New England Patriots Links 9/12/11 - Finally! Patriots Open Season In Miami Tonight

by Marima on Sep 12, 2011 9:42 AM EDT in New England Patriots Links

Rookie Nate Solder will have to jump straight into the fire in tonight's season opener.

Christopher Price gives us 10 matchups worth keeping an eye on in Monday's season-opener between the Patriots and Dolphins in Miami.

Tom Brady against the Miami defense. Early in his career, Brady was a bit of a mixed bag when facing the Dolphins at Miami, but he has played well as of late -- he has nine touchdowns, two interceptions and a 138.8 quarterback rating in his last three visits to South Beach. As we mentioned in the first point, the biggest key to the game will be who seizes control early, and for the New England offense, that starts with Brady. If the quarterback and his team are able to kickstart the offense the same way they did in the preseason win over Tampa, things will end well for the Patriots. If they can’t get started early, chances are good they’ll get bogged down early and it’ll end up being a tight one.

Andy Hart opens a six pack of pointers for tonight's game.

Front is center stage - The Dolphins have a few pretty impressive playmakers on offense in Davone Bess, Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush. But with Chad Henne and his 19 interceptions at quarterback working behind a rather suspect offensive line that talent may not get a chance to shine. On the other side of the line New England's new-look front seven has a chance to make a big debut. Albert Haynesworth and Vince Wilfork will deal with a rookie center in Mike "I'm no Maurkice" Pouncey. Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter should get some pass rush opportunities against a line that's struggled to come together. Jerod Mayo will be in his new, more aggressive Will role in the 4-3. This is as intrigued as I've been by a Patriots defensive front in a number of years. I have high hopes. We got a taste of the potential in the preseason win at Tampa Bay. This return trip to Florida offers a good chance for the group to get after Henne and make some more highlight-reel plays.

TEAM TALK

Andy Hart reports five players have officially been downgraded to OUT, including Sebastian Vollmer (back), Jermaine Cunningham (groin) and Taylor Price (hamstring).
Andy Hart offers us his season opener six-pack to get us ready for Pats-Fins tonight.
Erik Scalavino says the 'New Gronk' is catching on quickly and more notes from Friday at Gillette.
Erik Scalavino and Paul Perillo debate which position is causing the most concern, safety or linebacker.
Erik Scalavino listens as the Patriots' coaches share their thoughts on the events of that unforgettable Tuesday on 9/11/01.
Patriots Today - Perillo's points for the opener. (3.19 min. video)
Patriots Today - Solder in the spotlight. (1.32 min. video)
Locker Room Uncut - Hear from Dan Gronkowski. (2 min. video)
Patriots All Access: Part I (16.58 min. video) and Part II (23.30 min. video)
PFW TV - Patriots-Dolphins preview. (22.02 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

Mike Reiss offers some quick-hit weekend thoughts from the Patriots and around the NFL.
Jim McBride presents his Patriots at Dolphins scouting report.
Karen Guregian notes the defensive facelift will finally be unveiled tonight.
Mark Farinella reports the Patriots and Dolphins are jumping into the divisional dogfight tonight.
Karen Guregian ticks off her checklist for Pats-Fins tonight.
Greg A. Bedard reports that for Bill Belichick, it's championships or nothing.
Monique Walker notes Tom Brady knows titles are not won by reputation and the road to the Super Bowl is never easy.
Tom E. Curran talks about the additions to the Patriots who should make an impact and make plays if Tom Brady can't.
The Comcast SportsNet staff answers 12 key questions before the opening kickoff.
Mark Farinella looks at the lingering questions following the Patriots into the new season.
Mike Petraglia notes Deion Branch and Wes Welker are supremely confident in the Patriots passing game.
Mike Petraglia wonders if Nate Solder will take the right tackle spot if Sebastian Vollmer is unable to play.
Chris Forsberg focuses on the Patriots' pass rush.
Phil Perry takes a look at the state of the Patriots' roster, position-by-position, as it stands now.
Chris Forsberg notes the Patriots have the third-highest number of undrafted players on their 53-man roster, at 18.
Mike Reiss lists the seven free agents recently in for workouts over the last few days.
Ron Borges states that statistically speaking, the window of opportunity may already have come down on Tom Brady.
Steve Buckley writes that the great Brady-Manning rivalry is at risk.
Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Rookie Nate Solder will be starting over Sebastian Vollmer (back); Pats have nine D-linemen to be able to rotate liberally and keep everyone fresh; It's still a question as to which WRs will start tonight; Devin Mccourty is aware of the threat Fins new RB Reggie Bush can bring; Belichick may choose someone besides Ryan Mallett to be the 46th player tonight.

NATIONAL NEWS

Kevin Fishbain (Pro Football Weekly) Key matchup to watch: Patriots' third down defense vs. Dolphins' third-down offense.
Kevin Fishbain (Pro Football Weekly) Key matchup to watch: Dolphins Mike Pouncey vs. Pats DTs Haynesworth and Wilfork.
ESPNBoston posts a video of the MNF crew talking Pats-fins. (1.24 min. clip)
Clark Judge (CBS Sports) Ten individuals who must respond in high-pressure NFL. Albert Haynesworth makes the list.
Don Banks (SI) Ravens dominate, Bears shock, Newton dazzles and more from Week 1.
Peter King (SI) MMQB: NFL marks 9/11 anniversary with stirring tributes, entertaining open.
Dan Pompei (Nat'l Football Post) NFP Sunday Blitz.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Congress increases pressure on NFL, NFLPA for HGH testing.

VIEW FROM MIAMI

Armando Salguero (Miami Herald) Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots game breakdown.
Omar Kelly (Sun Sentinel) Dolphins defense intends to prove Tom Brady is "human".
Ben Volin (Palm Beach Post) Expect Miami Dolphins to use 'element of surprise' against Patriots.
Mike Berardino (Sun Sentinel) Dolphins know they need to make those Patriot explosions stop.
Andrew Carter (Sun Sentinel) Dolphins vs. Patriots - who has the edge?
Jeff Darlington (Miami Herald) Miami Dolphins look to give home crowd something to cheer about.
Brian Biggane (Palm Beach Post) Last year's special teams nightmare can't be repeated Monday night.

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Comments

Taylor Price's hamstring should be just a few weeks

Hopefully he’s back soon. The Jets’ pass D wasn’t spectacular last night and I’m kind of excited to see what he can do against it, if he has the chance to play. Before he got hurt Dez Bryant was dominating Revis, and Cromartie got burned (really, really burned) for a pair of TDs. Not saying Price and Bryant are the same kind of player, but he seems like our most physically gifted receiver at this point and it’s fun to think what he might be able to do if there are some cracks emerging there.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Sep 12, 2011 9:48 AM EDT reply actions

The Patriots have to do their job against the Jets when the time comes. That’s all the Cowboy game taught me. I can only be but so mad at Dallas.

by Patriots12 on Sep 12, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Rec'd, I'm ready for some Patriots football!

Thank God it’s finally here!

How about them Jets, they sure look to be a dominating team this year...

I'm not drunk, I'm...... Okay, I'm drunk.

by wetfeet on Sep 12, 2011 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

If they keep finding ways to win - ie, the other team screws up just like every damn game they won last year -

I could really run up the damage bill.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 12, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

if the other teams want to give away the games

the jets will take it without hesistating- so will new england

Arizona Diamondbacks: 85-62
New England Patriots: 0-0

by freeland1787 on Sep 12, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Meet the new Cowboys

Same as the old Cowboys. Romo couldn’t help but to give, and throw, the game away when it counted. So frustrating to watch.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Sep 12, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, he'll probably fix that by the time they play us.

What a dweeb.

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 Sep 12, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Romo is about as much a gunslinger

As Meriweather was a ball hawk. Once in a while they do something pretty, but a lot of the time they just blow it. That game was frustrating to watch, because somehow I knew there was no way the Cowboys would actually manage a win, regardless of any lead they had.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Sep 12, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Romo is horrible

He’s a little better than Grossman. They should call HIM Bad Tony / Good Tony. It also didn’t help that only one receiver was able to run routes and that their secondary was all hurt (coach should have pulled Bryant). There’s no way Sanchez marches down the field so easily like he did on 3rd stringers.

Beside Romo, I have to bring up Witten. He had tons of yards, but not being able to get by or though Leonard on that play was a cop-out play by him. He could have avoided the sideline and cut back or he could have stiff armed him. He also ran out of bounds earlier in the game where he seemed content to pick up a 1st down. He had a CB 4 yards in front of him and didn’t even bother trying to pick up more yards. He wasn’t even touched even after going out. Kind of soft play if you ask me. This is the mental toughness lacked by many Cowboys. Miles Austin is an exception.

I wasn’t even that upset last night because it wasn’t surprising. Just a sad reflection of an over-hyped team that plays soft.

by iLikeStuff on Sep 12, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn't understand Witten

on that catch and run. Great play, and then he’s down on the 5 and gives almost no resistance to Leonhard. I mean, Witten’s got a few pounds on the guy, the end zone’s so close you can smell it, and you can’t lower your shoulder and at least make an effort to bull your way in? I mean, it looked like he was happy enough to let Leonhard dance him out of bounds at the 1. That was very questionable, and it would have sealed the game, too.

by furiousd on Sep 12, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

To easily sum this up.....he ain't Gronk!!

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Even Gronk ain't Gronk.

The other one.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 12, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Gronk from U of A

sends Jim Leonard between the uprights

Arizona Diamondbacks: 85-62
New England Patriots: 0-0

by freeland1787 on Sep 12, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Cannot wait for the game tonight.

Today is going to be one of those long days that seems to last forever.

by UtopianAverage on Sep 12, 2011 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

Right?

No class today and I was up at 7 for no reason. fml.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Sep 12, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOOTTBBAAALLL!!!??? A MONDAY NIGHT PAARTTYYYY!!!????

by bbismyhero on Sep 12, 2011 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

I am nervous about this game, but then again i get nervous before every game.

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

I hear ya,

I’m concerned about this Daboll OC situation. Guy knows us, he smoked us in Cleveland last year, everyone suddenly loves Henne, and we are more banged up than I would like this time of year. I’m worried they might pull a hurry up offense early, and gas our d line, which suddenly has a lot less depth without G. Warren, and Pryor has a groin(although still may play). And of course, our O-line is thin. So, I got worries, but I am of course also, excited about our new look D, having Bodden back, and let’s see what this offense can do! Except no Taylor Price, who if he doesn’t show up soon, will start being compared to another talented player who never saw the field.
I just hope we come out like Baltimore, and not Pittsburgh.

by furiousd on Sep 12, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions

"our d line, which suddenly has a lot less depth"

Hmm… we have 6 defensive linemen who play with their hand in dirt (Vince, Albert, Shaun, Love, Pryor and Wright) and several LBs who rotate in on the outside either standing or with their hand in the dirt (Anderson, Ninko, etc.).

It would be nice if Pryor wasn’t aching and if Cunningham was able to play. But overall, there are not a lot of NFL teams who have AS MUCH depth up front on defense as the Patriots do, let alone more!

Sure – that is less depth than we had during preseason. But pre-roster cut depth is always just an illusion.

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 12, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Forgot about Wright

He hasn’t seen any action this year though, has he? I’m sure we’ll see him tonight.

by furiousd on Sep 12, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he played in the final preseason game

He’s a concussion away from retirement I would say though. I hope he never gets another one. I remember Ted Johnson. The guy deals with mental and physical pain every day (and night) due to concussions with the Pats. At that time, the trainers didn’t know or understand concussions like they do today.

by iLikeStuff on Sep 12, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I completely agree with this, and this will be a major problem tonight. BB should know it also. I hope.

I’m worried they might pull a hurry up offense early, and gas our d line

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I was extremely excited for the game tonight

Then just found out that I have to go to a training station for me to be a referee at the exact same time as the game starts. FML

by indy pats fan on Sep 12, 2011 1:55 PM EDT reply actions

If they do hurry up

and they gas our line – then you know what? Our team isn’t a SB caliber team. We can’t hope the other team doesn’t try things to expose weakness. The Patriots as a team must be able to handle situations and adapt. We are coming off a 14-2 season and I don’t think anybody has us getting worse in the offseason. I think we got stronger with more depth and leadership. It also seems we are better suited to pressure the QB – which was a big gripe.

The Dolphins most certainly should be better than last year. Same with the Bills. We should handle those teams still. You can expect trick plays. It worked in Cleveland (against tons of rookies) and you have to figure Miami cannot straight up 80% of the time so they must try something to tip the percentages back in their favor. The only guy that scares me is Bess. He’s like Welker, but not as consistently targeted – yet more explosive once he gets the ball. It will be hard to match up on him and if I remember correctly, he led the league in 3rd down receptions for 1st downs.

by iLikeStuff on Sep 12, 2011 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

As far as hurry up,

I just mean for this first week. Conditioning has got to be a factor, with the shortened off season, and it will be pretty warm in Miami(looking like 80’s to satrt the game), and a lot of our guys don’t have their playing legs under them yet. It’s possible they won’t do a hurry up, but who knows? On the other hand, we do have that capability, and I always like to see us in the hurry up O.

by furiousd on Sep 12, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Might be an issue

Several players had conditioning issues and cramping this week – including Bryant and Revis last night. It wasn’t even that hot out in NJ either. Some humidity though.

The D did seem to get gassed at times last year – especially in the 4th quarter. Most teams were playing catch up and running quicker offenses. I think that’s why Bill stocked up in the offseason. Lots of guys that can come in without losing too much talent. But just having some guys that can make some plays in the backfield can make a difference.

by iLikeStuff on Sep 12, 2011 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

But the hurry negates substitutions.

So same guys on the field.

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

In actuality, we haven't been this since 2007 in all honesty.

If they do hurry up
and they gas our line – then you know what? Our team isn’t a SB caliber team.

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Say what?

Any team that makes playoffs is a possible Super Bowl team. Hell, just look at the 2001 Patriots.

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Sep 13, 2011 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I will say we weren't in 09 though.

After Welker went down.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 13, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

We simply disagree, nothing wrong with that last time i checked. Besides, i wouldn't say the Seahawks or Chiefs

were a possible SB team.

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 13, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Jamaal Charles can take over a game

If you get to the playoffs, you’d only need to luck into him taking over three.

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Sep 14, 2011 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorta wish Brady was listed on the injury report with that shoulder injury as probable

Just don’t want a repeat of three years ago. Ever. Please Solder, play well today. Or just put in Gronk and have him chip wake on every play. I don’t care if its a kneel down.

RIP Seve

by Cameron O on Sep 12, 2011 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Haha I thought the same thing

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Sep 12, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too.

by vettel on Sep 12, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

If Rob is used as an extra blocker, he will be limited like he was in the Jets playoff game. Hopefully Dan can be the blocker instead.

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

How does that help Rob be less limited? Are you talking about using a 3TE set?

Or are you talking about a 2TE set with Hernandez on the bench?

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 12, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

3 TE set. Obviously if Dan provides an extra block, Rob and Hernandez can do damage in the passing game.

In GOD I TRUST>In BB i trust......faith where it belongs!!
Life is about who makes it, not who makes it the fastest! Drive slow homie.

by PatNation85 on Sep 12, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Who's our kick returner?

by furiousd on Sep 12, 2011 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

Edelman, Welker, Slater

Should be returning kicks/punts.

by iLikeStuff on Sep 12, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I'm thinkin' Edelman for sure with punts,

but I can’t recall any of those guys doing kickoffs. As we saw this weekend, the kickoff return is very much alive and well, contrary to what BB was thinking about it’s demise.

by furiousd on Sep 12, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

ah hem

Dan Connolly raises his hand …

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 12, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha

shhh… he’s their secret weapon

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Sep 12, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

its no secret to Green Bay

Arizona Diamondbacks: 85-62
New England Patriots: 0-0

by freeland1787 on Sep 12, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone know if fat albert is gonna play ?

by alweezy61 on Sep 12, 2011 4:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

He's not on the injury reports

so I would assume that yes, fat albert is gonna play.

Vince: Chad, I’d like you to meet Albert. Albert is my new friend I was telling you about. Albert, this is Chad.
Chad: Um. Hi.
Albert: Kill. [Sits on Chad.]
Vince: Albert has been dying to get to know you better, Chad. Isn’t that right, Albert?
Albert: Kill. [Begins to twist Chad’s helmet.]
Vince: Well, it’s been great talking to you. But the ref seems to indicate it’s time for us to go back to the line of scrimmage. We’ll be back to talk to you again real soon. Say goodbye for now, Albert.
Albert: Kill. Oh look – cake! [Runs over to the sideline where BB has smartly layed out a table of pastries while Shaun Ellis alertly runs in to cover the defensive substitution.]

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 12, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions