mickgreen58;1811133 said:
I think the defense being old is only part of the problem.
When you are on top, there is only one to go, and that is down. They are constantly hearing how great they are. They are also getting each team's best effort. You can also make the case that alot of the teams copied what the Eagles did and used that same model to attack the Patriots on offense.
Patriots have not been dominant on Defense, it was always about slowing down their Offense.
don't look now but the level of disdain for the Cowboys has reached a fever pitch...and now it becomes worse after knocking off the darling Packers...but the Patriots remain the easiest team to hate...here's hoping they go undefeated...like i've said before, this would give their opponent the biggest edge...Dallas losing to NE allows fans of other teams a way to vent against their success...NE has'nt lost and does'nt have that same luxury...the pressure will only intensify toward the playoffs.
The funniest thing last night was the exchange between Harrison and Billick on the sideline...Billick even blew him a little kiss.
: ...ahhhh shucks...
The theme of the Ravens season continued and it cost them...Boller makes a horrid decision late in the game and Billick takes the game out of his hands and gives it to the defense...and the offense plays to form...three times...three and out...no points...no first downs.
I guess seeing the train does'nt mean you can get out of its way.
I figured that Baltimore would need to score 28 points to win this game...I did'nt see how they'd do it...and indeed they came up four short...the bumbled INT by Reed and the Boller pick were huge, in a game where Baltimore needed everything to go their way...in the end a devastating loss, particularly for a defense that played with unbridled intensity, focus and heart.
They came apart at the end, but i can't say i would'nt have done the same.
The NE defense [run defense particularly] is now a legitimate concern for the remainder of the season...a 25th ranked offense gave them all that they could handle.
Last night's game showed a vulnerable Patriots team that's running on the ragged edge...if they have'nt peaked yet you would'nt know it by watching them fumble around against the Ravens...but credit the Baltimore defense in forcing them into mistakes.
If there is a blueprint for defeating NE then the Ravens showed the way:
1. Harrass Brady by any means necessary and on every pass attempt...a knockdown is as good as a sack...keep the 4WR sets off the field.
2. Play physical with the wide receivers. If you play zone, it must be aggressive...no 10 yard cushions.
3. Double Moss and Welker (especially), they have the best hands on the team...make Stallworth and Watson beat you.
4. Run at them off right tackle. Stay committed to control the clock, limit possessions and break the will of the defense.
5. Good special teams coverage...make them go the distance.
6. Take the ball away.
