I wish head coach Bill Belichick let Dennis Green do the post game press conference for him. I really needed to hear the Patriots let the Broncos off the hook. It was as if New England let off the gas in the second half offensively. I realize New England has a poor record playing in Denver but they can’t use that as an excuse. I don’t think the Broncos are three points better than the Patriots, but the Broncos made the plays and earned the overtime win.
I want to meet Jerod Mayo’s doctor. The second year linebacker returned from a knee injury in just three weeks. He quickly made an impact, forcing a fumble that was converted into three points.
The coaching staff spent a lot of time working with WR Julian Endelman as a returner. He might finally be the full-time punt and kickoff returner as he returned both punts and kickoffs extensively.
A pair of firsts: LB Rob Ninkovich had his first career sack. Watching teammate after teammate congratulate him after the play was cool. And WR Randy Moss had his first career interception. Unfortunately he had just as many receptions.
Hopefully LT Matt Light is alright because once he went down, an offense that was struggling in the second half pretty much died as the offense played cautiously pretty much the rest of the way.
RB Sammy Morris got the start over Laurence Maroney. Can we officially say Maroney has been demoted? Just five carries in the game. Overall it’s startling that the same offensive line that was sixth overall in rushing offense last year can’t sustain a consistent ground game with what appears on paper to be an improved backfield.
Even though he was beat for a touchdown, overall CB Shawn Springs had a very good game. He was impressive in the second half as he made some great plays in coverage.
Extra Point – The jersey wasn’t bad, but combine the striped pants with the candy-striped socks and Denver looked hideous in their throwback.
Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.
