Through four games the Patriots have scored a whopping 55 points. That's just not going to cut it in the NFL. While the depleted defense is still is still holding their own and ranked top ten in most categories, to the naked eye it looks like they still give up a lot of points as they are currently 21st with 24.3 points given up per game.
If we take out the three touchdowns Mac handed on a silver platter to our opponents, then we are at 19.05 which would put us in the top 10. If you think that those are fluke instances and Mac shouldn't be to blame, you might check out how often his horrible turnovers coincide with a Patriots loss. Okay, assuming Mac doesn't gift wrap points to the Saints today, what else needs to happen for the Patriots to secure a victory.
SOLID SPECIAL TEAMS- While a big play from special teams would be great to see, unless it's going to be a game saving block or guaranteed points, I'll pull for just an ordinary day without any mistakes. The way our offense almost poops their pants when given good field position, is something I can do without seeing. It definitely is a morale killer for me on the couch, I can only imagine what it does to the special teams unit.
SOLID SPECIAL TEAMS- While a big play from special teams would be great to see, unless it's going to be a game saving block or guaranteed points, I'll pull for just an ordinary day without any mistakes. The way our offense almost poops their pants when given good field position, is something I can do without seeing. It definitely is a morale killer for me on the couch, I can only imagine what it does to the special teams unit.
RUN PAST THE STICKS- Coming back to the ball is great, except for when it's going to keep the chains from moving. Since the Patriots receivers and Mac can't seem to get their timing right, running plays that attempt to go 3-4 yards beyond the sticks are probably a better call than the ones which are on the line. Also, if we could know the difference between needing a 1 foot play and 4 foot play, that would be great.
DON'T FORCE THE SAINTS INTO A QUARTERBACK CHANGE- Yes, kind of weird I know. It looks like Derek Carr is playing today. My gut it telling me that we will be better off if he is the opposing quarterback from start to finish. Like most quarterbacks he is much more accurate with a clean pocket, while we don't want to give him that, hurrying him into decisions as opposed to flattening him on his back in the first half might work out better in the long run. While he hasn't done much lately, the next man up is Jameis Winston. Overall, I feel better about playing a nicked up Carr than a hungry Winston. If this were the MLB I'd be hoping for a game day trade of Mac for Jameis.
FORCE PASSES TO THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD- Almost any passes thrown past the line of scrimmage by Carr are going to go to the right side of the field. While I don't suggest leaving anyone open down the left or up the middle, with our depleted cornerback situation, we need to put our best available on their most likely target.
MAKE TACKLES- The first game of the season we were putting on a tackling clinic. Since then we've been all over the place.
FEED THE TIGHT ENDS- The Patriots have targeted their tight ends 38 times for 29 receptions. Of those 29 receptions, 18 went for first downs. Tight ends account for 3 of the team's 6 offensive scores. Personally, I think Bourne is more of a tight end than a wide receiver. If you throw his 2 touchdowns into the mix, that's 5 of the 6 touchdowns. Mac is not accurate and can't make a side-line throw to save his life. He needs a big body to throw to and someone who will fight for the ball if needed. Moreover, the Saints defense doesn't appear to be that great at covering tight ends as they've given up receptions on over 70% of their targets. Since they only give up receptions on 50% of pass to wide receivers, the tight ends need to be targeted early and often.
DON'T FORCE THE SAINTS INTO A QUARTERBACK CHANGE- Yes, kind of weird I know. It looks like Derek Carr is playing today. My gut it telling me that we will be better off if he is the opposing quarterback from start to finish. Like most quarterbacks he is much more accurate with a clean pocket, while we don't want to give him that, hurrying him into decisions as opposed to flattening him on his back in the first half might work out better in the long run. While he hasn't done much lately, the next man up is Jameis Winston. Overall, I feel better about playing a nicked up Carr than a hungry Winston. If this were the MLB I'd be hoping for a game day trade of Mac for Jameis.
FORCE PASSES TO THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD- Almost any passes thrown past the line of scrimmage by Carr are going to go to the right side of the field. While I don't suggest leaving anyone open down the left or up the middle, with our depleted cornerback situation, we need to put our best available on their most likely target.
MAKE TACKLES- The first game of the season we were putting on a tackling clinic. Since then we've been all over the place.
FEED THE TIGHT ENDS- The Patriots have targeted their tight ends 38 times for 29 receptions. Of those 29 receptions, 18 went for first downs. Tight ends account for 3 of the team's 6 offensive scores. Personally, I think Bourne is more of a tight end than a wide receiver. If you throw his 2 touchdowns into the mix, that's 5 of the 6 touchdowns. Mac is not accurate and can't make a side-line throw to save his life. He needs a big body to throw to and someone who will fight for the ball if needed. Moreover, the Saints defense doesn't appear to be that great at covering tight ends as they've given up receptions on over 70% of their targets. Since they only give up receptions on 50% of pass to wide receivers, the tight ends need to be targeted early and often.
RSS Feed
