Oh, what could have been. It's been two weeks since you've heard from me and two weeks since the Patriots pretty much laid an egg in Denver. Yes, I've been licking my wounds the past few weeks and getting ready to get into Bruins', Celtics' and Red Sox mode. Not being one to parrot every other sports blogger or reporter out there, I really didn't have much original content to share. After watching last night's game, here are my thoughts about the Patriots moving forward.
OFFENSIVE LINE- Well, that problem was highly visible to even the football novice. While the fact that the injury bug plagued the line all season and having guys like Cameron Fleming starting at 4 different offensive positions played a significant role in in their ineffectiveness, there was a controllable issue which cropped up in Denver. Yes, the silent snap count. As has been pointed out by many people already, the Patriots did not seem to have many options when if came to a silent count. Additionally, Tom E. Curran has pointed out that Bryan Stork was tipping the snap all day long.
While having to have guys play out of position can only be planned for up to a certain level, a silent snap count should not be problematic when you are going from right to left. Seeing as how the offensive line coach was abruptly fired following the loss, I think it's pretty safe to say that the problems with the silent count will not happen again under Belichick's watch. I fully expect to see the Patriots utilize the silent count during some home games next season.
Since originally posting this, the rumor of a Scarnecchia return have surfaced. Woohoo.
SPECIAL TEAMS- The Patriots always have the best special teams unit. Well, that was true until this year. While I really don't know how good the Bronco's special teams was this year, I can tell you that they were the better team against both the Patriots and the Panthers this postseason. If we actually look back on the regular season and want to find something that went wrong in all of the Patriots' losses, we will find a miscue on special teams. Some of these miscues were simply stupid calls while others were a lack of execution. Either way special teams has typically been one of our main ingredients for success, this season it was was a recipe for disaster.
Out of curiosity, I wonder if I'm the only person who found it ironic that the lengthening of the point after attempt (pushed by Belichick) pretty much prevented him from renaming his boat again.
While having to have guys play out of position can only be planned for up to a certain level, a silent snap count should not be problematic when you are going from right to left. Seeing as how the offensive line coach was abruptly fired following the loss, I think it's pretty safe to say that the problems with the silent count will not happen again under Belichick's watch. I fully expect to see the Patriots utilize the silent count during some home games next season.
Since originally posting this, the rumor of a Scarnecchia return have surfaced. Woohoo.
SPECIAL TEAMS- The Patriots always have the best special teams unit. Well, that was true until this year. While I really don't know how good the Bronco's special teams was this year, I can tell you that they were the better team against both the Patriots and the Panthers this postseason. If we actually look back on the regular season and want to find something that went wrong in all of the Patriots' losses, we will find a miscue on special teams. Some of these miscues were simply stupid calls while others were a lack of execution. Either way special teams has typically been one of our main ingredients for success, this season it was was a recipe for disaster.
Out of curiosity, I wonder if I'm the only person who found it ironic that the lengthening of the point after attempt (pushed by Belichick) pretty much prevented him from renaming his boat again.
GAME PLAN- After having a Boston Sports Chick- approved season of play calling, Josh McDaniels didn't do so hot in the AFC Championship. While a lot of that probably had to do with the issues on the line, last I checked the offensive coordinator needs to have the offense ready.
On that note, I am officially on to the 2016 NFL season.
On that note, I am officially on to the 2016 NFL season.
If you like what you've read here, share with your friends and follow @BOSsportschick on twitter
RSS Feed
