1st Glance, OT Win
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| Sometimes players just need to make plays |
Still, its hard to know whether or not to be happy with The Patriots performance. My first reaction is to be displeased with them because history came so close to repeating itself. The Defense was choking away a lead, and The Offense failed to drive the ball to close the game. I hope this disfunction doesn't characterize this team. At the moment, its just an alarming trend. Let's hope it doesn't become their identity because we won't survive many more like this.
Then again, we could give a lot of credit to The Defense for closing the game in overtime. Also, credit them for holding The Jets to a FG after McCourty's fumble. In OT, The Patriots Offense benefitted from a penalty, but The Jets got a penalty as well. The Defense did a great job to move on from Dennard's penalty that moved the chains. Ninkovich and Cunningham had a huge sack to close it out. Still, even before the final period, the Defense played well. Most people will be down on the Defense, but they did force two turnovers, and a safety. Without that safety, The Patriots would have lost this game.
Its an unusual position as a Patriots fan to be more concerned about The Offense than The Defense, but its getting to be that way. The Patriots failed to score 30 points against a Defense that did not match-up well on paper against them. In fact, Brady and company only managed 20 points (2 TDs, 2 FGs). Likewise, The Patriots Offense failed to run the clock out.
The Offense was merely average with 131 rushing yards and 252 passing. The Offense needs to score in the second half. Still. A win is a win. This win should help to build some confidence in close games. Also, its nice to squeek out a win even if we didn't play our best game. Lots to improve here. The Defense is getting burned by the pass, but they did make a lot of plays in critical moments. The Offense made plays in critical moments too (final FG drive to tie it) but they continue to be inconsistent. This team needs to put together a 60 minute performance very soon, perhaps their trip to England this week will help them wake up.
*remind me not to be so intoxicated when I write my 1st glance article. This one had some serious spelling issues until this morning.
I think the best measure will be after the bye week. Last two years PATS faced some adversity prior to Week 9. Last year were 5-3 and year before 6-2. Then went on 8 game winning streaks in both years to claim first seed. Also, the way the league is the film study the adjustments, all that gets going really after some time. I think there was some rough games so far besides Week 1. Week 2 Arizona, Hernandez gets injured and stalls offense. Week 3 Baltimore, tough place to play did not finish, Week 3 again tough place to play, divisional opponent, Week 4 Peyton is Peyton, Week 5 Seattle tough place to play and did not finish. This week again the Jets are not an easy team as a divisional rival but I think the next time they play the PATS will have seen their scheme and do better.
ReplyDeleteI also think injuries have accumulated quite a bit. Mankins out, Connelly left game, secondary is makeshift etc...
I think they will be ok. I think they can win a bunch of upcoming games and then I think they can beat Texans and 49ers at home also in December.
I think you are probably right about Belichick teams being better in the second half of the season due to film study. Also, the health and depth of this team will be much improved after the bye week. We may not go 8-0, but 7-1 or 6-2 would probably be good enough for the playoffs. Gotta win division games. If we win 1 of 2 between San Fran and Houston, I hope we beat Houston.
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