Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The first word that comes to my mind when I think about last nights game is Wow!. The New England Patriots should not have won that game. Heck, they don't even deserve to win that game, but Tom Brady and Co. somehow pulled it off. Now, on to my observations for the game.
1. Tom Brady was very shaky in the first half. Thankfully, he pulled himself together and went off in the 2nd to become the Tom Brady we all know and love. That was vintage Tom Brady. That game was over. Down 11 points with 5 minutes left.
2. Matt Light is not a good left tackle in the NFL. I am of the opinion that Matt Light has been the most overrated offensive lineman of this decade. Him making the Pro Bowl is like Derek Jeter winning a Gold Glove. It just shouldn't happen. The problem with Matt Light is that he's never been able to handle a speed rusher. He couldn't do it in the prime of his career, and he certainly can't do it now. There's a reason Aaron Schobel has more sacks than anyone else in the NFL against Tom Brady. I loved the one play Sebastian Volmer filled in for Light, right after his tripping penalty, and just mauled Aaron Maybin. I look to see more of Volmer at left tackle in the future.
3. Wes Welker needs to play in the pre-season. Can you have an 11 catch game and play poorly? Yes, you can and that's exactly what Welker did last night. He and Tom Brady were not on the same page. It was never more evident than the quick screen pass that Welker didn't look ready on in the first half that ended with Tom Brady having words with the diminutive receiver. This will obviously change with more work, but wasn't what Pats fans wanted to see.
4. I was pleasantly surprised with the play of the Pats secondary. They pretty much shut down Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden played well, and so did Brandon Merriweather. Merriweather led the team in tackles and was instrumental in Leodis McElvin's 4th quarter fumble that led to the Pats win.
5. I couldn't believe how terrible the defensive line played last night. The Buffalo Bills started three players on the offensive line who never played a down in the NFL, but the Pats defensive line made them look like seasoned veterans up until the final drive of the game. If the Patriots can't get pressure on the quarterback against the most inexperienced line in the NFL, what are they going to do against the likes of the Jets, Steelers & Colts. They already took a hit at depth when Seymour was traded to the Raiders. Ty Warren, Jarvis Green and Vince Wilfork need to step it up.
6. Jerod Mayo is the Patriots best defensive player. If he is out for an extended period of time, the Pats defense is in even more trouble. Enough said on that.
Now let's bring on the Jets!
