An Independent Patriots Blog
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/
Tonight’s game was the story of two halves. The Patriots offense came out as flat as they’ve been all season, which really shouldn’t have been all that surprising coming off an emotional win on MNF over the Texans.
They were lucky to only be down 17-3 at the half but overall this was a highly uncharacteristic half of football for the Pats and not one by which your overall opinion of the team should be really affected.
The fact that they came out in the second half and continued to stink was disheartening but at 31-3, when it looked like it was about to be the worst blowout loss for the Pats since 2009’s at the hands of the Saints the Patriots suddenly ignited.
After the pick six in the third that made it 31-3 the Patriots offense went on a tear and put up four straight touchdown drives with the defense forcing three straight three-and-outs.
For that brief moment in the game the Patriots showed some of their best football of the season. But sadly the epic comeback was all for naught as the 49ers returned the following kickoff all the way into Pats territory, then scored on the next play on a 38-yard touchdown that saw Kyle Arrington whiff on a tackle.
If this game didn’t have playoff implications I could likely spin it positively. The Pats showed incredible fight and heart, and never gave up even after playing some of their worst football of the year.
There is no question, for a team to end New England’s season in the playoffs it will take them 60 minutes of solid football.
But alas, the Patriots are now in the third AFC seed and no longer one of the two teams that get a bye. The two teams ahead of them, Houston and Denver, have just as easy schedules as the Patriots do, so it seems unlikely either of them will drop a game.
That doesn’t totally rule it out, but it’s very likely the Pats went from having to win two games to get to the Super Bowl to having to win three games, and as many as two of them on the road in Houston and Denver.
Wish we could’ve frozen things right here, but two plays later the 49ers took the lead back for good. Hats off to them for finishing. They didn’t make many plays in the second half but they made enough.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/wish-we-couldve-frozen-things-right-here-but-two/
49ers at Patriots: 5 keys, prediction – Extra Points – Boston.com
Chug it down before game time…
Expect the Patriots to be very careful with the pressure they apply to Kaepernick because he’s a dynamic athlete that can take off from the pocket and score 50-yard touchdowns, which he did last week against the Dolphins. He’s also at his best throwing the ball as plays break down. It’s vitally important for the Patriots make Kaepernick beat them by being a pocket passer. It’s not his strength. He’s still growing in the position, so his reads and delivery are slow. His reads are also basic, so the Patriots should be able to get him off his first option, which make him even more indecisive and prone to turnovers, which the Patriots get a league-leading rate (plus 24).
[T]he 49ers’ offensive shifts are the key to their offense. They utilize them very well to help set up blocking schemes and get the numbers advantage, so it is imperative that the Patriots defenders communicate throughout the game. They need to make sure they are lined up properly and have their assignments; otherwise, they will go down in flames like the Chicago Bears’ once dominant defense did earlier in the season.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-49ers-offensive-shifts-are-the-key-to-their/
