Stats on Pats Weekly By Ian Abreu, southcoast247.com correspondent
Week VI Wrap-up
Of all the recent losses I've seen the Patriots suffer from--Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Denver Broncos had to have been the toughest. If they got blown out, that would have been a different story. But they didn't...in fact, they teased all of us Pats fans. Down 28-3 at half time, the champs came out and scored 17 unanswered points in the second half--merely a tease for both me and my fellow Pats fans. The fact that they came oh so close at the end, and weren't able to close the door, was a very bitter pill for all of us pigskin fanatics to swallow.
Poor Tom Brady; he was blitzed all day long--literally. Still, "Tom Terrific" finished with 299 yards, while going 24-for-46 passing for one touchdown (David Givens). Despite Tom's decent numbers, the game was filled with countless miscues and dropped passes. One that comes to mind was a Givens dropped pass with about four minutes remaining that would put the champs in prime position to even up the score. Who knows what would have happened if Givens made that catch--the whole complexion of the outcome could have been totally different. As far as the running game was concerned, Cory Dillon was out of the mix with an ankle injury (even though he was fully dressed in uniform)--thus laying the entire burden of the running game mainly on the shoulders of full back Patrick Pass (10 for 64). Pass didn't look half bad, in fact, he scored another touchdown; giving him two in two weeks.
Pats Defense Continues to Flutter Time and Time Again
Here's my main problem with the Pats defense--we've just completed week six and not one defensive back has yet to come down with an interception. Yikes! Corner back Duane Starks was humiliated all day long; Broncos head coach Mike Shannahan knew that he would be the weak link--he sought to take advantage of that. And he did! Denver wide out Rod Smith came down with six grabs for 123 yards and one TD. He was by far the most proficient offensive player for either side. Rod Smith wasn't the only Bronco racking up yardage against New England, running back Tatum Bell continued to run the ball down their throats time and time again (14 for 114). That's an average of almost nine and a half yards a carry; that's aboslutely pathetic! I guess that's what happens when you loose out on defensive end Richard Seymour...again! I'm also starting to think that signing linebacker Monty Biesel was a big mistake. He's been getting run over by everyone: wide receivers, tight ends, running backs, full backs...it's been ugly. It just seems to me that he's having a tough time adjusting to the multiple looks of the Pats defensive scheme. I could be wrong, but that's how it appears.
Bruschi's Return Could Be a Much Needed 'Pick me up' for Pats Morale
Thank the good Lord for Teddy Bruschi! I mean, who would have the intestinal fortitude to return back to playing football after suffering from something as serious as a hole in the heart? I'll tell you who: Tedy Bruschi. Everyone keeps saying that he's being "selfish" for returning...why? He's been medically cleared by some of the best heart doctors in the world to resume his everyday playing activities! "First of all, I'm a family man, I would never risk any harm to myself that would effect my family." said a bubbly Tedy Bruschi at his press conference yesterday. " I'm a football player; I miss the games, the meetings, everything." Good for you Teddy! You couldn't have come back at a better time--in case you haven't noticed--the defense needs help...BAD! It's a slight possibility that he could even play two weeks from now against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette. That could be wishful thinking, considering he has yet to take part in any sort of simulated or in-game conditioning. We'll just have to see how this plays out. I'm sure Belichick, Bruschi, and the Patriots medical staff have this issue under wraps. Well, let's at least hope so...
Thanks for reading 'Stats on Pats,' check back next week for a full, in-depth review of the first six games of the season. In addition to that, we'll preview the big AFC East showdown between yours truly and the Buffalo Bills at Gillette. If you wish to send me some lovin', 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.
Of all the recent losses I've seen the Patriots suffer from--Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Denver Broncos had to have been the toughest. If they got blown out, that would have been a different story. But they didn't...in fact, they teased all of us Pats fans. Down 28-3 at half time, the champs came out and scored 17 unanswered points in the second half--merely a tease for both me and my fellow Pats fans. The fact that they came oh so close at the end, and weren't able to close the door, was a very bitter pill for all of us pigskin fanatics to swallow.
