Following the Game, Areas of Concern

Less concerned now than last week..

Secondary.   They continue to build on last week's effort against Sanchez, going up against a better QB with bigger receivers and one of the best TE's in the league.

The defensive front.  As I've been saying, Andre Carter and Brian Waters have been my favorite free-agent signings.    Andre Carter lined up all over the place as a RDE like usual, LDE, and even in a three-man front.   He's been a beast all season against the run and in this game began showing flashes of the pass-rushing capability. Shaun Ellis had his best game of the season.  Gerard Warren has been playing solid, Vince "the speed bump" Wilfork, and then there was Albert Haynesworth.   Give this line of veterans a week to rest and regroup for the Steeler's O-Line....

Then there was Brandon Spikes.  He had a decent but not great game against the Jets, and a hell of one today.

More concerned now than last week..

Center.   Dan Connolly.  Love his effort and versatility, but we need help there.   You can take it to the bank that Marcus Cannon is coming off of PUP and may very well be worked into the RG position, with Brian Waters moved over to Center.   Marcus Cannon is going to be a beast when he's ready.

Special teams, returns.    Remind me again why Wes Welker is being risked on special teams?   Last week the coverage-department of the special teams completely flunked when they let McKnight torch them.  This week it was special-teams captain Slater with a huge fumble.

Tom Brady,   He was having his ass kicked all night, which shouldn't be surprising against a Ryan defense that includes Ratliff, Ware, and some other serious nightmares.   Still, what should be concerning is that we haven't seen him play to his potential since half-way into the second quarter of the Bills game in week 3.   Then things went ridiculously downhill.   He had an okay game against the Raiders and Jets and an inconsistent one against the Cowboys.   What's reassuring is that he looked like his usual self in those final minutes when the pressure was really on,,, going I think 9 for 10 in that final key drive.

Still concerned about...

Gary Guyton.  I miss Jerod Mayo.