The Patriots answered two major questions today. First that their running game with Laurence Maroney is something that can carry the team in games where it's needed. Second that their defense has plugged up some of the problems that have haunted them for the last month. The run defense gave up only 90-yards on the ground, many of which were due to missed tackles in the sloppy weather. I give both sides passes on the mistakes due to the weather (That doesn't include your two false start penalties Logan Mankins). Richard Seymour had his best game of the season, consistently putting pressure on the Jets QBs (including a knock down that knocked Kellem Clements out of the game).
Adalius Thomas led the team in tackles and seems to be getting better and better with each game. Eugene Wilson, in a contract year and plagued with injuries for the second straight season, returned an interception for a touchdown and recovered a fumble. It was a convincing game for many Pats players that came in with questions. This is starting to look like a defense that would be ready to face Peyton Manning and the Colts in January.
Offensively, the Pats struggled to find a rhythym. The weather defintely played a part in that but Maroney is finally starting to blossom. He ran hard and consistently picked up at least four yards on every carry. It also looks like Jabar Gaffney has surpassed Donte Stallworth on the depth chart. Looks like we might only be seeing Donte for this year as he's got a huge option due at the end of the season for a multi year contract extension.
On the injury front Kyle Brady banged up his ankle and didn't return. Ben Watson missed the game with an ankle injury of his own and first year Tight End Steven Spach (prounounced Spock - "Block Well and Prosper"), signed Tuesday, played a significant number of snaps. Depth at TE is looking low. Stay tuned.
Thoughts from Around the League
San Diego put up some points finally, a potential Chargers at Colts in the AFC Divisional game looks a little more interesting.
Pittsburgh couldn't bounce back and now they're looking at a return trip to Foxboro in January. Is it me or does every team lose the next game after a hard fought loss to the Pats?
Indy squeeks one out over Oakland. Eh, whatever. No one can say the Colts have played anywhere near the schedule the Patriots did this year.
Maybe Tony Romo needs to stop flying to LA on weekdays to have dinner at Koi with Jessica Simpson.
It's about time Dolphins. Way to celebrate like you just won the Super Bowl.
The Jags do this every year. They are always the team that is talked about as the team that no one is talking about. Is this the year they win a playoff game? Maybe. I could see them going into San Diego and pulling out a win (I was there last year when another team did that to the Chargers) but I really don't see Garrard beating Tom Brady or Peyton Manning on their home fields.
Loved that game in the snow at Cleveland. Looks like they finally got their act together down there. It's good to see Romeo Crennel having some success. He's the son of a Drill Sergeant but he's all Papa Bear.
Spygate
(September 9th, 2007 - December 16th, 2007)
R.I.P
Keywords: NFL Patriots Chargers New England Indianapolis Colts Tom Brady Peyton Manning New York Jets Eric Mangini Bill Belichick Spygate
