new england patriots

And the New England Patriots Football Machine rolls on!

Some quick thoughts while preparing for a re-watch and actual look at the stats later tonight.

I was impressed by the defense in a way that I have not been impressed with them in a long time. It was far from a perfect outing, but you can see that they have people who can get after the quarterback and generally disrupt offenses in ways it hasn’t been done since 2004.

It was a team win. The offense, defense and special teams all had their share of good plays and the bad ones. There will be much to correct this week before San Diego.

But clearly, the Patriots again have the elements on offense to move the ball. Sometimes at will. Tom Brady runs the offense quickly and precisely, never giving the defense a chance to catch their breath.

I say it now: GET READY FOR A SLEW OF OPPOSING DEFENSE FAKE INJURIES

The Jets did it with success in the playoff game. Any time the Patriots offense got rolling they’d try to kill the momentum by having someone suddenly come up lame, only to return the next play.

I think Edelman will have an outstanding year as a kickoff and punt returner, and occasional receiver/gadget player. I love him in this role and really think he can excel. Especially on kickoffs. The new system totally favors a player like him over Brandon Tate. A guy with some lateral quickness as opposed to straight-line, one cut and go speed.

Seems like every year we’re surprised to see someone play a ton on opening day that you didn’t expect. It’s even crazier when it’s a rookie and all I can say is Ras-I Dowling… WOW. Looked like the Pats shuffled him, Bodden and McCourty, and occasionally Arrington all over the field. Arrington was even back at his left defensive end pass rusher position. He’s gotta get a sack this season.

The defensive line rotation looks solid. Very good depth and a variety of different guys all who bring something different to the party.

Dane Fletcher at fullback? Whaaaaaaaaaaa? Stop making me like him so much.

Gronk and Hernando… just doin’ work. 

Matthew Slater, Deep Threat? Who thought he’d show some acumen as a receiver and haul in the deep Brady post that Brandon Tate never quite could. He should’ve had that other one too. Slater has finally won me over. He was a horrible kickoff returner but he’s a jack of all trades, and is starting to make plays. 

Koppen. I was sure he was gone for the season, until I saw him on the sideline in a cast talking casually. In my mind I imagined he was saying “nah, I don’t think it’s too bad, just being precautious , I should be good to go..”. Fingers crossed it’s not an IR announcement on Wednesday. If he makes it to next weekend without any news he might just be okay. At some point.

More to come. Obviously.

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