1. How Ben Watson’s stock has fallen.
I figured I’d get rid of the bad news first. The Patriots tight end has become a non-factor, which is shocking, especially with Tom Brady gone and Matt Cassel’s penchant for the 7-yard pass. Watson had a drop inside the Bills 10-yard line, which would have been close to a first down. He has 11 catches for 91 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. That’s embarrassing. It makes you wonder if allowing Daniel Graham (14 catches, 3 TDs in 2008) to leave for more money in Denver was more suited for this team.
2. Wes Welker is the just-past-midseason MVP.
What can you say about this guy. He comes to play every week. He produces every week. While Randy Moss has been solid, due to opposing defenses doubling and tripling him most of the time, Welker has contributed every game. He broke an NFL record with nine straight games of six catches or more to open a season. Yesterday he had 10 catches for 107 yards. The only negative is he has only one touchdown reception.
3. Patriots may have revived Colts season.
While this had nothing to do with the Patriots success yesterday, while watching the Colts beat the Steelers in an impressive comeback while writing from Foxboro, I wondered if the Patriots let the Colts off the hook. Let’s face it. The Pats outplayed the Colts, but lost. There were several to blame, but the point is a Patriots win there would have put them at 3-5 heading to Pittsburgh. Now they are 5-4 and in position to win it all. Really. I like the only AFC matchup that doesn’t favor the Patriots is a Colts-Pats playoff game. Peyton Manning eats the Patriots secondary up in every big situation.
4. A day later, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is still impressive.I still can’t believe this statistic: Green-Ellis has not fumbled the ball since high school. That’s over 1,000 touches (980 carries) in college and now the pros and he has not been credited (or discredited) with a fumble. Not one. I wonder if the Patriots have found their man. True, Sammy Morris seems to have breakway capabilities and LaMont Jordan is a meat grinder as a running back, but this kid has been consistent his entire football life. He’s nothing pretty, just four yards and a cloud of dust. He just turned 23. I say give him the ball until somebody proves they rip it out of his hands.
5. Belichick returns from slump.
OK, it was only a one-game coaching slump (in Indy), but yesterday the Patriots were ready for everything the Bills had. They found ways to get pressure on Edwards and they found ways to give Cassel time to throw. The Indy game was a disaster for Belichick. There was too much indecision (Manning can probably make you do that). Anyway, it was a near-perfect performance for Belichick’s Patriots.
6. Cassel’s streak hits a month.Matt Cassel was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week three weeks ago when the Patriots beat Denver on Monday night, but his last two games have even been better. His “mental” errors are dropping exponentially each week. He completed 23 of 34 pass attempts for 237 yards. He showed his running ability again, gaining two first downs and rushing for a touchdown from 13 yards out. The confused kid from August is long gone.
7. Jerod Mayo getting better, too.
While his rise hasn’t been Cassel-esque just yet, Patriots rookie middle linebacker Jerod Mayo is feeling more comfortable on the field. In Belichick’s conservative defensive approach — everybody plays their man or their zone — big negative plays are usually geared toward the defnesive lineman. The rookie out of Tennessee was a factor in forcing an earlier-than-intended pass from Edwards and he broke up a 3-and-11 pass which would have gone for a first down. If he can become very good then the Patriots become a legitimate force.
8. Offensive line deserves kudos.
Oh yeah, remember this group, called the greatest offensive line ever about 11 months ago? Well, they are playing very well. They not only are protecting Cassel (only one sack in the last two games), but it doesn’t matter who the running back is any more. They are pushing the defensive lines back. This is a big deal because of the injuries to Brady and the three No. 1 running backs. We don’t give them enough credit. I am here.
9. Patriots miss Asante Samuel more than ever.
Did you see any of the Eagles-Giants game last night? Samuel was fabulous covering Giants top wideout Plaxico Burress (1 catch, 17 yards). The Patriots defensive back is their current Achilles heel. Cassel and Green-Ellis have fortified the offense. But the defensive backs, who were admirable last night, still appear vulverable.
10. Pats fans are duds.
This might be worth a column, but Patriots fans have become bores. Rather than ignite the team they are waiting for the big play or big third down stop on defense to make some noise. I don’t know what has happened other than the fact that we are spoiled. Fans had better realize this team is not going to “wow” anybody. They play good, solid, disciplined football. If they are waiting for the sack-fumble-recovery-touchdown play to get up off their fannies, they aren’t getting up. This team is built to win games like they won yesterday. I will be interested in the reaction to the Jets game, which I believe will awaken them because of what is at stake. But I will say overall they have been a major disappointment.
