Stats on Pats Weekly By Ian Abreu, southcoast247.com correspondent
Week IX Wrap-up
Last night's 40-21 Indianapolis Colts win was by far the most frustrating game I've seen so far this season. As a die-hard Pats fan, it was the first time in almost three years where I felt that the entire defense didn't have one single, solitary prayer; and they didn't. Everyone kept talking about how Peyton Manning couldn't win in Foxboro, well, he did just that yesterday--and in style might I add! Manning set the tone right from the get-go, connecting with Marvin Harrison on just the second play from scrimmage for a 48-yard hookup; eventually setting up a 1-yard touchdown reception by Harrison just four plays later. Talk about making a statement! Even though the Pats came right back and tied the game--I knew that they were in trouble. The defense is just too depleted. You can only plug up the faucet so many times before it bursts. I think it's bursted ladies and gents...
The Colts gave our boys in blue a serious thrashing on the offensive side of the ball last night. QB Peyton Manning went 28 of 37 for 321 yards and three TD passes--while throwing one pick (Mike Vrabel). RB Edgerrin James carried the ball for a total of 104 yards on 34 carries, scoring a touchdown of his own. Both Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne had over 120 yards receiving with three touchdowns combined. There were openings up and the down the field all night long against the Pats D. It became ugly really fast! I guess that'll happen when you have no-talent bums like Duane Starks and Mike Stone switching back-and-forth between corner back, strong safety, and the bench. What was once the best defense in football, has now become the laughing stock of the NFL. Sure, the general corps of the successful defense still exists (Vrabel, Bruschi, McGinest)--but too much talent has been drained. How can you loose Rodney Harrison, Ted Johnson, Tyrone Poole, Ty Law and Richard Seymour all within the course of one year for one reason or another and expect to be competitive? It's just not going to happen; sorry Pats fans.
Pats Offense Enough to Win in Itself
We keep talking about what a great game Manning had, and he did; but we must also mention the excellent play we witnessed from Pats QB Tom Brady. Tommy boy went 22 of 33 for 265 yards with three touchdown passes and no interceptions. He hooked up with Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch five times for 58 yards and one touchdown. I feel bad for Brady--he was rushed all night long and knocked down frequently. Contrary to what Brady and Branch accomplished, Cory Dillon had yet another rough night; rushing for only 40 yards on 12 carries. He does, however, get the hall pass from me, after all, he is playing on a taped-up ankle. Give him credit for even going out there. It could have been worse; we could have seen Mike Cloud in the back field all night! Good God Almighty...
What was that Onside Kick About?
I'll tell you one thing people, not once in his five years of coaching have I once second-guessed Bill Belichick; but now I am! What was he thinking when he called for that onside kick with 5:56 left in the third quarter? The Pats had just cut the lead to fourteen and had over 20 minutes left on the clock. Why would you take such a risk? There was plenty of time! The botched onside kick switched whatever little momentum that Pats may have had--and gave it right back to Indianapolis. Again, this can't be said enough; bad call!
As bad as all of this sounds, the Pats (4-4) are still going to win their division. Whether it be 10-6, or 9-7, this division will be won by New England. Next Sunday, the champs will battle their arch nemesis, the Miami Dolphins at Gillette. The Dolphins are hurting as well--they are currently 3-5, loosing four of their last five contests.
That'll wrap up another edition of Stats on Pats, make sure you check back with me next week for a full review of the Pats/Dolphins show-down. Feel like giving me some loving? Or, bitch at me for that matter, then hit up my email! Ian@southcoast247.com. Don't be shy damnit!
Last night's 40-21 Indianapolis Colts win was by far the most frustrating game I've seen so far this season. As a die-hard Pats fan, it was the first time in almost three years where I felt that the entire defense didn't have one single, solitary prayer; and they didn't. Everyone kept talking about how Peyton Manning couldn't win in Foxboro, well, he did just that yesterday--and in style might I add! Manning set the tone right from the get-go, connecting with Marvin Harrison on just the second play from scrimmage for a 48-yard hookup; eventually setting up a 1-yard touchdown reception by Harrison just four plays later. Talk about making a statement! Even though the Pats came right back and tied the game--I knew that they were in trouble. The defense is just too depleted. You can only plug up the faucet so many times before it bursts. I think it's bursted ladies and gents...
