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An Independent Patriots Blog

Notes on a Big Win: Patriots Outlast Ravens in OT

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Before I take a second journey what was the biggest win since the 2007 AFC Championship game, I just had to get my snap reactions to down. Haven’t really looked at any stats, or even highlights. Just been letting this impressive win soak in. It’s been a while since we’ve seen we’ve had one of these. 

I don’t know what happened to the defense at the end of regulation and overtime where suddenly they looked like a real professional defense. It’s fun watching these young players grow before our eyes.

Surprise #1 was Brandon Deaderick playing LDE, with Gerard Warren at nose and Big Vince at RDE. Deaderick has good size and it’s clear the defensive line did a standout job containing that cocky little Ray Rice.

Ninkopoop is good. Solid. Tough. Comes to play. I like him more and more each week.

It’s like bizarro Patriots world right now with Welker and Branch out there together. It’s like Brady two all time favorite little toys have been united. I think it means good things. 

Still not sure how Julian Edelman is fitting into the offense right now. Any one else kinda disappointed with him?

Any one else catch Wilfork pulling Jermaine Cunningham and Patchung away from Leron McClain in the 3rd quarter. I loved that the Patriots were rattling the Ravens cages early. It’s a good way to get them off their game and later paid off with McClains shove on Cunningham in overtime that made a long 3rd down even longer for Baltimore.

What’s up with Dane Fletcher suddenly playing in what I believe was a new nickel or dime package? Really like his size, just not sure if he’s being used in coverage or for pass rush.

Speak of pass rush…. everyone saw it right? Two words… CRAZY motherf’ing LEGS! Shawn Crable getting pressure, y’all. Can’t wait to really focus on him in the re-watch.

Crumpler is now a captain along with Mayo? Clearly he is well respected as a leader. Adalius Thomas however, is still unemployed.

Suggs, shut your yap, you uruk hai-looking pos.

Let the record show it was Patchung!s TD saving blasting of Mason that kickstarted the whole comeback. 

Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, and Jerod Mayo are showing up more and more.

Not sure what TBC’s been reduced to, clearly Cunningham/Ninko are the top 34 OLBs. It makes sense to keep TBC fresh for pass rush. 

Mike Wright getting a sack with some push up the middle. Just what we needed.

Still excited, can’t wait to go back and see what happened. If that makes sense.

Byrne: Patriots Will Squeak It Out Over Ravens

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Byrne: Patriots Will Squeak It Out Over Ravens

Byrne picks the Pats to win a close one. It’s going to be back and forth, that’s the only thing I’m sure of.

By the way, the Pats D-line rank 27th in CHFFs Defensive Hog Index. So Byrne likes the 1st ranked o-line over the 11th ranked d-line more than he likes the 9th ranked o-line vs. the 27th ranked d-line? Not so sure about that…

NFP: Ravens Impressed by Young Patriots Secondary

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NFP: Ravens Impressed by Young Patriots Secondary

If you’re feeling crappy about the young Patriots defense (and chances are you probably are) read this article and listen to what the professional, savvy veteran receivers they’re going to be facing on Sunday have to say.

Patience Patriots Nation. The future’s so bright we have to wear tinted shield on our helmets.

Five Patriots Personnel Areas to Watch

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During the bye week the coaches have a chance to look at what’s working and what’s not, and who’s working and who’s not. With that in mind here are five personnel areas that I’ll be watching.

1. Darius Butler Back?

Mike Reiss mentioned on his weekly podcast that he saw Butler getting some time at the end of the Miami game as a sign that he could be back on track to start again after what has been, in essence, two games off. The return of Terrence Wheatley could be something to monitor as well as Wheatley is capable of manning the outside RCB spot. Not that I expect Wheatley to start over Kyle Arrington who has been decent.

2. Brace vs. Deaderick

Through the first three games it seems like Ron Brace was slowly becoming a fixture at LDE, the against Miami he barely saw the field as Brandon Deaderick got 20 snaps at RDE while Vince Wilfork slid over the LDE and Mike Wright manned the NT. Now after evaluating the film how will the Patriots coaches decide to try to stop the Ravens ground game? Does Brace get back in or did Deaderick show enough against Miami?

3. Meriweather at 34 FS?

With James Sanders nursing a sore hamstring we might not get a true answer on this one. It’s probably a good bet Meriweather sees a lot of snaps against the Ravens even if hadn’t been moved back into base defense FS position against Miami after being held to only subpackages in the first three games. Meriweather is one player who is vital to the Patriots young secondary coming together.

4. Hernan Expanded Role

I fully expect the Patriots coaches took a close look at what Aaron Hernandez can do and will expand his role even more now to help compensate for the loss o’ Moss. Just exactly what will they do to get him the ball in space? Look for creativity.

5. OLB Snaps?

When we last saw the Patriots base defense Ninkovich (LOLB) and Cunningham (ROLB) were the base starters. TBC subbed in, still playing a lot of snaps. But has Cunningham surpassed TBC as a run stopper? Are they just trying to keep TBC fresh? Sunday should provide some answers.

PatsFans’ Ian Logue on Schefter’s Mankins Take

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PatsFans’ Ian Logue on Schefter’s Mankins Take

PatsFans omnipotent overlord Ian Logue breaks down Adam Schefter’s comments on Logan Mankins from WEEI today for those who missed it. I have to say I am at a total loss as to what the endgame on Mankins is.

On one hand he could be starting against the Lions while I’m mauling my turkey dinner. Or on the other hand he could be traded by Monday for anything from a 1st round pick to a 3rd round pick. Then on my right foot he could try to return to the Pats and they just say “thanks but no thanks” (unlikely I know, but not entirely impossible). Finally on my last foot they could extend him and make him a Patriot for life. I think I’d like that the most of anything.

Or he could come back and get injured then end his Patriot career on IR before signing with the highest bidder next March. Good thing I don’t have another appendage for that because that scenario sucks.