Mike Dussault

On this day, decision to man up a good match – The Boston Globe

January 2, 2012 by Mike Dussault

On this day, decision to man up a good match – The Boston Globe

Since losing at home to Eli Manning and the Giants, the Patriots have faced quarterbacks Mark Sanchez, Tyler Palko, Vince Young, Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman, Tim Tebow, Matt Moore, and Fitzpatrick. Only Tebow is going to the playoffs – because of his legs, not his arm. But it wasn’t how the Patriots played against the Bills that was noteworthy. It was what they played.

For the first time in weeks, the Patriots played man coverage. Nearly wire to wire, be it man-under (one deep safety) or two-man (two deep safeties), the Patriots were matching up with the Bills all over the field.

January 2, 2012 by Mike Dussault

In a defensive wrinkle, the Patriots used cornerback Devin McCourty at safety in their sub package, which they were in often against the Bills’ spread attack. McCourty had an interception in the fourth quarter. The 2010 first-round draft choice has had a tough season after making the Pro Bowl as a rookie and his time at safety sparks the question: Would the Patriots consider making it a more permanent switch? McCourty was injured on the Bills’ final drive (looked like his leg), so his status will be something to monitor in the days to come.

New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/in-a-defensive-wrinkle-the-patriots-used/

January 2, 2012 by Mike Dussault

Week 17: Buffalo Bills – 21. New England Patriots – 49.

And another regular season is in the books. Ho hum, just another 13-3, home field advantage season in New England.

The key to the 2011 Pats making a serious Super Bowl run lies in their defenses ability to continue getting takeaways. If the interception well dries up the Pats could be in trouble.

The slow starts of recent weeks cannot happen in the playoffs either. Especially against teams that can run the ball like we have in the AFC, an early hole can be a death sentence. If the Patriots can put together 60 minutes on both sides of the ball they’ll be a very tough out, especially at home.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/week-17-buffalo-bills-21-new-england/

Setting the AFC playoff picture – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

January 2, 2012 by Mike Dussault

Setting the AFC playoff picture – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

At initial glance, the feeling here is that the Bengals – of all the possible No. 6 seeds – have one of the best chances of going into Houston and beating the Texans. If they do that, it would mean the Patriots avoid Pittsburgh/Baltimore back-to-back scenario.

I think that sounds about right, but with Houston’s defense it won’t be easy for the Bengals. Obviously the Steelers are the least preferable of potential divisional opponents, but I wouldn’t mind getting another crack at them.