Can I answer this one after the 49ers-Patriots game? There’s no question that Manning has played well but the Broncos really haven’t impressed with their victories. If Brady can add wins over Manning, as well as the teams with the best records in either conference, I think you have to go with him. That might be over simplifying it, but let’s talk after Brady has gone against two of the best defenses in the NFL and then it will be a lot more clear.
what a way to prepare for the playoffs than by going up against these texans, 49ers, and dolphins. win or lose, one would think BB will have the team as prepared as prepared can be. this should serve them well in the playoffs.
I agree and that’s what will be lost in the overreaction to the Pats win or loss on Monday night. There’s no question that if they lose the road to the Super Bowl will probably get a little tougher, whether that means having to go to Houston if they make it to the AFCCG or having to play on Wild Card weekend.
But ultimately the Patriots are going to get two excellent tests in back to back weeks just like they can expect to get in the playoffs. Regardless of a wins, losses or a split over the next two weeks the Patriots will be better prepared for a playoff run.
Pro Football Focus says the Patriots have blitzed more often over the last three games – 32.7 percent of the passing plays against Indy (second-most on the season), 27.5 percent against the Jets and 25 percent of the time against the Dolphins. That’s the first time this year they have blitzed on more than 25 percent of the passing plays over three straight games, per PFF. (By way of comparison, New England blitzed the most against the Seahawks at 41.2 percent, while they blitzed the least against the Ravens – 6.4 percent.)
•Per ESPN Stats & Information, the Patriots have steadily increased the number of rushers on any pass attempt, sack or quarterback scramble since the start of the season. In September, they sent five or more rushers on 12 percent of those plays. In October, that figure rose to 18.5 percent. In November, it moved to 22.3 percent.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/pro-football-focus-says-the-patriots-have-blitzed/
You’ve got Patriots questions. I’ll attempt Patriots answers.
You’ve got Patriots questions. I’ll attempt Patriots answers.
Friday Pats Q and A is a go, though the questions have been rolling in all week. Let’s talk Texans, or the playoffs, or whatever…
Texans vs. Patriots: 10 Keys to the Game for New England | Bleacher Report
Texans vs. Patriots: 10 Keys to the Game for New England | Bleacher Report
Friday post previewing the Pats-Texans is up. 10 Keys, we went all out.
The Texans have the best defense in the NFL on third down (28 percent), and the Patriots have the best offense (53 percent). This should make for an epic chess match on the most important down in football. But really, success on third down is largely tied to success on first and second down, which means the team that stops the run better will set itself up better for success. Specifically, the Texans defense allows conversions on 3rd-and-6-plus 23 percent of the time, but on 3rd-and-5 or less, it allows conversions 39 percent of the time. That is a significant difference and also a greater jump than the Patriots offense in the same situations (38 percent and 48 percent, respectively).
Any predictions on how we’ll try to match up Offensively against the Texans?
Spread ‘em out and light ’em up. Avoid the Watt/Smith of it all.
Do you think this is a game where Brandon Lloyd will show up big?
I hope so, you’d think with Edelman out and the Texans trying to take away Wes Welker that Lloyd should have his chances. I think offensively it could come down to him and Hernandez. Will be interesting to see if they move Lloyd around a little more, I think we could see him inside this week to keep the Texans guessing.
