NOTHING COULD BE FINER THAN TO DEFEAT CAROLINA BY THE MORNING!

     Nothing could be finer, than to defeat Carolina by Monday Morning (December 14, 2009). Is this the impossible dream? I think not! If I were Bill Belichick, I would be reassessing my approach to the game. Maybe, just maybe, I would reign in my tendencies to gamble and start crunching the numbers.

     Implementing my new, but not exactly revolutionary manifesto as Coach Belichick, I would start adopting a more conservative game plan. I would focus my thought processes upon the concept of scoring points. Any points I accrue are vital to my success and thus, I promise to kick field goals if I am within forty yards of the goal posts and it is fourth down and one yard or more to go, regardless of my opponent.

     I will also grudgingly continue running the football, especially following a triumphant success in moving the ball on the ground against my opponent from my own twenty yard line to their goal line. I will not abandon the running game prematurely and I will utilize the remarkable new mental attitude of Lawrence Maroney to decimate my opponents with a bruising ground game. I now have Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis to compliment the efforts of Maroney. Of more importance, I have an offensive line that is more than capable of forging a pathway for my running backs.

     I understand that a consistent ground attack will keep my opponent's defense honest and will also facilitate a more relaxed and effective football game for my quarterback and his aerial attack. My quarterback will be more composed and feel less pressured because is receiving outstanding support from his running backs and offensive line.

     I will not focus so much on the long ball, because I realize that hitting home runs just doesn't seem to be a consistent formula for success this year. If my opponent exhibits a blown coverage in the secondary, that of course constitutes an invitation for the long ball. Otherwise, I have to accept the reality that my opponents will cover Moss and Welker like glue.

     However, I know that screens and quick slants have been always been our forte and therefore, I will be mixing these into our scheme throughout the game. When my opponent blitzes, I will utilize my arsenal of weapons to punish my opponent for such activity.

     My defense will understand that pass rushing is a fundamental component of the game. We will not allow our opponent's quarterback to enjoy safe haven in the pocket for a time frame equal to, or exceeding three seconds.

     I hate it when they shut down Moss and Welker, but I certainly do possess an array of other lethal weapons to unleash. I have Maroney, Faulk, Watson and Aiken as relief valves.

     My team promises to refrain from committing silly penalties. Of more significance, my team's resolution (It isn't even New Years yet!) is to be penalty free in the forthcoming games (everyone is entitled to their own fantasy).

     Well, there it is for all to see! Simple! The new manifesto is the missing link for Patriots success. We can all sleep tonight.

     Now, it is time for a reality check! This is the NFL and nothing is quite black and white. Perhaps, this reality is the reason that Coach Belichick makes the big bucks. He is not always the wizard in the kingdom, but he has occupied the King's throne a sufficient number of times to warrant respect and reverence.

     Who are the Panthers? The Carolina Panthers, as of week twelve statistics, are ranked 24th in points accrued; 22nd in yards accrued and 3rd in rushing yards gained. The Panthers are ranked number 13 in defense.

     Deangelo Williams has 1022 yards to his credit and Jonathan Stewart has 664 yards. In terms of the aerial attack, Steve Smithis credited with 682 yards in receptions; Mushin Muhammad at 382 yards; Deangelo Williams at 234 yards and Dante Rosario at 276 yards.

     Delhomme has accrued 2015 yards as quarterback and Moore is responsible for 224 yards. Delhomme's completion percentage is 55.5% and Moore's is 62.5%.

     The Patriots line up as follows; the stats after twelve games indicate the Pats are 5th in points; 2nd in yards;2nd in pass yards and 16th in rushing yards. The Pats defense was ranked 11th in the NFL after twelve games.

     After twelve games, Maroney has 560 yards and Kevin Faulk claims 229 yards. In the passing game, Moss claims 1058 in reception yardage; Welker has 1053; Kevin Faulkrealizes 281 yards with Aiken at 310 and Watson at 321.

     Twelve week stats also show Tom Brady with a total of 3,638 yards and a completion percentage of 65.7%.
As we head into week fourteen of the NFL season, from a strictly statistical analysis, you have to give the edge to the Pats. Despite agonizing and almost inexplicable losses, the Pats still remain in the hierarchy of achievement from a statistical vantage point. Now all we have to due is to affix big W's to the remainder of the schedule. I realize that this statement is subject to skepticism at this juncture .

     Common sense dictates applying copious volumes of pressure on the Panther's QB and shutting down their running game. We should apply the same courtesy to Steve Smith and company that our opponents have applied to Wes Welker and Randy Moss. Sticking to these folks like glue seems like an appealing mantra for the Pats.

     Did we discuss home field advantage? The game clincher is present and thus victory is assured. The Pats win 38-24. Nothing could be sweeter than to send Carolina home by the morning with a loss.

Dahlialama