The Patriots had a bad game and Tom Brady is pissed. The Lions are a dumpster fire and have surrendered 78 points in two games. Based on that, the Patriots should come out of Motown with a record or two. While that is still a possibility, there are several things the Patriots will need to do to move to 2-1 on the season.
GAME PLAN- Everyone is well aware who will be coaching opposite Belichick. While the familiarity Matt Patricia has with the Patriots should keep the Patriots coaching staff on their toes, there are many other former Patriots who need to be equalized for a Patriots victory. Although he hasn't done anything spectacular in a Lions' uniform yet, LeGarrette Brown is now part of the backfield in Detroit. The former Patriot was a difference maker in the Super Bowl last year when he ran for 90 yards and a touchdown against the Pats.
Other former Patriot players who may have some mental cliff-notes of what New England is scheming are Matt Cassel, Marquis Flowers, Tavon Wilson, and Ricky Jean Francios.
Other former Patriot players who may have some mental cliff-notes of what New England is scheming are Matt Cassel, Marquis Flowers, Tavon Wilson, and Ricky Jean Francios.
IMPROVED SPECIAL TEAMS- The Patriots pay more attention to special teams than any other NFL team. It is a rare occasion that the Patriots get outplayed by their opponent. After two games they have zero punt return yards to go along with a fumble. Have no fear, the Patriots snatched former punt muffer Cyrus Jones off the Ravens' practice squad this week. Maybe, just maybe he's figured things out.
ON TIME REACTIONS- Fourth and short and the Patriots choose to punt. I'm not sure which was the bigger miracle the defense jumping off sides or the entire Patriots punting unit standing there dumbfounded. Regardless, I expect the team will be ready to react to future jumps by opponents.
STOP STAFFORD- When it comes to play selection, the Detroit Lions typically are a pass first team. Assuming the Patriots can take an early lead Stafford will probably heave it up about 50 times tonight. Since Stafford is actually a pretty good quarterback with lots of film available, the Patriots defense is likely to make him look rather pedestrian. Expect to see a few interceptions collected by the Patriots defense.
BIG GAME FROM BRADY- While it's possible that a Brady led offense has had two bad games in a row, I can't recall it happening. I do expect Brady to connect with at least 6 different teammates today.
ON TIME REACTIONS- Fourth and short and the Patriots choose to punt. I'm not sure which was the bigger miracle the defense jumping off sides or the entire Patriots punting unit standing there dumbfounded. Regardless, I expect the team will be ready to react to future jumps by opponents.
STOP STAFFORD- When it comes to play selection, the Detroit Lions typically are a pass first team. Assuming the Patriots can take an early lead Stafford will probably heave it up about 50 times tonight. Since Stafford is actually a pretty good quarterback with lots of film available, the Patriots defense is likely to make him look rather pedestrian. Expect to see a few interceptions collected by the Patriots defense.
BIG GAME FROM BRADY- While it's possible that a Brady led offense has had two bad games in a row, I can't recall it happening. I do expect Brady to connect with at least 6 different teammates today.
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