A few thoughts: Patriots defeat Denver, 41-7

by MaPatsFan on Oct 21, 2008 8:37 AM EDT in New England Patriots News

patriots.com

A more thorough game recap is in the works for later today, but I thought I'd scribe a few thoughts on last nights win. After coming off of a loss against San Diego, this was a very satisfying win. They're all satisfying, but this one, in particular, was a good W to get. Against a team that has consistently punched our ticket, Matt Cassel was able to hit his receivers despite horrid pass protection and our DBs stepped up big time to shutdown Broncos' QB Jay Cutler. Maybe I was master of the obvious or prophetic, you choose, but I did lay it out in this story:

The 2 critical stats for winning a game were highest net yards and highest average yards per completion. Translation? Hit your receivers often for big gains.

Wow man, you're a friggin' rock star. Hit your receivers often for big gains... thanks for listening, Bill. At any rate, in addition to a ridiculous running game with an over-the-top performance by Sammy Morris, Cassel DID hit his receivers often for big gains, something Cutler just couldn't get any traction on. Take a pass happy offense in Denver and spin it around. Result? 41 points, 2 TDs to Moss, and a running back with the longest name on the team, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, gets his first NFL touchdown.

I still have concerns which I will go into with the detailed game recap, but I was pleased with this win. Even though Denver has had a tough couple of years, I still consider Mike Shanahan one of the best in the business. A very satisfying win, indeed.

For a Denver fans' perspective, make sure to hit Mile High Report for everything Broncos.

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O line still looks like crap...

… but we looked pretty good last night. I actually thought seeing some of our young bloods was good… except that their presence was due to the loss of veterans. I hope Sammie Morris is ok. Poor Rodney.

by PaulRevere on Oct 21, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

I think Green-Ellis

will be a surprise bonus addition for the team, although I had high hopes that Maroney would turn things around and find his rhythm like he did the second half of the 2007 season. I think the rookie’s only real drawback that kept him out of the draft was his size (but guys like RB Maurice Jones-Drew, and WR Wes Welker have proven so effective, they’ve helped to garner the serious consideration of other vertically challenged players out there.)

We still need a healthy Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan, because not every team is going to roll over for us like Denver did last night.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Oct 21, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

One thing

I noticed last night is Cassel is getting a much better pocket presence and moving to avoid the rush. He’s still slow to pull the trigger at times, but he is getting better. The more defenses he sees, the quicker he will go through his progressions, I hope. He’s not TB, but then again, who else in the league is?

"Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory...lasts forever."-Shane Falco, "The Replacements"

by Ironman63 on Oct 21, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions