PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Picked-up pieces from first-half review – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

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Picked-up pieces from first-half review – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

I’m finding it hard not to be overly positive about the defense. To be honest I don’t really care that much about the loss. Things that interest me most are severity of Hernando’s injury, Welker’s diminished role and our young badass D continuing to ascend.

The Patriots’ secondary was sensational in holding Larry Fitzgerald to just a single catch for four yards, which occurred early on in the game. It would be oversimplifying what was great work to try to chalk it up to a single factor, but there were a couple of common threads that seemed to exist throughout the first half as it related to defending Fitzgerald: the Patriots did a good job of being physical with Fitzgerald near the line of scrimmage, while also keep a safety over the top of Fitzgerald to prevent him from driving deep.

Role of Patriots’ Welker further in doubt – Patriots – Boston.com

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Role of Patriots’ Welker further in doubt – Patriots – Boston.com

For all those asking what’s going on with Wes Welker this article breaks it all down nicely. No one can know for sure but Bedard lays it all out. 

Not only did Edelman start the game (the only time Welker didn’t start last season was against Dallas when Deion Branch got the nod) with the opening personnel grouping of Stevan Ridley, Rob Gron­kowski, Hernandez, and Lloyd, Welker didn’t enter the game until the fourth play — after Hernandez was injured. And the first two passes of the game (Tom Brady’s interception, and a bubble screen) were plays that targeted Edelman. And the most irrefutable evidence about the Patriots’ plans for Welker came in the “12” personnel of one back, two tight ends, and two receivers. As long as Gronkowski and Hernandez are healthy, this is the Patriots’ base personnel grouping. The Patriots played 15 snaps of “12” personnel. Edelman played 13 of them as the No. 2 receiver. Welker played two. It used to be the other way around. The four other plays Edelman came off the field for had two-back, two-tight end sets. If Hernandez was not injured, you really have to wonder how much Welker would have played in the game. He clearly was not part of the game plan going in.

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A change in the Patriots’ sub packages stood out, with CB Ras-I Dowling replaced by CB Sterling Moore in the nickel. One line of thinking was the that Dowling (6-1, 210) would be a good matchup against the size of Larry Fitzgerald (6-3, 218), but the Patriots had more confidence in Moore (5-10, 200) joining top cornerbacks Kyle Arrington (5-10, 195) and Devin McCourty (5-10, 195) in the sub. Arrington moved into the slot, and given the way the Cardinals moved Fitzgerald around, every cornerback matched up against him at one point or another, usually with safety help over the top. Fitzgerald finished with 1 catch for 4 yards, which meant it was a job well done by the defense.

Defensive snaps: Moore over Dowling – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-cardinals-3/

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/16200/

It seemed like Brady was tucking the ball and collapsing into a heap at the first sign of trouble—even before the rush really got to him. Did you share this perception, and if so do you have any explanation? Could the big hit he took last week have affected his composure today?

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I noticed this as well. I think plays like this are more a case of everyone down field being covered and Brady not wanting to force anything that could end up with a turnover. On most of those cases it seemed like Brady had plenty of time to get through all his reads, there just was no one open and it’s not like he’s a threat to run unless it’s wide open, so he hits the deck and lives to fight another down. 

Here in Brazil people are talking that “if Pats lose Hernadez, they’re gonna have a very hard time”. Personally I don’t agree with this, because the team have a very powerful roster. What do you think about this?

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I’ve always viewed Hernandez as a luxury because he can do so many things. I think the Pats should be okay to get by without him but they’re going to be a different offense. Think more 11 personnel instead of their ideal 12.

Reports from camp were that this was going to be Hernandez’s year. That he was the key weapon. And that seems to explain why the Pats offense lacked any kind of rhythm as soon as he went out.

If there was one thing I am most surprised by it’s how unprepared the Pats seemed to attack the Cardinals without Hernandez. Perhaps they were too reliant on him?

But I still think this offense should be able to move the ball with Lloyd, Welker, Gronkowski, Edelman and Ridley.

Realistically, how worried do you think we should be?

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Not much. As we learned in 2007 it isn’t about winning every game in September or even December. Every season is a process and a lot of good can come from a loss. Let’s remember the Giants went 9-7 last year. Every year we go 14-2 or 13-3 and don’t win the Super Bowl feels more and more empty. Facing adversity is what solidifies your team, and I’m fine with a little taste of it now.

This offense is going to have to find an identity just like they do every year, but with some new pieces in place at WR, RB, and OL there was bound to be some inconsistency. 

My positive feelings about the personnel and direction of the defense were nothing but reinforced against the Cardinals. If you truly subscribe to “defense wins championships” then you should have little doubt the Patriots are on the right track.

It’s going to take time. Let’s remember this is the youngest team Belichick has fielded with the Pats, but also don’t forget that it’s one of the most talented top to bottom as well.

The Patriots will be fine.