New England resides in first place even without playing its best football. Matt Bowen
I’m confused when it comes to the drama that is surrounding the New England Patriots right now.
First, it was Randy Moss, Adalius Thomas and a couple of their buddies who were late to work one day — and ushered out of the door by head coach Bill Belichick. It made headlines, and it made the Internet pop off with questions about discipline, professionalism and the like.
Then, it was the Panthers talking about shutting down Randy Moss, which has created a rumor mill previously unseen when it comes to one player — an active player — whose team had just won a ballgame. I wrote about the firestorm, and there were hundreds of other blogs written about it, as well.
We all had an opinion, and we all wanted to be sure that our voices were heard.
First, it was QB Tom Brady who defended Moss, then Belichick. And today, reports surfaced that the owner himself, Robert Kraft, wanted a spot on the train that was supporting one of his superstar players.
Now, we all can agree that at 8-5 the Pats aren’t exactly playing their best football. Their secondary isn’t fundamentally sound, and they don’t execute as well on offense as we are accustomed to with Brady and Moss.
But, does that mean we sell the Patriots already? In mid-December?
Come on. I am not buying that, just as I am not buying the notion that this new drama surrounding Moss is somehow going to derail this team. This is a veteran team, with veteran leaders, and I have a hard time believing that a Belichick-coached team is going to fold because the blogging world and the so-called “experts” who cover this league are still talking about it.
It is a “hot” topic right now in the middle of the week —and I get that, but let’s not all jump on that train because everyone tells us to when a story surrounds the Patriots.
We aren’t in that New England locker room, and although I have been in multiple NFL locker rooms myself, I can’t comment on what Belichick is saying to his team or what the relationship is like between Brady and Moss. But, I do know what type of players they have on that team and on that coaching staff, and I have a hard time believing that just because the execution isn’t right on Sundays — yet — that it is time to give the AFC Championship game tickets to Indy and San Diego.
Yes, I agree that the Patriots are in some unfamiliar territory when it comes to a team led by Brady under center with a one-game lead on both Miami and the NY Jets. That is odd to see in mid-December, but until someone actually takes this division from them with a healthy Brady, I am not ready to turn my back on what I think they are capable of when January rolls around.
Sell the Pats? No chance.
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Exactly on target. The Pats will still likely make the playoffs, where they'll be dangerous. And trash talking them is never a good idea.
The Moss bashing was idiotic and no one in NE's front office believes any of it, nor do his teammates.
Most of us Pats fans are pretty realistic about the team. Meaning we know they aren't great, just a little above average right now. Most of us have some big concerns with the team but they can't be addressed properly until the offseason (Pass rush, etc).
I think their biggest recent mistake was eschewing Gaffney to pursue Galloway and not in hindsight, I bemoaned their not wanting to offer Gaffney a two year deal BEFORE 2008. He's about the definition of a perfect #3 WR for the Pats:Smart, runs great routes (from what I see) & dependable. And doesn't squawk about getting the ball.
But I slightly disagree with you Bowen that they have enough veteran leadership (at least on D). I think the Pats are hurting a little right now somewhat BECAUSE they lack veteran leadership on D. From what I understand reliable team sources have said that AD's ego was a problem from day one but Rosey Colvin et al were there to keep him in line. I agreed with Belichick's decision to let Rodney and Bruschi ride off into the sunset (if it was his decision moreso than theirs) and trade Seymour who was a great player when healthy but I think his me first attitude would hurt the LR even more right now. I believe Seau is there only because he has that leadership mentality and he can still contribute a little on the field. As much as BB loved Rodney and Tedy I think he knew they just couldn't do much anymore and I don't think he would keep players on the team just for leadership. I think he has to believe you add some ability to play at least situationally as well.
To this end, I believe that the Pats NEED to make a Rodney Harrison type signing this offseason much like McDaniels did with Dawkins (which I thought was a brilliant move at the time ). Not necessarily a safety, but a smart tough versatile leader type on D who has something to prove and is hungry for a ring. Heck, maybe even two. Probably @ LB. Most of us Pats fans think that he was fervently trying to get Jason Taylor in the offseason but he lost out to Mia and that affected things quite a bit roster wise. I submit the trade for Burgess was his having to make do after losing out on JT and we see the affects of that on Sunday.
Matt - something to think about here but we'll see where things stand in a few weeks. They say defense wins championships and in that vein, CHFF created an aggregate stat they call Defensive Hog Index. Since it's creation, it's accurately predicted the winners of 20 of 22 play-off games and both SB Champions in that time were the #1 ranked teams in DHI.
That having been said, currently the Patriots are locked in a heated tie with.......................................................................................... the Cleveland Browns, at 23rd in the league. Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Seattle and Oakland are all currently ranked higher. On the plus side, Indy is currently ranked 26th so maybe there's hope. But I wouldn't put money on it.
Agreeing with "BillC." The Pats will win the AFC East barring a serious meltdown (in which case they will deserve to lose). They'll play a very winnable first-round game in Foxboro, and then they'll take their chances on the road. It's an unlikely Super Bowl team, but Brady and Belichick in the playoffs will have a chance to win any game.
I'm a Pats fan but I have my doubts about whether the Patriots can beat a team like Minnesota or NO. However, we know that they are capable of beating Indy in their own stadium, and that is what needs to be examined.
Also, back in the 2001 Superbowl, I remember the Patriots playing the "no respect" card pretty well all the way to the Superbowl. This criticism gives them something to prove other than trying to live up to the unreasonably high expectations from the 2007 season.
So maybe they will make it, maybe not, but critics, fans and experts counting them out may be just what they need to get them back on track.
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Dec 16, 2009
04:10 PM
Good call. Pats aren't a sell yet, more like a Hold.
They've definitely haven't looked sharp much this year, but once the playoffs start you can't count out Brady & co. Anyone can make a run.