The 0-5 Titans come into town with a lot to prove. Last year they were 5-0 and on their way to winning their first ten games before finishing 13-3. The team is virtually the same as last year, lead by Jeff Fischer, the longest tenured NFL coach. Their defense seems to be the biggest difference giving up an average of 367 yards this year vs 263 in 2008. Their pass defense ranks #31, giving up an average of 288 yards.
This team is not the same as the 0-5 Rams or Raiders. They lost the game in week 1 in overtime and are a couple of plays away from being 2-3. The Pats must do a better job preventing long drives like the Broncos had last week. Stopping teams on 3rd down was a problem last year and continues this season.
This has resulted in a negative time of possession for the Pats offense. Brady has not completed a pass over 40 yards this season. The offense needs to sustain drives, particularly in the 2nd half.
The Past have to get a ground game going. Most teams have been able to take away the running game and double cover Randy Moss.
The Past defense must stop 2nd year running back Chris Johnson who leads the league in yards from scrimmage. QB Kerry Collins has been equally effective this year.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Pierre Woods
There is a great story on Patriots All Access about Pierre Woods and his adjustment to the NFL. It's based on how he continues to drive a 1996 F-150 truck in an era when all players have a special ride. His truck has 256, 000 miles on it and looks it. He got it from an uncle when he was in college. He has another car for his wife and kids, but this is his personal vehicle.
You have to remember that Pierre was an undrafted free agent from 2006 from Michigan . Nobody wanted him. Any of the 32 teams could have drafted him. He was able to get an invitation to the Pats training camp in 2006 and scratched his way onto the roster with his play on special teams. He has never made the big money that goes to other higher draft picks.
You have to remember that Pierre was an undrafted free agent from 2006 from Michigan . Nobody wanted him. Any of the 32 teams could have drafted him. He was able to get an invitation to the Pats training camp in 2006 and scratched his way onto the roster with his play on special teams. He has never made the big money that goes to other higher draft picks.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A Great Tight End
Tight End is a unique position. It takes a lot to have both pass catching and blocking skills. Most do one aspect better than the other. Some guys make a career of specializing in one and being a situational player.
Former Pats linebacker Mike Vrabel carved out a role as a situational tight end while he was here. He was used primarily inside the red zone and at the goal line. Many times he was a blocker for a running play or a decoy receiver to draw coverage from the defensive backs.
Now he is with the Kansas City Chiefs and resuming that role with former Pats QB Matt Cassell. During last Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Vrabel caught a 1 yd TD pass from Cassell.
His career stats are truly impressive
11 catches
11 TD's, including two huge receptions in two different Super Bowls
Many tight ends can only dream of stats like this.
Former Pats linebacker Mike Vrabel carved out a role as a situational tight end while he was here. He was used primarily inside the red zone and at the goal line. Many times he was a blocker for a running play or a decoy receiver to draw coverage from the defensive backs.
Now he is with the Kansas City Chiefs and resuming that role with former Pats QB Matt Cassell. During last Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Vrabel caught a 1 yd TD pass from Cassell.
His career stats are truly impressive
11 catches
11 TD's, including two huge receptions in two different Super Bowls
Many tight ends can only dream of stats like this.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Junior Arrives, Somebody Leaves
The Pats are expected to announce the signing of 40 year old LB Junior Seau. The move has been greeted with positive reviews, particularly for the leadership and mentoring skills that Seau will bring. It's uncertain how much playing time the 40 year old will get as he starts his 20th NFL season.
His arrival means that somebody on the 53 man roster must go. The easiest thing is for someone to develop an "injury" and be placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. If that's not the case, somebody will be cut.
One primary candidate is WR Joey Galloway who has been a healthy scratch the last two games. The Pats signed him in the off-season as a free agent . They might have to carry some "dead money" against their cap if they release him. Another choice is rookie LB Scot Lockett who was recently claimed after being released by Cleveland. Another possibility is OL Rich Ohrberger, a 4th round draft pick who could be moved to the practice squad.
No matter what happens, there will be a couple of players who will anxiously await the announcement by the team. A door closes, but may open another opportunity.
His arrival means that somebody on the 53 man roster must go. The easiest thing is for someone to develop an "injury" and be placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. If that's not the case, somebody will be cut.
One primary candidate is WR Joey Galloway who has been a healthy scratch the last two games. The Pats signed him in the off-season as a free agent . They might have to carry some "dead money" against their cap if they release him. Another choice is rookie LB Scot Lockett who was recently claimed after being released by Cleveland. Another possibility is OL Rich Ohrberger, a 4th round draft pick who could be moved to the practice squad.
No matter what happens, there will be a couple of players who will anxiously await the announcement by the team. A door closes, but may open another opportunity.
The Newest Thing To Do
It seems like everyone has an opinion about the play of Tom Brady these days. The experts are coming out of the woodwork trying to figure out what's wrong with him. Is it the knee? Maybe it's the stress of being married and having another baby on the way. Some fools have suggested that Coach Belichick bench him. They probably want to trade him for a bunch of draft picks while he still has some value. Somebody mentioned that all he wants to be is a tv star. Many think that his best days are behind them.
These same people probably don't realize that former Pats QB Michael Bishop is still playing up in Canada and will be available in several weeks. Maybe the Pats can sign him, bench Brady and everyone will be happy. Where do we find fans like this?
These same people probably don't realize that former Pats QB Michael Bishop is still playing up in Canada and will be available in several weeks. Maybe the Pats can sign him, bench Brady and everyone will be happy. Where do we find fans like this?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Penalties Will Kill Any Team
The Broncos were able to tie the Pats at 17-17 in the 4th quarter by completing a 98 yard drive. They were pinned back on their own 2 after a brilliant special teams play by Matthew Slater who was able to keep the ball out of the end zone after a Chris Hanson punt.
The controversy involving Brandon Merriweather resulted in the Broncos getting the ball on the Pats 12 yard line. It appeared Merriweather was going to be accused of unnecessary roughness as the referee threw the flag. Instead, he was called for taunting after the flag had been thrown.
The Broncos were guilty of their own penalties in the preceding drive by the Pats. First there was a running into the kicker penalty which kept the drive alive for several minutes. Then the Broncos committed a neutral zone infraction. I thought the Pats were gaining some momentum before the Broncos finally stopped them.
Brady had a poor 2nd half, completing only 5 of 14. The Pats failed to convert on their 3rd down conversions which killed drives and gave the ball back to the Broncos. During the drive in overtime, the Broncos seem to move the ball at will.
As with any loss, Bill Belichick is not a great interview. It's like watching someone undergo a root canal.
The controversy involving Brandon Merriweather resulted in the Broncos getting the ball on the Pats 12 yard line. It appeared Merriweather was going to be accused of unnecessary roughness as the referee threw the flag. Instead, he was called for taunting after the flag had been thrown.
The Broncos were guilty of their own penalties in the preceding drive by the Pats. First there was a running into the kicker penalty which kept the drive alive for several minutes. Then the Broncos committed a neutral zone infraction. I thought the Pats were gaining some momentum before the Broncos finally stopped them.
Brady had a poor 2nd half, completing only 5 of 14. The Pats failed to convert on their 3rd down conversions which killed drives and gave the ball back to the Broncos. During the drive in overtime, the Broncos seem to move the ball at will.
As with any loss, Bill Belichick is not a great interview. It's like watching someone undergo a root canal.
Game Day Roster
It will be interesting to see the make-up of the 45 man roster for today's against the Broncos. Jerod Mayo is questionable and Fred Taylor is out. The Pats have been silent on whether Taylor will be placed on injured reserve. Is this an opportunity for BenJarvis Green-Ellis to be the 4th running back? Will Coach Belichick even dress four backs today? What about receivers? Last week, Joey Galloway was a "healthy" scratch. That's not a good sign for him. Will the team go with four receivers this week and dress another defensive back?
Week 6 will be an interesting time. WR Brandon Tate will be eligible to be activated. The 3rd round pick from the 2009 draft has been recuperating from knee surgery from last season. There are thoughts that he could be take Galloway's spot. Will the Pats cut Galloway and absorb his salary cap hit? Is it too early to give up on the 15 year veteran?
During Friday's press conference, Coach Belichick gave an interesting dissertation on finalizing the game day roster. So many factors are taken into account, depending on the opponent. It's a question of the needs on offense, defense and special teams. It varies game to game.
Week 6 will be an interesting time. WR Brandon Tate will be eligible to be activated. The 3rd round pick from the 2009 draft has been recuperating from knee surgery from last season. There are thoughts that he could be take Galloway's spot. Will the Pats cut Galloway and absorb his salary cap hit? Is it too early to give up on the 15 year veteran?
During Friday's press conference, Coach Belichick gave an interesting dissertation on finalizing the game day roster. So many factors are taken into account, depending on the opponent. It's a question of the needs on offense, defense and special teams. It varies game to game.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday Thoughts on Denver
It will be a reunion of former Pats players when the team visits Denver on Sunday. The Bronco's roster shows seven former Pats: TE Daniel Graham, OL Brandon Gorin, WR Jabbar Gafney, RB Lamont Jordan, OL Russ Hochstein, LS Lonnie Paxton and DL LeKevin Smith. Denver continues a trend among other NFL teams who sign former players of the Pats.
Denver has the tightest red zone defense in the league. Teams have only been there seven times with 2 TD's and 1 FG to show for it. Denver is allowing less than seven points per game.
The easiest way to make Coach Belichick smile is to mention Junior Seau. Twice this week, he departed from his usual stoic tone to joke about the lastest antics of the former LB. When asked about whether they would sign the reality tv show star, Belichick mentioned that Seau was "bull stomping or being stomped by bulls". He mentioned that they would need to review the video of Seau at the rodeo before making a final decision. The coach knows how to crack the room up!
Denver has the tightest red zone defense in the league. Teams have only been there seven times with 2 TD's and 1 FG to show for it. Denver is allowing less than seven points per game.
The easiest way to make Coach Belichick smile is to mention Junior Seau. Twice this week, he departed from his usual stoic tone to joke about the lastest antics of the former LB. When asked about whether they would sign the reality tv show star, Belichick mentioned that Seau was "bull stomping or being stomped by bulls". He mentioned that they would need to review the video of Seau at the rodeo before making a final decision. The coach knows how to crack the room up!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Taylor Hurt
RB Fred Taylor suffered a broken ankle on his last carry in the game against the Ravens. He will need surgery, but the team will not be placing him on Injured Reserve. He will join LB Jerod Mayo in occupying two rosters spots that cannot be replaced. The Pats must feel that he will be back before the playoffs.
Maybe they realize that they paid a lot of money for him and don't want to cut their losses yet. Taylor has a reputation of being injured throughout his career. On the other hand, he has lasted 12 seasons and has a long list of accomplishments.
This should open the door for BenJarvis Green-Ellis to carry the ball. He was only active in the opening game against the Jets and has sat on Sundays because of the depth at running back. Coach Belichick was right when he said that you can never have enough depth at any position.
Maybe they realize that they paid a lot of money for him and don't want to cut their losses yet. Taylor has a reputation of being injured throughout his career. On the other hand, he has lasted 12 seasons and has a long list of accomplishments.
This should open the door for BenJarvis Green-Ellis to carry the ball. He was only active in the opening game against the Jets and has sat on Sundays because of the depth at running back. Coach Belichick was right when he said that you can never have enough depth at any position.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
It's a Tough Call
There were several questionable calls by the officials in the Pats-Ravens game according to both teams. Coach Belichick told his team prior to the game that the officiating crew was noted for calling it tight.
Ravens LB Ray Lewis was particularly outspoken about what he felt was preferential treatment for QB Tom Brady. The Pats QB was hit below his knees and was very demonstrative to the officials who then threw a flag.
The league is attempting to protect the quarterbacks without effecting the integrity of the game. The Pats were also penalized for hitting QB Joe Flaco in the head. The league doesn't want to return to the era when the quarterback was given a physical beating every week.
A review of several plays show that the offending player's momentum often carries him into the quarterback. The game is very fast and the results can sometimes be catastrophic.
Ravens LB Ray Lewis was particularly outspoken about what he felt was preferential treatment for QB Tom Brady. The Pats QB was hit below his knees and was very demonstrative to the officials who then threw a flag.
The league is attempting to protect the quarterbacks without effecting the integrity of the game. The Pats were also penalized for hitting QB Joe Flaco in the head. The league doesn't want to return to the era when the quarterback was given a physical beating every week.
A review of several plays show that the offending player's momentum often carries him into the quarterback. The game is very fast and the results can sometimes be catastrophic.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Seeing Seau?
Former Pats LB Junior Seau was at the Bruins opener the other night filming for a reality show that he is doing on the Versus network. He has expressed an interest in returning to the Pats.
He's already 40, but still has gas left in the tank. News reports indicate that he had a physical the other day from team doctors. That's usually the first step in making a return. I predict that he will be on the roster after the bye week of November 1.
He's already 40, but still has gas left in the tank. News reports indicate that he had a physical the other day from team doctors. That's usually the first step in making a return. I predict that he will be on the roster after the bye week of November 1.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pats and Ravens Pre-Game Thoughts
All this week, Coach Belichick has discussed the tenacious defense of the Baltimore Ravens lead by linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs and safety Ed Reed.
Belichick has gone as far as saying Reed is one of the greatest safeties he has coached against.
Last year before the Ravens game, Tom Brady joked that Belichick was planning to kidnap Reed and bring him back to Foxboro on board the Pat's charter flight. Reed has 44 interceptions in his career and always seems to be around the ball. Belichick cited the difficulty in game-planning around him.
The Ravens defense leads the league in allowing only 51 yards of rushing per game. They have gone 38 games without a runner going over 100 yards. This will present a challenge to the Pats running back by committee of Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk.
Former Pats special teams standout Kelly Washington has emerged as the Ravens 2nd leading receiver after seeing few balls thrown his way during his time with the Pats.
I found it hard to believe that one of the experts on CBSSport.com tracked the play of Randy Moss last week and called him "one of the laziest" receivers in the league. We must have watched different games. He claimed that Moss failed to block on several plays and jogged his way through several routes.
Belichick discussed the play of Moss during one of his press conferences and pointed out the exceptional play of Moss in the the Falcons game that earned him the game ball.
Belichick has gone as far as saying Reed is one of the greatest safeties he has coached against.
Last year before the Ravens game, Tom Brady joked that Belichick was planning to kidnap Reed and bring him back to Foxboro on board the Pat's charter flight. Reed has 44 interceptions in his career and always seems to be around the ball. Belichick cited the difficulty in game-planning around him.
The Ravens defense leads the league in allowing only 51 yards of rushing per game. They have gone 38 games without a runner going over 100 yards. This will present a challenge to the Pats running back by committee of Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk.
Former Pats special teams standout Kelly Washington has emerged as the Ravens 2nd leading receiver after seeing few balls thrown his way during his time with the Pats.
I found it hard to believe that one of the experts on CBSSport.com tracked the play of Randy Moss last week and called him "one of the laziest" receivers in the league. We must have watched different games. He claimed that Moss failed to block on several plays and jogged his way through several routes.
Belichick discussed the play of Moss during one of his press conferences and pointed out the exceptional play of Moss in the the Falcons game that earned him the game ball.
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