Patriots Fans

[VTDragon]

A new season is almost upon us and it should prove to be a fun one. Looks like the AFC East will be a battle to the end between the Pats and the Jets. I love Ryan because he makes the Jets so easy to hate, (not that I didn't feel that way anyway). The most interesting thing about this year's teams is that it increasingly looks to be a classic battle between a great offense and a great defense. I know, conventional wisdom is that defense wins... we'll see.

Some other thoughts re the Pats:
I'd love to see both Brady's and Moss's contracts settled prior to the first game.
I hope the very young defense learns quickly.
I've about given up on Logan Mankins ... too bad, he's a good one.
Tight ends- just imagine, we are going to have credible tight ends:) (bet Wes Welker loves that idea-opens up the middle even more)
How can anyone not love Welker?
Why is Maroney still with the team? (probably in case Taylor gets hurt)
The rookie punter Mesko looks pretty good
The Defense will need lots of specific game planning (and probably trickery) to be effective - we'll see if BB is up to the task

All in all I'm excited about the new season. As usual, injuries will go a long way toward deciding the league's leaders, but with this offense it
promises to be a fun ride.

GO Pats !

[taltos]

I just hope that with Connolly in there and Neal almost guaranteed to get hurt at some point that the OL can keep Brady upright.

[VTDragon]

Brady's contract is a done deal :). Now that the most important one is done maybe they will address Moss. (although it might be better to have him playing for a big contract)

[pektel]

I heard he got into some bad car accident, didn't he?

[jmsremax]

I heard he got into some bad car accident, didn't he?

Yes but he is fine. Person driving a mini van ran a red light and was hit Brady.

[Bruins Fan]

Looking Good :tu

[VTDragon]

Some thoughts after week one.

Nice win... that should shut up some of the negative media.

Offense was terrific - just about as I expected - so nice to have a couple of quality tight ends- even if they are rookies.

Wes Welker = Superman

I still worry about the defense- yes they were great yesterday-especially during the first half. I saw an intensity that I havn't seen since the 07 season. If they can keep up that level of intensity this team will go a long way. I'm confident that the Offense will continue to score lots of points - wish I had the same confidence in the defense.

So that is what a healthy Fred Taylor looks like :)

Note to the Krafts - give Randy Moss the contract he deserves.

Great game ... bring on the Jets

[Mugen910]

That was not the time and place for Moss to talk about $$ but I give him props for being intelligent about his reasoning.

*I don't feel wanted
*Football is in high school and college
*This is a job

[Subvet642]

That money that Cincy spent on Ochocinco and T.O. was money well spent, eh? :r

[kugie]

Some thoughts after week one.

Nice win... that should shut up some of the negative media.

Offense was terrific - just about as I expected - so nice to have a couple of quality tight ends- even if they are rookies.

Wes Welker = Superman

I still worry about the defense- yes they were great yesterday-especially during the first half. I saw an intensity that I havn't seen since the 07 season. If they can keep up that level of intensity this team will go a long way. I'm confident that the Offense will continue to score lots of points - wish I had the same confidence in the defense.

So that is what a healthy Fred Taylor looks like :)

Note to the Krafts - give Randy Moss the contract he deserves.

Great game ... bring on the Jets

I agree the defense was very shacky in the second half if they do that against any of the really good teams out there they will loose.

Tight ends looked great.
Wes Welker awesome
Fred Taylor did great but a whole season at his age we will see by week 6
Randy should get paid

1-0 18 more to go

[jmsremax]

That money that Cincy spent on Ochocinco and T.O. was money well spent, eh? :r

As the season progresses I think they will earn their salary. They got explosive in the 3rd quarter.


Chad's stats:
12 rec, 159 yards, 1 TD

TO's stats:
7 rec, 53 yards, 0 TD

[kugie]

As the season progresses I think they will earn their salary. They got explosive in the 3rd quarter.


Chad's stats:
12 rec, 159 yards, 1 TD

TO's stats:
7 rec, 53 yards, 0 TD

:tpd:
If they are not hitting one they are hitting the other.

[The Poet]

I love Ryan because he makes the Jets so easy to hate.

Don't get me wrong . . . I'm no Jets fan, in any way. In fact, I really don't give a damn about any AFC team, one way or the other. But is Rex Ryan any easier to hate than Bill Cheat-A-Lot? :r

[VTDragon]

Don't get me wrong . . . I'm no Jets fan, in any way. In fact, I really don't give a damn about any AFC team, one way or the other. But is Rex Ryan any easier to hate than Bill Cheat-A-Lot? :r
I'm a New Englander... I've drunk the KoolAid...Belicheck is the best.

[VTDragon]

Re: Moss

Lots of conversation and talk radio nonsense about his post game press conference and that he doesn't feel wanted etc.

My take is that Randy Moss is one of the smartest guys in football. He saw that Brady got his money, knows there will be at least a greatly expanded salary cap (if there is one at all) next year and he used his media time to push himself to the front of the line for the next big contract to be given out by the Pats. Everything Moss said was calculated to get him a big contract during this season. I expect that at some point he will get his way ... just as I expect that Logan Mankins will be traded close to the trading deadline later in the season.

If you had to trust one of these two to invest a big chunk of money for you who would you go with?

[MikeyC]

Laurence Maroney + 6th round draft choice traded to Denver for their 4th rounder. Bye-bye!!

[kugie]

I'm a New Englander... I've drunk the KoolAid...Belicheck is the best.

:tpd:


:dr:dr KoolAid!

[VTDragon]

Laurence Maroney + 6th round draft choice traded to Denver for their 4th rounder. Bye-bye!!
Good move. He never lived up to his potential and he was in the last year of his contract and the Pats were never going to re-sign him anyway.

[kugie]

Good job By the Pats, In getting rid of Maroney.
he would shoe great potential then just disappear from the game/season.

[Mugen910]

He danced way to much on the field...I can't count how many times I would yell at the tv...PUT YOUR HEAD DOWN AND RUN YOU F*****

[kugie]

He has issues hitting the HOLE

[mosesbotbol]

I'm a New Englander... I've drunk the KoolAid...Belicheck is the best.

I am Pats fan too, but unless they get to the Super Bowl again while Brady is here, I would get rid of Belicheck when Brady retires.

[kugie]

What in the bloody hell happened there. Again in the second half they can't make any adjustments and they alowed the effing JETS! back in it to win it.

to Randy to many times always looking for the big strike in the second half and not QB pressure from the defense.


GRRRR!!!! I am just agrivated that the Pats weren't the best team on the field today.

1-1 17 more to go

[Bruins Fan]

Looks like last season all over? Great first half, no production the second, Can't win on the road. and we all knew the secondary SUCKED.
Brady should go get a haircut and stop *****ing about the fans.:td

[mosesbotbol]

Where's was Brady's concentration? So many horrible throws.

[VTDragon]

Can I just root for the first half Patriots?

I know they wanted to stretch the defense, but WAY too many throws to Randy, (who, inexplicably can make the great one handed catch in the end zone but can't seem to hang onto one thrown right to him over the middle).
Lots of questions this game:
Just what do they talk about at halftime ... doesn't seem to be game adjustments.
Where was Fred Taylor in the second half?
When did Kevin Faulk become a first down back, not a third down back?
Can't the tight ends get more involved in the passing game to take some pressure off the slot receivers? We seem to have a couple of good ones in Gronkowski and Hernandez, not to mention Crumpler and I don't think they are getting involved enough in the passing game.
Is Brady so enamored with Moss that he is looking to him to the exclusion of other OPEN receivers?
Is it time for Wilhite to replace Butler at cornerback? (It's time for SOMEONE!)
What is with Gostkowski? Does he need a little competition?
Why doesn't Brandon Tate get in more often?
Is it just me or does this team seem to be an all or nothing type of unit that plays with great enthusiasm when things are going their way but gets very despondent when things don't go their way and essentially gives up? It was depressing to see Brady, Moss and Welker sitting glumly on the bench early in the fourth quarter all looking like their best friend had just died. THERE WAS STILL PLENTY OF TIME LEFT.

Well, we lost. Put it behind us.
Miami leads the AFC East and Buffalo comes to town next week. I'll be at the Buffalo game, so I hope we play an entire game, not just a first half.
Go Pats!

[Bruins Fan]

Belichick is wearing to many hats, GM,Head Coach, Offense and Defense Coordinator.
Kraft is a cheap SOB and won't spend money on coaches.
Parcells used to give his coaches his endorsement money just so the guys could make a decent living.

[VTDragon]

Belichick is wearing to many hats, GM,Head Coach, Offense and Defense Coordinator.
Kraft is a cheap SOB and won't spend money on coaches.
Parcells used to give his coaches his endorsement money just so the guys could make a decent living.

Do you think it's because Kraft is cheap or because Belicheck is unwilling to share any power?

[Bruins Fan]

Do you think it's because Kraft is cheap or because Belicheck is unwilling to share any power?
Ha..Ha you know you would never get that kind of answer out of Foxboro :D
I know Kraft is taking a beating on Patriots Place.

[MikeyC]

Is it time for Wilhite to replace Butler at cornerback? (It's time for SOMEONE!)

What?!?! Wilhite is 10x's worse than Butler. Not that Butler looked like Deion Sanders this week. It's just a real shame that Bodden is out for the year. Bodden and McCourty would be a nice combo. Butler could handle the nickel.

[VTDragon]

Hey, I'm headed to the game vs. Buffalo this week ... hope to see a decisive victory.

[VTDragon]

Good win by the Pats vs the Bills yesterday. Some thoughts:

Brady is at the top of his game. I'll take him over any QB in the game right now.
Nice to see the Jets' castoff Danny Woodhead generate some excitement. Belicheck seems to like these little guys.
I really like our rookie tight ends, and they are most definately NOT little guys
Happy to see Arrington get the start at CB instead of Butler ... he was better, not great, just better
Defense is still the Achilles heal of this team ... they will REALLY have to step it up against Miami next week.

So, we're 2-1 in a crowd atop the AFC East. Next week's game in Miami will tell a lot about how far this team can go.

[Bunker]

Grankowski and Hernandez where the two steals of draft day, and the O line seems to be giving Brady enough time to throw.

Now if the Dbacks can only learn how to tackle someone we might have a chance.

[VTDragon]

Grankowski and Hernandez where the two steals of draft day, and the O line seems to be giving Brady enough time to throw.

Now if the Dbacks can only learn how to tackle someone we might have a chance.

You're right - on both counts.

Wonder what Logan Mankins is doing these days?

[mosesbotbol]

Defense is still the Achilles heal of this team ...

That is the long and short of it. Can outscoring get them to the Super Bowl? I don't think so. They have their work cut out if they plan to step up the defense.

[jmsremax]

Can outscoring get them to the Super Bowl? I don't think so. They have their work cut out if they plan to step up the defense.

It did in '07 :2

However, I agree they aren't headed back this season after letting up 30 pts to the Bills :td

[Nickerson]

He has issues hitting the HOLE

Thats what she said.

[Bruins Fan]

Special teams were killer last night:tu
Whats up with Tony Sparano and the sunglasses?

[Bunker]

What's up with the moustache?

Does he still think it is 1985?

[Mugen910]

Special teams were killer last night:tu
Whats up with Tony Sparano and the sunglasses?

actually when he was younger he had a fryer oil accident to his eyes. Since that he's always needed sun glasses due to light sensitivity. They say his office is almost completely dark.

[VTDragon]

Well, the boys are in a good mood entering the bye week. Nice win last night.

Great to see all the so called EXPERTS proven so wrong about virtually everything in this game.

Some thoughts:

Brady is at his best throwing 7-15 yards. Let Moss be a decoy except for 1 or 2 deep throws per game to keep the defense honest and keep mixing in the runs and the offense will continue to have a great year.
The defense continues to improve. Yep, they did not look good in the first half, but got better and better as the game progressed. It won't be a straight line up of improving every week for this young unit, there will be blips, but they seem to accept coaching well and I believe they will continue to improve throughout the year...hopefully peaking during the playoffs.
TD's by passing, running, kick return, fumble return :)...what, no safeties?
Kudos to Gostkowski's kick-offs- there couldn't be a better contrast with him booting them out of the back of the end zone and Tate returning one 103 yds.
More kudos to Patrick Chung (2 blocked kicks), Rob Ninkovich (2 INT's) and Jerod Mayo (16 tackles)
Gotta love Danny Woodhead- yet another undersized, overperformer. The Pats seem to have cornered the market on this type of player.

ALL in all that game was FUN! :ss

[kugie]

Well, the boys are in a good mood entering the bye week. Nice win last night.

Great to see all the so called EXPERTS proven so wrong about virtually everything in this game.

Some thoughts:

Brady is at his best throwing 7-15 yards. Let Moss be a decoy except for 1 or 2 deep throws per game to keep the defense honest and keep mixing in the runs and the offense will continue to have a great year.
The defense continues to improve. Yep, they did not look good in the first half, but got better and better as the game progressed. It won't be a straight line up of improving every week for this young unit, there will be blips, but they seem to accept coaching well and I believe they will continue to improve throughout the year...hopefully peaking during the playoffs.
TD's by passing, running, kick return, fumble return :)...what, no safeties?
Kudos to Gostkowski's kick-offs- there couldn't be a better contrast with him booting them out of the back of the end zone and Tate returning one 103 yds.
More kudos to Patrick Chung (2 blocked kicks), Rob Ninkovich (2 INT's) and Jerod Mayo (16 tackles)
Gotta love Danny Woodhead- yet another undersized, overperformer. The Pats seem to have cornered the market on this type of player.

ALL in all that game was FUN! :ss

I like alot of your points in the game the defense looked great and Kudos to the guys who really stepped it up.
The Brady doing the short 7-15 yrds and then opening it up on the long side line pass is great. Hit the open man and the rest will fall into place don't force it.
But it is still iffy in my eyes, you can't count on those fluke points Kick off returns and INTs returned. Also Special teams teams played out of there minds you can't count on that every week.
I want to see a good game where the plays are made when they have to be. And nothing fluky to get the win.
Don't get me wrong Last Night was awesome.

:2 :D
I would like to see a muc

[QUAZY50]

not so good for the pats?

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/104383514.html?elr=KArksD:aDyaEP:kD:aUq9_b9b_jEkP: QUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU7DYaGEP7vDEh7P:DiUs

[Bruins Fan]

Good, lets hope we get a pass rusher and not a draft pick two years down the line.
The Pats cleaned out all the bad apples from last year just one to go. :tu

[Wanger]

Bring him home! We want him back in MPLS!!! Superbowl, homeboy. :p Loved him when he played here, "bad attitude" notwithstanding. He's still a game changer, and the Vikes are in desperate need of a player like him. Someone to stretch the field and that the defensive backs actually have to worry about. For the Vikes, that would open things up HUGE for AP. And then the fact that he and Favreavrvaevrevararvevre have wanted to play together for a while...I'd love for him to be back here!!!

[jmsremax]

the rumor last night was a 3rd round pick for Moss :rolleyes:

[kugie]

the rumor last night was a 3rd round pick for Moss :rolleyes:


Still the rumor :sh

[Bruins Fan]

the rumor last night was a 3rd round pick for Moss :rolleyes:

Got to be more then that? If they let him walk after the season the Pats get a third from the team that signs him anyway.

[Bunker]

He started earlier with the contract whining, as good as he is, history shows that the alligator arms can't be too far away.

When he is on and wants to play there is no one that can cover him, even doubled Brady usually tries at least 1-2 deep balls to him. When he doesn't want it you don't know he is on the field (like Monday night).

[jmsremax]

Got to be more then that? If they let him walk after the season the Pats get a third from the team that signs him anyway.


It's a done deal.....we traded him for a 3rd round pick. :sh

[Wanger]

Yeah baby!!!!! Welcome home Randy!!!

[Bruins Fan]

To let him go for that he must of been to much of a problem in the locker room?
Lot of young guys on that team that don't need to be influenced by a bad apple like him.
I am glad he is gone, all you had to do was be a little physical with him on the line and he would not be a factor, what did Revis call him a slouch:r
We need an over under on the number of interceptions Farve will throw trying to force the ball to Moss.

[VTDragon]

Mixed feelings on this one. He is great when he wants to be. Other times, like Mon. in Miami, he just doesn't show up.

He made a telling comment after the game when asked about not having any receptions, he tartly responded about "the game plan" while making it obvious that he did not like "the game plan" at all. It was then reported that he and Belicheck got into a heated "discussion" at Gillette the next day. I wonder what they were talking about?

The sad fact is that Randy is all about only Randy. Brady and Belicheck got him to appear to buy into the team concept for a while, but as with any prima donna, he sulks and becomes disruptive when things don't go his way.

Having said all that, I'll be sorry to see him go... he is a GREAT talent, but the TEAM has to come first and I would rather see us get something for him now than let him go for nothing at the end of the season and still have to endure all the attendant distractions he is sure to bring if he stays. Remember the last month of Manny with the Sox. We do not need more of that.

[Gophernut]

Yeah baby!!!!! Welcome home Randy!!!

Couldn't agree more! This helps out immediately! And that one handed catch that he made in the back of the endzone over Revis, WOW. (I know Revis had a bad hammy, maybe he should have been in training camp since he was under contract...) Moss can still bring it. (when he wants to)

[Wanger]

Mixed feelings on this one. He is great when he wants to be. Other times, like Mon. in Miami, he just doesn't show up.

He made a telling comment after the game when asked about not having any receptions, he tartly responded about "the game plan" while making it obvious that he did not like "the game plan" at all. It was then reported that he and Belicheck got into a heated "discussion" at Gillette the next day. I wonder what they were talking about?

The sad fact is that Randy is all about only Randy. Brady and Belicheck got him to appear to buy into the team concept for a while, but as with any prima donna, he sulks and becomes disruptive when things don't go his way.

Having said all that, I'll be sorry to see him go... he is a GREAT talent, but the TEAM has to come first and I would rather see us get something for him now than let him go for nothing at the end of the season and still have to endure all the attendant distractions he is sure to bring if he stays. Remember the last month of Manny with the Sox. We do not need more of that.

It's understandable to say that, and has been said many times about him. Would it be different had they gotten that perfect season (which I was rooting for them to do, btw)? Had he been teamed with a HOF qb in the prime of his career early in his career would he be viewed differently (ala Michael Irvin with Aikman)? Quite possibly. Look at his early career and the fact that the QB was changing left and right, and he still put up the big numbers. the last few years in NE have been a lot better and more calm. I see his comments being just what they were...him saying what he felt about his contract situation. He was just to honest about it. I could easily be wrong, but that's what I see.

As far as him not showing up, honestly, it's different for a receiver, as they rely on someone else to get the ball to them. Not every great RB was a stud every game they played. Look at AP, for example. He's had a 297 yd game, and then another at 20 yds. When measuring anyone against Jerry Rice, you have to remember that Rice is the PLATINUM standard (beyond gold). He is so far above everyone, that there is no comparison. As of right now, he's 4th in receiving yards in NFL history, and could conceivably pass TO this year with Isaac Bruce sitting at the #2 spot.

And let me say this...I had a conversation one time with a former teammate of his (Moss), and essentially was told that Randy does give a great effort, but the problem was that when things got tough and weren't easy for him, he wasn't used to it and at the time didn't know how to respond and people viewed it as a lack of effort. Has that changed? No clue, but once labeled with a reputation like that, it is tough to shake. I'm sure that there are MANY players out there that are as bad or worse than he actually is. Just my :2

[Bruins Fan]

The story that is coming out Moss had a fight with coaches and players on the flight home from Miami?
Now is is getting to look more like dumping him then a trade, just like wth Maroney.

[Mugen910]

Well if anyone wants Authentic Moss jerseys for $75 now is the time. :r


Moss Throwback Jersey: Original $79.95.... Now $25
Moss Authentic Jersey: Original $249.99....Now $$75

proshop.com

[VTDragon]

Well if anyone wants Authentic Moss jerseys for $75 now is the time. :r


Moss Throwback Jersey: Original $79.95.... Now $25
Moss Authentic Jersey: Original $249.99....Now $$75

proshop.com
Maybe the Pats will assign his number to the next guy they pick up, just like they did with Maroney's when Woodhouse got it. Then, you just need to duct tape over the name with the new guys'.

[Mugen910]

Maybe the Pats will assign his number to the next guy they pick up, just like they did with Maroney's when Woodhouse got it. Then, you just need to duct tape over the name with the new guys'.

I think the non-authentic one you can steam it off...the authentic one you might just unstitch the name :r

[Gargoyle]

Had an interesting conversation with Vin a few days ago. It seems the Patriots are doomed to lose players based on the season ticket images. We were heading to the 9/26 game w/ the Bills and I joked that I was worried about Moss.

Game 1 (9/12) tix -> Maroney... inactive for the game, traded to Denver on 9/15.
Game 2 (9/26) tix -> Faulk... on IR on 9/22
Game 3 (10/17) tix -> Moss... traded to Vikings on 10/6

I think Logan Mankins was on one of the pre-season tickets too... but I'm not positive on that.

So who's up next for the curse?
Game 4 (10/31) tix -> Welker
Game 5 (11/21) tix -> Brady
Game 6 (12/6) tix -> Bruschi... he's already gone. It is Tedy Bruschi night.
Game 7 (12/19) tix -> Wilfork
Game 8 (1/2) tix -> Mayo

[Wanger]

I'm still wondering when Brees will go down...the Madden Curse.

[VTDragon]

Had an interesting conversation with Vin a few days ago. It seems the Patriots are doomed to lose players based on the season ticket images. We were heading to the 9/26 game w/ the Bills and I joked that I was worried about Moss.

Game 1 (9/12) tix -> Maroney... inactive for the game, traded to Denver on 9/15.
Game 2 (9/26) tix -> Faulk... on IR on 9/22
Game 3 (10/17) tix -> Moss... traded to Vikings on 10/6

I think Logan Mankins was on one of the pre-season tickets too... but I'm not positive on that.

So who's up next for the curse?
Game 4 (10/31) tix -> Welker
Game 5 (11/21) tix -> Brady
Game 6 (12/6) tix -> Bruschi... he's already gone. It is Tedy Bruschi night.
Game 7 (12/19) tix -> Wilfork
Game 8 (1/2) tix -> Mayo
Arrrghhh ... now I'm depressed.

[Gargoyle]

W00t!!! Branch to Patriots for a 2011 4th!

[VTDragon]

W00t!!! Branch to Patriots for a 2011 4th!
Good move. Branch is not what he once was, but he is still a very credible receiver and Brady won't feel the compulsion to force the ball into him like he did with Moss.

BTW, I see that Farve fell into the trap of forcing the ball into Moss last night on MNF. Yep, he got a TD and yep they lost the game, mainly because of an ineffiecient offense.

[Wanger]

Good move. Branch is not what he once was, but he is still a very credible receiver and Brady won't feel the compulsion to force the ball into him like he did with Moss.

BTW, I see that Farve fell into the trap of forcing the ball into Moss last night on MNF. Yep, he got a TD and yep they lost the game, mainly because of an ineffiecient offense.

Yes and no...this loss falls squarely on the shoulders of the coaching staff for not having them prepared (see how the first half went).

The game plan SUCKED last night. Where the hell was AP? Give the top back in the league the ball only 18 times, and throw as much as they did in that rain? WTF?

As far as falling into the Moss trap goes, there was some, but that's also what he did with Rice last year. Only thing is that it's Moss now, instead, honestly. And likely on any other CB than Cromartie, he's got a couple more catches by going over the top of them. The first TD by Harvin was COMPLETELY because of the presence of Moss...watch the route he ran and where Harvin was when he caught the ball.

And good move for them to bring back Branch. Hopefully for you, he can recapture the chemistry they had before he left.

[Bruins Fan]

Great, now the Pats will use the pass to control the game, that's what won three super bowls.
You have to eat up time to the defense off the field.
I believe the Pats would have beat the Jets if Brady was not trying to please Moss?

[VTDragon]

Great, now the Pats will use the pass to control the game, that's what won three super bowls.
You have to eat up time to the defense off the field.
I believe the Pats would have beat the Jets if Brady was not trying to please Moss
:tpd: ... and we do have to keep the defense off the field!

[VTDragon]

Great win in OT vs. the Ravens. The defense finally made some third down stops in the 4th qtr and OT and the offense finally got on track. Super job by Dione Branch in his return. It would have been a lot easier had Hernandez not made a couple of crucial drops in OT, but a win is a win ...we'll take it.

[Bruins Fan]

Great win, getting rid of Moss was key for Brady to do his thing,and not having to listen to Moss crying.
Now if the defense tightens up like it did in the second half,I see good things happening. :noon

[mosesbotbol]

Great game. Good use of the clock and execution as the game progressed.

I would've went for the field goal though. Although Hernandez dropped a couple, I like what I have seen from him this season so far.

[kugie]

Good Win:tu
I would like to see the corners tighten up and stop getting turned around so bad. They are picking up to many flags for big Penalties.:2
But over all they looked good the ball was spread out the defense came up big when it had to and a good win against a good team.

4-1

[mosesbotbol]

If our defense played the ball instead of the WR, we could've had a few turn over's. Happy with the results though. Defense is progressing, Special Teams looked good. These are the two things which will be vital to securing our next Super Bowl.

[VTDragon]

We survived San Diego ...whew! Thank goodness for replacement kickers and nervous defensive lines ... (not to mention San Diego's apparent lack of knowledge of the rules of football - TWO live balls left on the ground for the pickings in one game!!!)

Looking for positives in this one ...
* The first drive of the second half - down the field for a TD. nice!
* Steven Gostkowski ... 3 for 3
* The Patriots DO know the rules and twice DID pick up live, loose balls.

Let's face it the Pats won because the Chargers continually screwed up. As for positives, I keep coming back to the number of times Belicheck exhorts his team to "just do you job" and not worry about other stuff, but to trust that the guy next to you is also doing his job. I contrast that with the Chargers where every player seemed to be trying to do that "little extra" most often resulting in failed plays, (look how many easy passes were dropped because receivers took a quick peek to see where they could run to and thus missed the catch).

It's the NFL - every week is tough and this week the Chargers were generous in their ineptitude, but a win is a win and we'll take it.

[Bruins Fan]

A win is a win,that's all that counts :tu

[LooseCard]

A win is a win, but it was an ugly one the we could have easily lost.

It should never have gotten that close, in the 4th quarter.

[mosesbotbol]

Pats defense and special teams were great. This is a big step in the right direction. Keep building ondefense and special teams while keeping offense consistent (kind of missed that one on first half).

[Bunker]

Should have been a blowout, not enough points from those turnovers but I'll take the W.

[Gargoyle]

The 4th quarter defensive meltdowns continue to be a concern. 17 points given up in the 4th after holding SD to almost nothing for the first 3?

[VTDragon]

So, Halloween and the Vikings coming to town. What's the over-under on the number of Randy Moss masks in the stands that will be shown by CBS during the game?

[Gargoyle]

I wonder if anyone will be dressed like Jenn Sterger. :)

[Wanger]

i wonder if anyone will be dressed like jenn sterger. :)

lmao!!!!!

[kugie]

Good game yesterday:tu
I thought that they played a good game and really showed that they are getting it together and starting to gel.:2

I love the fact that Farve had to be carted off the field for 8 Stitches.

Not happy he got carted off. But he makes it sound like it was a Joe Theisman type injury.

6-1 best in the NFL

[mosesbotbol]

Defense getting better every game. I like what I am seeing from the Pats. For sure they are contenders for the AFC.

Jets showed their flaws, especially from a coaching/play perspective. Why they ran that last play instead of field goal is beyond me...

[kugie]

Defense getting better every game. I like what I am seeing from the Pats. For sure they are contenders for the AFC.

Jets showed their flaws, especially from a coaching/play perspective. Why they ran that last play instead of field goal is beyond me...

Defense is getting better. Still getting beat on the side lines and some bad penalties. But they are tightening up.

[Wanger]

Why would that surprise you? He's the Drama Queen to end all drama queens in the NFL. LOL

Was yet again disappointed in my team yesterday, but I will not jump ship. #1) Chilly was outcoached (AGAIN). But then, even a jr. high coach could do that, let alone Belichick. #2) The defense has definitely taken a step backwards from the previous seasons, especially last year. They outgained them, and won the time of possession battle. Takes a special team to lose games when they do that. LOL Fire Chilly!!!!! (Should have been done a couple years ago, though).

[Bruins Fan]

Pats sitting on top with the best record in the NFL:tu
Yes sill a long way to go, but don't it feel good to piss off all the haters :D
Farves press conference was pathetic :td

[VTDragon]

Great win vs Farve, Moss, Peterson and the rest of the Vikings.
Some thoughts:

Once again Belicheck out coached the opposition. Yes, I'm a Kool-Aid drinker.
Imagine what our running game would be like with a healthy Fred Taylor - I'm not disparaging either Green-Ellis or Woodhead, but give lots of Kudos to the offensive line. Great job by the big boys up front.
While passing out Kudos, the defensive line wasn't too bad on the goal line stance at the end of the half either. That stuff was great to see.
Wes Welker was the only starting receiver that Brady had yesterday who started last year (Tate was still recuperating) and now the Pats are atop the league. I wonder if the guy in the horseshoe hat could do that?
The defense is getting better every game. I still wish they would blitz more, but what do I know - Bill likes them playing soft.
Remember when the draft experts criticized Bill for drafting McCourty - how did you like that pick/steal he had, (2nd in 2 weeks).

I really like this team. They do not have the most talent in the league. They make mistakes and can be very frustrating at times, BUT-they play hard, they play with emotion, they never give up and they learn from their mistakes. Fun team to watch.

[Gargoyle]

What was up with the Moss post-game interview? :)

[Bunker]

Great win vs Farve, Moss, Peterson and the rest of the Vikings.
Some thoughts:

Once again Belicheck out coached the opposition. Yes, I'm a Kool-Aid drinker.
Imagine what our running game would be like with a healthy Fred Taylor - I'm not disparaging either Green-Ellis or Woodhead, but give lots of Kudos to the offensive line. Great job by the big boys up front.
While passing out Kudos, the defensive line wasn't too bad on the goal line stance at the end of the half either. That stuff was great to see.
Wes Welker was the only starting receiver that Brady had yesterday who started last year (Tate was still recuperating) and now the Pats are atop the league. I wonder if the guy in the horseshoe hat could do that?
The defense is getting better every game. I still wish they would blitz more, but what do I know - Bill likes them playing soft.
Remember when the draft experts criticized Bill for drafting McCourty - how did you like that pick/steal he had, (2nd in 2 weeks).

I really like this team. They do not have the most talent in the league. They make mistakes and can be very frustrating at times, BUT-they play hard, they play with emotion, they never give up and they learn from their mistakes. Fun team to watch.

True, but come on Brad Childress?

I don't think Bill really strained himself.

Does Minny not even bother with a guy in the booth?

Even Marvin Lewis wouldn't make that challenge call on the should-have-been-intercepted Brandon Tate catch in the first half.

[Bruins Fan]

Moss loves the Pats so much, you think he will be asked back?
Vikes just waved him :D

[Bunker]

Why do I think he is going to end up in Indy?

[Wanger]

True, but come on Brad Childress?

I don't think Bill really strained himself.

Does Minny not even bother with a guy in the booth?

Even Marvin Lewis wouldn't make that challenge call on the should-have-been-intercepted Brandon Tate catch in the first half.

Chilly couldn't coach himself out of a wet paper bag. He gets outcoached EVERY game. Bill could have outcoached him with his eyes closed.

As for that goal-line stand, Chilly is known for bonehead calls like that...Run AWAY from your Pro-Bowl LG and LT...SMART move there, Major Dad. I am SO sick of him! Have not thought highly of him ever since I watched the idiocy that was his first season in MN. Last year they made it as far as they did despite him, not because of him!

Our (MN) D-line is not what it's supposed to be. I think that they read too much of their own hype, but it's possible that Father Time has caught up with Pat Williams, and that's affecting everything else. Of course, the missed tackles didn't help, either.

UGH!!!

[Gargoyle]

Pretty good deal... the Pats got a 3rd round pick and Moss played for the Vikings for 4 games. I wonder how many Vikings fans ran out and picked up the new "84" jerseys. The Moss shorts are now deeply discounted at 2 locations. :)

It should be interesting to see where he lands. I wonder if the Jerry Jones makes a move... he's desparate! Plus he can realize his dream of landing Moss.

[shilala]

Pretty good deal... the Pats got a 3rd round pick and Moss played for the Vikings for 4 games. I wonder how many Vikings fans ran out and picked up the new "84" jerseys. The Moss shorts are now deeply discounted at 2 locations. :)

It should be interesting to see where he lands. I wonder if the Jerry Jones makes a move... he's desparate! Plus he can realize his dream of landing Moss.

Iirc, the pats now have 2 first round, two second round, and two third round picks. They set themselves up because this was a "rebuilding year".
They're an amazing organization. It'll almost be a shame to see the Steelers step on them. :D

[VTDragon]

Moss loves the Pats so much, you think he will be asked back?
Vikes just waived him :D

I'm thinking Dallas... Jerry Jones is desperate

[Gophernut]

...SMART move there, Major Dad.
UGH!!!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/gophernut/brad_childress.jpghttp://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/gophernut/Gerald_McRaney.jpg

I've never seen them in the same room! That literally had me lol'ing.

[Bruins Fan]

Only way Moss will be back in Foxboro is if he buys a ticket.
Belichick got rid of all the bad apples and has taken back the locker room.
It's the Pats way or the highway:tu

[chachee52]

Wow, I understand that Moss had a couple of bad press conferences but to completely drop a guy because of it?
I can see Dallas, or even the Jets getting him.

[mosesbotbol]

If Moss lands on the Jets or Saints, watch out. I believe just about anything at this point; Moss could be back in New England. Financially, he could tender a less expensive contract as he already owns a home here that is not an easy house to sell.

If all the other teams have a shot at him before New England, someone is going to take him. Moss sells tickets and jersey's, not to mention can score when the right system is in place.

This fiasco has really made Moss "grow up".

[Bunker]

I think Moss will only go to a team with a top 5 quarterback and a chance of winning in the playoffs.

So no Dallas.......... and no Jets :)

[mosesbotbol]

I think Moss will only go to a team with a top 5 quarterback and a chance of winning in the playoffs.

So no Dallas.......... and no Jets :)

You do not think the Jets can win the play-off's or have a top QB?

[shilala]

You do not think the Jets can win the play-off's or have a top QB?
I don't. This week was the exclamation point for me.
I think the Jets have the personnel to do it, but Sanchez isn't ready. I was really high on him last year, and thought he had the raw talent to become a great quarterback. I haven't seen any progress at all. He just can't calm down no matter what.

[Bunker]

Sanchez is not there yet, and as good as their runners are, this past week proved they can win without some positive QB play.

Tomlinson always folded in the playoffs for the Chargers when he was younger so it is hard to imagine him coming up big now.

[LooseCard]

This has got to be the best line in this entire thread....Was yet again disappointed in my team yesterday, but I will not jump ship.

You're going to talk to Pat's fans about 'not jumping ship' ???
We suffered for almost 20 years! Suck it up!


Moss won't be back, no matter how much he drops his contract to. He is a great player that someday will be in the HoF, but he is too 'Me, Me, Me' oriented.
I'm not usually the 'wisened seer' of things, but the writing was on the wall after that Press meet...


We definitely looked better this weekend, and I'm diggin' the fact that Branch is back.


Now, I foresee Playoffs! http://forum.thescubasite.com/party/party0010.gifhttp://forum.thescubasite.com/party/party0010.gifhttp://forum.thescubasite.com/party/party0010.gif

[Wanger]

This has got to be the best line in this entire thread....

You're going to talk to Pat's fans about 'not jumping ship' ???
We suffered for almost 20 years! Suck it up!


Moss won't be back, no matter how much he drops his contract to. He is a great player that someday will be in the HoF, but he is too 'Me, Me, Me' oriented.
I'm not usually the 'wisened seer' of things, but the writing was on the wall after that Press meet...


We definitely looked better this weekend, and I'm diggin' the fact that Branch is back.


Now, I foresee Playoffs! http://forum.thescubasite.com/party/party0010.gifhttp://forum.thescubasite.com/party/party0010.gifhttp://forum.thescubasite.com/party/party0010.gif


20 years....oooooohhh. LOL I'm 37 and have yet to see a title here. :p The franchise is in year 50 with no titles, too. They haven't even been to the big game since 1977.

[Gargoyle]

Moss to Titans...

[dogface_313]

Lots of talk about a Cleveland upset this week. I do not see that happening, have faith in the god who walks among us T Brady.

[kugie]

They are calling this a trap game. i don't see it. Clevland special teams played out of there mind last week. That is tough to do two weeks in a row.

38-10 pats win

[Gargoyle]

No way Belichick lets this become a trap game. I'm sure schooling Mangini had his full undivided attention.

[kugie]

This has to be one of the worst executed games under this coach ever.
Also the Browns came out and punch the Pats in the face and they did nothing about it.

This was a bad game.
And there next 2 opponents are tough

[dogface_313]

Well at least the Jets lost too.

[LooseCard]

My assessment...

The Defensive line missed their flight. :td

[Blueface]

I didn't want to bring you guys down as you did look good until this week and did have the best record in football.
However, as a non fan, flaws could be visible and man did Cleveland exploit them.

[Blueface]

Well at least the Jets lost too.

Are we watching the same game?

Field goal for OT.

[Blueface]

Well at least the Jets lost too.

Sorry Ryan.
Looks like a premature prediction.
Not a Jets fan here but they deserve credit on that comeback and win.

[Gargoyle]

damn ugly game

[dogface_313]

I was wrong. However, in my defense i went to sleep with them down 10 points. Good comeback on them, but i still hate the jets.

[Bruins Fan]

Throw this one out the window, Brady suxed a$$, receivers could not make catches when Tom did managed to hit them. Rob Gronkowski alone cost them 14 points.
I think they will get spanked hard next week in Pittsburgh?

[chachee52]

I can honestly say as a die hard Pats fan that that game brought out what I've been saying all season long. The defense is sub par at best, Brady hasn't been that on target all season. There have been a lot of games that we won this year, that we should not have.

[Bunker]

Every now and then a team needs a little *****-slap to wake them up and let them know they aren't quite as good as their record may indicate.

Unfortunately we had to get ours from Mangina and the Browns.

[VTDragon]

Stinker in Cleveland. We got our butts kicked. Out-played in all three phases of the game and then out-coached too.
Brady was off target all day and when he did hit his receivers, (especially Gronkowski who had the worst day a receiver could have), they dropped the ball. The defense was exposed for what it is. Young, inexperienced and prone to the roller coaster highs and lows of an emotional team. When they're high, they play well, when low, they play poorly, like yesterday. Credit to Mangini and all the Cleveland coaches, they did a good job of exploiting the Pats weaknesses. They covered the short passing game well, did not give Brady much time to throw and most importantly won most of the battles on both the offensive and defensive lines all day. Colt McCoy looked like the real deal and he exposed the glaring lack of a real pass rush by the Pats and the defense's inability to deal with a mobile quarterback.
This is not a good way to start the stretch of games they are facing, (Steelers, Colts and then Lions on Turkey Day). Too often other teams see a blueprint developed by a good opposing teams' plan and build upon it.
The Patriots are going to really have to work hard to be ready for Sunday night against the Steelers.

[CigarNut]

So what the heck happened with the Patriots? Did they forget that they had a game to play?

[Mikey202]

Anyone want to bet a nice NC 5vr on this game with a Steeler fan?:noon

1 - Olivia V series
1 - DPG Black label
1 - Pardon 7000
1 - La Requeza
1 - Cain Maduro

[Bunker]

Sorry brother, after the dump they took in Cleveland and a cast-off Bengals replacement kicker combined with the fact that they are playing surrounded by 300+ lb mustachioed Stillers fans in Heinz (and that's just the ladies) - I'm not going near this game.

[Mikey202]

Anyone want to bet a nice NC 5vr on this game with a Steeler fan?:noon

1 - Olivia V series
1 - DPG Black label
1 - Pardon 7000
1 - La Requeza
1 - Cain Maduro

No takers?:confused::sh

[Gargoyle]

No takers?:confused::sh

I think most of us would want to put a 5'er on the Steelers as well.

[mosesbotbol]

I don' feel confident today for the Pats, but Steelers have some injuries and no one wants to play the Pats coming off a loss.

Steelers are my AFC Superbowl pick, but I'd rather be wrong and see the Pats there.

[kugie]

I don' feel confident today for the Pats, but Steelers have some injuries and no one wants to play the Pats coming off a loss.

Steelers are my AFC Superbowl pick, but I'd rather be wrong and see the Pats there.

I would rather you be wrong as well.:D

[Mikey202]

No takers?:confused::sh

Someone stepped - up on Facebook. I have my bet.

[Bunker]

Someone stepped - up on Facebook. I have my bet.

Someone on facebook must be very happy this morning :D

[mosesbotbol]

I would rather you be wrong as well.:D

Glad I was. That was a stomping! :noon

[Gargoyle]

I don't think any of us saw that coming! What a surprise last night was!

[dogface_313]

A good surprise though. Another tough one next week though.

[mosesbotbol]

I don't think any of us saw that coming! What a surprise last night was!

So sad to see the stands at Heinz Field empty withe several minutes left in the 4th quarter.

[Starscream]

Brady put up some hellacious numbers on my fantasy team last night!:tu

[VTDragon]

Really nice win by the Pats last night. Some thoughts:

* I had no idea how much Patrick Chung helped set the tone for this defense. That guy has a terrific motor and he HITS! Kudos to him.
* I cannot recall seeing Brady being so fired up. Remember all the talk last year and early this season about the lack of veteran leadership on this team. Well, one vet has really taken it to heart. Good for Brady - good for the team.
* Gronkowski - Dog House in Cleveland to Steel Tycoon in Pittsburgh... great game for the rookie.
* Lots of excuses out of Pittsburg about how beat up their offensive line was, BUT... the Patriots defense did the job and got lots of pressure and 5 sacks on Big Ben ... so Kudos to them
* Patriots offensive line, (missing Stephen Neal BTW), was OUTSTANDING!
* I would not be surprised if some more kickers come in to audition this week...a missed EXTRA POINT! AAARRRRRGHH
* Law firm continues to hit the hole hard and follow his blockers...he doesn't know how to dance...so what is Maroney doing these days?
* My only complaint about the game was when the Pats reverted to the "Prevent" Defense in the fourth quarter. I cringe just thinking of it.
* All in all a GREAT bounce back win. I hope they show the same intensity next week against the Colts. That looks to be another fun game.

[mosesbotbol]

Really nice win by the Pats last night. Some thoughts:

* All in all a GREAT bounce back win. I hope they show the same intensity next week against the Colts. That looks to be another fun game.

Colts should be shaking in their boots. Who's going to stop the Pats if the build momentum off beating the Steelers then the Colts? Momentum in November is what every team wants.

[Secret Santa]

If Santa knows anything about the NFL this year, it's that week-to-week there seems to be very little carry over.

[srduggins]

If Santa knows anything about the NFL this year, it's that week-to-week there seems to be very little carry over.

Yeah, what's up witht that?

Great win by the Pats. I hated watching them crush the Steelers.

[dunng]

Someone stepped - up on Facebook. I have my bet.

Who's your daddy? :mh

[VTDragon]

Pats win by three over Colts!

if you like offense, you loved this game. Big difference was the three picks thrown by Manning.

Some thoughts:

Brady played brillantly.
Patrick Chung had an off day...he was burned at least 3 times. Great game last week, not so much today.
I wish the defense blitzed more frequently. Manning's interceptions basically all resulted from pressure on him.
Great job by the offensive line.
Good job by the defensive line/linebackers vs. the run, not so much vs. the pass, (except for the picks of course)
I thought, (hoped actually), the the game was in hand early on. Should have known better.

Well, short rest...on to Detroit. Hope there is no let down.

[Bruins Fan]

Pats always seem to play soft trying not to give up the big play and it almost never works.
We need a big time pass rusher, the run defense is not to bad.
Colts are always a tough game, nice win off to Detroit :D

[dogface_313]

Didn't get to watch it because of the time difference but there is nothing better then waking up to a Pats victory(ok maybe a few things are better).

On another note, I wonder if Big Ben asked "hey do you think leaving the Patriots was a good idea?" before getting leveled?

[chachee52]

Good game. As usual the Pats scared me at the end. Why is it that in the 4th if we have the leave we always go to a prevent system? We stop playing offense and the defense sits back more than they were before. Just play for the full 60 minutes.

[dogface_313]

Pats should take the Lions down tonight.

[mosesbotbol]

Pats should take the Lions down tonight.

If there could be a game to worry about, this is one of them. How much time have the Pat's spent watching the Lions? How many times in the last decade have they even played the Lions?

[14holestogie]

If there could be a game to worry about, this is one of them. How much time have the Pat's spent watching the Lions? How many times in the last decade have they even played the Lions?

I was going to say the same thing. Win/loss record has little bearing on how well they have been playing this year. They've been in every game to the end this year. Pats should prevail if they are on, but could be disappointed if they are looking past this game.

[Bruins Fan]

I think this is going to be a tough game, the defensive back are going to have their hands full?
Pats pull away in the fourth quarter for the win.

[VTDragon]

Great Turkey Day win. Only complaint is that the Pats didn't seem to think they had to play hard vs Lions until the second half.

Some thoughts:

Brady perfect QB rating, 'nuff said!
Branch feeling better...looking great
Offensive line....woke up at half time
Defense- still scares me to death.
McCourty- the real deal

Now for the Jets... let the hype begin

[Bunker]

Unfortunately we have two straight Sunday's with no Pat's game now:td

[dogface_313]

First half not so fun, second half tons of fun. I was watching the game with my whole Platoon. I have never been somewhere as the lone Pats fan, but last night I was. 35 Lions fans and little old me. I think everyone just wanted to try to get the PL worked up, but i stayed cool with a Liga T52.

[dogface_313]

Woke up early for this one. Loving every second of it!

[Bruins Fan]

Nothing like a good old fashioned beat down, New England style.:D

[Tio Gato]

Nothing like a good old fashioned beat down, New England style.:D

Great beat down, but why is there no more beer in my fridge and why does my head hurt so much?:al

[Bunker]

That was an awesome game, at first it reminded me of the playoff in 05 when they beat the Colts 20-3, but then they just put their foot down.

So much for the all-world Jets defense.

[kugie]

That was Awesome:banger

Pats :sl Jets :hy

[jmsremax]

That was Awesome:banger

Pats :sl Jets :hy


:noon

[Blueface]

As much as I dislike the Patriots, what a biatch slapping of the Jets that was.

[MiamiE]

What a game! :tu I'm a Dolphins fan, but hate the Jets!

[shilala]

Thank you, Pats for that sweet beatdown. :tu

[mosesbotbol]

I didn't the Jets were a college team :sl

[chachee52]

Great game. The thing that i liked best was that the Pats didn't go into their usual prevent D-fence like they did with the Steelers game a few weeks ago. This is what they need to look like for the rest of the season.
i will honestly say, I had them coming in 3rd place at the beginning of the season, this is a great surprise!!

[Bruins Fan]

Now we know why Bill was smiling and joking all week, so out of character for him.
I guess he knew something? :r

[mosesbotbol]

Now we know why Bill was smiling and joking all week, so out of character for him.
I guess he knew something? :r

The turn-overs were just incredible. Was this game fixed? I expected much better from Sanchez

[VTDragon]

WOW! Did not see that coming. 45-3 over the hated Jets. Fantastic!:noon

Some thoughts:

Brady is the league MVP, all others thought to be in consideration are irrelevant at this point.
This young defense continues to get better week by week. I still hold my breath on third down, but .... well, results speak for themselves.
Wouldn't you like to be Danny Woodhead this morning? He has to be the NFL's inspirational story of the year.
Kudos to the Offensive line. They were terrific.
I have to say it: Rex Ryan is bluster, Belicheck is results.
Congrats to Teddy Bruschi on his night...what a great way for this team to honor him.

It doesn't get any easier for the Pats... at Chicago next week. Somehow I think Bill may have a plan though.

[Bunker]

"Delirious Patriots fans taunted the Jets with a resounding chorus of J-E-T-S, S - - K, S - - K, S - - K. " - New York Post

:r

[MikeyC]

Going into this game one quote from Rex Ryan really stood out to me. Recently, he said something like "we built this team to beat the Patriots." I really feel like trading Randy Moss has made this team a totally different team. The Jets are built to beat the Randy Moss Patriots not the Randy Moss-less Pats. The old Pats had to feed Randy the ball and get it downfield. QB drops were deeper 5 and 7 step drops giving the pass rush more time to get to Brady. The new Pats spread the ball around and get it out quicker with more 3 step QB drops. The new Pats are built to beat the Jets. The Jets are built to beat a team that no longer exists.

[Bruins Fan]

The Pats would have beaten the Jets the first time they meet if Brady did not keep going three and out trying to get Moss the ball.
The sad part is Moss would not go up and fight for the ball,I'm so glad that dog is out of here.:noon

[chachee52]

"Delirious Patriots fans taunted the Jets with a resounding chorus of J-E-T-S, S - - K, S - - K, S - - K. " - New York Post

:r

I was laughing out loud when I heard that on my surround sound. It sounded AWESOME!!!!! :r

[LooseCard]

Game was alright.... just no thrill.

Yeah, a good ole fashoined beating is nice, but I was looking for a tougher game.

I commented how the Pats forgot to show up for the Browns game, now I'm wondering where the Jets were on Monday; they didn't seem to be at the game....


I too am glad that Moss is gone.
Happy to see the D-line pulling together, and the O-line is stepping it up too.
I heard that BB was swapping the players through a varied rotation to get them to learn more and provide a better coverage for the positions. Looks like that is working well!

Steelers will (hopefully) be a more interesting game.

[VTDragon]

The Pats would have beaten the Jets the first time they met if Brady did not keep going three and out trying to get Moss the ball.
The sad part is Moss would not go up and fight for the ball,I'm so glad that dog is out of here.:noon
:tpd: Couldn't agree more.

[Bruins Fan]

24-zip in the second looking good so far :D

[Bunker]

It looks like Urlacher is the only Bear that showed up to play today. You would think you were watching Arizona trying to play in the snow not the home team.

I feel a Brian Hoyer sighting coming in the 2nd half.

[Bruins Fan]

It looks like men playing against boys :r

[timo]

Dahhh Bears

[Bunker]

Da Bears looked a lot like da Jets today, the pretenders of the NFC

[kugie]

Good Job by the Patriots today.:D Nice to see the cream rise to the top when it matters. They showed that what the NFC is calling the best in there division, is nothing but a maybe wild card team in the AFC. :2

[dunng]

:wo

[icehog3]

Congrats to the Pats fans from this Bears fan, that was in fact a beatdown.

[timo]

Not a huge loss for the Bears. More of a reality check

[chachee52]

Good to see the Pats playing on all cylinders the last few games.
What about the Jets sideline coach tripping up the Miami player? That's messed up!!!

[Bunker]

Not a huge loss for the Bears. More of a reality check

The reality being, this bears team could never win the Super Bowl. :td

[Bunker]

Good to see the Pats playing on all cylinders the last few games.
What about the Jets sideline coach tripping up the Miami player? That's messed up!!!

I am suprised he hasn't been fired yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h32GjasxOvU&feature=player_embedded

[VTDragon]

Another great win against the NFC North - this time the victims were the Bears 36-7.

Some thoughts:

Anyone who wants to beat the Patiots best do so this year. They are getting better game by game and have a slew of high draft picks coming up. The future looks bright indeed!
I do not think there is a defense in the league that can keep this offense down right now. Brady, the O-Line, the receivers and the backs are all hitting on all cylinders. They can seemingly do as they please. What a joy to watch!
The defense is coming of age. 3 points by the Jets, 7 points by the Bears. The improvement of this very young defense has to rank as one of BB's best coaching jobs EVER! Really, there is no competition for coach of the year, (though I'm sure the Pats haters out there will try to come up with something)
Who would have thought that Fred Taylor could not displace either Danny Woodhead or BenJarvis Green-Ellis as a starting back? Amazing!
I hope the Krafts and BB suck it up and resign Logan Mankins this offseason. He has been a beast.
Now if we can just avoid any mental letdowns and major injuries this could turn out to be a very memorable season :)

Next up - Green Bay on the frozen tundra of .... Foxborough.

[VTDragon]

Whew!, a close call vs the Packers, but we'll take the win 31-27.

Some thoughts:

* The defensive line (except for Wilfork), looked VERY suspect for this game. No way a young QB should be able to have the kind of game Flynn had. Grade them "D" and hope for a wake-up call before the Buffalo game.
* Good job by the offensive line vs Clay Matthews, he was mostly a non-factor
* On the other hand, the offensive line did not consistantly get the push needed to give the Pats any kind of consistant running game.
* One good thing about the offense was their performance in hurry-up mode. Probably should have gone to that earlier.
* Dan Connoly's return was fun to watch.
* Re: the opening game onside kick... that miscue is all on the coaching staff.
* The Patriots were lucky that Aaron Rodgers was not playing, but as it was they did JUST ENOUGH to pull out a victory. Hopefully this was enough of a wake-up call for this young team to stop reading their press clippings and get back to playing like they are capable of.

On to snowy Buffalo next

[jesseboston81]

The Patriots were lucky that Aaron Rodgers was not playing, but as it was they did JUST ENOUGH to pull out a victory.

This is what I keep coming back to in my mind. Regardless of anything else Rodgers could have been able to do during the game, at a minimum he would have been more prepared for that final play and would have given the Packers one more shot at the end zone. If Flynn could push the game that close on his first NFL start, Rodgers would have been able to use his skill and experience to really exploit and embarrass us.

I think Belichick had the best attitude during the 5th Quarter interview--listening to the guy you would have had no idea that we won, and I don't think the team should feel like they won either.

[mosesbotbol]

If they lost, it would've been kick in rears the Pats need to get through the Play Off's. I hope this will be a learning lesson.

The recovered on-side kick by the Packers was just fantastic. I think Belichick may use that one later this season.

[Bruins Fan]

I see it a little different.
The opening kickoff was all on Sanders for not doing his job he moved back to start blocking.
The D line is playing with the reserves, reserves.
Ed Hockley is a real P.O.S I think he thinks the fans pay to see him?
Questionable calls gave the Packers scoring opportunities.
Brandon Merryweather being out of position and blocking his own man lead to a long easy TD, I don't think we will see him next year he just don't get it?
Sloppy game but a win is a win.
You can bet practice will be hell this week.

[dogface_313]

Didn't see it but from what i have read it was ugly. A W is a W but that type of play will not fly against healthy teams in the playoffs.

[Starscream]

I see it a little different.
The opening kickoff was all on Sanders for not doing his job he moved back to start blocking.
The D line is playing with the reserves, reserves.
Ed Hockley is a real P.O.S I think he thinks the fans pay to see him?
Questionable calls gave the Packers scoring opportunities.
Brandon Merryweather being out of position and blocking his own man lead to a long easy TD, I don't think we will see him next year he just don't get it?
Sloppy game but a win is a win.
You can bet practice will be hell this week.

It wasn't so much the questionable calls, but that they were nitpicking every little thing that they would normally overlook b/c Goodell was in attendance.

[chachee52]

It wasn't so much the questionable calls, but that they were nitpicking every little thing that they would normally overlook b/c Goodell was in attendance.

Still doesn't give the refs the right to throw a flag for an "illegal hit" after watching it on the big screen at the stadium.
Either way, the defense looked like they were just sitting around waiting to have something go their way. Looked like the defense of the first half of the season, not of the last 3-4 games.
Hopefully they can bounce back and get back into the swing of things.

[Bruins Fan]

Still doesn't give the refs the right to throw a flag for an "illegal hit" after watching it on the big screen at the stadium.
Either way, the defense looked like they were just sitting around waiting to have something go their way. Looked like the defense of the first half of the season, not of the last 3-4 games.
Hopefully they can bounce back and get back into the swing of things.
Bill was pissed on the sideline saying who put that on the screen?
I bet who ever did is lucky if they still have a job, and you can bet that will never happen again:D

[Bunker]

The beauty of this game is they get the wake-up call they needed and Bill wanted without having to actually take the Loss.

We need that D line to get healthy before January.

[MikeyC]

It wasn't so much the questionable calls, but that they were nitpicking every little thing that they would normally overlook b/c Goodell was in attendance.

The officiating crew working that game also throws more flags than any other crew in the league.

[Bunker]

The Brian Hoyer watch is on again :)

[dunng]

:mh

http://soulhonky.com/candanny/patriots_logo.gif

[Bruins Fan]

Amazing how they do it with what nine starters missing? :tu

[jesseboston81]

Looked pretty good today. Looked like the Pats were playing with their mid-season defense and not their early-season/last-week defense. They had better hang on to the good one for the playoffs.

[VTDragon]

Patriots AFC East Champs - home field throughout the playoffs
8265

Some thoughts:

* I'll admit I was concerned when Buffalo marched down the field on the first drive to score a field goal. It looked like they could run on the Pats all day. Then Bill changed up the defensive scheme and ...well that was that.
* Congrats to B-J Green Ellis. He could get to a 1000 yard rushing season next week. Well deserved for him and big kudos to the offensive line for clearing the way.
* Congrats to (MVP) Brady for setting NFL record for most throws w/o a pick, (btw, do you think it just a coincidence that Kosar was playing for Belicheck when he set the old record?)
* I'd really like to see us re-sign Logan Mankins-though I don't think it will happen.
* I hope that some rest will get some of our injured guys back (esp. Hernandez, Connelly, Mike Wright and Dearderick)
* Couldn't believe that Welker dropped three balls thrown to him. I expect a good bounce back game from him next week - (if Belicheck plays him)

I've always said that all that can be asked of any sports team you root for is that they play hard and well enough to get into the playoffs ... after that it is a crap shoot. Yes, we would all like our team to win the championship every year but that is completely unrealistic. In that vein this Patriots team has been FANTASTIC. Virtually no one gave them any chance at all of making the playoffs this year with their very young defense, cast-off running backs, rookie tight ends and very young and suspect DB's. People actually thought they had given up on the season when they cast off Randy Moss. Instead, we have the best record in the league. I love this team. No matter what they do in the playoffs they have far exceeded expectations and have made for a very enjoyable NFL season. Belicheck deserves to be coach of the year (though I don't expect he'll get it because of how he treats the media). Congrats to him and the entire organization for a GREAT Season.

Now the question --how many starters play against Miami? (I expect ALL)

[taltos]

This is the most fun Pats team to watch in a long time. It would not shock me to see this team win the last game of the year.

[MikeyC]

Heading into the last week of the season the Pats are playing a COMPLETELY meaningless game. The only thing we need to do is stay HEALTHY not like last year when Welker blew out his knee in meaningless finale.

I have to say 17 weeks ago I never ever saw this coming. With so many rookies on defense and two starters (Bodden & Warren) on IR to start the season, I expected the Pats to have a lackluster season. I wouldn't have been surprised if they missed the playoffs especially given that they had to play the big, bad Jets who had supposedly improved themselves so much in the offseason.

Now here we are the Pats have the #1 spot in the AFC locked up. Randy Moss and Maroney are both gone. Who would have thought the season would have gone like this? Unbelievable! This has been a really enjoyable ride so far.

[jesseboston81]

This has been a really enjoyable ride so far.

Agreed. This has been a great season to watch, and I have enjoyed watching so many rookies really come into their own and work as a team.

[Bruins Fan]

Six Pats make the Pro Bowl :D
Brady, Mankins, Mayo, Wilfork, McCourty,and Merriweather, I don't get that one?
He is a headhunter and make some big hits.

[mosesbotbol]

Six Pats make the Pro Bowl :D
Brady, Mankins, Mayo, Wilfork, McCourty,and Merriweather, I don't get that one?
He is a headhunter and make some big hits.

Mankins only played about half this season.

[MikeyC]

Six Pats make the Pro Bowl :D
Brady, Mankins, Mayo, Wilfork, McCourty,and Merriweather, I don't get that one?
He is a headhunter and make some big hits.

Mankins only played about half this season.

Couldn't agree more with you guys. The Merriweather and Mankins selections make me scratch my head. Mankins is a great talent, but I don't think it's fair to select a guy who sat out almost half the season.

McCourty was also a surprise, but definitely he's a talent. If he didn't get selected this year, he'd likely go next year. Definitely the best DB drafted by the Pats since Ty Law.

Vince Wilfork and Brady are definitely two of the best players at their positions if not the best. Mayo is also one of the top MLBs in the game, but he's not as flashy as say Ray Lewis so he doesn't get much press.

[kugie]

Couldn't agree more with you guys. The Merriweather and Mankins selections make me scratch my head. Mankins is a great talent, but I don't think it's fair to select a guy who sat out almost half the season.

McCourty was also a surprise, but definitely he's a talent. If he didn't get selected this year, he'd likely go next year. Definitely the best DB drafted by the Pats since Ty Law.

Vince Wilfork and Brady are definitely two of the best players at their positions if not the best. Mayo is also one of the top MLBs in the game, but he's not as flashy as say Ray Lewis so he doesn't get much press.

I like the Mankins selection.
Since he has been a part of the team the running game has certainly picked up. He also brings an attitude to the field that I thought this O-line was missing the first half of the year, and the rest of the Line has been feeding off of this.:2

Merriweather, I don't know about this one.

Brady, Wilfork and Mayo all well deserving selections.:tu

Brady for MVP :tu

[MikeyC]

One other team aside from the Pats that I've been watching closely this year is the Raiders. I was rooting for them to lose every game this year. :) The Pats get their 1st rounder this year from the Seymour trade. Now, I'm happy to get a 1st round pick for Seymour who clearly doesn't have a lot of time left in his career (although still a good player), but I was expecting a pick in the top ten. I'm really disappointed to see that if the season ended today the pick would either be 15 or 16. :( Depending on how the Raiders do this week, the pick could still move a few spaces in either direction.

[MikeyC]

I like the Mankins selection.
Since he has been a part of the team the running game has certainly picked up. He also brings an attitude to the field that I thought this O-line was missing the first half of the year, and the rest of the Line has been feeding off of this.:2

I don't disagree that Mankins is one of the team's best O-lineman. He's also performed extremely well since he started playing. My problem with the selection is that he sat out the first seven games of the season. If he were injured that would be one thing but he voluntarily sat out. I don't think it's fair to select him over someone who's been there all season long putting in the work. Plus, he's competing against guys who are beat up meanwhile he comes in not having been beat up during training camp, pre-season, or the first seven weeks of the season. It's just not fair in my opinion.

Another interesting debate I'm hearing a lot about is whether Mike Vick should win comeback player of the year award. The center of the debate is that he was out of football through his own actions (breaking the law). He wasn't injured and he was just a poor performer for a couple years.

[Bunker]

One other team aside from the Pats that I've been watching closely this year is the Raiders. I was rooting for them to lose every game this year. :) The Pats get their 1st rounder this year from the Seymour trade. Now, I'm happy to get a 1st round pick for Seymour who clearly doesn't have a lot of time left in his career (although still a good player), but I was expecting a pick in the top ten. I'm really disappointed to see that if the season ended today the pick would either be 15 or 16. :( Depending on how the Raiders do this week, the pick could still move a few spaces in either direction.

Where ever the pick is, Bill is going to trade it anyway. He'd rather have 3 low second round picks that a top 10.

[kugie]

I don't disagree that Mankins is one of the team's best O-lineman. He's also performed extremely well since he started playing. My problem with the selection is that he sat out the first seven games of the season. If he were injured that would be one thing but he voluntarily sat out. I don't think it's fair to select him over someone who's been there all season long putting in the work. Plus, he's competing against guys who are beat up meanwhile he comes in not having been beat up during training camp, pre-season, or the first seven weeks of the season. It's just not fair in my opinion.

Another interesting debate I'm hearing a lot about is whether Mike Vick should win comeback player of the year award. The center of the debate is that he was out of football through his own actions (breaking the law). He wasn't injured and he was just a poor performer for a couple years.

I agree about the only playing half a season, does he deserve it??
I think so.

Mike Vick, and I agree he should not be come back player or any type.

[MikeyC]

Where ever the pick is, Bill is going to trade it anyway. He'd rather have 3 low second round picks that a top 10.

I was really surprised when BB used his first rounder this year. However, McCourty was definitely a solid choice. I wonder what he'll do when he two picks to play with in the 1st round this year.

[VTDragon]

I really think Bill judges the talent available at any slot vs what he thinks the value of that slot is. Thus if he judges that a top five talent is available at pick number 13 he will go for it. If he judges that the talent available does not live up to the slot, he trades down, especially if there is someone they like who he judges will still be there at a lower slot. Why so much attention paid to the slot? To a great degree, that's how rookies get paid, by their slot. Also, the Pats seem willing to only slot, (and pay) certain skill positions like Corner Back, Linebacker and Running Back high in the draft. Bill has proven over the years that much of the team can be made up of solid middle to low rounders or free agents and still be effective. At any rate with three picks in the top 33, it will be fun.

[Bruins Fan]

Interesting read.
http://www.thejetsblog.com/2010/09/05/slow-day-feature-pats-versus-nyj-drafts-2006-2010/

[VTDragon]

Fun way to end the regular season with an old fashion beat down of Miami. Love to squish those Fish!

Some thoughts:

* Glad we got through the Miami game with no major injuries.
* Also glad that BB chose to try to win the game ... always better to enter the playoffs on a winning note.
* Nice move by BB to allow BJ Green-Ellis to get 1000 yards...(I'm sure it was appreciated by the offensive line too)
* Too bad that Woodhead had a fumble ... What will the national commentators have to talk about now that the turnover streak has been broken?

Really looking forward to the playoffs ... wonder who we will face?

[Bunker]

I am actually glad they got the turnover out of the way now.

I liked the way Bill sort of through Hoyer in with no warning, he looked a little shaky in that first few snaps but he has to be ready for that. I thought he looked really good later on and his ball handling on the play-action TD was outstanding.

Also good to see pryce get a couple of passes, there seems to be potential there.

Now who is it going to be?

I would personally like to see a Matt Cassel homecoming than have to listen to the Ravens contant jabbering again.

[jesseboston81]

I'd like to see us play the Chiefs, Jets, and Ravens, in that order. I'll be watching with excitement this weekend!

[VTDragon]

The thing about the Chiefs is that Crennell & Weise both have extra special insight into how BB thinks and schemes. I keep remembering the Cleveland game and I get shivers. Frankly, my first choice is the Jets ... Oh how I would love to end the big mouth's season.

[VTDragon]

Well, I got my wish. Jets in Foxborough next week. I don't expect another 45-3 drubbing, but I do expect a big victory. I know that Brady will be motivated by Ryans comments that he doesn't study as well as Peyton does ... hey the only reason gang green could finally beat the Colts is that they had a ridiculous number of key injuries this year. I love the fact that these two teams hate each other, and it is definately not media hype. I expect a very hard hitting, tough game. I also expect to send the Jets home for the offseason.

[LooseCard]

30 minutes left!

It's going to be a great game!

[Bruins Fan]

Lets get it on!! :sl

[chachee52]

Got my pats mug, my Jack and Coke in it. My Pats jersey on, and my Pats hat. i'm in my seat, surround sound turned up!!!! I'm READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!!!

[jesseboston81]

Here we GOOOOOOO!

[LooseCard]

Tough game so far.
Not happy about the interception.

Was a good catch, and they earned the TD.

WTF Brady? Get in the groove!
Don't let them read ya!

[Bruins Fan]

Jets played a great game, Pats just could not get on track.:sh

[Bunker]

Pitchers and Catchers report 2/14/2011

[jesseboston81]

The Pats looked like bums out there. With every game this season, you never knew what you were going to get. I blame it on so many 1st and 2nd years players--just a simple lack of experience. Some games they clicked, some games they didn't. Tonight they didn't. They looked like bums.

[Bruins Fan]

They Suxed, choke job, bad playing bad coaching :mad:

[VTDragon]

AAAAARRRRGGGHH!!

What a horrible way to end the season. On this day Ryan did outcoach Belicheck, Sanchez outplayed Brady, Revis handled Branch, the Jets lines outhit the Pats' and we got beat.

Congrats Jets, I never thought you could, but you backed it up.

[Bunker]

Brady choked on that first drive and never snapped out of it. So now it is the foot sniffer and his D against Ben "No means No" and the Stealers.

Yawn, go Packers!

[longknocker]

Sorry, NE Fans; I Pulled For You.;s Now I Hope Pittsburgh Puts The Jets In Their Place!:tu

[jitzy]

Gissele should be happy now that Tom is finished with his football hobby and she could have her boy toy back.

[chachee52]

That was just a sad showing. I have always hated Bye weeks. I am not saying that was the reason. The whole team just looked flat. They never got their rhythm going, they kept changing their pace and just couldn't get it together long enough.
I must say now, go Packers and Go Steelers.

[themoneycollector]

That was just a sad showing. I have always hated Bye weeks. I am not saying that was the reason. The whole team just looked flat. They never got their rhythm going, they kept changing their pace and just couldn't get it together long enough.
I must say now, go Packers and Go Steelers.

I'm going for the Steelers as well. I think several dropped passes were the key to this loss. That big return on the 1st onside kick led to the nail in the coffin TD.

I'm hoping we see a Steelers vs. Packers SB :banger

[dunng]

I hang my head in shame... :sad

[ScottieM]

The Pretty Boy was not in to this game at all today. He looked Terrible!

[Humpdebump]

Terrible loss to jets. Then to see them do that dumb jet thing, and what is Ryan doing in the end zone. I give them credit for beating them but they show they're classless.

[Humpdebump]

Ha, I can't even say pitchers/catchers in a month cause I like the national league and the METS are my team.

[jitzy]

Terrible loss to jets. Then to see them do that dumb jet thing, and what is Ryan doing in the end zone. I give them credit for beating them but they show they're classless.

I guess they all put there best feet forward.

[Humpdebump]

I guess they all put there best feet forward.

Haha, next week Rexy will claim that Rothlesburger played with his feet, but Ben will deny it :)

[icehog3]

Go Bears.

[kugie]

That was terrible! The offense had nothing dropped pass in the end zone, Brady Having to throw awy the ball, missing targets.
The jets secondary beat the pats and the offensive line did not play up to par.

Oh well

Go Green Bay:tu

[jitzy]

Haha, next week Rexy will claim that Rothlesburger played with his feet, but Ben will deny it :)

:r:r:r

[jesseboston81]

The NFL released the 2011 schedule this evening, what do you all think? I'm loving the Redskins/Broncos/Dolphins/Bills as an end to the season, although I also worry that those four weeks might make us too soft leading into the playoffs. First preseason game in less than four months!!

[chachee52]

Well I think that even if the lock out lasts longer than the begining of the season (I really don't think that it will) but it will deffinitely be going by the last four games!!! But I do agree with you that these are tough teams to end with because it does make the Pats sit back a little and we all know what happens when the Pats just cruise into the playoffs!

[MiamiE]

Monday night at NE. Dolphins v. NE. :D

[chachee52]

Just noticed that they only have 4 1pm games all season long. That's weird!!! Give you a little more time to do somethings during the day around the house before the game.

[jesseboston81]

Honestly would have preferred to see the Packers/Saints matchup as the first Monday night game of the season. Always glad to see the Pats playing Monday night, but the Pats/Dolphins just doesn't seem to have the "oomph" of the first Monday night game.

[Humpdebump]

I just hope they don't trade down this year in the draft like they have done in previous years. If anything, move up. Bradys not getting younger, so let's pick them now.

[mosesbotbol]

Is there going to be football this season?

[taltos]

Is there going to be football this season?I have a feeling that there will be a settlement. Both sides have too much to lose if the season is cancelled.