Stats on Pats Weekly By Ian Abreu, southcoast247.com correspondent
Week VIII Wrap-up
Let's get one thing straight Pats fans; they didn't play good on Sunday. Not by a long shot. Somehow, some way, they were able to muster enough intestinal fortitude to 'gut' out a tough 21-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Pats offense was held scoreless for the entire first half, all while the their defense continued to allow Buffalo chew up more and more possession time with countless drive-continuing first downs; one after another. New England seemed to have played with more poise in the second half, scoring all 21 of their points while forcing key turnovers on defense in times of concern. Not only did the champs secure a number one spot on top of the AFC East (4-3), but last night obviously featured the return of yours truly--Tedy Bruschi. This is an incredible story folks! And it wasn't like Tedy made a cameo or was out there for one or two series; he played inside linebacker for 64 of the 78 defensive plays--making 11 tackles and 44 hits. We also saw him on both punt coverage and kick returns. It's safe to say that this accomplished 13-year veteran is a work horse to say the least.
The Pats defense has gone through an innumerable amount of changes this year. Whether it be due to injuries or just poor play. But, last night, the Pats defense seemed to have received a major overhaul. Defensive end Richard Seymour, who hasn't seen action in two weeks due to a nagging knee injury, remained MIA (missing in action). This all coming after a guarantee last Monday that he'd play. Also out was linebacker Chad Brown, who was apparently a healthy scratch after practicing all week. With Brown out, the Patriots utilized a starting linebacker corps of Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, and Rosevelt Colvin, who was starting in place of Monty Beisel. Vrabel and Colvin shared inside duties, while Bruschi was back calling the plays on defense.
Pats D Gets Big Plays When Needed
Even though Bruschi's return might have been the story of the evening--the play of the game came with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Down by two points (16-14), New England outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin stripped Bills QB Kelly Holcomb of the ball at his own 23-yard line (6:20)--eventually setting up a Cory Dillon touchdown scamper two plays later. Guess what? We've just passed week eight and finally a Patriots defensive back has an interception! Credit the pick to Asante Samuel, the three year cornerback. Hooray! In all seriousness folks, this is pretty pathetic. But...I guess you have to start somewhere.
Dillon Starts Small, Finishes Big
Cory Dillon, who's been bothered by a nagging ankle injury for the past few weeks, didn't start at running back last night. In fact, full back Patrick Pass received the starting nod--but had to leave in the second quarter after a leg injury. Who was there to take his place? I'll tell you who; a less than 100% Cory Dillon. He didn't look great in the first half--hence 10 yards on three carries. But in the second half, he looked like the Cory Dillon of old, barreling for 72 yards on 18 carries--while scoring two touchdowns. Dillon picked up the offense at just the right time. His excellent running set the tone for the great second half clock management.
Alrighty ladies and germs, that'll wrap up yet another edition of 'Stats on Pats.' Make sure you check back next week for a wrap-up for Week nine's showdown between your reigning champions and the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (8-0). I have a bad feeling about this one--especially with the depleted back-field. Peyton Manning might have a field day (no pun intended). We'll just have to see how this turns out. Look for New England to move to a 3-deep set. That seems to be the only viable option available at this time. I highly doubt that we'll see Bill Belichick drawing up a man-to-man defensive scheme that'll involve both Asante Samuel and Duane Starks covering the likes of a Reggie Wayne or Marvin Harrison one-on-one. Let's be realistic!
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Let's get one thing straight Pats fans; they didn't play good on Sunday. Not by a long shot. Somehow, some way, they were able to muster enough intestinal fortitude to 'gut' out a tough 21-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Pats offense was held scoreless for the entire first half, all while the their defense continued to allow Buffalo chew up more and more possession time with countless drive-continuing first downs; one after another. New England seemed to have played with more poise in the second half, scoring all 21 of their points while forcing key turnovers on defense in times of concern. Not only did the champs secure a number one spot on top of the AFC East (4-3), but last night obviously featured the return of yours truly--Tedy Bruschi. This is an incredible story folks! And it wasn't like Tedy made a cameo or was out there for one or two series; he played inside linebacker for 64 of the 78 defensive plays--making 11 tackles and 44 hits. We also saw him on both punt coverage and kick returns. It's safe to say that this accomplished 13-year veteran is a work horse to say the least.
