First two are ugly, but the restof it looks pretty good. That 5 play-74 yard touchdown drive to start the 4th quarter wasn’t encouraging, but overall one of their best games of the year.
Updating the Patriots Defensive Analysis now…
When your long snapper is dislodging the ball from the opposition, as Danny Aiken did on the third-quarter punt when he raced downfield in coverage, that’s when you know your team has a knack for creating ball disruption. The Patriots had four different times in which they ripped the ball out of the Colts’ grasp (recovering 1). Add those to the three interceptions, and it could have been a seven-turnover day. That’s seven real chances for a turnover, which is remarkable. This is part of their identity – they are really good at it.
Closing the book on Patriots-Colts – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
This is who this Patriots team is, living and dying on turnovers. It’s a slippery slope to winning football games, as we saw in 2010 when the Pats had a similar turnover ratio and when they faced the Jets in the playoffs the Jets were safe with the ball and won the game.
BB directing him toward the end zone is perfect.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/bb-directing-him-toward-the-end-zone-is-perfect/
Cornerback Kyle Arrington started the game on the right side, then moved to the slot in nickel/dime packages. Nothing unusual there, but after only a few plays (and a very poor start), he was supplanted in the base defense at right corner by rookie Alfonzo Dennard. Later, Arrington was replaced by Marquice Cole as the slot corner. We saw this happen once before this season, at Seattle, where Arrington was gradually phased out of the lineup.
Week 11 Quick Hits: Tom Brady and Patriots’ Versatility – NYTimes.com
Week 11 Quick Hits: Tom Brady and Patriots’ Versatility – NYTimes.com
We marvel at New England’s ability to cultivate versatile players but too often overlook why they’re able to do so. In short, it’s because they have Tom Brady. His command of the pocket and football IQ allows for New England’s week-to-week, even series-to-series flexibility. Augmenting that flexibility is the quick tempo with which Brady runs the Patriots’ offense. It’s easier for wide receivers to make big runs and running backs to catch passes when they’re drawing mismatches against a defense that’s constantly back on its heels.