2013 Patriots Football

[Bahku]

I think we've actually faced two good defenses as well. Bills front 7 is supposed to be their strength, and Jets defense is legit. That could explain some of the running problems.

I also think the passing game will improve if the team is patient. Thompkins is getting his feet under him. We know Dobson has great hands, so he will get over the dropsies. I was more encouraged to see him get separation, because eventually if he separates he'll catch all those. He's just gotta get on the same page as brady with the hot reads and brady needs to get his timing for those guys down (thompkins having to dive...nearly a great play, and a few overthrows when guys had their men beat).

Totally agree with patience here, although Brady will make sure they're not being so patient as to get comfortable.

As I said earlier, I think Dobson will come together when a couple of the corps gets back - Gronk, etc. - roookies very often respond better when the limelight/pressure isn't all on them.

Problem with timing routes is that it's the responsibility of the receiver to be where the ball is, as the QB can not make adjustments on those types of plays.

Many of thoses seemingly "overthrown" balls were not Tom's error, (didn't say all).

Great post. (TP)
 

[nickagneta]

I think one thing people are overlooking, and maybe its because we have play two bad offenses, is the contributions on the defensive side of the ball.

The defense has only given up 27 points in two game and 3 TDs in 2 games. They have 4 sacks, 3 INTs and 4 forced fumbles with three recoveries. Their 3rd down percentage is down around 32% while only giving up 180 yds passing per game in a pass happy league.

Sure, it was the Bills and Jets but I am encouraged by what I see from one of the youngest defenses in the league and with the inexperience in the receiving corp, I think this team goes as far as this defense takes it.

Yes, the safety play and the linebackers coverage skills need to be addressed against the best of the best passing offenses but Belichick usually goes vanilla with his defensive schemes early in the year and works in the more complex blitz/coverage packages as the year goes on and the defense always seems to get better after November 1st when they start gelling and playing the whole playbook.

[Bahku]

I think one thing people are overlooking, and maybe its because we have play two bad offenses, is the contributions on the defensive side of the ball.

The defense has only given up 27 points in two game and 3 TDs in 2 games. They have 4 sacks, 3 INTs and 4 forced fumbles with three recoveries. Their 3rd down percentage is down around 32% while only giving up 180 yds passing per game in a pass happy league.

Sure, it was the Bills and Jets but I am encouraged by what I see from one of the youngest defenses in the league and with the inexperience in the receiving corp, I think this team goes as far as this defense takes it.

Yes, the safety play and the linebackers coverage skills need to be addressed against the best of the best passing offenses but Belichick usually goes vanilla with his defensive schemes early in the year and works in the more complex blitz/coverage packages as the year goes on and the defense always seems to get better after November 1st when they start gelling and playing the whole playbook.

Pretty much the only reason we're two-and-zero, Nick ... great points. (TP)

[Roy H.]

I think one thing people are overlooking, and maybe its because we have play two bad offenses, is the contributions on the defensive side of the ball.

The defense has only given up 27 points in two game and 3 TDs in 2 games. They have 4 sacks, 3 INTs and 4 forced fumbles with three recoveries. Their 3rd down percentage is down around 32% while only giving up 180 yds passing per game in a pass happy league.

Sure, it was the Bills and Jets but I am encouraged by what I see from one of the youngest defenses in the league and with the inexperience in the receiving corp, I think this team goes as far as this defense takes it.

Yes, the safety play and the linebackers coverage skills need to be addressed against the best of the best passing offenses but Belichick usually goes vanilla with his defensive schemes early in the year and works in the more complex blitz/coverage packages as the year goes on and the defense always seems to get better after November 1st when they start gelling and playing the whole playbook.

The Pats have been lucky to start the season against two rookie quarterbacks.  The defense has looked good most of the time, but facing E.J. Manuel and Geno Smith makes life a lot easier.

[Cman]

What I love about the last couple pages of posts is the positive attitude, and patience. I completely agree. Sure, it has been a rough couple games for the offense, but no need to act like chicken little. Patience with the young receivers will hopefully be rewarded.

[BleedGreen1989]

Can't we just bring Randy Moss back? Lol

[Rondo2287]

I think one thing people are overlooking, and maybe its because we have play two bad offenses, is the contributions on the defensive side of the ball.

The defense has only given up 27 points in two game and 3 TDs in 2 games. They have 4 sacks, 3 INTs and 4 forced fumbles with three recoveries. Their 3rd down percentage is down around 32% while only giving up 180 yds passing per game in a pass happy league.

Sure, it was the Bills and Jets but I am encouraged by what I see from one of the youngest defenses in the league and with the inexperience in the receiving corp, I think this team goes as far as this defense takes it.

Yes, the safety play and the linebackers coverage skills need to be addressed against the best of the best passing offenses but Belichick usually goes vanilla with his defensive schemes early in the year and works in the more complex blitz/coverage packages as the year goes on and the defense always seems to get better after November 1st when they start gelling and playing the whole playbook.

The Pats have been lucky to start the season against two rookie quarterbacks.  The defense has looked good most of the time, but facing E.J. Manuel and Geno Smith makes life a lot easier.

I do agree, but a few years ago I think chad henne threw for almost 400 yards to start the season against us.  Even though the opponents have been inferior, I have seen improvements.

[Cman]

So, Amendola out up to 6 weeks with a hernia/ torn hip abductor muscle? yikes.

I guess on the plus side, it means he'd be back in time for those tough games down the stretch against Denver, Houston, Baltimore, Miami....

[Donoghus]

So, Amendola out up to 6 weeks with a hernia/ torn hip abductor muscle? yikes.

I guess on the plus side, it means he'd be back in time for those tough games down the stretch against Denver, Houston, Baltimore, Miami....

Kid just cannot stay healthy.  That's a big blow to an already thin receiving corps.  Atlanta is two week too. 

[Cman]

So, Amendola out up to 6 weeks with a hernia/ torn hip abductor muscle? yikes.

I guess on the plus side, it means he'd be back in time for those tough games down the stretch against Denver, Houston, Baltimore, Miami....

Kid just cannot stay healthy.  That's a big blow to an already thin receiving corps.  Atlanta is two week too.

Atlanta will be a real test for the Pats defense.

[Cman]

Slater not at practice today, and apparently has a broken bone in his hand.

This season is rapidly headed downhill for the Pats.

[Neurotic Guy]

The search for silver linings...  The longer Amendola is out and the more completely he is healed, the better for:

1) Growth/ learning curve of the rookies.  The hope is that at least 1 of Boyce, Dobson, Thomkins or Sudfield strikes pay dirt.  It's certainly possible.  I think one thing you can say for Dobson's performance against the Jets is that he did get open. 

2) The longer DA is out and the more healed he is, the better chance he can stay healthy for the stretch and playoff run.  If Amendola comes back, say, Week 12 and the Pats are able to be a playoff team without him, adding him (and Vareen) becomes a huge plus.


My hope in the near term is that the Pats can squeak by Tampa Bay, the rookies show improvement, and Gronk comes back for Atlanta.  I also hope the Pats can get some veteran help at WR, though there seem to be no signs that this is the direction they are headed.

[PhoSita]

Slater not at practice today, and apparently has a broken bone in his hand.

This season is rapidly headed downhill for the Pats.

Reports are saying his "status is in doubt" for the weekend, which makes it sound like he may very likely miss this week's game, but not necessarily anything beyond that.

There are a lot of bones in the hand.  Kobe plays basketball with broken fingers all the time.

[Cman]

The search for silver linings...  The longer Amendola is out and the more completely he is healed, the better for:

1) Growth/ learning curve of the rookies.  The hope is that at least 1 of Boyce, Dobson, Thomkins or Sudfield strikes pay dirt.  It's certainly possible.  I think one thing you can say for Dobson's performance against the Jets is that he did get open. 

2) The longer DA is out and the more healed he is, the better chance he can stay healthy for the stretch and playoff run.  If Amendola comes back, say, Week 12 and the Pats are able to be a playoff team without him, adding him (and Vareen) becomes a huge plus.


My hope in the near term is that the Pats can squeak by Tampa Bay, the rookies show improvement, and Gronk comes back for Atlanta.  I also hope the Pats can get some veteran help at WR, though there seem to be no signs that this is the direction they are headed.

I don't think the pats should look for vet help at WR.
(1) it would hurt the rookie development
(2) there is no one good available

[Cman]

Slater not at practice today, and apparently has a broken bone in his hand.

This season is rapidly headed downhill for the Pats.

Reports are saying his "status is in doubt" for the weekend, which makes it sound like he may very likely miss this week's game, but not necessarily anything beyond that.

There are a lot of bones in the hand.  Kobe plays basketball with broken fingers all the time.

ESPN Boston now saying possibly 4-6 weeks.
On the plus side, if the Pats can eek by a bit over the next 6 weeks, they'll get a big boost by the return of Slater, Vereen and Amendola. Right when the team will be gearing up (hopefully) for a run at the offseason.