For all the hype for the Pats home opener at Gillette, the Pats played pretty shoddy and awful throughout the entire game. Even though they won, it was a hard fought win against the lowly Raiders, who are the worst team in the league. Overall, it was a very disappointing game, but a win is a win.
On to the positives!
Positives:
-Again, props to the defense for carrying the load and winning another game for the Men in Blue. Their play reflected the great Pats D’s of the dynasty, with tough, physical dominance and anti-pass prowess.
-On a side note, the Pats are top ranked in pass defense, but only 11th in rushing, and with Siliga on IR recall, may even get worse.
-The offense didn’t give up any turnovers, and they were awfully efficient, but that was one of the few bright spots for the Pats on offense today.
-That and the no huddle offense, which was the only time the Pats were ever in sync.
-Gronk is looking healthier and healthier every game, as it shown with a nice TD grab, trucking over Raiders CB Charles Woodson, and a beautiful 15 yard grab on 3rd down to move the chains.
-Wright also did well with the 1 catch he got, as he gained 20 yards.
Negatives:
-What happened to the O-line play?!? They executed their blocks pretty well last year, allowing the running game to explode…but they did not do anything this time around. Brady was getting pressure all day, and there were no open lanes for the running game.
-Bad drops by both Gronk and Amendola at the goal line, but the Pats should’ve just run it in the first place since they were only 1-2 yards out from there.
-Red zone efficiency = awful. Only 1 touchdown in 4 drives, which comes out to a measly 25% rate.
About the near-loss, not every game is going to be a blowout, the other teams wants to win too. The top rated Broncos almost lost to the Jaguars last year, and they were expected to beat them by 50+ points. A win is still a win. This was how the Pats beat teams in the dynasty years, with solid defense and mistake free offense. The close games help bring a team together, and no doubt Brady and the offense will straighten their ship soon.
Play of the game:
Obviously Ryan's clutch deflection and Wilfork's graceful hands to collect the pick off of an errant throw by Raiders QB Derek Carr. It was a beautiful play, and it sealed the game for the Pats.
Next game, the Pats run D faces a tough test against Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, probably the best 1-2 combo in the league right now. Charles returns from injury and is considered the top back in the game today, and Davis is a solid RB who can power through or run past defenders with ease. Look for the D to stack up the box and play man on the outside.
On to the positives!
Positives:
-Again, props to the defense for carrying the load and winning another game for the Men in Blue. Their play reflected the great Pats D’s of the dynasty, with tough, physical dominance and anti-pass prowess.
-On a side note, the Pats are top ranked in pass defense, but only 11th in rushing, and with Siliga on IR recall, may even get worse.
-The offense didn’t give up any turnovers, and they were awfully efficient, but that was one of the few bright spots for the Pats on offense today.
-That and the no huddle offense, which was the only time the Pats were ever in sync.
-Gronk is looking healthier and healthier every game, as it shown with a nice TD grab, trucking over Raiders CB Charles Woodson, and a beautiful 15 yard grab on 3rd down to move the chains.
-Wright also did well with the 1 catch he got, as he gained 20 yards.
Negatives:
-What happened to the O-line play?!? They executed their blocks pretty well last year, allowing the running game to explode…but they did not do anything this time around. Brady was getting pressure all day, and there were no open lanes for the running game.
-Bad drops by both Gronk and Amendola at the goal line, but the Pats should’ve just run it in the first place since they were only 1-2 yards out from there.
-Red zone efficiency = awful. Only 1 touchdown in 4 drives, which comes out to a measly 25% rate.
About the near-loss, not every game is going to be a blowout, the other teams wants to win too. The top rated Broncos almost lost to the Jaguars last year, and they were expected to beat them by 50+ points. A win is still a win. This was how the Pats beat teams in the dynasty years, with solid defense and mistake free offense. The close games help bring a team together, and no doubt Brady and the offense will straighten their ship soon.
Play of the game:
Obviously Ryan's clutch deflection and Wilfork's graceful hands to collect the pick off of an errant throw by Raiders QB Derek Carr. It was a beautiful play, and it sealed the game for the Pats.
Next game, the Pats run D faces a tough test against Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, probably the best 1-2 combo in the league right now. Charles returns from injury and is considered the top back in the game today, and Davis is a solid RB who can power through or run past defenders with ease. Look for the D to stack up the box and play man on the outside.