Last week we were Monday morning quarterbacks. This week it is Tuesday.
Here are five observations from Sunday’s 26-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons:
1. Offensive line wants Fred Taylor over Laurence Maroney.
That was the “code” we got from comments made by a few Pats offensive linemen, who went out of their way to commend Taylor’s effort on Sunday. While Taylor rushed for 105 yards on 21 carries, it was his yards after being hit that was most appreciated. The point is the offensive line is not happy about being touted as good pass protection and mediocre run blocking. That’s questioning their manhood. Anyway, it seems like Taylor hit the same holes Maroney has hit, only with more power.
2. That was Bill Belichick football.
I am confounded by the Patriots penchant for giving up its moniker as a “physical team.” You can not be a physical team and throw the ball 75 percent of the time. It just can’t happen. You can’t have a stout defense because there are many times when the offense goes three-and-out. And when you throw the ball and open the game up, well, you open the game up on both sides. Why that happens, I can’t explain it, but it happens. Sunday’s win over Atlanta was ugly, physical and close to the vest. That’s how the Patriots dominated in their Super Bowl seasons in 2003 and 2004. Let’s see if it continues.
3. Tom Brady is 80 percent there.
One pass he is the legend and another he is a mere mortal. Brady still is not comfortable when several defenders are hanging around his left knee. He’s getting rid of the ball a little earlier than he has over his career. But it’s getting better. The pass he threw to Chris Baker on the right sidelines bordered on special. After appearing to get sacked, he bought another two seconds by stepping up, getting away from a defender who grabbed his shirt, and threw a perfect strike to Baker. Sure, Brady botched three would-be TD passes to Randy Moss, but that is rust. But he looked good especially when it counted as they put away the Falcons on Sunday.
4. Still can’t figure out defense.
They have forced three fumbles, none bigger than Brandon McGowan’s helmet on Michael Turner in the third quarter on Sunday. But they haven’t made an interception, one of only three teams with that distinction. Overall, they are tough and more physical than a year ago, but still no real identity. This Sunday against the well-balanced Ravens offense might give us a better perspective.
5. Joey Galloway’s time is running out.
I still have not figured out how Galloway stepped out of the back of the end zone when Brady threw him what appeared to be an easy touchdown pass. Forget about not being on the same page. That has nothing to do with it. Galloway was brought here to be the No. 2 speed guy and make plays. He was given $600,000 in signing bonus, along with his $1.1 million salary. He has been a major disappointment thus far.
