Thoughts on the 2010 Patriots and their loss to the Jets:
I don’t get why everyone is blaming Bill Belichick. The more I hear about the fake punt, the more it seems like it had nothing to do with him…
The Patriots lost by seven points. This was not a blowout by any means. They didn’t need to change their strategy. They needed to block better. They needed to catch better. They needed to execute better…
Bart Scott is a douche…
…but he was right about a lot of things he said. Brady has been pretty bad in his last few playoff games. The Jets defense was ranked much higher than the Patriots. We spent far too much time thinking about the second game, and not enough time thinking of the first one…
The Patriots need some help in the secondary, and I think we’ve known that since Rodney retired. The kids are all right, but they’re not ready for prime time…
They also need help in the leadership department on the defensive side, and maybe even on the offensive side. If Brady is the spiritual leader of the offense, who takes over when he’s pouting? There are two Bradys. Yell at everyone on the sidelines Brady, and stare blankly at the overhead stills Brady. When the latter comes out, they need someone to rally the troops. I think it was Troy Brown, he seems like the type to handle that job. I’m not sure who it is now, if anyone. On D, obviously Rodney, Bruschi, and (insert miscellaneous aging vet) handled that role, but from what the media has implied, the defense is in Mayo’s hands. I’m not sure I trust someone that young to be the leader needed to handle an organization as oppressive as the Patriots. (not in a bad way, but…well…ask Wes.) They need a veteran, a real veteran, preferably with a ring…
Is it time to draft a QB early and groom him in the Aaron Rodgers fashion? Brady’s not young anymore. He’s not old, but… he’s rich, and married to a supermodel. He has three titles, and stuff to do. He could retire tomorrow, and who would blame him? (aside from… every single Patriots fan…)
I don’t hate Rex Ryan…
Go Steelers/Bears/Packers!