Locked and loaded: Are the New England Patriots ready to pull the trigger?

by MaPatsFan on Oct 3, 2009 1:38 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

Did you ever get the feeling that our New England Patriots are on the verge of breaking out? That all of the tools are in place to make a run for it and dominate the AFC? I'm feeling that way right about now. The talent and ability is there, it's just a matter of "clicking", of developing that connection that only comes with practice.

I'm talking, for the most part, about Tom Brady and his receivers. The 26-10 victory over the Falcons would've been an absolute hammering if TB and his boys were in sync. The other 2 facets of the game, defense and special teams, were pretty darn good, if you ask me. We were able to take away Atlanta's weapons and, in essence, dismantle their scoring machine (Matt Ryan & Tony Gonzalez).

Brady, for most of his career, has been the most successful quarterback in the league. He knows what that feels like and what it takes to get there. And he knows he's not there right now. Which leads me to believe that if he can fix what ails him, it's going to be a long season for Patriots opponents. The fire we saw during the Falcons game is good. It's the kind of fire that pushes the team further than they think is possible. Brady knows how to lead a team to championships and he has the hardware to prove it. What other team has gone to the Super Bowl 4 times in the last 8 seasons? Only one. Not the Colts, Steelers, Chargers, Ravens, or Titans. Just the Patriots. That kind of success doesn't happen by accident.

New England is ready to bust out. They're ready to explode like 2007. They may not be able to duplicate that storied season, but this team has all the tools in place to take no prisoners and prove that, no matter what happens, this franchise is one of the best in football. A quarterback back from a year off, the loss of 4 key defensive veterans, a new crop of youngsters to contend with, and the loss of our offensive coordinator all add up to potential disaster. As is typical, the best head coach for the last 10 years has handled it as brilliantly as can be expected from Bill Belichick. No one but Hoodie can overcome the kind of adversity that he can...no one. To even field a successful team is a master stroke.

Fix a few things, continue developing the young guys, and this team is ready to fire on all cylinders. It's gonna be a fun season.

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I just don't think that "spark" is there anymore

It’s just not the shiny smooth New England team that everyone knew would win all the close games and certainly be right there at the end. Brady seems off, the running game is not like it was and the defense is much softer than it was in past seasons. Yeah, they were the team of the decade, but it’s been two years and a lot of personnel changes plus one major injury that just doesn’t have them as feared as they once were.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Oct 3, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions

Just like in 2001, that turned out pretty well.

The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 3, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

and I don’t think you would find one New England fan that would ever describe the Patriots as “shiny smooth”. Ever.

The 2004 team, which I believe was the most complete team the Patriots ever had on offense and defense – was so debilitated with injuries that Troy Brown was forced to play cornerback. What made that team great was how each player stepped up and played above and beyond how the rest of the NFL world would have described their playing abilities. So many ‘no-names’ would have a great game and it could have been someone different each week. Not pretty, but gritty. And effective.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Oct 3, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

In fairness, the running game was never "like it was."

It’s always been a bit of a herky-jerky affair back there. There was one consistent year with Dillon, but other than that it was mes a mes at best — though ultimately good enough.

As Mr. Sloan always says, there is no "I" in team, but there is an "I" in pie. And there's an "I" in meat pie. Anagram of meat is team... I don't know what he's talking about. --Shaun of the Dead

by JohnHannahRules on Oct 3, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

There are some holes.

With Mayo out, our linebacking corps is average. With him in, it’s uneven and shallow.

The defensive backfield looks like it might be rounding into shape; McGowan has been a bit of a revelation and if things continue to gel, we could be in good shape. But there’s no certainty there and in the meantime it has been adequate.

Our inability to generate a pass rush is a concern and seems related to personnel rather than scheme, as even when we blitz we haven’t found consistent pressure.

Our offensive line still has not found whatever it’s missing with respect to handling pressure. Local media have been making a fuss about the fact that they’ve only given up a single sack. But if you’ve been watching the games, you know that’s credit to Brady for getting rid of the rock in a hurry.

And, of course, the not quite Brady Brady we’ve been seeing, who is also struggling to get on the same page with a receiving corps that lately has included only one pass-catcher with whom he’s familiar (Moss).

So I don’t think it’s ever going to look like 2007. But it’s important to remember — as some here have pointed out — that our SB winners also looked nothing like 2007. I think this team will continue to improve as the season goes on, and may mature into one of our finest teams. My only worry is that they’ll be too far from the rest of the field by then to get into the show and do what they do best: win in the postseason.

As Mr. Sloan always says, there is no "I" in team, but there is an "I" in pie. And there's an "I" in meat pie. Anagram of meat is team... I don't know what he's talking about. --Shaun of the Dead

by JohnHannahRules on Oct 3, 2009 11:13 PM EDT reply actions