I just got through watching 90 minutes of Presidential debate analysis so excuse me for combining campaign slogans. But maybe the ideals promoted by Democrats and Republicans should be applied to the Patriots.
G Stephen Neal and OT Oliver Ross returned to practice after six weeks on the physically unable to perform list. Neal's return to the starting lineup in place of Rich Hochstein should galvanize a fractured offensive line that allowed 20 sacks in five games.
With RT Nick Kaczur and LT Matt Light hurting, Ross and OT Mark LeVoir likely have to replace the corners of the line. These changes force New England's hand, but at the same time, maybe it's best that something is done. If, by chance, they find a combination that works better than the status quo, then by all means stick with it. The team stands at 3-2 and it is easy to lose ground quickly.
Now we have to address the defense. While many would race to break up the secondary after it was burned by San Diego so badly, I would start up front first. Based on that game against the Chargers, it seemed to me that there were instances where QB Philip Rivers initially couldn't find open receivers. But with time in the pocket, he out-waited the coverage before making a play.
Not too long ago I made a case that adding LB Shawn Crable won't solve the anemic pass rush. Now I want him in because the current group is unproductive. It doesn't show up in the stat sheet, but the defense had zero hits on Rivers. That means they didn't even knock him down! That's pathetic by the defense.
So if they can't lay a finger on Rivers, then he can stand comfortably in the pocket and find his targets without the pressure of the pass rush affecting his mechanics or messing with his head. With the Denver Broncos coming to town with their prolific passing attack, the Pats can't leave the secondary at the mercy of QB Jay Cutler and receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal.
The secondary I would leave alone for now. Why? That change would involve promoting one of the two rookie CBs, either Terrence Wheatley or Jonathan Wilhite, or adding WR/S Matt Slater to the coverage. I'll wait a little longer before changing parts there because a positive change up front makes the secondary better.
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