Similar to last week, I'm still perplexed on if I want the Patriots to win or lose this week. Do I want a high draft pick since it's been a long time since we've had one? Absolutely. Would I prefer to lose today so we can try to beat the Chiefs, Bills, and Jets? You bet I would. Regardless of winning or losing, if the following things happen, it's a win in my book.
OFFENSIVE COACHING- I don't think Bill O'Brien is the problem. The guy has shown that he can strategize and coach the offensive side of the ball in the NFL. The people who are begging for Josh McDaniels to come back have obviously ignored the fact that Josh completely decimated the Patriots offensive side of the ball when he took almost every offensive coach with him to Las Vegas. He then proceeded to overpay a bunch of the "Patriot Way" hold-overs from the Brady era. From a coaching and playing standpoint today, I would like the Patriots offense to look like an NFL offense and not the Bad News Bears of the NFL.
SCORING OFFENSE- The team is averaging under two touchdowns per game. I would obviously like to see them score at least 14 points today. Ideally, I would like to see the offense put up the magical 25 points. The team was good in the red zone up until a few weeks ago. If we could get back to putting up 7 once we are inside the 20, that'd be great.
SCORING OFFENSE- The team is averaging under two touchdowns per game. I would obviously like to see them score at least 14 points today. Ideally, I would like to see the offense put up the magical 25 points. The team was good in the red zone up until a few weeks ago. If we could get back to putting up 7 once we are inside the 20, that'd be great.
DEFENSE- While they give up a play here and there, the defense has been solid this year. With the Chargers averaging 24.5 points per game, keeping them under that is key. In order to be satisfied with the defense, I'd like to see them hold the Chargers under 18 for the day. In addition, not giving up big plays on 3rd down or after we almost sack Justin Herbert is key.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Punting and punt coverage has been good this year. Assuming we are on the receiving end of some punts today, if we could continue to make better decisions on catching or letting punts go that would be great. With today's weather being pretty wet, we should probably be playing for touchbacks on anything inside the 20. Chad Ryland missed another kick last week. If Belichick went for the kick to put some pressure on Ryland and give him a good experience, or if the plan was to miss it, we will never really know. Since Ryland has struggled this year both in practice and in games, to say he has a warm place in Belichick's heart or has a place on the 2024 roster is really up in the air.
GENERAL- Injuries this late in the year can frequently be problems for athletes come preparation for the 2024 season. If players can make it through today's game healthy, I'll call that a plus. Additionally, I'd like to see the team avoid having laundry thrown for dumb mistakes.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Punting and punt coverage has been good this year. Assuming we are on the receiving end of some punts today, if we could continue to make better decisions on catching or letting punts go that would be great. With today's weather being pretty wet, we should probably be playing for touchbacks on anything inside the 20. Chad Ryland missed another kick last week. If Belichick went for the kick to put some pressure on Ryland and give him a good experience, or if the plan was to miss it, we will never really know. Since Ryland has struggled this year both in practice and in games, to say he has a warm place in Belichick's heart or has a place on the 2024 roster is really up in the air.
GENERAL- Injuries this late in the year can frequently be problems for athletes come preparation for the 2024 season. If players can make it through today's game healthy, I'll call that a plus. Additionally, I'd like to see the team avoid having laundry thrown for dumb mistakes.
RSS Feed
