Each week a topic is chosen from the Patriots.com bulletin board and highlighted on the site. Here are some excerpts:
Contents of Original Post:
Hey, fans. Welcome to the Thread of the Week. This week, there are 2 topics. Comment on any and all that you wish. Just remember to abide by normal BBS conduct rules.
* Please keep in mind, this thread will be seen by the players, coaches, and Patriot's staff members. Please keep your responses proper, thoughtful and specific. Crude remarks within a post will cause that post to be deleted.*
Response cutoff time will be: Kickoff Sunday
TOTW #1: The previous two weeks, the OL seemed to be coming together. They were giving Drew time to make his reads and throw, and although not exactly mauling people, they were creating some room for the RBs. This week, however, the OL appeared to take a major leap backwards. What do you think the problem(s) were, and what must be done to fix it?
TOTW #2: Curtis Martin rushed for 143 yards last week, and was the first RB to post a 100yd rushing performance vs the Pats in 10 games. Given Edgerrin James' big day last week, 219yds to be exact, what do you feel the biggest problem with the run defense was last week? What must be done to fix those problems?
| **Title:** | RE: THREAD OF THE WEEK!!!!!! |
| **Author:** | micronin127 |
TOTW #1: The previous two weeks, the OL seemed to be coming together. They were giving Drew time to make his reads and throw, and although not exactly mauling people, they were creating some room for the RBs. This week, however, the OL appeared to take a major leap backwards. What do you think the problem(s) were, and what must be done to fix it?
The problems were in no particular order:
- Fell behind early and were forced to abandon a balanced attack
- Empty backfields allow the defense to ignore running threat
- Mismatches like Bjornson on Abraham, or Faulk on Cox
- Lack of patience in the face of a 14 point deficit actually made things worse as we forced the pass
Fixing the problem may be easier than we think. If we can eliminate the turnovers and not fall behind early we have already shown that our matchups with the Colts are better than with the Jets. I think the Jets are quicker and more physical in their front seven so we shouldn't face the same mismatches. Be patient and stick with a balanced game plan and don't abandon it even if the Colts score quickly.
TOTW #2: Curtis Martin rushed for 143 yards last week, and was the first RB to post a 100yd rushing performance vs the Pats in 10 games. Given Edgerrin James' big day last week, 219yds to be exact, what do you feel the biggest problem with the run defense was last week? What must be done to fix those problems?
We are very small on the defensive line. Even Chad Eaton isn't that big, but he plays big. We were really exposed as being small and not very physical up front. The OL for the Jets was firing out and chopping down our LB's and Martin didn't get hit until he reached the secondary. Assuming we can't get Eaton back into the line-up we need to get bigger bodies onto the field at defensive tackle. We are asking a lot of Henry Thomas at 270 lbs to play nose tackle and take on two blockers when his natual ability is to rush the passer. I guess we could introduce some stunts to avoid getting rolled over by straight ahead blocking.
| **Title:** | RE: THREAD OF THE WEEK!!!!!! |
| **Author:** | JoyceL |
The O-line needs to block. Yo Terry Glenn, when Bledsoe made his first running TD why were standing like a statue and not blocking? Personally, I think it is time to have a tow back set, that way there are more backs to block regardless of running or passing play. We have the guys to get this done. Don't give up on the play. I only saw Woody blocking for Bledsoe. Wr and RB's need to block when they don't have the ball. So you don't have the ball you still need to keep at it. The line needs to pay more attention to the play. Sounds dumb but sometimes simple plays win games.
Go to the Bulletin Board and ask away! So, there it is, fellow Patriot Fans. Let's have some good participation, and get ready for Indy this weekend.
We would also like to take this time to remind you that we are still taking submissions of questions for Bledsoe and Bishop for the "Special Edition: Thread of the Week". Thanks again, and enjoy. We look forward to your responses.
Please include the letters SE (Special Edition) at the beginning of your subject header.
