| Mike_Reiss | Greetings from Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots are practicing on the game field right now. We listened to Josh McDaniels, the team's offensive coordinator, in a press conference this morning (10:30 a.m.). He was followed by coach Bill Belichick (10:45 a.m.) at the press conference podium. From 11-11:45 a.m., media members had access to the locker room. I sense a light but confident mood around the team. On the health front, I thought it was noteworthy that right tackle Nick Kaczur said his injured foot has responded well to two days of practice. That would seemingly be a positive sign. Let's chat. |
| Kevin_Moschella__Guest_ | Hi Mike, do you subscribe to the theory I'm hearing all over the place that the Jaguars pose the greatest threat to the Patriots of all the remaining playoff teams? I've heard this several times, and while I was confident before, I am now starting to have my doubts. |
| Mike_Reiss | Absolutely not. I think the Jaguars are a team that is easy to like, but no one can convince me they pose more of a threat than the Colts. The one thing I'd say about the Jaguars is that they remind me a bit of the 2001 Patriots -- you have to look closely to appreciate what they are doing. |
| Seau_When_I_Hit_You__Guest_ | Is it likely that the Pats line up predominately in a 4 - 3 this week to try and load up on the run and to help out the linebackers? Obviously Garrard showed last week that he could make mistakes, and the Jaguars running backs have to be their biggest weapon. |
| Mike_Reiss | I would be quite surprised if they go this route. I think they play their best run defense out of the 3-4, as they are most synchronized out of that alignment, filling the gaps. |
| Curious_George__Guest_ | What do you think about the progress of Brandan Meriweather over the course of the year and what contributions do you think he'll make, if any, this post season? |
| Mike_Reiss | I see Meriweather competing for a starting job at safety next season. In the playoffs, I see him as the seventh defensive back. So I only expect to see him on special teams, where his 18 tackles were only four behind team leader Pierre Woods. |
| tater__Guest_ | Hi Mike; how much of a difference do you think the Jags' injuries on D will make in the game Saturday? |
| Mike_Reiss | Big difference. If Henderson can't go, I don't think the Jaguars can feel comfortable putting Grady Jackson in that spot. I think the Patriots would immediately go no-huddle and Jackson would be a prime candidate to tire out quickly. That would mean rookie Derek Landri, a fifth-round draft choice out of Notre Dame, would see more time. I think the Patriots would like that matchup. |
| Leneman1585__Guest_ | Mike, I was just wondering if you saw any similarities between this year's Jaguars team and the 2003 Panthers that the Pats defeated in SB XXXVIII? Seems like they want to play the "no respect" card, have a phsycial defense, outstanding D-line, and a strong running game. |
| Mike_Reiss | I guess I can see the comparison to some degree, but I think that Panthers d-line was considerably stronger than what the current Jaguars have. But in terms of general physical play, and the ability to run the ball, I see some similarities there. |
| nycpats__Guest_ | Colvin or Moss, who is more likely to be back with the team next year? |
| Mike_Reiss | Moss. That being said, I might have underestimated the value of Colvin. Since he's been out with the foot injury, I think the defense has slipped a bit. Now I'm thinking the Patriots might be more inclined to absorb the cap hit if necessary. |
| bruschi__Guest_ | Who is gonna win this one? |
| Mike_Reiss | I like the Patriots, 35-14. |
| GoBam___Guest_ | Hi Mike...the Pats seem pretty adept at bringing in Evans (or even Maroney), and then splitting them out wide, and thus getting the defense in a pass-weak grouping. I am hoping to see this vs Jacksonville, any thoughts? |
| Mike_Reiss | The Jaguars actually don't change too much on defense, so you generally know what you're going to get. I don't see this as much of a matchup game in that regard. There is the base 4-3, and then a nickel package. While the Jaguars have run some dime packages, they are a team that is not very complex. They focus on what they do, and try to do it well. |
| Mike_Reiss | Here is last year's positional groupings against the Jaguars, from the Dec. 24 game, which could be a good comparison point: |
| Mike_Reiss | 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB -- 30 of 67 snaps |
| Mike_Reiss | 4 WR/1 RB -- 14 |
| Mike_Reiss | 4 WR/1 TE -- 7 |
| Mike_Reiss | 2 WR/2 TE/1 RB -- 6 |
| Mike_Reiss | 3 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 4 |
| Mike_Reiss | 5 WR -- 3 |
| Mike_Reiss | 1 WR/2 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 2 |
| Mike_Reiss | 2 WR/1 TE/1 FB/1 RB -- 1 |
| GoBam___Guest_ | Do you think we'll see an attack similar to what NE did to Minnesota last year? Also, any chance of seeing a couple no-huddle drives? |
| Mike_Reiss | Yes and yes. |
| Butterfingers_Brisby__Guest_ | I didn't read or hear anything about Randy Moss' reaction to Brady being named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. I know he doesn't do alot of interviews, so I am just wondering if he is still the good locker room guy he has been all season. |
| Mike_Reiss | Moss is still a good locker room guy. The Patriots are downplaying individual awards across the board. |
| CTPatsFan__Guest_ | Mike, with all this talk from the Jags regarding the Pats cheating, how much do you think this will come back to bite them hard? |
| Mike_Reiss | Not at all. I see it as an overblown story. |
| wink__Guest_ | Mike love the column, what do you think the Patriots will do against the duo of Taylor and Jones-Drew? Do you think they pose a real problem? |
| Mike_Reiss | Play the 3-4 and focus on fundamentals in tackling and discipline in filling gaps. I don't see this as a trick-you type of game. I also expect to see safety Rodney Harrison come down in the box and provide run support. I see Taylor and Jones-Drew posing a real threat. Big Jones-Drew fan after watching him in person last week. He's short, but that makes him tough to locate. But he's also powerful. He'll run through you. |
| Butterfingers_Brisby__Guest_ | Do you expect to see the Pats come out 5 wide, no huddle or 3 wide, 1 TE, 1 RB? I've read the Jags defense is tough, but slower. |
| Mike_Reiss | Jags generally play a 4-3 defense. They'll rush four and drop seven into zone coverage. The Redskins played a similar style and I saw the Patriots carve it apart. So I expect to see some no-huddle. In terms of personnel packages, I'd say the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB would be the top choice, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a 4-wide look. Interestingly, the Patriots have not run one package with five "pure" wideouts on the field. When they have gone "empty" it's been with RB Kevin Faulk on the field, in the role of a receiver. |
| Danville_Pats__Guest_ | Mike, I've watched J-Ville several times this year. As far as matching up vs. the Pats and the gameplan this one seems very simple to me. The key is tackling. If they tackle Jones-Drew, Taylor, etc then I don't think the Jags have a chance. My question relates to the nickle and dime package. Sanders and Harrison are clearly the best tacklers in the secondary. Are we
vulnerable with Merriweather and Wilson? Wilson's tackling has always been a weakness (think about the Foster miss in the Super Bowl). What do you see as the best fundamental tackling unit the Pats can deploy? |
| Mike_Reiss | I'd expect Sanders and Harrison to start at safety in the base defense. Randall Gay would be the nickel back, and I see him as a sure tackler. And I am predicting that Wilson would be used as the dime back, simply due to his experience over Meriweather. While the effort has been inconsistent at times, I think that is the team's best tackling unit. |
| GoBam___Guest_ | Would like to see Gostkowski drill some balls into the end-zone (and out of Drew's hands)...any idea if he's worked on his leg strength/mechanics? |
| Mike_Reiss | It's all about the weather, GoBam_. Look at the Northeast teams, and the kickers at the end of the season, and all their touchback numbers have declined. Gostkowski has one of the strongest legs in the league. |
| MattyG__Guest_ | Though the Jags' receiving corps aren't nearly as talented as, say, the Colts', do you expect their size to give the Pats' smaller DB corps any problems? |
| Mike_Reiss | Only in the red zone. Otherwise, I'm of the belief that size doesn't mean much if you can't create separation and are slow. As long as the Patriots' DBs play their technique, they should be fine. |
| LSCII__Guest_ | Evereyone is jumping on the band wagon saying this is going to be a tough match up for the Pats this weekend, but I don't get it. The Jags are a very one dimensional running team and if the Pats get a lead early, they will have no where to turn. What are your thoughts on this game? |
| Mike_Reiss | The Jaguars make no secret that they like to run, but I've seen them convert through the air as well. I think one telling stat is third-down offense -- they finished the season ranked sixth. Part of that is setting up shorter third downs, but it's not like they can't throw it. They might not threaten the back third of the field as much as other teams, but I think they create big problems with Jones-Drew coming out of the backfield to catch short passes. All that being said, I just think the Patriots are going to be too powerful on offense for the Jaguars. I see the Jaguars' best chance tied to their ability to control the ball and play keep away. |
| Mike_Reiss | One stat I particularly like in this game is that the Patriots ranked second in the NFL in time of possession, at 32:33. The Jaguars were third at 32:08. So I see the battle to control the clock as an important game within this game. |
| CJ_Anticolt__Guest_ | Mike, preseason many people were
predicting that Ty Warren was set for a monster year. I know that this defensive scheme
isn't set up to have the D-Line pile up stats but I still haven't heard Ty's name mentioned much this year. How would you say his year has been so far and will he be
I big force in the run defense Saturday? |
| Mike_Reiss | Solid, but not off the charts. He's still a force in there, based on the job
description. |
| Mike_Reiss | Here is what Warren had to say on Wednesday when asked about his season: "I think numbers-wise, some might say it didn’t add up to last season’s stats, if you want to look at stats. But as far as the player, I’m still the same player as I was last year. I feel like I improved in my pass-rush a lot more. Even though the sacks weren’t there, the hits on the quarterbacks was a lot more than it was last year, if you want to look at that. Last year I had 117 tackles. I think this year I had 83. I think with the combination of [Mike] Vrabel, myself and Vince [Wilfork] to the left, I think I didn’t see as much action as I saw last year. Maybe that contributed to the amount of tackles, but I’m not justifying anything. I think there’s no difference in the player here. I’m still the same old Ty." |
| Maddog2020__Guest_ | Do you think the Pats LBs are going to be physical enough to take down the Jags Running backs? This is my highest concern. |
| Mike_Reiss | I don't see physical play as a problem for the Patriots. I think the linebackers will be up to the task in that area. |
| Mike_Reiss | To me, Mike Vrabel is one of the most physical players in all of the NFL. |
| Harry_Lime__Guest_ | Hi Mike from the UK....taking that s tep further if successful against the Jags what will D will they
utilize against the Colts.Will it be the nickel package again and if so how do they stop Addai in this formation? |
| Mike_Reiss | Greetings out to the UK. Thanks for taking part in the chat. Against the Colts, I think they need to get more speed on to the field. Last time, they played nickel, with Harrison in a linebacker-like role. I would expect to see something similar, but with a wrinkle. |
| PatsFanNH__Guest_ | Chris Collinsworth said that Jaguars won't be able blitz Brady as they were unable to do that at Pittsburgh. Do you agree with that assessment? |
| Mike_Reiss | Yes. Need to drop seven into coverage, and that only leaves you four to rush. I'm sure they'll take a few shots at the blitz, but they'll have to pick their spots carefully. |
| NHPatsFan__Guest_ | Hey, Mike - it's been my opinion that the Jags defense seems particularly vulnerable to a good passing game, especially to the TE's. Have you seen this as well? |
| Mike_Reiss | Yes, I have. Last week against the Steelers was a good example. |
| keats5000__Guest_ | So do you think there is a good chance that OT Kaczur and Guard Stephen Neal will play Saturday? |
| Mike_Reiss | Yes, I am expecting both Kaczur and Neal to play. |
| LSCII__Guest_ | What are the heights of the DBs whom will the Jags try to match up on Moss this weekend? |
| Mike_Reiss | Rashean Mathis, a 2006 Pro Bowler, is 6-1. Brian Williams is 5-11. Nickel back Terry Cousin is 5-9. |
| sandiego__Guest_ | What was Charlie Weis doing at the Giants game? What was it like for the players to have him there? |
| Mike_Reiss | I think he wanted to be there to witness history. He still has a close relationship with Tom Brady and wanted to be there for one of the great nights of his career -- a record-breaking night -- and also to share in Bill Belichick's success. I know it was special for Brady to have him there. |
| GrapeApe__Guest_ | Hi Mike. Much has been made about the Pats' "aging" linebackers. How valid is this and how much does the bye week help off-set that. Also, with the injuries to the D-linemen for Jacksonville (Henderson and Jackson), do the Jags have any chance of putting pressure on Brady? |
| Mike_Reiss | I think the age issue is a bit overblown. Junior Seau might be 38, but you watch him play and he looks much younger. I think the key is looking beyond the stereotype and focusing solely on the performance. |
| hart_lee_dykes__Guest_ | Looking at the 7th pick in the draft, do think it is realistic for a rookie to come right into B.B.'s defensive system or is the #7 pick going to be more of a project? If is is project, seems like an awful lot of money to throw at someone who will not
contribute for a few years. Thoughts? |
| Mike_Reiss | Good question, hart-lee_dykes. Hope the knee is doing OK. A lot will depend on the position. I think a corner, who might rely more on athletic ability, probably has a better shot than a defensive lineman, who might need to develop some more physical strength. |
| beehave__Guest_ | Mike do you think the Pats will be satisfied with Maroney next year or will they seek a replacement through the draft or free agency? |
| Mike_Reiss | I think they're
satisfied. They might want to consider finding a replacement for Kevin Faulk in the future, as he will be entering his 10th season. So I think developing a third-down back of the future will trump the idea of getting someone to replace Maroney. They like Maroney. |
| seidy__Guest_ | Haven't the Patriots beaten 6 playoff teams and played a schedule that doesn't compare to the 14 game cakewalk of the 72 Dolphins? How can the media even speak of the two regular season accomplishments in the same breath especially considering the "free agent" era we are in? |
| Mike_Reiss | Yes, the Patriots did beat six playoff teams. Would have been seven if the Browns got in. In general, the comparison is tough to make because of the difference in eras. |
| Butterfingers_Brisby__Guest_ | I've read Jacksonville rushes only the 4 lineman most of the time, if so wouldn't Kevin Faulk then be out in pass patterns alot and who would cover him? |
| Mike_Reiss | That is true. If Faulk released out of the backfield, he'd likely be the responsibility of a linebacker, either Clint Ingram, Darryl Smith or rookie Justin Durant. Pretty athletic set of linebackers. |
| LSCII__Guest_ | While the Pats are masters of taking comments from opposing teams and using them for motivation, is there really much talk in the
locker room about the asterisk for the power ratings on the Jags site? |
| Mike_Reiss | No talk at all. |
| Mike_Reiss | That being said, if the Patriots win, I'll be curious if it is mentioned after the game. I say that because prior to the Dallas game, no players would address Terrell Owens' comments to "getcha popcorn ready." Then, after the win, a lot of players were flinging popcorn. So the truth should come out after the game. |
| Dave__Guest_ | Mike, everyone keeps talking about the Jaguars being a physical team that will be able to push the Patriots around. Why do all the "experts" suddenly think the Pats are a finesse team just because Brady throws the ball a little more? |
| Mike_Reiss | It's probably because "physical" is usually attached to grinding it out with the running game. |
| joe8643__Guest_ | Mike. If Troy Brown does not play much in these playoffs, do you see him retiring at the end of the year? |
| Mike_Reiss | I haven't talked to him, but my hunch would be yes. |
| phooey__Guest_ | Why do you like the Pats for the win? |
| Mike_Reiss | I just think they are too powerful offensively. Also, they are rested, playing against a team making its third road trip in three weeks. |
| seidy__Guest_ | What is Watson's future? How long is he signed through? |
| Mike_Reiss | Through 2009. |
| Tommy__Guest_ | how much success do you anticipate the Jags will have with the run? |
| Mike_Reiss | If the last 5-6 weeks are any indication, they'll probably rip off a few big runs. But I am expecting the Patriots defense to clamp down overall and limit the damage to a manageable level. |
| cornboy72__Guest_ | How does the NE Def Line stack up against the Jags OLine? |
| Mike_Reiss | Good matchup of power vs. power. The right tackle, Pashos, is probably the best player on the line. The left guard, Manuwai, is also a beast. The key matchup is probably center Brad Meester vs. nose tackle Vince Wilfork. If Meester needs help from one of the guards, it will free up the linebackers to make plays. If he can hang in against Wilfork, it will create more opportunities for big running plays. Overall, I'd give the edge to the Patriots, slightly. |
| CJ_Anticolt__Guest_ | Is
Rodney's thigh injury serious? If he isn't 100% I would begin to get nervous, if not for this game then
definitely for the colts. |
| Mike_Reiss | I expect him to be out there playing. He's not going to miss this. |
| Mike_Reiss | As for him being 100 percent, I'm assuming he's hindered some, but not to the point that it will impact his performance greatly. |
| LSCII__Guest_ | What are your thoughts on the Colts/Bolts matchup now that Gates probably won't play? Is there any chance of an upset? |
| Mike_Reiss | Colts big. |
| George_the_Animal__Guest_ | Do you know any details as to how the Patriots used Eckel's contract to create cap room for next year (that "likely to be earned incentives thing)? Do you think this increases the chance that Samuel might be retained? |
| Mike_Reiss | They put a $5.6m incentive into the deal in '07 that essentially gives them a $5.6m credit in '08. Eckel got a $10,000 renegotiation bonus as part of the deal. |
| Pat_Fan_in_Chicago__Guest_ | Do you feel it's more beneficial to take the no-huddle, pass all over the
yard, score, score, score aggressive offense or the methodical long drive shorten the game type of attack.
I'm afraid of Jacksonville's ability to sustain long drives on the ground. |
| Mike_Reiss | I'd go with the first approach. |
| 501275__Guest_ | Back on the draft, do you think that the patriots will trade their draft pick? if so to whom and for what
position will they key to? |
| Mike_Reiss | Tough one to answer at this time. I don't know enough about the available players. I would say that if there was an attractive trade option, I think the Patriots would jump at it. |
| Sheraz__Guest_ | Hey Mike, there were few games where Moss struggled a bit. How do you see Rashean Mathis matching up with Moss this week |
| Mike_Reiss | I like Mathis. But since the Jaguars play zone, I don't see it as much of a one-on-one type situation. But if Mathis is in the area, he's shown the ability to be a playmaker. |
| grogan__Guest_ | how concerned should we be about the pats' kickoff coverage, against jags and in general? |
| Mike_Reiss | I would be concerned. I think that unit regressed the last few weeks of the season. Jones-Drew does a nice job using his blockers so he'll be a handful. |
| AnthonyRoss | dhudz04: hi mike, in the advent of Asante's free agency looming.... Are the Pats inclined to sign him again or they're letting him go already? I read from one of your comments if a player considers the open market that player would be a goner already. |
| Mike_Reiss | I think they'd like to sign him. But in general, I see the situation as a good reflection on how leverage is a big part of negotiations. In the offseason, the Patriots had all the leverage with Samuel. Now, the leverage falls with Samuel. I expect the Patriots to ask Samuel what he's looking for contract-wise. I expect Samuel's answer to be that he wants to see what he's worth on the open market. I've said it before, but once a player hits the open market, he seldom comes back. |
| Nor_Easter__Guest_ | Mike, do you think the Patriots will move Pierre Woods to the outside for the postseason and move AD back to inside linebacker? I think we would be stronger against the run set up that way. |
| Mike_Reiss | No, I think they'll stick with the top four linebackers -- with Vrabel/Thomas outside and Seau/Bruschi inside. |
| Mike_Reiss | Going to answer a few more here... |
| jva__Guest_ | Are all the TEs going to be available for the game? They will be needed, esp Brady. |
| Mike_Reiss | I expect both Watson and Brady to play. |
| Steen__Guest_ | Mike, Thanks for all your hard work! I am interested in how you rank this patriots team as far a all time great teams. Also how many seasons does Randy have left playing at this level if they do resign him? |
| Mike_Reiss | Can we revisit this one at the end of the season? As for Moss, I'd think a three-year window would be about right at this time. |
| TobiasFunke__Guest_ | What were Eckel's incentives? Score 3 rushing TDs? |
| Mike_Reiss | Not sure, but probably something special teams wise. |
| JustAMinute__Guest_ | How long are Welker and Gaffney signed through? I know Moss is a free agent and it's starting to sound likely that Stallworth might leave. |
| Mike_Reiss | Welker through 2011. Gaffney is a free agent after the season. |
| x__Guest_ | Mike, any chance of the Pats using the #7 pick to try and get Jason Taylor? |
| Mike_Reiss | I don't think the Patriots would make that deal. |
| B__Guest_ | Mike - Thanks for taking some time to chat. Who do you like in the other games this weekend? |
| Mike_Reiss | I'm going with the Packers, Colts and I'm wavering on the Cowboys/Giants right now. I want to believe the Giants could pull the upset, but if forced to choose right now, I'd take the Cowboys. |
| LSCII__Guest_ | How would you rate the first year here for Adalius Thomas? |
| Mike_Reiss | A bit of a disappointment, only because of the buildup that followed him here, how he played all different positions and was a disruptive force. He's been solid, but nothing off the charts. I attribute part of that to learning/playing a new style of defense. |
| Patrick_Pass__Guest_ | Hey Mike, What are the odds of me being signed by the Pats to help out with kick returns? |
| Mike_Reiss | I don't see it Patrick_Pass. If the Patriots are looking for a change there, I see them turning to someone like Chad Jackson first before going outside the roster. |
| Mike_Reiss | Hope everyone enjoyed the chat. My colleague Christopher L. Gasper will be chatting at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Check it out, and enjoy the weekend. |
