Stats on Pats Weekly By Ian Abreu, southcoast247.com correspondent
Week V Wrap-up
We've seen all this before, haven't we? The Patriots have the lead -- give up
the lead -- only to come down in the final seconds and kick another game-winning
field goal. That was the case yet again this past Sunday in an exciting 31-28
victory for the injury-plagued champs. Even though the Pats defense had some
major issues in stopping the air game, their offense was locked into high gear;
especially tight end Daniel Graham. Last Sunday was a crucial victory for the
"good guys," coming back from an embarrassing blow-out loss on their home turf
(41-17)--only to silence the loud and fiesty crowd of the Falcons' faithful in
the Georgia Dome. Let's go over both the good and bad from Sunday, shall we?
Tom Brady connected on 22 of 27 pass attempts for 350 yards and three TDs.
Tom can credit most of yesterday's success to one of his tight end's, Daniel
Graham--who pulled down five receptions for 119 yards, including a touchdown
grab. Sophomore tight end Benjamin Watson came up big yesterday as well, making
one reception; but that reception was a 33-yard touchdown strike. I'd say that
one catch did the trick, wouldn't you? What I loved most about the Pats' air
game yesterday was how Brady continued to spread the ball around; you know when
he does that, the Pats (offensively) will be successful. He found nine different
receivers yesterday...yikes! Guess what? I was finally able to squeeze some
fantasy points out of Cory Dillon--rushing for his first 100-yard game of the
season (23 for 106). Last Sunday also sent him over the 10,000 yard plateau for
his career; hooray Corey! And of course, who could forget little-used full back
Patrick Pass? Not only did he score his first rushing TD of his career, but you
can't say enough about his little 15-yard jolt up the middle, bringing the ball
to the 13-yard line of Atlanta as the game clock winded down; setting up the
easy Adam Vinatieri kick.
Who's Matt Schaub? And What Happened to the Pats Defense?
You want to know what's scary? The Falcons offense put up great passing
numbers--and their best passer didn't even start! Wow! Falcons backup QB Matt
Schaub seemingly had his way with the Pats defensive backs, going 18 of 34
passing for 298 yards and three TDs. The Pats defensive backs and linebackers
are struggling to say the least; they haven't had an interception in five games.
It appears as though teams arent afraid to throw the ball downfield; I guess
that'll happen when you loose a Rodney Harrison, Tedy Brushci, Ted Johnson, and
soon to be Willie McGiniest (broken right hand) all within course of one season.
As far as the running game of Atlanta was concerned, Falcons RB Warrick Dunn had
his moments, but for the most part, he was shut down (19 for 83). Jarvis Green
did a decent job filling in for Richard Seymour at defensive end.
Can We Say Enough About Adam Vinatieri
I don't think we can say enough about this guy, seriously. He kicks one
clutch field goal after another, week in, week out; it's amazing! The 29-yard
game winner he booted on Sunday (20 seconds left) left me with one thought and
one thought only...Hall of Famer. I mean, he is a Hall of Famer, no? Just look
at his friggin' track record: Snow Bowl against the Raiders back in 2002, kicked
not only the game tying field goal, but the winner in almost a foot of snow.
Super Bowl 36, kicks game winner as time expires to beat the Rams 20-17. Super
Bowl 38, kicks game winner against the Carolina Panthers with 1 second
remaining--giving the Pats their second championship (30-27). And the list goes
folks, i could sit here all day, seriously. But I won't do that. You do get my
point though...don't you? Adam Vinatieri has to be the most clutch field goal
kicker in not only Patriots history, but in NFL history. But hey, that's just one
man's opinion.
Alrighty ladies and gents, that'll wrap up another week in Stats on Pats.
Get back at me next week for a full wrap up of the Sunday night showdown between
yours truly and the Denver Broncos. It should be a good game, the Broncos are
coming off a close 21-19 victory over the Washington Redskins last week. These
Broncos are tough--especially the running game of half back Tatum Bell.
Hopefully Richard Seymour will return; we'll just have to wait and see. If you
wish to send me some loving, or, bitch at me for that matter, then hit up my
email. Don't be shy damnit!
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.
We've seen all this before, haven't we? The Patriots have the lead -- give up
the lead -- only to come down in the final seconds and kick another game-winning
field goal. That was the case yet again this past Sunday in an exciting 31-28
victory for the injury-plagued champs. Even though the Pats defense had some
major issues in stopping the air game, their offense was locked into high gear;
especially tight end Daniel Graham. Last Sunday was a crucial victory for the
"good guys," coming back from an embarrassing blow-out loss on their home turf
(41-17)--only to silence the loud and fiesty crowd of the Falcons' faithful in
the Georgia Dome. Let's go over both the good and bad from Sunday, shall we?
