Stats on Pats Weekly By Ian Abreu, southcoast247.com correspondent
Week IV Wrap-up
Wow...I got scared for a minute there! I just woke up after a little dozing
and had this horrible nightmare that the Patriots got smoked by the San Diego
Chargers at Gillette 41-17. Oh, wait a second, that wasn't a nightmare, was it?
Damnit! I was hoping someone would give me a pinch and tell me that this game
was merely a farce of some sort that was played out in my sub-conscience head.
What I saw yesterday at Gillette, was an ugly display on both sides of the ball.
The Pats continued to not execute on both sides of the ball--while the Chargers
passing and running game flourished. New England's defense faced multiple
problems time and time again, i.e not stopping San Diego on third and longs. In
this week's column, we'll disect many of the problems that the Pats were faced
with yesterday; and in doing so, try to take out what ever positive aspects we
can apply towards the Atlanta Falcons next week. Uy vey...
Chargers Offense High-Flying, while Pats Offense Sloppy
To say that the San Diego offense was in sync yesterday would be an
understatement--it was just out-right dominate. The bolt heads executed six
scoring drives that totaled 57 plays and 387 yards, all while chewing up a
crucial 29:23 off the game clock. Chargers running back LaDaninian Tomlinson,
who rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns--was the first 100-yard rusher that
the Pats have allowed all season. Although Tomlinson may have been the most
proficient scoring force, it was tight end Antonio Gates who kept those chains
moving time and time again. Gates led San Diego with six receptions for 108
yards, including a game long 38-yarder. Emerging star and quarterback Drew Brees
went 19-24 passing, throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Give much
credit to his offensive line, he was hardly pressured ally day; hence, his
uniform not having one single dirt mark on it. That was the good, now it's time
to discuss the bad and the ugly. Pats quarterback Tom Brady went 19-32, passing
for 224 yards with one td (Tim Dwight) and one interception. Brady was
constantly pressured all day long--even out of the one-back shotgun formation;
that was amazing! It got so bad at the end, back-up QB Matt Cassel even came in,
he went 2-4 in passing attempts, throwing for only 15 yards and a pickoff by
free safety Clinton Hart that was returned for a touchdown--making the game
uglier that it already was (if that was possible).
Just when I think he's starting to break out of his shell, running back Cory
Dillon goes back and has another lack-luster performance, rushing for only 63
yards on 14 carries for one touchdown. Trust me, no one has to tell Dillon that
had another bad day yesterday, it was reported on the news last night that when
he got out of his shower, he put his head down, dressed up, and headed straight
for the exits. No questions were asked nor was he in a festive mood. There's no
reason why he should be! Cory! I'm in fourth place out of an eight team league
because of you! That's it...who wants Cory Dillon? I've got Cory Dillon for
sale, get him while he's hot (more like cold).
Harrison's Torn ACL Something that Pats D May Not Bounce Back From
Let's be realistic Pats fans, we all know that Bill Belichick is good at
plugging up holes and filling in gaps; but do we honestly think he can replace a
Rodney Harrison with the likes of a Gus Scott or Don Davis? I'm going to say no
at this time. Whenever the Chargers faced a third and long in the second half,
and needed a big play, they'd connect--moving the chains. Brees completed six
consecutive third down attempts in the second half. Now that's clutch football
my friend! Brees was able to stand nice and relaxed inside the pocket all day
long; I guess that'll happen when you don't see any pass rush what so ever. As
far as the Pats run defense was concerned, when you allow a running back
(Tomlinson) to average almost five and a half yards a carry (5.4), you're going
to have some major headaches. The Chargers continued to both run and throw the
ball down New England's throat all day long--showing no respect for the three
time champs. Why should they?
Ok Pats fans, that will wrap up this week's column in "Stats on Pats." Next
week, the Pats will have an even bigger task ahead of them as they'll head down
to Atlanta to battle Micheal Vick and the Falcons. The Falcons are currently
3-1, coming off a 30-10 pouncing over the hapless Minnesota Vikings. If you
thought the Chargers pass rush was good, wait until you see the Falcons; they
sacked Vikings QB Duante Culpepper nine times, yes nine times yesterday! You
know that the Georgia Dome will be rocking. We'll see if the Pats can do what
they do best, silence the opposing crowd. That's it Pats fans! If you wish to
send me some loving, or bitch at me for that matter, then hit up my email.
See you all next for another edition of Stats on Pats Weekly. Feel free to email me your questions or comments at patsstats@southcoast247.com.
Wow...I got scared for a minute there! I just woke up after a little dozing
and had this horrible nightmare that the Patriots got smoked by the San Diego
Chargers at Gillette 41-17. Oh, wait a second, that wasn't a nightmare, was it?
Damnit! I was hoping someone would give me a pinch and tell me that this game
was merely a farce of some sort that was played out in my sub-conscience head.
What I saw yesterday at Gillette, was an ugly display on both sides of the ball.
The Pats continued to not execute on both sides of the ball--while the Chargers
passing and running game flourished. New England's defense faced multiple
problems time and time again, i.e not stopping San Diego on third and longs. In
this week's column, we'll disect many of the problems that the Pats were faced
with yesterday; and in doing so, try to take out what ever positive aspects we
can apply towards the Atlanta Falcons next week. Uy vey...
