It's as simple as that.
Translations? Breer: I hate you. Belichick: They were inactive - and I hate you more...
Albert Breer's childish and hateful diatribe was the equivalent of throwing meat to a wolf, and Belichick's calculated responses went viral on social media mere moments after the exchange, making Breer look like a fool almost instantaniously - and why wouldn't Belichick want to keep that momentum going?
So somewhere along the line in the past couple of days, news leaked out that neither Gronkowski nor Amendola would play against the Falcons on Sunday night, Amendola due to a torn adductor muscle and Gronkowski supposedly because his surgically repaired forearm isn't quite ready to go - some sites reporting that it could be because of a recurring infection in the arm...
...which anyone who believes that has poo for brains - but then late on Friday night it was reported by several other sites that Gronkowski and Amendola would play in the game...
Ah, Bill. You can always count on Belichick to take gamesmanship to a new level, especially when pushed by a cyber-bully reporter on a subject that made no difference to anyone - except to the reporter who seemed to want to paint Belichick into a corner, but was instead left grasping at straws while the Patriots' coach stonewalled him and openly mocked him.
Meanwhile, the rest of us should know by Saturday afternoon whether or not Gronkowski and Amendola made the flight to Atlanta with their teammates, which if so would be a very good indication that they are going to play - or not, but it would probably be worth it to Belichick to take both along for the ride regardless of status, just to keep everyone guessing until 90 minutes before kickoff, when he would be forced by league mandate to spill the beans.
And the sports books are probably just as antsy about their status as anyone, probably more so since they've established the Falcons as a shaky 1 1/2 point home favorite based on the assumption earlier in the week that neither player would be suiting up - but either dressing could wipe out Atlanta's margin, maybe even send the betting line the opposite direction
But Belichick couldn't care any less about any of that. Sure he knows about it and, sure, he knows what kind of impact his decision could make to millions of Fantasy team owners, the bookies and to the media - but the only thing he cares about is the Falcons, and he's not tipping his hand to them any sooner than he has to.
Q: How close was Rob Gronkowski to playing yesterday? BB: I don’t know. He was inactive. Q: Did he have a shot to play? BB: He was inactive. Q: Going into the day, was there a chance he’d play? BB: He was inactive for the game. Q: What about Danny Amendola? BB: He was inactive too. Q: I know they were inactive. BB: They were inactive so they didn’t play. Q: I think you have an idea how close they were. BB: Well, they weren’t able to play. What do you want, percentage points? They couldn’t play. Q: Going into the day, did you know they couldn’t play? BB: They were inactive. Q: That doesn’t answer my question. BB: They were inactive, it’s as simple as that.
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/09/bill-belichick-media-have-hilarious-exchange-regarding-rob-gronkowski-danny-amendola-updates
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/09/bill-belichick-media-have-hilarious-exchange-regarding-rob-gronkowski-danny-amendola-updates
History teaches that real Patriots overcome adversity
"These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."
Thomas Paine knew a thing or two about motivation, about how adversity not only brought men together to achieve a common goal, but also how adversity reveals the character of a man - that passage from his revolutionary war pamphlet entitled "An American Crisis" was read to a cold and hungry group of Patriots just days before the Battle of Trenton...
...a decisive American victory, as just a week earlier, the Army appeared to be on the verge of splintering after several demoralizing defeats, so Paine authored this pamphlet and published it under the pen name, Common Sense, and read to the troops as they prepared to cross the Delaware River in an effort to outflank a garrison of British-hired German mercenaries in New Jersey.
Inspired, the Americans crossed the Delaware and, led by George Washington, surprised the Germans and won an easy victory, turning the tide of the American Revolution and signaling the beginning of the end for British dominion over the colonies.
And nobody called them frauds, not like the scribes of today are calling New England's 2013 version a Patriots.
This group of Patriots have encountered some difficulties in the past few months, though there are not lives at stake, nor freedom, nor demoralizing defeats nor icy rivers to cross, the premise remains the same when Americans encounter any adversity - even in the shady little town of Foxborough, Massachusetts...
...because just as in war, the game of football is a challenge of violent ground acquisition, of battles in the trenches and of improvisation, adaptation and of overcoming the contingencies that stand in the way of achieving the team objective - and for the New England Patriots, the battle to remain relevant and competitive has been a hard fought one since the 2012 season ended in disappointment.
The New England Patriots pass catching corps has seen one crisis after another in 2013, what with Rob Gronkowski's multiple surgeries, Wes Welker's misguided faith in his agent and Aaron Hernandez' anger issues and an affinity for cotton candy-flavored Bubblicious and firearms...
...then the anti-Welker tears a groin muscle and passing back Shane Vereen breaks his wrist on the very first play of the season - leaving Mighty Mite Julian Edelman and three rookie receivers to shoulder the load in the passing game.
Clearly the pass catchers are a hurting unit, but at the same time, the Patriots are probably the only team in the National Football League that could take a series of fiendish hits like that and come out relatively unscathed, not to mention undefeated through three games - and once everyone is healthy, the offense should resemble a juggernaut that steamrolls defenses.
Until then, it's pretty much a work in progress, the rookies pressed into action by the unfortunate string of injury and dark malfeasance - which had many clamoring for the team to sign a veteran receiver off of either the scrapheap or out of an AARP convention, claiming them as mentors but who in actuality would be a wrong-minded shield to protect the rookies from themselves.
Last Sunday, the rookies quelled that talk for at least a week with adequate performances, getting open, holding onto the ball and moving the chains - a far cry from 10 days earlier, a comedy of error in an ugly win over the New York Jets that caused quarterback Tom Brady to lose focus and to rage against what had become of his offense...
...and it is his offense, make no mistake. But this is what he unwittingly signed up for when he agreed to a new contact extention in the spring that freed up around seven million dollars in cap space. Of course, at the time he had no clue that Wes Welker was under the influence of an agent that badly misjudged his market price, nor that Hernandez would be exposed as a multiple felon, nor that Gronkowski was going to have to have back surgery that would delay the start of his season.
The sure fire first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback knew only that there would be a new face or two, but otherwise business as usual - coach Bill Belichick drafting him a couple of receivers that would have plenty of time to learn the offense as Brady and his old friends stomped the opposing defenses like roaches.
And then, it all got blown sideways.
When the smoke cleared, Edelman was the only active receiver that had actually caught a pass from Brady last season, the rest of the pass catchers still with their training wheels on - Aaron Dobson earning the unfortunate nickname "Dropson" for his butterfingered ways in the debacle against the Jets and Kenbrell Thompkins, a former juvenile delinquent turned undrafted rookie free agent - the trio charged with carrying the torch while the wounded heal.
But despite deplorable rumors started by people who should know better, Belichick didn't pull the trigger on any washed up free agent and didn't send a draft pick to Cleveland for a talented yet troubled rookie - and not because he didn't think they would add value to his receiving corps, because they most likely would have - but because to do so would put a halt to something special that is happening to his team.
Rookies are rookies because they have little to no game experience, and the pain that comes with the learning curve is usually felt during their initial snaps to start the season, and gradually anesthetized to the point where one suddenly realizes that the rookies aren't playing like rookies any longer...
But these rookies weren't afforded that protracted time frame - they had to be good now and first year jitters be damned, thrust into a situation where the learning curve is so accelerated that they are getting what amounts to a baptism by fire...
...and neither Thomas Paine nor any writer in Hollywood could have scripted a better plot for our hometown heroes to overcome.
Because the best thing that could have happened to these rookies - and the team in general - was for them to have to go through these tribulations together - not necessarily the evil and tragic Hernandez thing, nor the Welker defection - and this is not to say that any injury is a good thing, but they happen.
The Patriots entered the season with a gimpy Amendola leading the charge, and escaped the season opener in Buffalo with a win, but lost two important weapons as the price to pay - back on the turf just four days later, their inexperience combined with zero practice time to prepare a recipe for disaster, yet even through the harrowing ordeal that was the Thursday night home opener, the Patriots managed to emerge victorious again...
...but in spite of a third consecutive win to open the season and a much better performance out of the young pups, the New England Patriots are being dismissed as the "worst 3-0 team in the league" and denounced as frauds, yet a funny thing happens when a group of men work together in the face of adversity that threatens to derail their season - they bond, they gel, whatever you want to call it...
...and to bond under those circumstances not only promotes the motivation that comes with an us-against-the-world mentality, but also suggests a natural chemistry that comes only with the same kind of one-sided magnetism that Thomas Paine provided for a group of rag-tag rebel Patriots before crossing the Delaware River in an early morning raid the day after Christmas in 1776 - crossing with only half of the men needed for the battle plan.
It worked for them and it's working for this football team - and just as reinforcements arrived after the initial battle for Trenton had achieved an important victory for the Colonial Army, these sons of liberty have help on the way as well.
Gronkowski will be back soon, perhaps as soon as this Sunday, with Amendola and his completely torn adductor muscle not long after that and Shane Vereen after that - and by Thanksgiving, when Bill Belichick always tells us that the Patriots will be playing their best ball, the rookies will no longer be rookies - with 10 games under their belts, they will meld with the returning veterans to form a juggernaut...
...an overpowering force that wouldn't have been possible without the lamentable trials that this team has gone through to start the 2013 season - so call them the worst undefeated team in the NFL, they are only going to get better.
Write them off and call them frauds, because this team built on chemistry and character now thrives off of adversity and pain - and if history has taught us anything, it's that there's nothing more dangerous than a group of men motivated by these things.
Thomas Paine knew a thing or two about motivation, about how adversity not only brought men together to achieve a common goal, but also how adversity reveals the character of a man - that passage from his revolutionary war pamphlet entitled "An American Crisis" was read to a cold and hungry group of Patriots just days before the Battle of Trenton...
...a decisive American victory, as just a week earlier, the Army appeared to be on the verge of splintering after several demoralizing defeats, so Paine authored this pamphlet and published it under the pen name, Common Sense, and read to the troops as they prepared to cross the Delaware River in an effort to outflank a garrison of British-hired German mercenaries in New Jersey.
Inspired, the Americans crossed the Delaware and, led by George Washington, surprised the Germans and won an easy victory, turning the tide of the American Revolution and signaling the beginning of the end for British dominion over the colonies.
And nobody called them frauds, not like the scribes of today are calling New England's 2013 version a Patriots.
This group of Patriots have encountered some difficulties in the past few months, though there are not lives at stake, nor freedom, nor demoralizing defeats nor icy rivers to cross, the premise remains the same when Americans encounter any adversity - even in the shady little town of Foxborough, Massachusetts...
...because just as in war, the game of football is a challenge of violent ground acquisition, of battles in the trenches and of improvisation, adaptation and of overcoming the contingencies that stand in the way of achieving the team objective - and for the New England Patriots, the battle to remain relevant and competitive has been a hard fought one since the 2012 season ended in disappointment.
The New England Patriots pass catching corps has seen one crisis after another in 2013, what with Rob Gronkowski's multiple surgeries, Wes Welker's misguided faith in his agent and Aaron Hernandez' anger issues and an affinity for cotton candy-flavored Bubblicious and firearms...
...then the anti-Welker tears a groin muscle and passing back Shane Vereen breaks his wrist on the very first play of the season - leaving Mighty Mite Julian Edelman and three rookie receivers to shoulder the load in the passing game.
Clearly the pass catchers are a hurting unit, but at the same time, the Patriots are probably the only team in the National Football League that could take a series of fiendish hits like that and come out relatively unscathed, not to mention undefeated through three games - and once everyone is healthy, the offense should resemble a juggernaut that steamrolls defenses.
Until then, it's pretty much a work in progress, the rookies pressed into action by the unfortunate string of injury and dark malfeasance - which had many clamoring for the team to sign a veteran receiver off of either the scrapheap or out of an AARP convention, claiming them as mentors but who in actuality would be a wrong-minded shield to protect the rookies from themselves.
Last Sunday, the rookies quelled that talk for at least a week with adequate performances, getting open, holding onto the ball and moving the chains - a far cry from 10 days earlier, a comedy of error in an ugly win over the New York Jets that caused quarterback Tom Brady to lose focus and to rage against what had become of his offense...
...and it is his offense, make no mistake. But this is what he unwittingly signed up for when he agreed to a new contact extention in the spring that freed up around seven million dollars in cap space. Of course, at the time he had no clue that Wes Welker was under the influence of an agent that badly misjudged his market price, nor that Hernandez would be exposed as a multiple felon, nor that Gronkowski was going to have to have back surgery that would delay the start of his season.
The sure fire first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback knew only that there would be a new face or two, but otherwise business as usual - coach Bill Belichick drafting him a couple of receivers that would have plenty of time to learn the offense as Brady and his old friends stomped the opposing defenses like roaches.
And then, it all got blown sideways.
When the smoke cleared, Edelman was the only active receiver that had actually caught a pass from Brady last season, the rest of the pass catchers still with their training wheels on - Aaron Dobson earning the unfortunate nickname "Dropson" for his butterfingered ways in the debacle against the Jets and Kenbrell Thompkins, a former juvenile delinquent turned undrafted rookie free agent - the trio charged with carrying the torch while the wounded heal.
But despite deplorable rumors started by people who should know better, Belichick didn't pull the trigger on any washed up free agent and didn't send a draft pick to Cleveland for a talented yet troubled rookie - and not because he didn't think they would add value to his receiving corps, because they most likely would have - but because to do so would put a halt to something special that is happening to his team.
Rookies are rookies because they have little to no game experience, and the pain that comes with the learning curve is usually felt during their initial snaps to start the season, and gradually anesthetized to the point where one suddenly realizes that the rookies aren't playing like rookies any longer...
But these rookies weren't afforded that protracted time frame - they had to be good now and first year jitters be damned, thrust into a situation where the learning curve is so accelerated that they are getting what amounts to a baptism by fire...
...and neither Thomas Paine nor any writer in Hollywood could have scripted a better plot for our hometown heroes to overcome.
Because the best thing that could have happened to these rookies - and the team in general - was for them to have to go through these tribulations together - not necessarily the evil and tragic Hernandez thing, nor the Welker defection - and this is not to say that any injury is a good thing, but they happen.
The Patriots entered the season with a gimpy Amendola leading the charge, and escaped the season opener in Buffalo with a win, but lost two important weapons as the price to pay - back on the turf just four days later, their inexperience combined with zero practice time to prepare a recipe for disaster, yet even through the harrowing ordeal that was the Thursday night home opener, the Patriots managed to emerge victorious again...
...but in spite of a third consecutive win to open the season and a much better performance out of the young pups, the New England Patriots are being dismissed as the "worst 3-0 team in the league" and denounced as frauds, yet a funny thing happens when a group of men work together in the face of adversity that threatens to derail their season - they bond, they gel, whatever you want to call it...
...and to bond under those circumstances not only promotes the motivation that comes with an us-against-the-world mentality, but also suggests a natural chemistry that comes only with the same kind of one-sided magnetism that Thomas Paine provided for a group of rag-tag rebel Patriots before crossing the Delaware River in an early morning raid the day after Christmas in 1776 - crossing with only half of the men needed for the battle plan.
It worked for them and it's working for this football team - and just as reinforcements arrived after the initial battle for Trenton had achieved an important victory for the Colonial Army, these sons of liberty have help on the way as well.
Gronkowski will be back soon, perhaps as soon as this Sunday, with Amendola and his completely torn adductor muscle not long after that and Shane Vereen after that - and by Thanksgiving, when Bill Belichick always tells us that the Patriots will be playing their best ball, the rookies will no longer be rookies - with 10 games under their belts, they will meld with the returning veterans to form a juggernaut...
...an overpowering force that wouldn't have been possible without the lamentable trials that this team has gone through to start the 2013 season - so call them the worst undefeated team in the NFL, they are only going to get better.
Write them off and call them frauds, because this team built on chemistry and character now thrives off of adversity and pain - and if history has taught us anything, it's that there's nothing more dangerous than a group of men motivated by these things.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
New England Patriots on Paper: Wounded Falcons still dangerous
When the New England Patriots made Dont'a Hightower the 25th player selected in the first round of last year's NFL Draft, he came with a skill set unique to someone his size - and Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons presents a match up issue for which his size and skill were chosen at such a lofty juncture.
Same reason that Patriots' coach Bill Belichick acquired cornerback Aqib Talib in a trade deadline deal last season, and the same reason why he took a flier on cop puncher Alfonzo Dennard to finish out a supurb 2012 draft class - because these players flash the one-on-one aptitude that allows Belichick to create game plans to shut down an offenses top weapons.
In the Falcons, Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are tasked with formulating a defensive game plan to account for a trio of top shelf wide receivers, an aging yet still gracefully dangerous tight end and one of the coolest and most talented pocket quarterbacks in the game - but taking these threats away from Falcons coach Mike Smith is really just as simple as not allowing the plays to develop...
...and to take advantage of the obvious match up advantages that the Patriots hold over the Falcons, the line of scrimmage is exactly where to start.
The Falcons offensive line is similar in scheme as to what the Patriots faced last season against the Houston Texans - a zone blocking front that lets the defensive dictate the direction of the blocks by mirroring the defensive linemen and then sealing them out of the play - in theory.
But injuries and attrition have robbed Atlanta of talent and ability to execute the scheme as effective as it needs to be, and the Patriots must be prepared to take advantage of it.
The bookend tackles are rated among the worst in football in protecting the quarterback, but some of that can be attributed to injury. Sam Baker teams with left guard Justin Blaylock to make up an adequate blindside, but Baker's foot and knee injuries actually kept him inactive for last week's loss to the Dolphins and his mobility bears watching.
Baker did not participate in practice on Wednesday, but attended Thursday's workout on a limited basis. If he can't go the onus falls to veteran swing tackle Jeremy Trueblood, who got the start last week subbing for starting right tackle Lamar Holmes, who himself was the backup to now-injured Mike Johnson at the start of the season.
So with Baker listed as limited on the practice participation reports, along with right guard Garrett Reynolds and Center Peter Konz - both nursing knee issues - if you add all of this together, Blaylock is the only healthy lineman among the Falcons starters.
This certainly doesn't mean that the Falcons can't overcome these obstacles, just that it's up to the Patriots to make the most of them by not getting sucked into the zone blocking trap and make the offensive linemen's jobs easier than it should be.
In the running game, The Falcons are also without hamstrung featured back Steven Jackson, replaced in the backfield by 235 pound load Jason Snelling, whose vision and decisive cuts are perfect for the zone blocking scheme. Snelling hits the hole hard between the tackles, and averages 5.5 yards per carry in very limited attempts while 3rd down back Jacquizz Rodgers averages 3 yards and a cloud of dust.
That said, the Falcons are still an abysmal running team, coming in 27th among NFL teams in rushing offense, but that's just until you consider that the backs are used extensively in the screen game as an extension of the running game - where Snelling has been particularly effective, running folks over for an average of over eleven yards per touch.
Rodgers is greased lightning when he catches the screen in stride and has video game-like moves in space to spring free, but the screen game is hardly limited to getting the ball to the backs in space, as wide receiver Julio Jones is just as apt to handle a screen as he is to snare a deep ball - and either way is just as dangerous.
Obviously, the Falcons rely heavily on the passing game with so many weapons to choose from in the receiving corps - Jones has 4.3 speed, hands like flypaper and a serious commitment to his craft - a pro's pro, who is as durable as he is dependable which makes him the number one target that Belichick will try to shut down.
At 6' 3" and 220 pounds, Jones has incredible body control and mad hops, setting himself apart from most other talent at the position - last week Belichick gave the assignment of the 6' 5" Vincent Jackson to Aqib Talib, and the results were mixed but overall the Patriots' best corner got the best of Jackson, which is pretty much all anyone could have expected. But Jones is in another atmosphere - rarefied air, if you will.
How rare he is in this contest depends on a couple of factors, the first of which is whether or not the Falcons beat up offensive line can give Ryan enough time to find Jones downfield. To do so, Atlanta may have to sacrifice another of their weapons to help out the line in pass protection.
Tony Gonzalez' on field production has been severely limited due to having to be kept out of the pattern and employed as an inline tight end to help in pass protection. He's managed to sneak out into the underneath patterns and in the red zone for just 11 catches and a score in three games, and it's hard to imagine that the Patriots will allow him any more freedom than any of the Falcons' previous three opponents.
This is Hightower's fit in the game plan. The best of New England's cover 'backers, he should be keyed on Gonzalez - and has the athleticism to stay with the 37 year old perennial pro bowl selection in the pattern, provided he gets the opportunity to slide out.
New England figures to be in the nickle sub package for most of the game, and it wouldn't be outside of the realm of possibility that we see a combination of different coverages on Gonzalez, even seeing safety Duron Harmon make an appearance or two as the big nickle.
The Patriots' defensive line should have their way with Atlanta's big uglies, but have to be careful not to give themselves up too early on the screen and to not be so aggressive as to get pushed clean out of the play.
Since the Falcons' running game is less than imposing and the passing game is their bread and butter, it gives New England the opportunity to run primarily with their rush sub, with Vince Wilfork and Chandler Jones serving as tackles in order to get rookie Michael Buchanan in at right end to work against Baker and his bad knee and foot, while Rob Ninkovich deals with Holmes and probably a chip or two from Gonzalez.
The manner in which the Falcons use their screen game will have the same effect on the rush as would the play action, which limits how aggressive Jones, Buchanan and Ninkovich can be, lest they be easily redirected out of the play, leaving the flat exposed
Of course, while the Patriots are playing in their base 4-3 defensive tackle Tommy Kelly should be able to take advantage of the guard/center combination of Blaylock and the hobbled Konz opening a blitzing lane for Brandon Spikes.
At linebacker, the nickle scheme will probably preclude Spikes, his impact limited to short yardage situations and in blitz packages - or if the Falcons are able to build a lead and take it into the 4th quarter, which is a scenario that New England would be best served to avoid.
The worst case scenario for the secondary is that the pass rush can't get to Ryan and the ends can't stay disciplined to set the edge, allowing Ryan to Target Jones, Roddy White or Harry Douglas downfield.
There are two schools of thought as to the Patriots coverage on the speedy Jones. First, Aqib Talib has provided solid coverage on both Stevie Johnson of the Bills and Vincent Jackson of the Bucs, so he may get the call here again - but it could also fall to Dennard handling the assignment with a safety over the top while Talib deals with a hobbled White...
...or Belichick could run a Cover 2 with the corners in man and the safeties each covering half of the field deep - or a combination of all of the above. With White being less than 100% with a bum ankle and Douglas a fumbling machine - nine touches, two fumbles - Belichick has the athletes to shut the passing game down.
However New England chooses to defend them, they're catching the Falcons precariously short-handed and very wounded - not as bad as the Patriots themselves as far as the pass catchers are concerned, but the offensive line is hanging on by a thread, just one injury away from being three layers into their depth chart...
...But Smith's warriors still found a way to stay in the two games that they've lost despite injury, just a play or two short of paydirt - and it's almost not fair with the Patriots' defense being reasonably healthy and very large and fast, but as long as Matt Ryan is taking the snaps and Julio Jones can fly, the Falcons will always have hope, if not a winning record.
Same reason that Patriots' coach Bill Belichick acquired cornerback Aqib Talib in a trade deadline deal last season, and the same reason why he took a flier on cop puncher Alfonzo Dennard to finish out a supurb 2012 draft class - because these players flash the one-on-one aptitude that allows Belichick to create game plans to shut down an offenses top weapons.
In the Falcons, Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are tasked with formulating a defensive game plan to account for a trio of top shelf wide receivers, an aging yet still gracefully dangerous tight end and one of the coolest and most talented pocket quarterbacks in the game - but taking these threats away from Falcons coach Mike Smith is really just as simple as not allowing the plays to develop...
...and to take advantage of the obvious match up advantages that the Patriots hold over the Falcons, the line of scrimmage is exactly where to start.
The Falcons offensive line is similar in scheme as to what the Patriots faced last season against the Houston Texans - a zone blocking front that lets the defensive dictate the direction of the blocks by mirroring the defensive linemen and then sealing them out of the play - in theory.
But injuries and attrition have robbed Atlanta of talent and ability to execute the scheme as effective as it needs to be, and the Patriots must be prepared to take advantage of it.
The bookend tackles are rated among the worst in football in protecting the quarterback, but some of that can be attributed to injury. Sam Baker teams with left guard Justin Blaylock to make up an adequate blindside, but Baker's foot and knee injuries actually kept him inactive for last week's loss to the Dolphins and his mobility bears watching.
Baker did not participate in practice on Wednesday, but attended Thursday's workout on a limited basis. If he can't go the onus falls to veteran swing tackle Jeremy Trueblood, who got the start last week subbing for starting right tackle Lamar Holmes, who himself was the backup to now-injured Mike Johnson at the start of the season.
So with Baker listed as limited on the practice participation reports, along with right guard Garrett Reynolds and Center Peter Konz - both nursing knee issues - if you add all of this together, Blaylock is the only healthy lineman among the Falcons starters.
This certainly doesn't mean that the Falcons can't overcome these obstacles, just that it's up to the Patriots to make the most of them by not getting sucked into the zone blocking trap and make the offensive linemen's jobs easier than it should be.
In the running game, The Falcons are also without hamstrung featured back Steven Jackson, replaced in the backfield by 235 pound load Jason Snelling, whose vision and decisive cuts are perfect for the zone blocking scheme. Snelling hits the hole hard between the tackles, and averages 5.5 yards per carry in very limited attempts while 3rd down back Jacquizz Rodgers averages 3 yards and a cloud of dust.
That said, the Falcons are still an abysmal running team, coming in 27th among NFL teams in rushing offense, but that's just until you consider that the backs are used extensively in the screen game as an extension of the running game - where Snelling has been particularly effective, running folks over for an average of over eleven yards per touch.
Rodgers is greased lightning when he catches the screen in stride and has video game-like moves in space to spring free, but the screen game is hardly limited to getting the ball to the backs in space, as wide receiver Julio Jones is just as apt to handle a screen as he is to snare a deep ball - and either way is just as dangerous.
Obviously, the Falcons rely heavily on the passing game with so many weapons to choose from in the receiving corps - Jones has 4.3 speed, hands like flypaper and a serious commitment to his craft - a pro's pro, who is as durable as he is dependable which makes him the number one target that Belichick will try to shut down.
At 6' 3" and 220 pounds, Jones has incredible body control and mad hops, setting himself apart from most other talent at the position - last week Belichick gave the assignment of the 6' 5" Vincent Jackson to Aqib Talib, and the results were mixed but overall the Patriots' best corner got the best of Jackson, which is pretty much all anyone could have expected. But Jones is in another atmosphere - rarefied air, if you will.
How rare he is in this contest depends on a couple of factors, the first of which is whether or not the Falcons beat up offensive line can give Ryan enough time to find Jones downfield. To do so, Atlanta may have to sacrifice another of their weapons to help out the line in pass protection.
Tony Gonzalez' on field production has been severely limited due to having to be kept out of the pattern and employed as an inline tight end to help in pass protection. He's managed to sneak out into the underneath patterns and in the red zone for just 11 catches and a score in three games, and it's hard to imagine that the Patriots will allow him any more freedom than any of the Falcons' previous three opponents.
This is Hightower's fit in the game plan. The best of New England's cover 'backers, he should be keyed on Gonzalez - and has the athleticism to stay with the 37 year old perennial pro bowl selection in the pattern, provided he gets the opportunity to slide out.
New England figures to be in the nickle sub package for most of the game, and it wouldn't be outside of the realm of possibility that we see a combination of different coverages on Gonzalez, even seeing safety Duron Harmon make an appearance or two as the big nickle.
The Patriots' defensive line should have their way with Atlanta's big uglies, but have to be careful not to give themselves up too early on the screen and to not be so aggressive as to get pushed clean out of the play.
Since the Falcons' running game is less than imposing and the passing game is their bread and butter, it gives New England the opportunity to run primarily with their rush sub, with Vince Wilfork and Chandler Jones serving as tackles in order to get rookie Michael Buchanan in at right end to work against Baker and his bad knee and foot, while Rob Ninkovich deals with Holmes and probably a chip or two from Gonzalez.
The manner in which the Falcons use their screen game will have the same effect on the rush as would the play action, which limits how aggressive Jones, Buchanan and Ninkovich can be, lest they be easily redirected out of the play, leaving the flat exposed
Of course, while the Patriots are playing in their base 4-3 defensive tackle Tommy Kelly should be able to take advantage of the guard/center combination of Blaylock and the hobbled Konz opening a blitzing lane for Brandon Spikes.
At linebacker, the nickle scheme will probably preclude Spikes, his impact limited to short yardage situations and in blitz packages - or if the Falcons are able to build a lead and take it into the 4th quarter, which is a scenario that New England would be best served to avoid.
The worst case scenario for the secondary is that the pass rush can't get to Ryan and the ends can't stay disciplined to set the edge, allowing Ryan to Target Jones, Roddy White or Harry Douglas downfield.
There are two schools of thought as to the Patriots coverage on the speedy Jones. First, Aqib Talib has provided solid coverage on both Stevie Johnson of the Bills and Vincent Jackson of the Bucs, so he may get the call here again - but it could also fall to Dennard handling the assignment with a safety over the top while Talib deals with a hobbled White...
...or Belichick could run a Cover 2 with the corners in man and the safeties each covering half of the field deep - or a combination of all of the above. With White being less than 100% with a bum ankle and Douglas a fumbling machine - nine touches, two fumbles - Belichick has the athletes to shut the passing game down.
However New England chooses to defend them, they're catching the Falcons precariously short-handed and very wounded - not as bad as the Patriots themselves as far as the pass catchers are concerned, but the offensive line is hanging on by a thread, just one injury away from being three layers into their depth chart...
...But Smith's warriors still found a way to stay in the two games that they've lost despite injury, just a play or two short of paydirt - and it's almost not fair with the Patriots' defense being reasonably healthy and very large and fast, but as long as Matt Ryan is taking the snaps and Julio Jones can fly, the Falcons will always have hope, if not a winning record.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Patriots' Week 3 final grades: The cure for Atychiphobia
Tom Brady is a perfectionist - everyone knows it, and he doesn't deny it. He works for a micromanaging perfectionist in Bill Belichick whose sole purposes in life are to stomp his adversaries and to make the beat writers look foolish at the same time...
...so his mentor and his influence are part of his psychological make up - because Belichick far favors dependability over ability, though there has to be that present as well, and he has a tendency to shelve players who have shown reason to question their dependability, such as fumbling the ball and dropping Brady's throws.
Far from a narcissist, Brady instead apparently suffers from an affliction called Atychiphobia, or the fear of failure - and it manifested itself in the first quarter of Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What happens to the tormented is that they hesitate to pull the trigger on something that has failed in the past, telegraphing their intentions and locking on to their desired target. In the case of Brady, it offered some curious throws when he did let some off the chain, throwing low in the middle of the field and too long on the deep ball.
The cure? Well, we saw that at the start of the second quarter when Brady suddenly remembered that he was Tom-freaking-Brady and went after the Buccaneers' secondary - targeting his receivers on Revis Island, and the startled inhabitants had no answer for him.
And with the way the defense was playing and the way the Buccaneers were bumbling and stumbling, Brady didn't have to be great - and he wasn't - but whatever it really is that is limiting him, be it psychological or as part of the game plan, Brady found the antidote.
Passing game: B
Rookie nerves. Not for Aaron Dobson or Kenbrell Thompkins, but for quarterback Tom Brady as he seemed to be telegraphing his throws in the 1st quarter, holding onto the ball way too long and either not seeing or completely ignoring wide open receivers in favor of...what? Playing it safe, maybe?
Once Brandon Bolden eased his fears by taking a few short tosses for decent gains, Brady threw caution to the wind - and the ball into the wind as well - finding Aaron Dobson with a fastball that he was able to hang onto, and just like that, the Patriots' offense started clicking.
He left some points on the field for sure, but this performance was nothing like the face-melting disaster in the Jets' game 10 days earlier, where Brady left the field in a sputtering rage more than once - on Sunday, Brady sulked a bit on the sidelines after a couple of his faux pas throws, but didn't come close to the previous display.
And when he did go after the Buccaneers' secondary, there were flashes of the greatest of all time.
The offensive line provided decent protection after a first quarter that saw the entire offense struggle as a whole, and while the running backs were having a particularly difficult time getting things moving, they still put up a good fight in protecting Brady - especially Stevan Ridley, which speaks to his desire to contribute despite being limited in the running game.
Bolden was key and his performance was more of by design for the role of passing back than anything to do with a particular skill set - and with Vereen being out until after Halloween, Bolden will certainly be given every opportunity to grow into the role. Given good health for both, imagine the possibilities when Vereen does come back...
Dobson and Thompkins are also growing into their roles, one that has been made markedly more difficult than it should have been, with the injuries to Gronkowski, Vereen and Danny Amendola, but one can't help but think that being thrown right into the fire and being successful will help their progression by leaps and bounds.
Running Game: B-
Were it not for the power running game erasing nearly five minutes off the clock to close out the game, this grade would be much lower.
Bolden was the star of this group in returning from a knee injury suffered in the preseason, which really isn't saying that much, because despite the fact that the Patriots rushed for 156 yards, 102 of those came in lump sums - 46 on a beautiful explosion through the crease on the right side by Bolden and 56 more in an eight carry series in the four minute offense to salt the game away.
Other than that, the running game was a stagnant 2.25 yards per carry. To the credit of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he didn't abandon the running game when it wasn't working against one of the top run defenses in the NFL, just replaced the one-dimensional Ridley with Bolden, whose value in the passing game made him a more difficult matchup for the defense.
Ridley has had a tough start to 2013, as the running game isn't the same without tight end Rob Gronkowski throwing his considerable bulk around - and it's a little disconcerting that Ridley has not been able to consistently generate through small creases, though his blocking protecting Brady in the pocket is to be commended.
The left side of the offensive line flexed their muscles on that final drive, tight ends Matthew Mulligan, Michael Hoomanawanui and fullback James Develin joining the party and completely dominating the worn down Buccaneers for a sick seven yards per carry average for Blount on the drive.
Hopefully the Patriots have found something with that alignment to promote the running game, but a Gronkowski return and the health of right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who left the game with what is being classified as a sprained foot - whatever that means - is key to a powerful running game going forward.
Special teams: A
Did anyone else get all weepy seeing Gostkowski nailing that 53 yard field just before the half? That was prettier than a new set of snow tires - and we all know the emotions that those thing elicit, particularly in the dead of a New England winter...
...We have all come to expect him to send most of his kickoffs out of the end zone, and you really can't improve upon what he's done in that regard - so it seems that the man with the best success rate for field goals in franchise history has gotten over his case of the yips and is back to being Mr. Reliable.
Rookie Punter Ryan Allen actually has a better average gross punt and net punt average than the man he replaced, but that's all relative to situation and field percentage. He's gotten lots of practice while the Patriots' offense has been trying to find traction - but hopefully his reps will reduce to a nominal number soon.
Duron Harmon capably replaced the injured Matthew Slater as the gunner on punts, while Bolden handled the fullback duties on kick returns - of course, no one can perform those jobs better than Slater, pro bowl special teamer that he is, but the dropoff between he and those two was negligible in this contest.
Rush Defense: B-
After the New York Jets game nearly two weeks ago, Patriots' fans were lamenting the "soft" run defense against a middling rush offense - a game that the Jets would have won had they not abandoned their gouging running game in favor of Geno Smith's arm.
The Buccaneers did the same thing - but unlike the Jets they had little choice, giving the rock to Doug Martin just five times after he had averaged nearly five yards a pop in the opening half
Martin enjoyed early success, and the Buccaneers' interior run blocking was outstanding initially. For the second game in a row the Patriots' normally stout run defense was manhandled as Martin was rarely touched before reaching the second level - but the miscues in the Buccaneers' passing game wasted his effort and rendered him a side show as the Patriots' defensive line grew stronger as the game evolved.
Of his 88 rushing yards, just 18 came after the break and with linebacker Dont'a Hightower dogging his every move both on the ground and in the pattern, the Tampa Bay rushing game was ineffective when it really needed to be.
Going forward, Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are going to have to identify a concept that can limit the opposition's running game - such as playing more man coverages on the outside and not letting the opposition dictate how many men the Patriots leave in the box.
In the past the Patriots' prolific offense was the defense's best friend, as most teams were forced to go to the air to keep up with Brady's arm, but as we've seen in the early stages of the season with the struggles that the offense has endured, it has exposed the rush defense to a degree.
But as it is with the offense, these early struggles will pay dividends later in the season. Better to be able to identify the rush defense for what it is early than to get exposed in the playoffs - and if we know anything about Bill Belichick, it's that he will make his adjustments and force the opposing offenses to try and beat him another way.
Pass Defense: B
As enamored as most are with the play of the secondary, it has to be remembered that were it not for a case of butterfingers amongst the Tampa Bay receivers, the game may have been much different - not necessarily different in the win column, but statistically and on the scoreboard.
That said, the New England pass defenders also featured some outstanding man coverage - but with the quality of the Tampa Bay receivers, there were some heavyweight battles happening along the sidelines and both sides got their licks in. The Patriots' corners stayed aggressive the entire game.
Kyle Arrington had his worst outing of the young season, replaced by Alfonzo Dennard on the outside after a bad pass interference penalty, and then benched completely in favor of rookie Logan Ryan in the nickle. It's unclear if Arrington was dealing with an injury or if he was just off his game, but one thing that has always been clear is that Dennard is the better option on the outside.
Ryan had his moments as did Dennard, and it will be interesting to see how Belichick handles Arrington and the secondary going forward, especially facing teams with multiple outside weapons such as the Bucs, Falcons, Saints, etc.
Defending the pass is inherently a crap shoot to begin with, but there are several variables that can swing the advantage to the defense - the most important of which is the quality and ferocity of the pass rush, and when the Patriots came out for the second half up by a score of 17-3, they pinned their ears back and went after Tampa quarterback Josh Freeman.
With the Buccaneers trying to play catch up with their best receiver nursing his sore ribs on the sideline, the combination of Chandler Jones and Tommy Kelly began to find their groove and were a constant presence in Freeman's face rushing from the inside from the second quarter on.
...so his mentor and his influence are part of his psychological make up - because Belichick far favors dependability over ability, though there has to be that present as well, and he has a tendency to shelve players who have shown reason to question their dependability, such as fumbling the ball and dropping Brady's throws.
Far from a narcissist, Brady instead apparently suffers from an affliction called Atychiphobia, or the fear of failure - and it manifested itself in the first quarter of Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What happens to the tormented is that they hesitate to pull the trigger on something that has failed in the past, telegraphing their intentions and locking on to their desired target. In the case of Brady, it offered some curious throws when he did let some off the chain, throwing low in the middle of the field and too long on the deep ball.
The cure? Well, we saw that at the start of the second quarter when Brady suddenly remembered that he was Tom-freaking-Brady and went after the Buccaneers' secondary - targeting his receivers on Revis Island, and the startled inhabitants had no answer for him.
And with the way the defense was playing and the way the Buccaneers were bumbling and stumbling, Brady didn't have to be great - and he wasn't - but whatever it really is that is limiting him, be it psychological or as part of the game plan, Brady found the antidote.
Passing game: B
Rookie nerves. Not for Aaron Dobson or Kenbrell Thompkins, but for quarterback Tom Brady as he seemed to be telegraphing his throws in the 1st quarter, holding onto the ball way too long and either not seeing or completely ignoring wide open receivers in favor of...what? Playing it safe, maybe?
Once Brandon Bolden eased his fears by taking a few short tosses for decent gains, Brady threw caution to the wind - and the ball into the wind as well - finding Aaron Dobson with a fastball that he was able to hang onto, and just like that, the Patriots' offense started clicking.
He left some points on the field for sure, but this performance was nothing like the face-melting disaster in the Jets' game 10 days earlier, where Brady left the field in a sputtering rage more than once - on Sunday, Brady sulked a bit on the sidelines after a couple of his faux pas throws, but didn't come close to the previous display.
And when he did go after the Buccaneers' secondary, there were flashes of the greatest of all time.
The offensive line provided decent protection after a first quarter that saw the entire offense struggle as a whole, and while the running backs were having a particularly difficult time getting things moving, they still put up a good fight in protecting Brady - especially Stevan Ridley, which speaks to his desire to contribute despite being limited in the running game.
Bolden was key and his performance was more of by design for the role of passing back than anything to do with a particular skill set - and with Vereen being out until after Halloween, Bolden will certainly be given every opportunity to grow into the role. Given good health for both, imagine the possibilities when Vereen does come back...
Dobson and Thompkins are also growing into their roles, one that has been made markedly more difficult than it should have been, with the injuries to Gronkowski, Vereen and Danny Amendola, but one can't help but think that being thrown right into the fire and being successful will help their progression by leaps and bounds.
Running Game: B-
Were it not for the power running game erasing nearly five minutes off the clock to close out the game, this grade would be much lower.
Bolden was the star of this group in returning from a knee injury suffered in the preseason, which really isn't saying that much, because despite the fact that the Patriots rushed for 156 yards, 102 of those came in lump sums - 46 on a beautiful explosion through the crease on the right side by Bolden and 56 more in an eight carry series in the four minute offense to salt the game away.
Other than that, the running game was a stagnant 2.25 yards per carry. To the credit of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he didn't abandon the running game when it wasn't working against one of the top run defenses in the NFL, just replaced the one-dimensional Ridley with Bolden, whose value in the passing game made him a more difficult matchup for the defense.
Ridley has had a tough start to 2013, as the running game isn't the same without tight end Rob Gronkowski throwing his considerable bulk around - and it's a little disconcerting that Ridley has not been able to consistently generate through small creases, though his blocking protecting Brady in the pocket is to be commended.
The left side of the offensive line flexed their muscles on that final drive, tight ends Matthew Mulligan, Michael Hoomanawanui and fullback James Develin joining the party and completely dominating the worn down Buccaneers for a sick seven yards per carry average for Blount on the drive.
Hopefully the Patriots have found something with that alignment to promote the running game, but a Gronkowski return and the health of right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who left the game with what is being classified as a sprained foot - whatever that means - is key to a powerful running game going forward.
Special teams: A
Did anyone else get all weepy seeing Gostkowski nailing that 53 yard field just before the half? That was prettier than a new set of snow tires - and we all know the emotions that those thing elicit, particularly in the dead of a New England winter...
...We have all come to expect him to send most of his kickoffs out of the end zone, and you really can't improve upon what he's done in that regard - so it seems that the man with the best success rate for field goals in franchise history has gotten over his case of the yips and is back to being Mr. Reliable.
Rookie Punter Ryan Allen actually has a better average gross punt and net punt average than the man he replaced, but that's all relative to situation and field percentage. He's gotten lots of practice while the Patriots' offense has been trying to find traction - but hopefully his reps will reduce to a nominal number soon.
Duron Harmon capably replaced the injured Matthew Slater as the gunner on punts, while Bolden handled the fullback duties on kick returns - of course, no one can perform those jobs better than Slater, pro bowl special teamer that he is, but the dropoff between he and those two was negligible in this contest.
Rush Defense: B-
After the New York Jets game nearly two weeks ago, Patriots' fans were lamenting the "soft" run defense against a middling rush offense - a game that the Jets would have won had they not abandoned their gouging running game in favor of Geno Smith's arm.
The Buccaneers did the same thing - but unlike the Jets they had little choice, giving the rock to Doug Martin just five times after he had averaged nearly five yards a pop in the opening half
Martin enjoyed early success, and the Buccaneers' interior run blocking was outstanding initially. For the second game in a row the Patriots' normally stout run defense was manhandled as Martin was rarely touched before reaching the second level - but the miscues in the Buccaneers' passing game wasted his effort and rendered him a side show as the Patriots' defensive line grew stronger as the game evolved.
Of his 88 rushing yards, just 18 came after the break and with linebacker Dont'a Hightower dogging his every move both on the ground and in the pattern, the Tampa Bay rushing game was ineffective when it really needed to be.
Going forward, Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are going to have to identify a concept that can limit the opposition's running game - such as playing more man coverages on the outside and not letting the opposition dictate how many men the Patriots leave in the box.
In the past the Patriots' prolific offense was the defense's best friend, as most teams were forced to go to the air to keep up with Brady's arm, but as we've seen in the early stages of the season with the struggles that the offense has endured, it has exposed the rush defense to a degree.
But as it is with the offense, these early struggles will pay dividends later in the season. Better to be able to identify the rush defense for what it is early than to get exposed in the playoffs - and if we know anything about Bill Belichick, it's that he will make his adjustments and force the opposing offenses to try and beat him another way.
Pass Defense: B
As enamored as most are with the play of the secondary, it has to be remembered that were it not for a case of butterfingers amongst the Tampa Bay receivers, the game may have been much different - not necessarily different in the win column, but statistically and on the scoreboard.
That said, the New England pass defenders also featured some outstanding man coverage - but with the quality of the Tampa Bay receivers, there were some heavyweight battles happening along the sidelines and both sides got their licks in. The Patriots' corners stayed aggressive the entire game.
Kyle Arrington had his worst outing of the young season, replaced by Alfonzo Dennard on the outside after a bad pass interference penalty, and then benched completely in favor of rookie Logan Ryan in the nickle. It's unclear if Arrington was dealing with an injury or if he was just off his game, but one thing that has always been clear is that Dennard is the better option on the outside.
Ryan had his moments as did Dennard, and it will be interesting to see how Belichick handles Arrington and the secondary going forward, especially facing teams with multiple outside weapons such as the Bucs, Falcons, Saints, etc.
Defending the pass is inherently a crap shoot to begin with, but there are several variables that can swing the advantage to the defense - the most important of which is the quality and ferocity of the pass rush, and when the Patriots came out for the second half up by a score of 17-3, they pinned their ears back and went after Tampa quarterback Josh Freeman.
With the Buccaneers trying to play catch up with their best receiver nursing his sore ribs on the sideline, the combination of Chandler Jones and Tommy Kelly began to find their groove and were a constant presence in Freeman's face rushing from the inside from the second quarter on.
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