From my point of view IF I was a phins fan they couldnt have gotten the Pats at a better time and here is why: 1. Gronk is out. (IMO top 3 TE in the NFL) 2. we are on our 3rd option at DE. (Jones has a bad ankle sprain and Cunningham got his butt suspended.) 3. Volmer is hurting as is Mankins and Connelly (that is THREE starting O lineman) 4. Elderman may not play (and he has been HUGE on both the O and ST) Oh and the fact that no matter how good the Pats are, the dolphins in Miami always a PIA game for them. I think the Pats could still pull out a win but wouldnt be shocked if they lossed as well... I can handle a loss to Miami a hell lot easier than a loss to the Jets ANY DAY.. (Jet fans make it worse.)
I disagree, they are clicking on all cylinders right now, they have looked like a different team since their bye week......they were beatable in the beginning of the season when you know Miami should be playing them in Miami not December freaking 2......
Whats different with this Pats team the last few weeks is the Defense/special teams is making plays and getting into the endzone... what do they have 5 defensive/ST touchdowns the past 2 weeks? Thats nuts We obviously have to limit that and not give them any extra points, or extra possessions, so we just need to minimize mistakes... We need the turnover free Tannehill to return and our running game to stay productive to allow us to hold on to the ball with long drives and grind out a win... Whatever happens, its nice to be excited for a December game...
arsenal, I agree the D played IMO a lot better. Since the 1st half of the Colts game the Pats D has not given up a meaningful TD. (The Jets were done when they scored their first TD on turkey day.) I also think you are right it is either 5 or 6 TD's from ST and D the last 2 weeks.. Our ST play has improved a LOT since our bye week. I just want a game clean of any injuries on either side.
Hope you're right. But, let's face it...as long as you have Brady, the rest really doesn't matter as much. Which is why putting pressure on him early and often will likely determine the outcome of the game. Meaning, if we can (and do), I like our chances. And, if we can't...fuggedaboutit.
Agreed. Wake better find a way to get around being held so often or this game could be ugly by half. Gronk being out is huge though...should be able to put a lid on Hernandez by himself.
IMO if Miami can avoid turning the ball over then either team can win, but obviously you're going to give the advantage to the veteran QB in a close game like that. If Miami can run the ball, then I think they'll be far less likely to be in a situation where RT feels he has to force it and therefore less likely to turn the ball over. It also keeps their offense off the field more. Based on that, I think our ability to run the ball will be key.
I hear you saying this a lot about holding, and well get over it already! ALL Good d lineman get held. Wilfolk is held usually by 2 DIFFERENT Lineman almost every single play. Why? because he is a beast and had to stop.. But he still makes plays. (See Sanchez Butt Fumble lol)
I understand that D lineman get held....but if you watch some tape you'll see that he gets seriously mugged...a lot. It is also very easy to see from our view so a ref should be able to see it just as easily. I'm not saying he should always get the call but when he gets mugged on a touchdown throw that he would of blown up the quarterback I'm not going to simply "get over it".
Gronkowski being out is huge.. Their pass pass rusher Jones as well might not play.. If the dolphins are intellectually prepared, unlike last year, where Brady took advantage of our stupidity, we have a chance to win the game. If you let Wes Welker make his first move of the route in front of you, your toast, if you bump and disrupt, you will have a chance. Don't think you'll see much of their running game..their not stupid, I expect them to spread us out.. Don't piss off Tom Brady..he plays better pissed off..
your right, to me it's at the point where I would have staff put together a package of about twenty holds this year that were not called and have them sent to the league office.
I hear ya, seen that a lot w Wilfolk and Jones this year myself.. but like I said MOST good/great D lineman are held and as the former head of NFL referees said "holding is allowed as long as the Olinemans hands stay INSIDE"
It has been pretty ridiculous. Everything from stretched jersey all the way to literal arm around his neck area. I hope he gets a few good shots on Tommy Boy
This is where Reshad Jones' stopping ability is going to be tested. He is going to be one on one with Welker, Woodhead or Ridley at some point. Preventing the yards after contact is always a big deal against the Pats
Wake is not going to get those calls very often, because he ends up going so far upfield. He has to make a serious turn on the outside shoulder of tackles, and that will very regularly make things look like he's getting held. For Wake to get to the next level he really needs to add some different moves to his repertoire.
Disagreed. He is right next to the QB on many of his non hold calls. He does need to add some different moves. Since referees are not calling obvious holds on him anymore his main move is easy to defend.
Rushing attempts by us and yards per carry at the half will predict the outcome of this to such a degree IMO that you could put a good bit of money on it.
Aren't all Patriots are? I should know I live in New England and it's sickening them guaranteeing me every year Pats will win the Superbowl according to many the Pats are 12 time defending Super Bowl champs.. Oh and have been undefeated the whole time too, every year I hear we are going 19-0 blah blah blah we will win the Super Bowl.
Nothing new. Everybody except the most dedicated Jets fans hates the Jets; even a lot of Jets fans (visit Gang Green sometime).
You have no idea how close I get to an aneurysm trying to fathom how Wake doesn't get a holding call in his favor. I mean, I remember how Nate Holder, I mean, Solder was praised for "shutting down" Wake when he was holding him practically all night.
I thought the Pats O wasn't that great against the Jets, the jets self destroyed, with really bad mistakes but as bad as the game was I was more impressed with the Jests mistakes than with the Pats play.