I found myself yelling at the television quite a bit on Sunday. Mostly, my ire was aimed at Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who consistently missed his targets during a frustrating 20-17 overtime loss to the Broncos.
The three-time Super Bowl champ completed just 5 of 14 passes for 63 yards in the second half after a decent first half. During those final 30 minutes, Denver rallied from a 17-7 deficit to tie the game and eventually win it in OT.
Screaming my head off at the TV, a friend said, “Brady’s still trying to get the rest off.”
Really? How long does one need to shake off this rust? Even for a guy coming off major knee surgery, one who hadn’t played in more than a year and a half, nine weeks (including the preseason) should be enough time to get your timing and arm strength back. With the offensive weapons the Patriots possess, 17 points is flat out terrible.
Some of the talking heads, and a few of the callers, blamed the loss on the New England defense. Sure, the Patriots allowed Denver to march 98 yards for the game-tying score — aided by a phantom taunting call — and 54 yards for the game-winning field goal, but Tom Brady and company couldn’t get a first down to give the defense a breather.
Here’s a breakdown of New England possessions in the second half: three and out; one first down, then three and out; two first downs via penalties, then punt; three and out; Brady fumbles on second down; Brady kneels and plays for overtime.
Three first downs in the second half, two thanks to Denver miscues. Bill Belichick will tell you it’s a team game, but Brady can shoulder the load for this loss. And for a team that is now 3-2 , I hope this rust issue is settled sooner than later.
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6 comments:
it looked to me like the Patriots were in a freekin', "Prevent defense" the whole game. So scared of giving up the deep ball they GAVE Orton everything underneath. What was Orton? 31 out of 48? ....Gostkowski bangs home a 53 yarder then misses a 40 yarder...and yes, Brady once again missed some WIDE OPEN recivers(sic)....just an overall frustrating performance. The Broncos are improved but they could have been beaten....*sigh*
I agree that Bodden and Springs gave Denver receivers all the room in the world, but again, I'm not placing blame on the defense, which looked exhausted on that last drive of regulation.
It was just a day of missed opportunities, like the interception Springs should have had in the end zone in overtime. What was McDaniels thinking throwing in that situation?
yes, I was thinking the same thing. That could have blown up in McDaniels face. They were already in pretty good field goal position. ....oh well, on to the Titans. (if the Dolphins can pull off the upset and beat the Jets tonight, it will take some of the sting off yesterday's loss)
For someone who finally is starting to acknowledge some fault in the Patriots, I'm surprised, Scott, at your reference to a "phantom taunting call."
I'll admit I didn't see the play live (as I was switching back and forth between games with more fantasy football significance for me), but watching the replay, there's no doubt that Brandon Meriweather was justly flagged.
He broke up a pass, then stood over the Broncos receiver and gestured at him. Even without knowing what Meriweather said (which was probably the key factor in drawing the penalty), it's pretty obvious he was taunting.
It's a little strange to see that sort of behavior from a Bill Belichick-coached team, and I'm certain Meriweather was called to the principal's office Monday morning for some tough love from Belichick.
OK Josh, let me school you here a little bit. I was watching the game, and here's what happened.
Orton's pass was tipped and redirected, and Meriweather hit the WR a bit early. The ref reached for the flag upon the contact, but the Pats were telling him it had been tipped.
Clearly the ref made a mistake, so he went to the taunting call. Look at this clip. Right around the 3:30 mark, you can see the flag is out and thrown before the actual "taunting."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8IgeQYW6no
don't confuse Josh with facts, it gets in the way of his anti-Patriots agenda
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