An Independent Patriots Blog
Give it up for Woodhead last night, the only running back who could hold on to the ball. I think his value to this team is pretty evident and with his contract up at the end of this season they should make an effort to re-sign him. He’s a reliable change of pace back and you can always use a guy like that.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/give-it-up-for-woodhead-last-night-the-only/
How the carries are divided up these last two weeks will be interesting. You can bet they’ll give Brandon Bolden a shot to show if he can put together another explosive game like he did in Buffalo AND hold on to the ball unlike Ridley and Vereen.
I’m definitely not less confident in the Patriots after last night’s game. Their weaknesses continue to be their weaknesses… passing game… running hot and cold on both sides of the ball….
The 49ers attacked them exactly how they should have and if anything this should be a good wake up call.
However the unfortunate thing is that this game will likely have playoff implications and could’ve very well cost them a bye. I don’t doubt the Pats ability to perform on the road, but it’s certainly not easier when you have to leave the confines of Foxboro, and play an extra game.
All the ingredients are there for the Pats to put together a four game win streak in January/February, it’s just a matter of all of them coming together at the right time. They’re certainly not unbeatable, but they’ll definitely be a tough out for whoever has to see them in the playoffs regardless of where the game is.
Personally I think it comes down to Patriots-Broncos, though that could be the divisional match up.
Hopefully a lesson learned for Patriots defense – Patriots – Boston.com
In the past few weeks, the Patriots’ defense has blown some coverages, not filled against the run properly, and exhibited some shoddy tackling. It was certainly good enough to win and the type of performance of which 85 percent of the league would be envious. And considering the average age of the defense is just 25.6 years and includes three rookies, it was play that was admirable and showed improvement. But while the Patriots were playing good enough to roll to regular-season victories, and even against an AFC contender like the Texans, that type of play would not be good enough against the elite competition that will stand in the way of another Lombardi Trophy: the Broncos in the AFC, and the 49ers, Packers, Falcons, and Giants in the NFC.
Snaps: Jones & Gregory take seat – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Two interesting defensive personnel nuggets of note:
Rookie end Chandler Jones was kept on the sideline for six drives after the 49ers’ 9-yard touchdown run by Frank Gore early in the third quarter. Jones appeared to get caught watching the play and was easily single-blocked before being pushed to the ground by a doubling offensive lineman late. Rookie Justin Francis took Jones’ place. Jones was on the field for just three snaps the rest of the game after Gore’s TD, all in the “heavy” package at the end of the fourth quarter. Looked like a “rookie moment” on a broken play for Jones and one the coaching staff addressed quickly. … The other notable personnel change came at safety, where Steve Gregory was replaced by Patrick Chung in the base defense after Michael Crabtree’s 27-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. Gregory was spotted with a bandage on his head, although his absence was not injury-related, according to the team. The status of Jones and Gregory will be areas to watch in the weeks to come.
Gillette Stadium crowd – Subject of criticism in the past, the fans could have left with the Patriots down 31-3 five minutes into the third quarter. But in a heavy rain from start to finish, the crowd stays and provides energy that contributes to a comeback. For that, the crowd gets a mention here.
Ups and downs for the Patriots – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Nice job Pats fans!
https://www.patspropaganda.com/gillette-stadium-crowd-subject-of-criticism-in/
Wes Welker became the first player in NFL history to have 100 pass receptions in five seasons when he caught a 12-yard pass from Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s game against the 49ers, breaking a tie with Rice, Harrison, and Marshall – who joined the club last Sunday.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/wes-welker-became-the-first-player-in-nfl-history/
