New England Patriots Links 1/18/12 - Patriots Bring a Better Team to Ravens Rematch

by Marima on Jan 18, 2012 10:35 AM EST in New England Patriots Links

Josh Boyer assesses what makes Devin McCourty a good fit at safety.

I would say Devin, like all of our guys, has position flexibility. I think he has worked really hard in the film room and on the practice field trying to improve his techniques. With some things that haven't gone so good, we work hard on those, and then the things that do go well, we try to improve upon those. Just from a position flexibility standpoint, we have a lot of guys that have done some of the stuff that Devin is doing. Sterling [Moore] has had positional flexibility for us, as well as Patrick Chung. So all of our guys back there, Kyle [Arrington] included in that mix, they are very aware of what is going on [and doing] what we feel is best for the team that week of who is going to be in what spot.

For the safety, one of the things you are looking for is a guy that can track the ball in the air, which Devin has been able to do. You have to have a little bit of range. You have to be kind of a physical player being able to step up in the box. Devin has done all of those things at points in times for us in the season. There are things that we can still improve on in all those areas.

Nick Caserio responds to a question about the way the Patriots have played a lot of guys at a number of different positions.

Until you actually put that player in that position you're not quite sure how it's going to turn out, but I think the most important thing is we kind of talk about it ad nauseam around here really the more you can do, the more you can do. The reality of it is you're either a starter on defense or on offense or a starter in the kicking game and those are really the 46 guys that end up going into the game. Now, if a guy can do one or two or three different things that's certainly going to enhance his ability on game days to make a contribution to the team.

Until you actually put that player in that position, some players can handle more relative to others, but I think it's a credit to the players and I think it's a credit to the coaches for investing the time and giving the player the opportunity and seeing what they can handle. The in the end they have to go out there and be able to perform whatever task that may be in a high enough level that you feel comfortable that if you put them in a different position that they're normal accustomed to not playing, that they're going to go out there and perform at a competitive enough level.

TEAM TALK

Erik Scalavino tells us what happened at Gillette Stadium Tuesday.
The New England Patriots set records on the field and in the ratings.
Conference Call Transcripts: Bill Belichick - Josh Boyer - Nick Caserio.
Patriots Today - Belichick, players on WEEI. (3.11 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

Jerry Thornton declares he's never witnessed a good team on a great roll have more pessimism thrown its way than this one. Worth a read.
Karen Guregian believes Tom Brady is well-armed this time around, and better equipped to deal with the Ravens defense.
Christopher Price gives us a game-by-game look at how frequently the Patriots have run the no huddle this season.
Mike Reiss wonders if the Patriots will play Stevan Ridley, in light of his last two fumbles.
The AP writes about Wes Welker flying under the radar, with all the attention going to the Patriots' tight ends.
Paul Kenyon sees LB Rob Ninkovich as the poster boy for this year's Patriots defense.
Mike Reiss writes about why DB coach Josh Boyer thinks Devin McCourty is a fit at safety.
Mike Reiss serves up some leftovers from the coaches' conference calls.
Karen Guregian charts the Ravens' methods of pressuring Tom Brady the last two times they played.
Kirk Minihane takes time for myth-busting the Patriots-Ravens matchup.
Cris Collinsworth says the Ravens will play a totally different game against the Patriots than they did against the Texans.
Tom E. Curran points out that this Ravens team doesn't travel well, and lost away from home to teams that never made the playoffs.
Chris Gasper previews the key Patriots-Ravens matchups. (3.10 min. video)
Dan Duggan analyzes this key matchup on Sunday: Matt Light vs. Terrell Suggs.
Steve Buckley talks about why the Ravens rematch will be different this time.
Greg A. Bedard notes if the Patriots expect to beat the Ravens, they have to stop Ray Rice.
Jeff Howe thinks Vince Wilfork and the D-Line could be the biggest factor against the Ravens and 19 other Patriots thoughts.
Shalise Manza Young reports the Patriots had only praise for Baltimore's offense, during yesterday's conference calls.
Mike Reiss matches up the Patriots and Ravens in terms of where they ranked in key statistical categories during the regular season.
Dan Duggan takes a look at the history involved in the Baltimore-Patriots matchup.
Jim Donaldson ranks the eight Patriots' AFC Championship games, and puts the 1985 Dolphins game at the top of the list.
Mike Reiss reads the swagger is back in this week's Patriots mailbag.
Bob Ryan shares some of the flak he has received from Tebow zealots, following the Broncos loss in New England.
Jeff Howe reports safety Josh Barrett still honors the legacy of Pat Tillman.
Michael Whitmer Patriots Notebook: Patriots could start game in the no-huddle, as they did against the Broncos; Wes Welker admits one drawback to the no-huddle is that it tires out the offense as well as opposing defenses; Ball security continues to be emphasized by the coaches; David Givens holds the franchise record for most career TDs in the postseason.
Karen Guregian Patriots Notebook: Joe Flacco took heat from Ed Reed for his play against Houston; Belichick didn't exactly go overboard with praise, but gave Flacco his due; DB coach Josh Boyer discussed Devin McCourty's switch to safety; Stevan Ridley has earned positive reviews, but he has to hold onto the ball.

NATIONAL NEWS

James Walker (ESPN) Tom Brady's QBR is off the charts.
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Monday Musings: How do you slow Brady?
Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Is there a scheme to limit the Patriots' TEs?
Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Motivated by failure, the Pats are the playoffs' most dangerous team.
James Walker and Jamison Hensley (ESPN) Double coverage: Patriots or Ravens.
Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Disappearing act: Ochocinco has all but vanished from Patriots offense.
Adam Schein (Fox Sports) Ravens star Ed Reed calls out QB Joe Flacco for shaky performance.
Brad Biggs (Chicago Tribune) Former Bears DE Mark Anderson regains his touch as a sack man with the Patriots.
First Take (ESPN) Rob Parker, Jay Feely and Skip Bayless debate the Pats-Ravens spread. (6.30 min. video)
Brian Billick, Marshall Faulk and Charles Davis (NFL.com) Planning for Brady. (3.09 min. video)
James Walker (ESPN) Pats-Ravens: Early weather report.
James Walker (ESPN) Will home field matter?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) Suggs and Brady being cordial so far.
James Walker (ESPN) Is McDaniels a factor again?
Will Brinson (CBS Sports) Super Bowl Odds: Championship Game Previews.
Conan O'Brien (Team Coco.com) More hits to the tune of St. Elmo's fire: Rob Gronkowski, Zoltan Mesko and Asst. strength & conditioning coach Moses Cabrera.
PFW Report (Pro Football Weekly) 2011 All-AFC team.
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Ranking Super Bowl scenarios: Giants-Patriots rematch gets top billing.
Ray Ratto (CBS Sports) NFL keeps spinning crazily even for those no longer playing.

VIEW FROM BALTIMORE

Jarrett Johnson (BaltimoreRavens.com) Facing Belichick, Pats offense is battle of wits.
Mike Klingaman (Baltimore Sun) For players, AFC Championship the 'epitome' of where they want to be.
John Eisenberg (BaltimoreRavens.com) A two-dimensional attack needed to advance.
Ryan Mink (BaltimoreRavens.com) Comparing Flacco to remaining playoff QBs.
Matt Vensel (Baltimore Sun) Reed criticizes Flacco for his play against the Texans.
Garrett Downing (BaltimoreRavens.com) Ravens relish underdog role.
Peter Schmuck (Baltimore Sun) Ravens need one more impact-game from Suggs.
Sarah Ellison (BaltimoreRavens.com) Playoff loss to Ravens still in Pats' heads?
Garrett Downing (BaltimoreRavens.com) Torrey Smith thought he might go to Pats.

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Comments

Reed's Comments

It’s hard for me to understand why Reed is calling out his quarterback in advance of the AFC Championship game. Then again, having watched the Houston game, it’s hard for me to disagree.

"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver

by rebop on Jan 18, 2012 11:06 AM EST reply actions

Maybe he's trying to motivate him?

Who knows. He’s probably wondering if this is going to turn into a shootout.

I'm not drunk, I'm......hydrated. On Twitter @jtanniehill

by wetfeet on Jan 18, 2012 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

I don't care why he did it -- I'm only happy that he did.

"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."

"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."

by JohnHannahRules on Jan 18, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I hope Flacco feels like he has to throw all day long.

I’d rather the ball be in his hands that Ray Rice’s hands.

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.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 18, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

+1000000000000000000000000000

Go Pats. Celtics. Red Sox. Bruins.
Brady. Pierce. Thomas. How you doing?

by Tai on Jan 18, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

I dunno...

if he thinks his quarterback needs motivation going into an AFC Championship game…well, that would be bad.

"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver

by rebop on Jan 18, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

Weird that he'd do it

regardless if it was true or not.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jan 18, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions

Anyone

Count how many times Suggs said “my boy” on ESPN?

"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick

'You are banned from Gang Green Nation'
"You can browse the blog, but you can't participate."

"BANNED LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

by BostonBeasts on Jan 18, 2012 11:28 AM EST via Android app reply actions

Apparently refs can't use that word, but Suggs can. A lot.

Remember Ravens CB Samari Rolle claimed Jeff Triplette called him “boy” back in 2007?

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jan 18, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

Context is a killer

"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."

"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."

by JohnHannahRules on Jan 18, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

With all the...

…loud-mouthing and mockery by Suggs, he respects the hell out of Brady. (just as Reed and Lewis) but, he has a persona and Brady is an opponent, so…
(…I have a distant feeling, that if during the holidays Suggs would get an invitation from the Brady family for the weekend on Friday, he would fly with the first possible plane. His little trashes look to me totally different ones than Cromartie’s.)

by frogfromthemud on Jan 18, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions

I feel similarly

I think they like to trash-talk to each other, but I don’t think they really dislike each other, honestly. There is sports hate and real hate, and while lots of fans have trouble separating the two, football players don’t.

by tossin on Jan 18, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

Ridley

I was worried about his fumbling the first couple times I saw him run. His running style lends to less ball security. BJGE running style gives him a kung fu grip on the ball but limits his lateral movement and ability to make guys miss. He’s more of an angle runner. He also runs low.

Ridley runs a little higher and looser but has big play ability with his moves and speed. I think the Patriots stay with Benny unless he’s completely stonewalled or they get up by 17 points. Even then, they might go with Woody or Faulk. It’s unfortunate to take him off the field with his high ypc and ability but it’s not worth the risk.

Rice seems to be a combination of BJGE and Ridley. He runs low but also has the ability to make moves laterally without losing much control. I hate him but wish we had him.

by iLikeStuff on Jan 18, 2012 1:25 PM EST reply actions

The fumblitis thing is a tragedy -- I agreee with you

I love watching the kid run, but a clever and seasoned defense like Baltimore makes him a gamble. You don’t want him to lose his mojo, but you don’t want a 7-point swing if RayRay comes late to the tackle and rips one free, and Ed Reed dashes it home.

"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."

"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."

by JohnHannahRules on Jan 18, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

The more I think about it the more it makes sense to sit him

For a couple reasons:
1. Well, we don’t want to risk turnovers. The Ravens have enough trouble keeping pace, don’t help them out.
2. It’s not like he was the featured back before, so if BJGE an others play it’s not going to be a huge ego hit.
3. If the does play and DOES fumble, then it’s going to hit the fan between the media, fans and coaches, etc. Who knows how he will handle it.

I don’t believe he is a fumble machine at all, he just needs more reps getting hit with proper holding technique to give everybody total confidence. Not sure this game is the time to prove a point. I think he’s going to be a breakout RB next year because he’s a 3 down back. No need to rush things (no pun intended).

by iLikeStuff on Jan 18, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

I'd probably have him active and give him late game carries if we're up comfortably.

It’d help keep pressure on their defense.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 18, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Raven's most certainly must eliminate Gronk if they have any chance

I see a man on him with intermediate zone help. Brady has been forcing the ball to him and teams are getting closer to picking it off. The int last game was an overthrow to Gronk who was covered. Brady has the forcies with Moss too. Hopefully Brady resists and just hits the open man. Welker will be doubled as well. Hernandez will have single coverage all day or will find an open zone space easily. The Raven’s know they are going to leave him pretty much open, but they will try to bring pressure on that side to throw Brady off and take their chances.

I see this as their only chance to slow down the Pats. Unless they can only rush 4 every play and get pressure – then they can do more, but that doesn’t seem to work for more than one quarter vs. Brady.

by iLikeStuff on Jan 18, 2012 2:10 PM EST reply actions

Jerry Thornton's article was fantastic

I agreed with every word.

by bbismyhero on Jan 18, 2012 7:09 PM EST reply actions

Me too - all the way

Best part for me was the ending:

The point being that you can either enjoy this ride the Patriots are on or you can run around in circles waving your jazz hands around in panic yelling, "We give up a lot of yards! We’re doomed! Whatever will become of us? Whatever shall we do?!?!"

By no means is this me predicting they’ll win. As biased as I am, I did the math a long time ago and realized that everyone I ever knew who "guarantees" how a game will turn out is just as broke as I am. Besides, I was the one guy in the bar in ’86 who was NOT celebrating with two outs and nobody from the Mets on base. I might be an arrogant homerish Masshole fan, but I’m not stupid enough to pull a cork on the $3 bottle of Freixenet I keep for special occasions.

I just want to know that however and whenever this ride ends, that I enjoyed the hell out of it. Win or lose. That I didn’t squander it bitching and moaning every step of the way, through win after win, in the 11 years I’ve witnessed the Yankeefanification of Patriots fans, where championships are something we’re entitled to and anything less than that is a personal insult and all the fun is drained out of either outcome.

I like to think we’re better than that. Not to be negative or anything.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jan 18, 2012 8:02 PM EST up reply actions

I think it's fun

It sounds strange, but in a way I almost prefer having a team that is somewhat flawed. When they fail you roll your eyes and say “Here we go again”, but it’s not as devastating as if an amazing team suddenly started stepping on their own feet. And when they do succeed it’s all the more exciting and you feel like you’re watching them grow in front of your eyes. Even if it’s only the defense, rooting for an underdog can be a good time.

by Aluminum Penguin on Jan 18, 2012 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

So, quick question

I’m not super good with Twitter, so maybe I’m just missing something (and sorry if I am), but is there a reason that no one seems panicked over Hernandez possibly being out? If the Pats lose him, the offense could really struggle against Baltimore, unless Deion Branch suddenly becomes 26 again. Is there some assurance that he is playing? Because that would make my day.

Oklahoma State will beat LSU in the National Title game by more than 7 points.

by No Pity on Jan 18, 2012 9:11 PM EST reply actions

It's the playoffs. One game season.

If there’s any way he can play, he’ll play.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 18, 2012 10:11 PM EST up reply actions

Any other injury and I'd say yes.

But a concussion? I’m not sure he could even if everyone wanted him to, as the league might step in. And if he doesn’t pass his test, he shouldn’t. I want the team to win really badly, but not enough to risk brain damage to one of its best young players. That’s what worries me. If it was an ankle, or a elbow, he’d fight through it, but with this kind of injury there isn’t much anyone can do except hope he passes his concussion test.

Oklahoma State will beat LSU in the National Title game by more than 7 points.

by No Pity on Jan 18, 2012 10:55 PM EST up reply actions