Big game this weekend for the Pats, with a divisional win over the Dolphins they’ll maintaing at least a one game lead over the Jets. Jets are playing the Bengals, that should be a good one.
Taking a look at the point spread on NFL action this weekend and the Pats are favored by seven. Sounds about right. I think this matchup with the Dolphins, a team many though might overtake the Pats this year, is coming at the perfect time. It’s a division game so there won’t be many surprises, but the Pats also know how important these games are, so they’ll be no lack of focus.
I liked what I saw out of Jamie Collins getting a chance to rush the QB a bit against the Jets. Belichick seemed to like it as well, saying today:
“We know he’s athletic, but I thought other parts of his game showed up. I thought he played hard and made some plays, played aggressively and played with good power. He’s getting better every week.”
Collins could be a real wild card in the second half of the season.
Really like the Andre Carter signing. He should bring some good calm leadership to the defense. Not sure how much he has left but he did have 3 sacks last year with the Raiders and was generally solid against the run (2.4 rating from PFF). He’ll ease the burden on NInkovich and Chandler a bit, and help out on passing downs especially. He was a beast in 2012 and really, losing him to injury might’ve cost the Pats the Super Bowl.
Sounds like Vereen is close to practicing and Amendola was out at practice today. If these two can get back in lineup (and stay in the lineup) the Pats offense is going to have a completely different complexion in just a couple weeks.
I feel the same way about Armond Armstead and Tommy Kelly. Their impact on the defense will have a hugely positive trickle down effect. Not to mention that Joe Vellano and Chris Jones have played far better than I ever thought either would. Both could stick in Foxboro for a long time. Jones is already getting me hot and bothered with some of his timely interior rushes. If only Wilfork and Kelly had stayed healthy, the Pats might’ve never been in the position of need to pick Chris Jones up, but I think he’s quickly becoming a building block for the defense.
Pats must win at least one of these last two before the bye. If they win both they will be in great position, but neither will be easy games.
