A Saints Fan's Opinion - Solicited by Cameron O
by BewareofDog on Oct 5, 2011 4:08 PM EDT
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PrintCameron O asked some Saints fans over on the OTA thread to give their opinion on the Patriots. Since I am an old windbag in need of a good editor, I couldn't fit this into the comments section without it looking like I copy and pasted the U.S. constitution, so I decided to put it here as a Fanpost. I hope ya'll don't mind.
Before I begin, let me say that I'm not just some fan of another team offering an opinion on your squad without any forethought or at least some knowledge of your team.
I'm old enough to have followed the Patriots since the days of Jim Nance and Gino Cappelletti. I remember the days of Grogan, Sam "Bam" Cunningham, Mike Haynes, and their battles with the Raiders. I also remember when the Patriots had the prettiest looking set of wide receivers in the whole league (in their uniforms)....Stanley Morgan, Irving Fryar, Stephen Starring, and Cedric Jones....they looked "mah-va-lus".
Just saying....I did not come here to bury the Patriots, I'm here to.....oh hell, you know the rest.
Anyway, after 4 games it's too early to tell, because things are still being worked out on the defensive side of the ball. But, I will say that contrary to what some Patriots fans seem to think, when it comes to the success or failure of the Patriots, it's not about the defense.
I will use a line by Pats Pulpit's own ISN...."Juggernaut offense, suspect defense".
That seems to be the prevailing thought of quite a few Pats fans I've talked to. While the defense is definitely suspect, the only Juggernaut offense I've seen so far this season has been Green Bay (and I don't know how long that will last). Yes, the Pats have a high scoring offense, just like the Saints and Texans, but if the greatest Juggernaut offense in the history of the NFL (for 16 games) couldn't get it done in 2007 simply by outscoring teams, then I don't see that happening with this group.
Kerry Byrne and the crew over at CHFF have made a big deal about how the Pats have not won a Super Bowl since the 2004 team and putting the blame squarely on the defense. They even trotted out a bunch of completely one-sided examples that supposedly "prove" their point about how the Pats defense has continually folded and let the team down when they needed them most.
The problem with that is the only game that the Patriots defense has "choked" away has been the AFC Championship game with the Colts following the 2006 season when the Patriots were up 21-6 at the half and 34-31 in the 4th quarter.
It's understandable how they would feel that way given the performance of the defense during the Super Bowl seasons but it's not an accurate picture. Other than that game against the Colts, when the Patriots scored 34 points, the offense has scored 13, 14, 14 and 21 points in their four other playoff losses since the 2004 team.
They have lost.....
27-13 Broncos
17-14 Giants
33-14 Ravens
28-21 Jets
Byrne loves to talk about how the Colts lost all those playoff games, not because of a horrible Colts defense, but because the Colts offense never put up enough points to win those games. Somehow, he is not able to apply that same logic to the Patriots offense.
Right now, I want to exclude the loss to the Broncos for a moment and concentrate on the three losses which have occurred since the Patriots changed their offensive focus following the 2006 season and the collapse to the Colts in the AFC championship game.
It was decided after that season that the Patriots needed more offensive firepower to continue to compete for a championship. After all, it was the dropped passes by mediocre receivers in that game that lost the Pats another shot a Super Bowl, right? So, the Pats went out and loaded up on offensive talent and the 2007 season was born.
But since then, no championships have followed. The offense continues to score even with all the personnel changes (Because you only really need Brady, right?). So, it must be all the defense' fault....right?
Plus, Moss got booted out of town and the offense was able to go back to the "death by a thousand cuts" philosophy in which Brady spread the ball around to everyone and didn't just concentrate on Moss and Welker.
Here's the problem, with that. The "death by a thousand cuts" offense was based on having a dependable running game (notice I said "dependable"), which the Pats have not had in years.
Just because Brady is spreading the ball around to different receivers does not make this a return to the championship formula offense from 2003 and 2004. The running game is not reliable. And, come playoff time, against teams with good defenses who are much more focused and prepared (because it's the playoffs), the Pats offense gets exposed. Just like the Colts offense would get exposed every year when Peyton Manning was 0-for-whatever in playoff games.
Because of all this focus on Brady and how he is such a great quarterback (He definitely is), and how much the offense scores, people just naturally blame the defense for the Patriots not winning another championship.
It doesn't help that they are getting lit up for big yardage by everyone they play right now (so is Green Bay), but that's not what has stopped them from winning a playoff game the last two seasons and it is not what has stopped them from winning a Super Bowl the last 6 seasons (except for the 2006 collapse).
It has been the vaunted Patriots offense coming up small in the playoffs. Just like the Colts did all those years with Manning.
Some Patriots fans may not want to hear this, but unless that offense can prove that it can do something in the playoffs besides get stopped by team with a good defense, the Patriots are not going to win anything.
Or, they will need a return to the opportunistic defense that could rise up and stop teams at crunch time before all their best defensive players got too old for their contracts and shipped out of town. (Which is what every Pats fan has been hoping and praying)
Don't worry Patriots fans, Belichick is working on that right now. Just give him a little time to mesh these youngsters and veterans together into the current defensive scheme. I think you may be pleasantly surprised....this season.
Please, don't kick an old Saints fan around too hard with your comments. I rooted for ya'll against the Packers in Super Bowl 31. I was also so depressed after Patriots loss in Super Bowl 42 that I could not watch football during the 2008 season until after week 8.
(I really wanted that undefeated season)
Besides this is all Cameron O's fault anyway.....he ASKED for my opinion.
The views expressed in these FanPosts are not necessarily those of the writers or SBNation.
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well done my father
(though you should have been slightly more complimentary if you want to score any points with 808, just sayin’.)
Would be nice to hear
a Pats fan’s assessment of our Saints. We have a lot of issues this season (weak D, weak O-line come to mind).
by snowboard_kat on Oct 5, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know enough about Saints to come with an "assessment"
but every single time I watch highlights on gameday, I see that Jimmy Graham dude. We patriots fans are very proud of our young TE duo (Gronkowski and Hernandez) but Graham is a legitimate contender for “the best TE in the class of 2010.” (I also read a story about his upbringings so I am very happy for him)
And yeah, Darren Sproles looks better than Reggie Bush.
Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?
Graham isn't Gronkowski.
He’s good, but no TE is as good cat blocking and catching as Gronkowski.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 3:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Sproles is sort of Woodhead-esqe
fast and tiny
by snowboard_kat on Oct 6, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Woodhead-esque?
Quasi-Woodhead-esque? Thanks, Peter King.
I’d say Sproles is better than Woodhead, although maybe not as pure a running back (Woodhead ain’t Peterson, but he’ll run inside more than Sproles).
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d say Sproles is better than Woodhead
I’d agree.
That was very ISN-esque of you.
by snowboard_kat on Oct 6, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Very nice, thank you!
I love hearing the opinions of fans of other teams, especially when they’re giving their opinion on the Patriots. I agree with just about all of your points, but have a slight problem with one of them: Sure, the Patriots running game isn’t like the Raiders, or the ‘78 Patriots where they had over 3,100 yards rushing, but the committee is quite reliable. BJGE hasn’t fumbled the ball since before high school (KNOCK ON WOOD) Woodhead is a great change of pace/third down back, and Stevan Ridley is really showing some explosion early in the season. Figure, they averaged 6 yards a carry last week against the Raiders, so when called upon they’ll get the job done.
But I definitely agree about the offense needing to step up in the playoffs. Sure, points and wins in the regular season is great, but everybody starts new in the playoffs (e.g. Manning for his entire career until he got a legitimate defense) but hopefully this year they get the monkey off their back and win some post season games.
It matters not how strait the gate, nor charged with punishments the scroll:
I am the Master of my fate. I am the Captain of my soul.
I see your point
But that’s why I used the word “dependable” instead of saying they need a “great” running game to be successful. Which they don’t need….not in this current passing era.
The Pats running game has been fine during the regular season but they haven’t shown that toughness of years past which can be relied on in the postseason. Plus, I think that since they changed offensive focus following the 2006 season, I just don’t think the same level of commitment has been there as far as play-calling in the running game.
The Saints have the exact same issue with “commitment” and play-calling.
I have already picked a Saints-Pats Super Bowl. I am expecting these issues to get worked out as the season goes on.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
The Pats running game has been fine during the regular season but they haven’t shown that toughness of years past which can be relied on in the postseason. Plus, I think that since they changed offensive focus following the 2006 season, I just don’t think the same level of commitment has been there as far as play-calling in the running game.
Reason why is because we have abandoned the running game. And the last time the pats had a successful running game was laurence maroney in the 2007 playoffs.
But yeah, the pats have a dependable running game. Whether we use it or not… up t the coaches ultimately. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
*Reason why is because the coaches abandoned the running game
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Well.....I'm glad you said it
I didn’t want to “Bull-in-a-China-Shop” my way onto your blog by saying, “Your offensive coaches have their heads as far up their asses as Sean Payton when it comes to the running game”.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
Ah, I see exactly what you mean now.
I just had a bit of a mind blank and disregarded what I read for what I thought I read. But yeah, I agree. Belichick needs to say “run the ball more.” Give it a nice 35 passes to 30 runs feel. Keep the defense honest. And I would LOVE a Saints-Patriots Super Bowl. That would be fantastic! And, the Pats would have the last two picks in the first round, so that would be fun.
Also, can Drew Brees not throw a touchdown one of these weeks? Johnny U’s 47 straight games with a touchdown pass is one of my favorite records of all time, and even though Brees is still 15-16 games away, he’s already come this far so he has a great shot at breaking it. So, thanks!
It matters not how strait the gate, nor charged with punishments the scroll:
I am the Master of my fate. I am the Captain of my soul.
47 straight is one of the all-time great records in all sports and it is barely acknowledged by most sports fans. Especially when you consider the era that Unitas played.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
Tell ya what
When we play in the Super Bowl if Brady doesn’t throw a touchdown I can make your wish come true.
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
Thanks for the honest input
The problem I’ve always had with the “defense let the Patriots down” argument is that it’s only partly true. Even in Super Bowl 42, the Pats D only allowed 17 points – which should have been good enough to win. Yes, I know Brady threw it to Moss to take the lead with two minutes left and it was that last really weird drive that the defense had a breakdown (single coverage on Burress?) In my opinion the offense should have scored more points, more than the defense should have held back the Giants, but it doesn’t matter because the team lost.
Even last year’s debacle against the Jets had more to do with Brady’s receivers being well-covered than the defense being inept, although that game was the first time they weren’t able to get any turnovers to get off the field and stop the Jets drives.
The 2009 loss against the Ravens was due to the Pats being a bad team that year. Just a bad team all-around.
I like the running backs the Patriots have this year. They have terrific potential to help the offense through those times when Brady either isn’t having a good game or his receivers can’t seem to get open. The running game gives them options and that’s always a good thing.
Keep the faith!
Even in Super Bowl 42, the Pats D only allowed 17 points – which should have been good enough to win.
You hit the nail on the head, Marima. The Pats averaged 36.8 PPG in 2007 and scored 14 points in the Super Bowl. That was NOT on the defense.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
Oh that was the defense
The Giants defense had their best performance of the season in that game. They picked the perfect day to show up. It’s hard to imagine any other team being able to put up 14 points against that D.
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
Well people did.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
There were more than two teams that played in that Super Bowl?
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
Im saying people put up over 14 points on the giants that season.
but yes, their best performance was in the superbowl. Than again, I don’t watch the giants enough to know whether or not they always performed that way (after all, the pats scored 38 in the last game, and they played very tough).
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
They didn't always perform at that level.
Their Super Bowl is the best single game performance by a defensive line in NFL history.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
The Giants defense played perfectly that day that didn't happen, and it still shouldn't have been enough.
Pats’ D gave up that game, despite the O not performing to the standard set that year.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
14 points won't win you many games
not matter how good your defense is
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
Don't look at the 14 points, look at the game.
14 points should have been enough to win, 14-10.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Why are you excusing the offense
and blaming the defense? Yeah it gave up a lead but it only allowed 17 points. That should have won that game, we should have scored more than 14 points, IT WAS THE OFFENSES FAULT!
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
If you just look at it like they only scored 14 points.
As bad as the offense was for 3 quarters, it should have been enough. But yet again, the Pats’ great clutch defense let up two 4th quarter TDs.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
You can't hold a team as good
as the Giants to 3 points forever ISN, sooner or later they are going to score. Whether or not it is in the first quarter second quarter third quarter or fourth quarter shouldn’t matter. I mean that is like blaming a defense that allowed a last second FG to lose the game 6-9. Who really deserves more blame here?
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
You say a team as good as the Giants.
I would hold that they had, and continue to have, an average offense, while their defense and particularly their front 4 has been one of the top couple of units in the league and played one of the all time great games. You’re shocked that they were able to match the Pats’ O on a bad day, but not shocked that the Giants were able to score 17?
I would absolutely shred my defense if they gave up a last second FG to lose 6-8, if that FG drive was the second of the quarter, bookended my FG to go up 6-5, and took 2 minutes to go 83 yards just to get to the 40 yard line to have a shot.
You’re looking at the final score and forgetting the context. 14 points held a lead with 30 seconds to go. As badly as the offense was outplayed by the Giants defense, it was still good enough to win the game.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
So context
means more than the actual score in your opinion. Ok using that logic the Packers offense in they 2009 playoff game against the Cardinals was mainly to blame after scoring 45 points that game and the the Packers Defense allowing 45 points when they were a top defense that year. Do you see the flaws in that logic?
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
45-51?
Games where both teams score on every possession is a little different to a game with 5 scores total.
In the end, the Packers O lost the game, so yes, they’re to blame. From memory, Rodgers missed a wide open Jennings either very late in the 4th or the first play of OT, and then lost a fumbleception. Sounds like it was their fault.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
There Defense
doesn’t make one play all day and the OFFENSE is at fault for not scoring every single possession? You know it’s not a video game right you have to be realistic here, one phase of the game can’t do everything for you.
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
No. lol its not enough.
Most teams in this league can score 14 points, even against very good defenses. Its only 2 TDs, and its not like the giants offense was inept. They had burress, shockey, and a very good running game and OL powered by top 5 guard Chris Snee.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
They didn't have Shockey.
My point is, with all that happened or didn’t happen, the Pats were in front by more than a FG with less than a minute to go. The defense had multiple chances to make a stop, and couldn’t do it. For the second time that quarter.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
The offense had multiple times to score.
And they didn’t. In fact, they went 3 and out a lot, and that didn’t happen all of that season. Going 3 and out a lot means the defense will not be rested well.
I blame the offense. Yeah the defense had chance to make plays and seal the game, but with an offense like we had, its hard to believe we scored only 14 points. We should have been able to score at least 28 )hell they scored 38 in the week 16 game against the Giants).
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Wow, pop!
This is what I meant by missing your midnight rants. How did you get the gate open for this FanPost?
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
Oh…..just a little something I threw together while I was making a pot of Gumbo.
(True story….I had Gumbo for lunch, made it myself)
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
You had to say Gumbo
How did ya make it? Maybe that’s better off in one of the OTA’s.
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
the Pats fans
are going to think all Saints fans are related…
by snowboard_kat on Oct 5, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I see you.
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
Are we not all related?
I would assume that Pats fans feel the same way. Fans of any team for that matter. Except the occasional troll that likes to pee in the Gumbo.
This comment was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
BOO!
The JETS suck (that’s the Boston native in me coming out)
by snowboard_kat on Oct 5, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Junior....this is not an OTA
These folks asked for our opinion on their football team, not for a discussion on the nature of our sanitary habits with fine cuisine.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
The defense is still a bigger problem
than the offense in the playoffs.
2006: Defense
2007: Offense
2008: Lost year
2009: Defense (by the 1st quarter the game was over)
2010: More Defense than offense (let Mark Sanchez torch them)
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
Hi, Chris....thanks for commenting.
In 2009, after the Ravens scored on the 83 yard touchdown run by Ray Rice to make it 7-0 to open the game, the Patriots proceeded to do the following on offense.
1st Possession: Turnover – Brady, sacked and fumbled at the NE 17 (Ravens scored a TD)
2nd Possession: 3 & Out – Punt (Pats D forces Ravens to punt)
3rd Possession: Turnover – Brady, intercepted at the NE 25 (Ravens scored a TD)
4th Possession: Turnover – Brady, intercepted and returned to the NE 9 (Ravens kicked a FG)
That’s how the score got to be 24-0. That offense put them in a hole that they couldn’t overcome. The rest of game was 14-9 in favor of the Pats.
In 2010, Mark Sanchez was 16 of 25 for 194 yards and 3 TDs. “Torched” is a strong word. Also remember, the Pats scored 518 points in 2010, averaging 32.4 PPG, but only scored 21 points in that game against a team that they had “torched” 45-3 a few weeks earlier.
Chris, I’m not absolving the defense of their failures (far from it, I could post an entire list of legitimate defensive failures since on 2006), I’m simply saying that it’s not really fair that some fans have placed all or most of the blame on the defense when the offense has had so many failures of their own.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
Ok I will agree with you
on some of the losses. I mean 2009 can’t really be helped. The defense played bad and the offense played even worse which is understandable because the heart of the offense went down a game before. 2010 I still would put blame on the defense. Mark Sanchez should not be throwing 3 TDs on any day he is easily the weakest link on the team and if you allow him to record a 127.3 QB rating it going to be hard. But now think back the offense was completely shut down, no one could get open, and the running game was abandoned, if the patriots were to score a like they did all year they would have won, but then again your asking them to put up 30+ points on the a top ranked defense (that held the Packers to 9 points that year) twice, it’s a lot to ask.
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
tl;dr ;)
And you know you wanted to write this all along, I just gave you an excuse. Thanks for your input. I agree with my fellow pulpiteers (esp Marima.) It is always good to get a look at your team from someone who isn’t a. A Pats fan B. An opponent next week C. A talking head from ESPN.
I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it
The defense argument for the Super Bowls is valid, but it doesn't tell the whole story.
Yes, they shut down the Rams in 01. Still gave up 14 points in the last quarter, squandering a 17-3 lead.
Super Bowl 38 – the Panthers score 19 points in the 4th, fortunately Brady went point for point.
Super Bowl 39 – held the Eagles to just 7, although that was probably Andy Reid and McNabb’s fault.
AFCCG – they give up that 21-3 lead after the pick-6 late in the 1st half.
The game that shall not be mentioned – they give up a long TD drive early in the 4th, Brady (after getting the shit knocked out of him all game) puts the Pats back in front, only for the defense to give up another long TD drive (that took 5 separate miracles to reach the end zone, but they still got there nonetheless).
Even last year, the Pats finally got back into the game after being outplayed for about 20 minutes in the 1st and 2nd quarters, only for the defense to give up 70 yards in a handful of plays, and allow the TD.
This isn’t to say Brady or the offense isn’t to blame for some of these games, but it’s been more of an overall team problem than just one side of the ball. Failing to come away with 14 on those first two drives against the Jets, having to kick a FG from the 5 (or somewhere like that) in Indy, the failure to change up the game plan in the game that never happened…
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
Hello, ISN....what are you doing up so late?
I just finished a conference call with Brisbane (client in Australia).
The issue with some Pats fans seems to be that people pick a side (offensive or defensive) as to who’s the most at fault for the team’s failure to win another championship and then stick to that opinion to the exclusion of all else.
The reason I chose to display the offensive failures of the team is not because I’m picking a side, but because so many Pats fans are regurgitating the Kerry Byrne argument against the defense (which I alluded to in my post) without acknowledging any culpability on the part of the offense.
Patriots fans who may have never heard of Kerry Byrne are reciting his talking points about the Pats defense verbatim using the exact same examples he has given countless times in various articles all over the web.
It’s perfectly understandable, he’s a local guy with a hugely popular blog. Plus, he has Sports Illustrated and several other “conventional” media outlets as a platform to state his case.
I have already stated in a comment on this thread that…..
I’m not absolving the defense of their failures (far from it, I could post an entire list of legitimate defensive failures since on 2006), I’m simply saying that it’s not really fair that some fans have placed all or most of the blame on the defense when the offense has had so many failures of their own.
I personally believe that there is enough blame to go around for BOTH the offense and the defense, but it is the defense that is getting ALL the blame while the failures of the offense are being virtually ignored by far too many fans.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
Since it's 5:30 in the afternoon, I'll counter with "it isn't late".
I know Byrne’s work. He has put the blame on Brady/the offense in some of his work on WEEI. What started as a pretty Pats-central blog has become more national, particularly with Kerry now working for SI. It’s lost its Pats focus somewhat, or it probably would be saying the team as a whole has been the problem. Instead it’s relatively quiet on Pats analysis.
It’s been evident since the 03 Super Bowl – when Brady doesn’t play well enough to win the game, New England probably won’t win. The 03-07 defense was far better than the current one, so the problem’s magnified.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Crappers!!
I didn’t realize that you were down under when I asked that question. I remember Kat and Sprink joking with someone about being Aussies being scrappy (the pen stabbing thread) but I forgot that it was you.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
Yeah, that'll happen.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions
They not only lost their Pats focus...
they also lost their “facts” focus. They should now call it “Cold Hard Football Opinions” , because that’s all you can find their now unless you’re willing to pay to be an “insider”. (no thanks)
Since Kerry has become semi-famous (in the sports chat world) he has spread himself way too thin and the quality of that blog has really sunk.
~Now I'm confused. So it's San Antonio then?~
It's the outsourcing.
Hard to remain unbiased when you don’t have the resources of an ESPN and therefore have to hire other bloggers to “report” on their team. Dunlevy for the Colts is the prime example, I have to think that was purely to try and shift the perception of it being anti-Colts, pro-Pats. Shifted too far now.
As for insider, it’s not needed. NFL.com has passer rating stats, and that’s what most of their analysis is predicated on.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Oct 6, 2011 3:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Good points and Rec'd
Thanks for the input.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
My life has been a trivial pursuit. Trivia: where three roads meet.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 6, 2011 10:02 AM EDT reply actions
Well, and I disagree with the article.
It has been the vaunted Patriots offense coming up small in the playoffs.
Do I think the Pats offense did not do enough when they lost? Yes.
But were they “vaunted”?
2005: no
2006: OMG
2007:yes, and this was the only year they were
2008, same supporting cast but no Brady=no play offs
2009: they lost the 3rd and 4th WR of the 2007 and a realiable FB, who was underrated as hell at Pats, Evans. They only had Welker and Moss. In many just Welker. And guess who they lost just before the Ravens game? On the Ravens game had actually the second worst offense personnel the Pats had since 2002. (The worst was obviously 2006)
2010. Retooling year, after week 4 shipping out Moss, then searching for an offensive identity for about 3-4 weeks. Yes it had great numbers at the end of the year. Yeah, it looked promising. But with 2 rookie TEs, 2 guys who was taken during the season(Branch, Woodhead) and a guy who worked more on rehab than preparing the season(Welker) it was a wonder they went so far. And BTW: the loss against the Jets is strongly on the defense and the special team too.
And one thing you probably did not notice, but the most important for me. In play offs games there are often mistakes on both side of the ball. Often by both teams. So the biggest thing is what your team did despite the mistakes when it became crunch time.
The offense struggled in 2007 SB? Had problems in January against the Jets? Yes. Issues on week 3 against the Bills? Yes. BUT: they were in a position to fight all 3 games. All 3 games both the offense and the defense was called upon to make plays in the last 5 minutes: Patriots offense delivered a TD all 3 games. Patriots defense could not prevent the opponent to do whatever they wanted to do in any of this 3 games.
The biggest problem with the Pats defense were not that “they were not that good”. The problem was when the team had a fighting chance at the end they did not deliver. The offense did.
ok, jump to his year:
the only Juggernaut offense I’ve seen so far this season has been Green Bay
This will be very short:
The offense with Brady, Welker, Gronk, Hernandez=dominant aka
The offense without any of this 4 guys: OK to very good, depending on who is missing to the point of.being
Thanks for picking off Manning in the SB
Before that moment, he was approaching G.O.A.T status. After that moment, it seems like he’ll go down in history as a choker.
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Oct 7, 2011 2:35 AM EDT reply actions
yeah that did not help Manning's Legacy
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
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