PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

Today was a truly dominating win for the Patriots.  Everything they tried seemed to work to perfection.  The aerial attack was absolutely amazing.  Maroney was running the ball pretty consistently, and Sammy Morris provided a very nice change of pace, gaining 47 yards on nine carries.  Randy Moss looked out standing, as he finished with nine receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown.  He had to great catches on the sideline, a leaping grab in the first quarter, a diving one in the third, and outsped everyone for a 51 yard score in the third.  Wes Welker also looked good coming out of the slot.  Although he did flat out drop one, he made nice moves after catches, including a touchdown, he finished 6 receptions for 62 yards.  I also want to look at the outstanding play of the offensive line.  Brady was only hurried once the whole game.  At the right tackle spot, O’Callaghan rotated with Kazcur, and both played very well.  Defensively, everything went great.  Warren, Green, and Wilfork were wreaking havoc all day.  Thomas Jones could get anything by Vince, while Jarvis Green provided an excellent pass rush, and Ty Warren did a little of everything.  The biggest impact player on defense was Mike Vrabel.  He picked up 2.5 sacks, but if a couple of plays went his way, it would have been five.  Junior Seau also stood out to me, he seemed to be flying in for touchdowns all over the place, and even played fullback on Heath Evans’ touchdown run in the fourth.  Adalius Thomas looked good in coverage, and Meriweather was flying around there too… Oh yeah, they say that Ellis Hobbs is a half decent kick returner too.

Great game! 

Strong first half, both sides.  The score may not show it, but the Patriots absolutely dominated.  Great performances so far by Mike Vrabel, Randy Moss, Adalius Thomas, Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Wes Welker, and Matt Cassel.

What a drive.  Maroney and Welker looked especially good.

Welker, 3 rec, 30 yards 1 TD

Maroney 6 car 30 yds

Morris 1 car 13 yards (kept churning those legs

Randy Moss, 1 rec 18 yards

Brady, 4/5 48 yards 1 td

Got in a couple of quick notes, according to ESPN.  Asante Samuel is going to play, but he won’t start the game.  Randy Moss is going to play, and he will start the game.

Kickoff in about 10 minutes!!!

I’ve got a new forum that’s been integrated into the site.  Take a look here.

For today’s game:

Gamethread

Finally, Gameday is here.  It’s 7:30 in the morning, and I’m not going to be able to relax until kickoff at 1:00.

With that said, a lot has happened between last night and today.  To lead things off, the Patriots released two players, cornerback Tory James, and tight end Marcellus Rivers.  I was very surprised with the James release, as I thought he was a very solid addition to the defensive backfield.  To fill those roster spots, the Patriots signed Corey Mays and Santonio Thomas from the practice squad.

If the Patriots released a cornerback, that was probably because they had another one in mind.  The Patriots have activated Asante Samuel, and he will play today. 

David Thomas, Mike Wright, and Rashad Baker were all downgraded to out on the injury report.  If the Patriots released Rivers, you would think that would mean that Thomas is ready to play, but I guess not.

Keep checking back before gametime (and during the game) for lots of Patriots updates!

Last week, Chris, from the AFC East Blog, took the time to interview me on the Patriots’ upcoming season.

Several media outlets are picking the Pats to go all the way this year. What will have to happen for them NOT to win the Super Bowl?
In my mind, there are two potential obstacles that could prevent the Patriots from winning the Super Bowl. The first, is the dreaded and unavoidable factor: injury. Injury can destruct even the greatest of teams. Tom Brady hasn’t missed a start since he took over, and that gets you thinking, he’s going to take a funny hit sometime, isn’t he? Then, the defensive backfield has always been prone to injury. Bruschi, Seau, Seymour, Harrison, Wilson, Colvin, Gay, and James have all been known to be vulnerable to injury. The second obstacle is chemistry. After less than 6 quarters playing together, can the starting offense and defense gel, considering all the new faces? How is the receiving game going to shape out? Will Maroney be able to gel without C-Dill? Oh yeah… I forgot to mention… the Patriots can be outplayed. Just because the writers are predicting it, doesn’t mean the Patriots are the best team (although I believe they are on paper). You can’t say that yet. They just need to get out there and win games, or a team like the Colts or Chargers could supplant them as the favorite to win it all.

The Patriots signed several big name free agents this offseason. Who do you think is going to make the biggest impact?
From what I’ve seen, Wes Welker is going to have the biggest impact of all of the New England Patriots new acquisitions. First, Welker brings versatility, but I think we all know that. Welker can play special teams and offense. On the offense, Welker will line up in the slot, and will be out there most downs. Welker brings speed, quickness, and hands to the Patriots offense. While Moss and Stallworth are getting doubled on the outside, Welker will be slipping open for underneath routes. This year, I would expect 80+ catches from him. I think the second biggest addition is Adalius Thomas. He brings uncoachable versatility and toughness to the Patriots defense. He is the perfect fit for the 3-4. Right now, Belichick is playing him inside, but he is just as good outside. And… oh yeah, they say he’s pretty good too.

Do you think Belichick will stay in New England, retire, or coach somewhere else after the 2007 season?
I am certain that Bill Belichick will be coaching the Patriots after 2007. I believe he confirmed that he was under contract through 2009, but I can’t be sure. Either way, I don’t buy the “one last run” thing. Belichick isn’t that type of guy. He’s in it to win it now, and the future. But, I could see, a few years down the road, Belichick leaving for another team. That is, once the dynasty is really over.

What is the Patriots’ biggest strength heading into the 2007 season?
The Patriots biggest strength, no question, is versatility. To prove my point, I will list some players, and the different positions they play. Bam Childress: receiver, runningback, corner, kick returner, punt returner. Wes Welker: receiver, kick returner, punt returner, heck: even kicker. Kelley Washington: slot and outside receiver. Troy Brown: receiver, punt returner, corner. Laurence Maroney: runningback, kick returner. Kevin Faulk: runningback, receiver, kick returner punt returner. Heath Evans: runningback, full back. Ben Watson: tight end, receiver, h-back. Richard Seymour: DT, DE. Tedy Bruschi: LB, DL. Adalius Thomas: ILB, OLB, S, DT, DE. Mike Vrabel: OLB, ILB, DE. Brandon Meriweather: S, CB. Eugene Wilson: S, CB. Willie Andrews: S, CB, KR, PR. This list just keeps going on and on…

What is their biggest weakness?
The Patriots biggest weakness are all the question marks of players coming back from injuries. If these players aren’t in playing shape, or don’t return at the same level of play, the Patriots could have some real problems. Randy Moss, pulled hamstring in preseason, hasn’t done full practice since. Laurence Maroney: offseason shoulder surgery, big question mark… Rodney Harrison, Eugene Wilson, Randall Gay, Junior Seau, Richard Seymour… and the list goes on. Could you imagine a Patriots team that didn’t have those players, or say, those players playing at only 75%?

I think the site is unique, because it gives a look into the perspective of all AFC East teams, and give a look into the minds of other fans.  Go check it out!