Post Game Recap: Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots, 20-17
by MaPatsFan on Oct 12, 2009 4:22 PM EDT
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21 comments
I said during the Post Game Open Thread that I needed to sleep on this one and I feel like it did some good. I initially blamed the defense, but that's only part of the problem. In Belichick's own words:
"Just collectively as an offensive unit, we’re just not consistently doing things as well as we need to do them," Belichick said. "All the way across the board. It’s not one position, it’s not one player. It’s not one particular type of play. We’re just not as efficient and as precise as we need to be. There’s no other way to put it."
It was night and day for the Pats' offense from the first half to the second. All of their 17 points came before halftime. So did their five first downs. They didn’t find the red zone at all in the second half, and after completing 14-of-19 passes in the first half, Tom Brady was 5-of-14 in the second.
"We didn’t get that much production at all in the second half: 0-for-6 on third down, no points," Belichick said. "We didn’t do well."
At the risk of disagreeing with a PhD in astrophysics, I think Bill is being gracious. The offensive line, in my humble opinion, did a bangup job of protecting Brady. There were many times when he had all day long to fire a pass downfield. Except for a badly timed sack with 2:27 in the fourth quarter, the 300 pounders were pretty solid.
The Ups
- Wes Welker - The little guys is back and doing what he does best, drive defenses nuts, to the tune of 8 for 86 yards and a TD. Even after he was speared in the back, Welker walked off for one play and came back on to do some more damage. This guy is ridiculous.
- Offensive Line - I thought the offensive line did a good job of protecting Tom Brady and giving him as much time has he wanted to make plays.
- Sammy Morris - With 17 for 68 and a long of 19, Sammy had a good day pounding the rock. Oh, did I mention he went 2 for 39 yards receiving with a long of 35? He's becoming a Kevin Faulk clone.
The Downs
- Brandon Meriweather - I'm not in the habit of complaining about penalties or, more accurately, whether or not a penalty could've changed the outcome of a game. Every team benefits (or not) from a call that goes one way or another. But this taunting call was absolute garbage. Brandon shows a smidgen of emotion and out goes the flag. Unfortunately, it brings the ball from the 22 to the 11 where Kyle Orton hits Brandon Marshall for an 11 yard TD to tie the game.
- Defensive Play Calling - Playing too...dang...soft. As some have pointed out, this is not the fault of the players. Rather, the coaches (Belichick and crew) are instructing the players to give a cushion. The result? Orton was underneath all day long and ate us up with the dink & dunks. It was so frustrating to watch. This prevent defensive style just prevented a win.
- Tom Brady - As stated above in Bill's quote, he's trying to sugar coat the offensive problems and not call out any one player. I give him props for that. But, we all have eyes and us edge-a-macated football fans can see what's going on: Brady is not in sync with his receivers. Welker's thinking one thing and Tom's thinking another. Boom! Missed first down. The most frustrating "out-of-sync" play had to be the overthrown ball to Randy Moss that was a certain touchdown. Those were money during 2007 and now they're struggling.
- Third down conversion - 0 for 6 in the second half. That just about says it all.
After a miserable sports Sunday, I am not depressed nor am I ready to jump off of the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge. This is a game and not nearly as important as other, more pressing issues. However, there is one interesting takeaway for me: as poorly as our Patriots played, they still managed to come within an overtime coin toss of beating a hot Denver Broncos team...in their house.
Just imagine what will happen when Brady and the boys start to click...
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Watching a successful opposition dink-and-dunk offence is infuriating
Wonder if that’s where a lot of the (pre-Randy Moss) Brady-hatred stemmed from? It must suck to watch that happen to your team week-in, week-out.
I want a return to those days :( Haha
by Comedic.Sans on Oct 12, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The first half was great minus the missed long ball
If the pats can continue to show life like they did in the first half, then this team can easily win most of their remaining games. This game was like the reverse of the other games where everything looked clicking in the beginning then slowly it fell apart. We can blame brady all we want for not connecting with his receivers and yes he is at fault here, but giving up 90+ yrd drives is un acceptable. Playing 5 yrds away from receivers is purely stupid. And oh missed tackles. (plus a questionable taunting call) The best coverage we saw was in the end of the game by springs when it was too late. Offensively they just never got in rhythm in the second half and when that happens you expect the def to pick them up, like how the offense picked the def up in the end of the first by getting that TD. Remember we still have a 2 score lead going into the second half…
by lololol on Oct 12, 2009 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The idea of a 90-yard drive is a LOT different
when you’re two or three TDs in arrears rather than just one. When it’s just one, and you have a ball-controlling QB and a decent running back, and a good 5 minutes of time, you know you can do what you like as long as you get the yardage. When you’re down by more than a TD, the pressure is magnified by a huge amount – you have to get down the field, sure, but you have to do it as quickly as possible, and that includes forcing throws into coverage, gambling against defensive players, and using check-downs and safe routes a lot less.
Orton’s a very capable QB – he’s a very good game-manager. It’s not clear whether he can be an outright game-winner (at least in terms of gunning down, say, a 14 point deficit in a quarter, or the like.
Similarly, a bend-but-don’t-break offence is good at managing leads – after all, the Pats have only coughed up sub-20 points in all their games against pretty good teams. It’s just that it relies on the offence scoring more than 20 points, and that’s the sticking point this year.
In my eyes, it’s more on the offence’s inability to a) put up points, and b) keep the defence off the field. Once they can do either or both (and they are related, so I’ll hope both) the defence will be able to work as advertised – protecting 20 points.
by Comedic.Sans on Oct 12, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Prevent defense
This seems to be a very conscious decision by the coaching staff: No matter what, don’t give up the big play and don’t get beaten deep.
The philosophy seems to be, that it’s ok to allow a third down to be converted, as long as there is field enough to stop the opposing team later. The defensive series from sunday:
First half
1. Two first downs, 50 yards, missed fg, longest play: 14 yards
2. One first down, 16 yards, fumble, longest play: 13 yards
3. Zero first downs, 9 yards, punt, longest play: 8 yards
4. One first down, 22 yards, punt, longest play: 18 yards
5. Four first downs, 90 yards, TD, longest play: 15 yards
Second half
1. Four first downs, 66 yards, fg, longest play: 18 yards
2. Two first downs, 22 yards, punt, longest play: 12 yards
3. Five first downs, 98 yards, TD, longest play: 27 yards
4. Zero first downs, 6 yards, punt, Longest play: 5 yards
5. Zero first downs, -5 yards, punt, Longest play: 4 yards
The last drive was the defense’s finest hour: After the Brady fumble the Broncos took over the ball on the NE 45 with 1:37 to get within field goal position, and they couldn’t do anything. The prevent takes a lot of time off the clock, and if the Offense had been able to do anything in the second half, the strategy would have worked well.
The one uacceptable defensive play was allowing the Broncos to convert a 3-14 on their second TD-drive.
by hythlodaeus on Oct 13, 2009 3:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dink and Dunk
I honestly believe that Tom Brady needs to start to do this for the early parts of the season. He needs to get back on track with his receivers and it’s much easier to move the ball and remake a connection with numerous short passes to move the chains. It’s fun to watch him make the long ball, but that’s not happening. It’s tiring to watch the run not establish itself. A lot of “Pass and Runs” (screens to Welker/Morris/Edelman/Whomever it may be) could have the similar effect of establishing the run. Work the edge of the fields with Welker and Edelman and collapse the pocket and use Morris/Faulk/LoMo to run the middle of the field. I’d take 5-6 yards a play over one play going for 10 yards and then going 3-and-out.
How did the Patriots give Cassel confidence last year? A lot of dink and dunk. That’s what Brady needs, in this system. Welker is his safety blanket. It’s great to try and get Moss involved- in fact, it’d be stupid not to. However, sacrificing moving the chains out of desire for the big play that Brady isn’t ready for yet is losing us games NOW. Cause matchups with the Tight Ends. We have so many weapons on offense that it’s a shame not to utilize them.
I’m not saying to take away the big play. We just need to stop relying on them because they won’t be coming for a while. Sure, go for the deep pass if the secondary is sleeping. Go to Moss to mix up the offense. Just don’t rely on it.
Establish the “Run” with Welker and co.
Throw a lot of middle and short range passes to move the chains and get the scores.
Once there is a comfortable lead/Brady has a rhythm, THEN try the big plays.
by The Hill on Oct 12, 2009 11:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My opinion as to what
is part of the problem is the mix of playcalling. In 2007, in a four wide set, it might be a run or it might be a pass. Same with 2 tightends. This year, if it’s four wide, it’s a pass play. Two tightends, it’s a run. The defense knows what’s coming and reacts accordingly. Sunday was the first screen play I’ve seen all year and it went for 30+ yards. What happened to the bubble and slip screens that we lived on? I think losing McD hurt us more than I would have ever thought.
"Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory...lasts forever."-Shane Falco, "The Replacements"
by Ironman63 on Oct 13, 2009 12:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
some of it is personnel too. We need another WR to pull it off. A real one.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Oct 13, 2009 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we could use...
Wait, he’s on a 5-0 team and twists his socks. Crap…
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
by MaPatsFan on Oct 13, 2009 7:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's funny,
I was going to say, “we need a Gaffney” but didn’t.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Oct 13, 2009 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moss-Brady
I think there are enough wr’s (and te’s) on the team, but opponents will not be really afraid of the deep ball until Brady connects with Moss.
by hythlodaeus on Oct 13, 2009 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and they won't bite on covering a scrub or newbie WR
as much as they will Moss or Welker when they’re out there. Before, defenses had to respect Stallworth or Gaffney when they were out there with Moss because they could catch the long ball and were legitimate receivers. Having Sam Aiken or Edelman lining up as the third WR just doesn’t strike fear into any CB, and Brady has to get them the ball to force the defenses to decide who they have to cover more.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Oct 13, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we have the perfect personnel as of now.
Moss on the sideline
Edelman in the slot
Welker on the other side acting as an emergency blanket and running whatever route is asked of him
LoMo/Morris/Faulk/Lawfirm maybe? in the backfield for running, screening or blocking
Baker/Watson on the line to either help block or create a mismatch. Have them play the part of Gaffney, except they can also be an extra blocker,
The offense is being too timid when it needs to mix things up. Sort of contradictory to what I’ve been saying, but the offense’s timidity leads to the lack of production on the big plays. The offense just needs to make the mid-range plays every single down. Of course, if it were as easy as that, I’d sign up to be OC.
by The Hill on Oct 13, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're hired
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 13, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watson and maybe even Baker
have the athleticism to play that hybrid Dallas Clark-type TE/WR. I’d like to see them split them out wide more often. The added bonus is if they have them in the slot, and the offence plays the run, you’ve effectively got your run personnel package on the field anyway. Giving Watson a 10 yard buffer to pick out and run over a Safety on a run play would be highly amusing to watch.
by Comedic.Sans on Oct 13, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
play calling
I think the play calling has just been awful. Third downs especially. Hit Welker on a curl; it will be there 8 or more times out of 10 which is a lot better than some of the plays that are being called. Maybe Brady isn’t in sync because he’s not getting the same number of passes as in 2007?…Let him throw more early on and try to a lead and then have him play
a managing style.
Both sides are playing very conservative right now. Thtey need to throw more on offense and come with more blitzes on defense. Some of the coverage isn’t as bad as you think and they’re simply not getting pressure.
by deeseeko on Oct 13, 2009 1:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As a Jets fan, this makes me happy. As a Cowboys fan, this makes our loss to the Broncos a little easier to swallow.
2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: 11-5
by Grady90 on Oct 13, 2009 9:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But then, as a Cowboys fan, the squeeker against KC can’t feel too good. I was using the Dallas game to boost my confidence before the Broncos.
Thought Process
Well Denver barely beat Dallas
and Dallas had to go into OT with KC
We should be able to beat the Broncos.
Twas but a dream…
by The Hill on Oct 13, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Broncos played just as poorly at times, so it wasn't like the Broncos had to bring their A game in order to beat a Patriot team that brought their C- games.
Also, the Broncos had two garbage penalties against the Cowboys(both phantom PI calls) and still figured out a way to overcome them. I still think the Patriots are elite and I am sure we will meet again in the playoffs, but to say that was a garbage call isn’t totally accurate. He did taunt…I saw it. Personally, I think players should be allowed to taunt all they want…it’s part of getting into the heads of your opponent. The NFL has become sissified and sadly it is beginning to make a difference in the outcomes of games…like that Tom Brady penalties the week before against the Ravens.
The Broncos won because they played tough football for 65 minutes…and refused to give up.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
by Tim Lynch on Oct 13, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
All credit to the Broncos
They beat us. Officiating is never an excuse for a bad game. The Pats left plays all over the field that might have made the difference. The Broncos played better. Congratulations.
Brady is not himself right now, and we’re concerned. We need him to play better. Don’t know if it is the knee, the shoulder from the Haynseworth sack, the time off, the new wife or what.
Good luck with your season. The Broncos are doing well. Hopefully the Pats can improve from a C- game to something in the A range.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 13, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Taunting Call
Our main issue is that the flag for the “taunting” was thrown before the taunting began. The flag was thrown for pass interference, but they changed the calling.
by The Hill on Oct 13, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mentioned the 'Tom Brady' penalties
but not the Joe Flacco penalty. So… the hits to Brady were “sissified” penalties, but the hit on Flacco’s helmet, was not? I don’t get the difference.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Oct 14, 2009 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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