Pat Down

Way off on this one.

Predicted Score: DEN 34 NE 30
Actual Score: DEN 26 NE 16

I really thought that this game would have 60+ points scored.  However, it doesn't take genius to figure out why it stayed under.

Here are the scoring drives that Peyton engineered.

Somewhere Ladarius Webb is smiling. (click)

10 plays / 73 yards / 4:07 (FG)

15 plays / 93 yards / 7:01 (TD) - - Longest (time) drive of season

8 plays / 63 yards / 2:29 (FG)

13 plays / 80 yards / 7:08 (TD) - - New longest drive of season

9 plays / 60 yards / 5:23 (FG)

6 plays / 39 yards / 2:26 (FG)

• Problem 1: Kicking 4 Fg's is sure fire way to send a game under especially when 3 of the 4 came from 35 yards or less.

• Problem 2: Two of the scoring scoring drives 7:01 and 7:08 accounted for just under 1 full quarter of the game. 

Once Talib went out with injury (which, by the way was an illegal pick) it was just too easy for Manning.

 I want more offensive pass interference called.  It's hard enough to play defense with the rules geared towards promoting offense.  This is something that could at least give the defense a fighting chance.  A good place to start would be crossing routes like above.  It does get called some, but I would like see a precedent set where if the offensive guy makes any contact with a defender on these types of plays it gets called every time.

I have never been a big Tom Brady fan.  A guy like that is easy to hate on.  Playing QB for a franchise that has won more games than anyone over the past decade is a start.  Having a net worth of $120 million is more fodder, but then he tops it off with marrying a super-model.  That google search proved to be a bit more enjoyable then trying to hunt up a bum picture used in the last entry.

I do have respect for Brady though.  Working with the cast of characters that he had to deal with this year could not have made his job easy.  Let's take a look at his main targets in Sunday's game.

No this is not a cover of "Metrosource"

What's Cutler's excuse?

Julian Edelman 5'10'' 198

Danny Amendola 5'11'' 195

Austin Collie 6'0'' 204

Just think if Brady had the weapons that the Bears do.  Probably a little easier throwing to 6'4'' 230 and 6'3'' 220.

 I do like Julian Edleman.  I think he is as tough as they come and could be a great role player on any team in the league.  However, having 3 guys that are all basically the same type of player is unnecessary.  Obviously, Bellicheck didn't plan for it to be this way.  As soon as the 6'6'' 260 Gronk went down for the season so did the Pats chances of winning a Super Bowl.  I could see New England making a run in free agency at a more prototypical type receiver.

I don't feel to bad for Patriot fans though.  Chalk up another 10+ win season and deep run into the playoffs.