Bill Polian, the GM of the Colts, has always been a thorn in the side of the Pats. He was criticized, along with Coach Jim Caldwell, for pulling their starters in the third quarter during last Sunday's loss to the Jets. The defeat left the Colts 14-1 and spoiled their chances to tie the Pats and the 1972 Miami Dolphins for an undefeated regular season.
Polian went on to point out that the Colts had beaten the Pats 21 regular season consecutive win record by two games and edged them out with 115 wins for the decade. Those were the most important records according to him.
He tweaked the Pats by mentioning their 16-0 regular season record in 2007 and their eventual loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Therefore, he feels the 1972 Dolphins are the only "undefeated" team as they also won the Super bowl. Polian always makes it a point to stick it to the Pats whenever he has the opportunity.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Who Will Play on Sunday?
It's a good thing a local radio station did their daily poll with their question asking whether the Pats should "rest" their starters when they play Houston on Sunday. Naturally, there were strange results with 62% saying no resting, 21% saying rest and 17% undecided. These undecided based their decision on the circumstances for the game.
What does that mean? I'm not sure. The Pats have won the AFC East and face a playoff game in less than two weeks. The offense is starting to come together. There are some players who are hurt such as Vince Wilfolk and Ty Warren. Nobody is 100% this team of year. That holds true for any team in the league.
I don't agree with the decision of the Colts to pull their starters in the 3rd quarter against the Jets on Sunday. They saw a 15-10 lead slip away resulting in a final 29-15 win by the Jets. The Colts lost a chance at being 15-0 with a shot at history next week. QB Peyton Manning was visibly angry on the sideline, but he spoke the company line in agreeing with the coaching decisions.
This brings us to next Sunday. Does Tom Brady play? Of course he will. I can't imagine him sitting. Maybe he plays into the 3rd quarter. With a 45 man roster, there are only so many "healthy scratches". Someone has to play. Injuries can happen on any play.
Coach Belichick has been asked this question repeatedly about resting players. I agree with his response of " Whatever decisions I make will be made in the best interest of the team". This doesn't address the question, but there is no simple answer.
What does that mean? I'm not sure. The Pats have won the AFC East and face a playoff game in less than two weeks. The offense is starting to come together. There are some players who are hurt such as Vince Wilfolk and Ty Warren. Nobody is 100% this team of year. That holds true for any team in the league.
I don't agree with the decision of the Colts to pull their starters in the 3rd quarter against the Jets on Sunday. They saw a 15-10 lead slip away resulting in a final 29-15 win by the Jets. The Colts lost a chance at being 15-0 with a shot at history next week. QB Peyton Manning was visibly angry on the sideline, but he spoke the company line in agreeing with the coaching decisions.
This brings us to next Sunday. Does Tom Brady play? Of course he will. I can't imagine him sitting. Maybe he plays into the 3rd quarter. With a 45 man roster, there are only so many "healthy scratches". Someone has to play. Injuries can happen on any play.
Coach Belichick has been asked this question repeatedly about resting players. I agree with his response of " Whatever decisions I make will be made in the best interest of the team". This doesn't address the question, but there is no simple answer.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Dropping the Ball
The Pats had everything going during yesterday's 35-7 win over Jacksonville. They piled up 194 yards on the ground. Who would have thought they would do it without Laurence Maroney for most of the game.
The Pats mounted a big opening drive. They moved the ball down the field at will with Maroney carrying the ball for big chunks of yards. It appeared he scored on a 1 yard run, but fumbled the ball for the 4th time this season. Three times have been at the the goal line.
This may have been too much for Coach Belichick. He pulled Maroney from the game, never to return. Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulke and Fred Taylor pounded the Jacksonville defense with big runs. Taylor took over in the 4th quarter, allowing the Pats to burn the clock with key runs for first down.
Where does this leave Maroney? Was this a one game thing? They need him for the playoffs, but turnovers are not acceptable.
In his post-game press conference, Coach Beichick did his usual deflection and said that all of the backs contributed to the win by running the ball. He never mentioned Maroney's gaff.
In the past, he has said that whoever has the ball in their hands carries the fate of the team. One turnover can cost the team the entire season.The stakes are getting higher. Coach Belichcik is walking a fine line. As much as the teams needs Maroney, he can't let one player cost the team a possible trip to the Super Bowl.
The Pats mounted a big opening drive. They moved the ball down the field at will with Maroney carrying the ball for big chunks of yards. It appeared he scored on a 1 yard run, but fumbled the ball for the 4th time this season. Three times have been at the the goal line.
This may have been too much for Coach Belichick. He pulled Maroney from the game, never to return. Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulke and Fred Taylor pounded the Jacksonville defense with big runs. Taylor took over in the 4th quarter, allowing the Pats to burn the clock with key runs for first down.
Where does this leave Maroney? Was this a one game thing? They need him for the playoffs, but turnovers are not acceptable.
In his post-game press conference, Coach Beichick did his usual deflection and said that all of the backs contributed to the win by running the ball. He never mentioned Maroney's gaff.
In the past, he has said that whoever has the ball in their hands carries the fate of the team. One turnover can cost the team the entire season.The stakes are getting higher. Coach Belichcik is walking a fine line. As much as the teams needs Maroney, he can't let one player cost the team a possible trip to the Super Bowl.
Friday, December 25, 2009
A Tale of Three Backs
The Pats will need to deal with RB Maurice Jones-Drew when they face Jacksonville Sunday. He is tied for the lead league with 15 rushing TD's and is third in rushing behind Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson. He has caught 49 passes for 33 yards this season. Since he entered the league in 2006, his 56 TD's rank 2nd only to LaDainian Tomlinson's 71.
The 5'7" , 208 pound back from UCLA shared carries with Fred Taylor when he first arrived in Jacksonville. Taylor acted as a mentor and friend. They trained together in the off-season. As Jones-Drew began to emerge, his carries increased at the expense of Taylor. Prior to this season, the Jaguars released Taylor and the Pats signed him for his 12th season. Taylor and Jone-Drew continue to remain close friends.
Back in 1998, Taylor and former Pats RB Robert Edwards were both first round draft choices. Both enjoyed great rookie seasons and were constantly compared. Edwards was Offensive Rookie of the Year and lead the Pats with 1,115 yards rushing.
While participating in a Pro Bowl touch football game on the beach for rookies, Edwards suffered a devastating knee injury which curtailed his career. Taylor is now facing the beginning of the end of his career. Jones-Drew has the future ahead of him wondering what it holds for him.
The 5'7" , 208 pound back from UCLA shared carries with Fred Taylor when he first arrived in Jacksonville. Taylor acted as a mentor and friend. They trained together in the off-season. As Jones-Drew began to emerge, his carries increased at the expense of Taylor. Prior to this season, the Jaguars released Taylor and the Pats signed him for his 12th season. Taylor and Jone-Drew continue to remain close friends.
Back in 1998, Taylor and former Pats RB Robert Edwards were both first round draft choices. Both enjoyed great rookie seasons and were constantly compared. Edwards was Offensive Rookie of the Year and lead the Pats with 1,115 yards rushing.
While participating in a Pro Bowl touch football game on the beach for rookies, Edwards suffered a devastating knee injury which curtailed his career. Taylor is now facing the beginning of the end of his career. Jones-Drew has the future ahead of him wondering what it holds for him.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
It Didn't Look That Bad
It looked like a play where WR Randy Moss would take the brunt of it. He was leaping in the air to catch a 16 yard pass early in the 3rd quarter during last week's 17-10 win over the Bills.
CB Terrence McGee attempted to break up the play by crashing into the hip of Moss while leading with his right shoulder. These collisions can be especially devastating for the receiver because he is off his feet.
Moss caught the ball and both players fell to the turf. Moss went on to have a great game. McGee had a torn rotator cuff and will be placed on IR. He will need surgery and undergo a long rehab process to return to the field.
Two players during one play both had different results. Fans of the game often don't realize the fragility of the player's careers. One play can change everything. One play can end a career.
CB Terrence McGee attempted to break up the play by crashing into the hip of Moss while leading with his right shoulder. These collisions can be especially devastating for the receiver because he is off his feet.
Moss caught the ball and both players fell to the turf. Moss went on to have a great game. McGee had a torn rotator cuff and will be placed on IR. He will need surgery and undergo a long rehab process to return to the field.
Two players during one play both had different results. Fans of the game often don't realize the fragility of the player's careers. One play can change everything. One play can end a career.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
One More Chance
When WR Joey Galloway was released by the Pats on Oct 20th, it appeared that it might be the end of the line for the 15 year veteran. He was signed by the Pats in the off-season and was expected to battle for the 3rd receiver position. Thing never worked out. He caught only 7 balls for 67 yards and was inactive during his last three weeks with New England. He was on the receiving end of some yelling by Tom Brady during one of his last games.
The Steelers signed him this week after placing WR Limas Sweed on IR. Ironically, the Steelers had tried to sign Galloway during the off-season, but he thought he had a better future with the Pats. Galloway has 689 career catches for a 15.6 yard average.
The Steelers signed him this week after placing WR Limas Sweed on IR. Ironically, the Steelers had tried to sign Galloway during the off-season, but he thought he had a better future with the Pats. Galloway has 689 career catches for a 15.6 yard average.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Winning Spoils the "Fans"
After yesterday's 17-10 win over the Buffalo Bills, the post-game talk shows got some real interesting calls. One "fan" complained that the team is "boring". I guess it wasn't good enough that the Pats won.
I agree that the team could have played better. Coach Belichick says that every week. An onside kick at the end of a game is never a way to close it out.The caller indicated that he felt it was boring because the Pats showed no enthusiasm. He mentioned the days of Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison yelling and screaming on the sidelines. He said the Pats were too business-like and methodical about the way they have played this season.
Maybe this guy should take a trip back to the late 80's and early 90's to the Dick MacPherson and Rod Rust era. This was when the old Foxboro Stadium had 20,00 fans, lousy teams and a local tv blackout. He obviously had no clue about what happened in year's past.
Winning spoils the fans. It makes fans out of a lot of people who go along for the ride. The real fans stay with the team during losing seasons. The Pats have been an exceptional franchise since the purchase of the team by the Kraft family. So many people have no clue about what this team use to be.
I agree that the team could have played better. Coach Belichick says that every week. An onside kick at the end of a game is never a way to close it out.The caller indicated that he felt it was boring because the Pats showed no enthusiasm. He mentioned the days of Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison yelling and screaming on the sidelines. He said the Pats were too business-like and methodical about the way they have played this season.
Maybe this guy should take a trip back to the late 80's and early 90's to the Dick MacPherson and Rod Rust era. This was when the old Foxboro Stadium had 20,00 fans, lousy teams and a local tv blackout. He obviously had no clue about what happened in year's past.
Winning spoils the fans. It makes fans out of a lot of people who go along for the ride. The real fans stay with the team during losing seasons. The Pats have been an exceptional franchise since the purchase of the team by the Kraft family. So many people have no clue about what this team use to be.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Too Much on Moss
There has been way to much talk on the play of Randy Moss. Here are two interesting items that came up this week.
ESPN analyst Merrill Hodge participated in a study of the play of Moss with the Vikings during a season 10 years ago. The purpose was to determine if Moss was in fact loafing on plays. The study concluded that Moss was dogging it at times. He reviewed the game against the Dolphins last Sunday and found the opposite to be true. He said: "Moss played one of his best games in terms of not having the ball in his hands. He made 5-10 important blocks during the game." Interesting comments from a respected analyst.
During the week, Coach Belichick reviewed some of Moss's plays as part of his X's & O's with Patriots All Access. Using his Belistrator, he showed Moss getting double and triple coverage on many plays. Moss also threw important blocks on runs.
People will say that Beichick is biased. Moss will be under a huge microscope Sunday when he goes up against the Bills and Terrell Owens. It should make for some interesting pre-game chatter. Both wear 81 and have been accused of being selfish players during their careers. I would take either one of them on my team.
ESPN analyst Merrill Hodge participated in a study of the play of Moss with the Vikings during a season 10 years ago. The purpose was to determine if Moss was in fact loafing on plays. The study concluded that Moss was dogging it at times. He reviewed the game against the Dolphins last Sunday and found the opposite to be true. He said: "Moss played one of his best games in terms of not having the ball in his hands. He made 5-10 important blocks during the game." Interesting comments from a respected analyst.
During the week, Coach Belichick reviewed some of Moss's plays as part of his X's & O's with Patriots All Access. Using his Belistrator, he showed Moss getting double and triple coverage on many plays. Moss also threw important blocks on runs.
People will say that Beichick is biased. Moss will be under a huge microscope Sunday when he goes up against the Bills and Terrell Owens. It should make for some interesting pre-game chatter. Both wear 81 and have been accused of being selfish players during their careers. I would take either one of them on my team.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Running With It
Last Sunday during the Pats victory over Carolina, the Pats ran the ball for the most times this season accounting for more than 50% of their plays. This season when they have run the ball at least 45% of the time, their record has been 5-2. They ran the ball for a season high 40 times and gained 185 yards. This was 8 yards less than their best against Tennessee. Both games were played in wet and slippery conditions with snow against the Titans and rain with the Panthers.
Last Sunday, the Pats were in shot-gun formations for only 25 of 72 snaps. Tom Brady's injuries to his shoulder, finger and ribs may also have played a part in the game plan.
They ran mostly an I-back formation , with Sammy Morris playing full-back. Morris has emerged as a viable blocker clearing the way for Kevin Faulke and Lawrence Maroney. Faulke ran out of the I-back in 5 of his 10 carries. Maroney lugged it 22 times.
With the weather in Buffalo looking to be windy and cold, the Pats may take advantage of their stable of backs. Fred Taylor is a hoping to return to action after missing a large part of the season. A fresh back could really help the Pats much like it did last year when Lamont Jordan returned after a several week absence.
Last Sunday, the Pats were in shot-gun formations for only 25 of 72 snaps. Tom Brady's injuries to his shoulder, finger and ribs may also have played a part in the game plan.
They ran mostly an I-back formation , with Sammy Morris playing full-back. Morris has emerged as a viable blocker clearing the way for Kevin Faulke and Lawrence Maroney. Faulke ran out of the I-back in 5 of his 10 carries. Maroney lugged it 22 times.
With the weather in Buffalo looking to be windy and cold, the Pats may take advantage of their stable of backs. Fred Taylor is a hoping to return to action after missing a large part of the season. A fresh back could really help the Pats much like it did last year when Lamont Jordan returned after a several week absence.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Another Country Heard From
It was just a matter of time before former CB Asante Samuel jumped into the Pats controversy. He had some rather scathing comments about Coach Belichick and urged members of the current team to speak up against their coach. This is not the first time that Asante has trashed his former coach.
Samuel was a 4th round pick in the 2003 draft. He left the team as a free agent after the 2007 season. The slapped the franchise tag on him in early 2007. The Pats agreed not to do it for 2008 if they won 12 games or if he played in 60% of the defensive snaps. He met both guidelines after the team's 16-0 record in 2008 and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Samuel is best known for the plays he didn't make in the Super Bowl loss to the Giants. His name will forever be associated with "what if ".
Samuel was a 4th round pick in the 2003 draft. He left the team as a free agent after the 2007 season. The slapped the franchise tag on him in early 2007. The Pats agreed not to do it for 2008 if they won 12 games or if he played in 60% of the defensive snaps. He met both guidelines after the team's 16-0 record in 2008 and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Samuel is best known for the plays he didn't make in the Super Bowl loss to the Giants. His name will forever be associated with "what if ".
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Everyone is Piling On
The "experts" jumped on the quotes by Carolina defensive backs Chris Gamble and Chris Harris who claimed that Randy Moss quit on the Pats during the game Sunday. They felt that Moss could not take the physical play of being double-teamed and quit as he has done so much in the past.
This has become the staple of talk shows. Coach Belichick was quick to note that the comments were coming from players on a losing team. In an effort to downplay their comments, Carolina coach John Fox said that his role was not to critique the play of Moss.
I've never been into fantasy football. It's based too much on statistics. People judge players by how many yards they get and touchdowns scored. There are too many "fans" out there who base all of their football knowledge on the fantasy game.
Coach Belichick indicated that he evaluates the offense overall, not just looking at one player. When asked by a member of the media to address the recent statistics of Moss, the coach replied "statistics are for losers".
This has become the staple of talk shows. Coach Belichick was quick to note that the comments were coming from players on a losing team. In an effort to downplay their comments, Carolina coach John Fox said that his role was not to critique the play of Moss.
I've never been into fantasy football. It's based too much on statistics. People judge players by how many yards they get and touchdowns scored. There are too many "fans" out there who base all of their football knowledge on the fantasy game.
Coach Belichick indicated that he evaluates the offense overall, not just looking at one player. When asked by a member of the media to address the recent statistics of Moss, the coach replied "statistics are for losers".
Monday, December 14, 2009
Taking Shows Off
I usually enjoy listening to the post-game and daily sports shows discussing the Pats. Now it's getting ridiculous. There is some type of anti Randy Moss campaign going on out there. Caller after caller is accusing him of "taking plays off ".
Nobody seems to recall that Moss suffered from back pain during the Atlanta game. As one who has experienced back problems, this is not some type of injury that goes away over night. Moss has been hung out to dry since he has not been talking to the media and the team has a policy on talking about injuries.
Maybe Moss is getting frustrated from getting doubled team every week. While he getting coverage, this has opened the floodgates for Wes Welker and others. Nobody ever mentions this.
I heard two really stupid callers. One was from a guy who works at the stadium as a beer vendor. He said: "I've been around the team a long time and never heard the crowd boo like they did at Randy Moss." The caller went on to say he's been selling at games since 2005. I don't exactly consider this guy to be a long time observer. He wasn't even around during the Super Bowl run!
Another caller blamed everything on Brady. He said that Brady needs to step it up and be more of a leader. He suggested benching Brady and starting Brian Hoyer.After the season, he suggested trading Brady for a bunch of draft picks. No wonder I turned off the talk shows.
Nobody seems to recall that Moss suffered from back pain during the Atlanta game. As one who has experienced back problems, this is not some type of injury that goes away over night. Moss has been hung out to dry since he has not been talking to the media and the team has a policy on talking about injuries.
Maybe Moss is getting frustrated from getting doubled team every week. While he getting coverage, this has opened the floodgates for Wes Welker and others. Nobody ever mentions this.
I heard two really stupid callers. One was from a guy who works at the stadium as a beer vendor. He said: "I've been around the team a long time and never heard the crowd boo like they did at Randy Moss." The caller went on to say he's been selling at games since 2005. I don't exactly consider this guy to be a long time observer. He wasn't even around during the Super Bowl run!
Another caller blamed everything on Brady. He said that Brady needs to step it up and be more of a leader. He suggested benching Brady and starting Brian Hoyer.After the season, he suggested trading Brady for a bunch of draft picks. No wonder I turned off the talk shows.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
