Mike Reiss gameday chat transcript
Mike_Reiss Good afternoon from Glendale, Arizona. Media members are beginning to arrive here in the press box as the anticipation builds to the kickoff for Super Bowl XLII. What else can be said? It seems every storyline has been covered thoroughly over the last two weeks. So let's get right to the questions. We'll plan on chatting until 3 p.m. EST.
donr__Guest_ Everyone keeps talking about how "little" Randy Moss did the last two games and how it was a combo of him being contained by the defense and possibly him being distracted. Don't you think that a big part of his lack of game was more likely the extreme wind and cold? Moss is primarily Brady's deep threat and most of his routes are deep. With the wind like it was and the cold air making hands less accurate, don't you think Brady/Belichick were also less willing to risk a pass to anyone deep? Do you think with the warm weather, we're more likely to see some deep Moss catches?
Mike_Reiss I do think the conditions were a factor in Moss's production, donr, but I don't think it was the only reason. I thought the Jaguars specifically played their defense to take him out of the game. The Chargers matched up more and won more one-on-one battles. So all are factors, I believe. As for today, I do expect to see Moss more heavily involved.
patriots4life__Guest_ Hi Mike, long time reader, first time questioner...I forget but back in 2001 did anyone give the Patriots as much of a chance against the Rams, as people are giving the Giants against the Pats?
Mike_Reiss No, I think this year is different. I think more people are giving the Giants a chance than were giving the 2001 Patriots a chance.
husyourdaddy__Guest_ Do the Pats open up with a homerun shot to Moss or pass to Maroney out of the backfield? Either would set the tone and put the Giants on their heels right from the get go.
Mike_Reiss I don't see them going for the home run right off the bat. I think a quick pass to get the team into the rhythm would be more likely.
Raj__Guest_ Hi Mike, Grest coverage....Do the Pats have personnel to counter if the Giants comeout in 3WR sets and go no huddle on their first drive of either halves? Also, Neal and Kaczur did not play in week 16. Will it be an advantage for pats given that the backups held the giants D to allow NE score 38?
Mike_Reiss Most definitely. I would think the Patriots would go to their nickel package with CB Randall Gay coming on for LB Tedy Bruschi. On the second part of the question, I do think the return of Neal/Kaczur is an advantage for the Patriots.
Mel_from_Ipswich__Guest_ Congratulations to Andre Tippett but do you think Cris Carter got screwed?
Mike_Reiss That was one aspect that surprised me at the start of last week. There seemed to be some very strong opinions on Carter as a first-ballot inductee. I think Carter will get in, but there were enough voters that didn't feel strongly enough as a first-ballot guy. That first-ballot element seemed to be the key.
PatsFaninCO__Guest_ Mike enjoy your columns and replies to our questions. I just had a weird question. How many rings are presented to a team in total if they win the Superbowl. I was surprised to see Brady's hairstylist having a ring himself.
Mike_Reiss I think there are different types of rings, PatsFaninCO. So if Brady's hairstylist had one, my hunch is that it wasn't a replica. I don't have an exact number for the rings, as that is a decision made by team officials, and is not public info at this time.
RedDogAlberta__Guest_ Perhaps this has been covered. Which jerseys will be worn today? Thanks.
Mike_Reiss They'll be in blue, as the home team.
Joe_from_Canada__Guest_ Hi Mike; Will the roof be covered today?
Mike_Reiss The retractable roof is currently closed as it is raining in the area. I assume that means it will stay closed.
Ken_in_Ashland_MA__Guest_ I'm feeling more nervous than other for past SBs - 19-0 is part - but I think I'm more worried about the Giants. How's the mood in AZ compared to other years? - Am I the only one more nervous than usual?
Mike_Reiss Greetings in Clocker-land, Ken. The people I've spoken with, who have a better feel for the fan presence, say there are more Giants supporters here.
Hooch__Guest_ Hey Mike! My question is about the Patriots flip-flopping on who returns kicks. Against the Jags we tried out Chad Jackson and he didn't get the job done. It surprised me last week Maroney was chosen to return instead of going back to Hobbs. Who do you think Bellichick will have returning kicks for the big game?
Mike_Reiss I expect to see Hobbs, Maroney and Willie Andrews returning kicks. I would be surprised if Chad Jackson was active.
johndog__Guest_ Mike: Do you see the Pats run early or do you see Brady slinging it early?
Mike_Reiss I think they want to sling it with the pass, johndog. When I analyze this game, my feeling is that the Patriots' pass-catchers have a significant edge over the Giants' secondary. So if the protection holds up, put the ball in No. 12's hands and let one of the best of all-time control this game.
John__Guest_ Hey Mike, Do you really see the Senate Commitee bringing in former Patriot employee Matt Walsh? Considering the Pats broke an NFL rule not a "Law", I find it unlikely.
Mike_Reiss I could see that happening, John. I hear what you are saying about the rule-law argument, but I don't believe that will restrict Walsh being called in.
browndawg29__Guest_ Hi Mike. I haven't heard anyone talk about the benefit the Patriots have from giving a defensive mastermind like Bill Bellicheck a game film of his oppenent today from just 4 weeks ago. Don't you think that give the Patriots an opportunity to right some of the wrongs from the last game?
Mike_Reiss I do, browndawg29. I also think this highlights one of the key storylines of the game -- which team makes the better in-game adjustments. The Giants know the Patriots will throw something different at them. The Patriots know the Giants will throw something different at them. Whichever team best diagnoses those changes, and has the players able to best adjust, will have the edge. I think the Patriots are proven in this regard.
FlPatsGirl__Guest_ With the resurfacing of "SpyGate" how do you think this will impact the teams motivation-if at all?
Mike_Reiss I expect that to be a theme in Bill Belichick's pre-game talk, if it hasn't been already spoken about in meetings. It's us-against-the-world. The type of stuff the Patriots thrive on.
truepatsfan__Guest_ Do you feel most teams in the league are jealous of the PATS' success?
Mike_Reiss I don't know if I'd use the word jealous, truepatsfan, but I'm sure some are. The coaches and executives I speak with are respectful of what the team has accomplished, because they know how hard it is to win consistently in the salary-cap era of this league.
Karl_in_Albany__Guest_ Any idea why Arlen Specter would suddenly become interested in SpyGate at this very, very late date? Just trying to rescue his Iggles from being a footnote to a dynasty?
Mike_Reiss I think part of it is political grandstanding. A lot of attention is focused on this game from a media perspective and if you're trying to make a point, it's the week to do it.
Minimack42__Guest_ Hey Mike is the roof going to be closed FOR THE GAME?
Mike_Reiss I have just been informed the roof will be closed for tonight's game.
mexpatfan__Guest_ Hello Mike, Do you think Troy Brown could be activated today to honor him for all that he do for the patriots?
Mike_Reiss I thought maybe he would be active when Jabar Gaffney showed up on the injury report. But as I look at the decisions that must be made, I'm having trouble giving him a spot on the 45-man game-day roster. While it would be nice to honor him for all that he's done by having him active, I don't think that should trump the primary goal, which is winning the game.
venezuelan__Guest_ hi mike, thanks for covering the pats this year so well. Do you think the excitement of the giants trying to be the best david's against goliath ever would jeopardize the patriots' call for perfection??
Mike_Reiss To me, it comes down to whether the Giants can generate enough pressure on Tom Brady with the standard four-man rush. The Giants led the NFL with 53 sacks in the regular season. They can get after it. They gave the Patriots all they could handle in the season finale with the rush. The Patriots hung in there. If the Patriots can hang in there again, I think they win the game.
joe__Guest_ hey mike, if the patriots do win todays game what do you think they will do to honor Marquise Hill?
Mike_Reiss I hadn't thought about this, but I do believe the Krafts will do the right thing and do something for the family -- perhaps giving them a Super Bowl ring. I don't think that is in question.
bosgirl__Guest_ Hey Mike, grew up in your neighborhood a few years ahead of you...Just want to say...great to see a local kid doing so well. Love to see you on TV and read your reports. Keep up the great work! GO PATS!!!
Mike_Reiss That's cool, bosgirl. I was talking to one out-of-town reporter this week about those years. The reporter was asking me if I had always followed the Patriots growing up in Massachusetts. I said I did, but the team that really ignited my passion for sports was the 1980s Celtics. I enjoy reflecting on those years.
tullyo__Guest_ are the pats going to respond in a more formal way to the new charges before the game?
Mike_Reiss I don't think so, tullyo. The team put out a statement, and I think it stops there at this point.
Ush__Guest_ Hi Mike, There seems to be a perception among the national media that the Patriots have not been playing their best football down the stretch, and I think it's partly because they haven't consistently blown everybody out. However, a good part of the Patriots success is due to their ablility to evaluate, accept and adapt to the conditions that each game presents. Therefore they minimize the chances of losing by playing conservatively in bad conditions and in their own half of the field, which to me the 2nd Jets game was a perfect example and was representative of a lot of the season's 2nd half. Tonight's game seems to present the perfect conditions for our offense to explode. Do you get the sense that the national media understands the Patriots game specific approach?
Mike_Reiss It's hard for me to gauge whether the national media grasps that aspect of the Patriots' approach. But I did think this quote from owner Robert Kraft, which was part of a Boston Globe story today, highlights the Patriots' performance in the second half of the season. He was comparing the Giants to the Patriots when he said: "In a way, they’re sort of like we usually are – they play very well at the end of the season, you peak, and you get that confidence and chemistry. We haven’t been playing as strongly as we were the first half of the season. Part of it is people have figured things out a little better and they have more experience and more time, and of course, everyone gets up to play us and we get everyone’s best game."
tater__Guest_ Hi Mike, can you give us a sense of the mood of the Patriots today heading into the game?
Mike_Reiss I would define the mood as focused and confident.
bosgirl__Guest_ What will the Pats do for the next 4 hours? Are they just in the locker room in meetings? What time do they get to the stadium?
Mike_Reiss The Patriots are en route to the stadium as we chat. They will be in the locker room, some players will warm up, but pacing is a big part of this day.
nycpatsfan__Guest_ Mike, do you think the latest round of spygate will have the Pats in full "up yours" mode, ala the Chargerts game in Week 2??
Mike_Reiss Yes, I do expect that to be used as a motivation of sorts. As Tedy Bruschi said prior to the AFC Championship game, the Patriots often thrive and rally around in these situations. It's almost as if they get stronger.
enor__Guest_ do you think that the Pats running game will be a big factor
Mike_Reiss I think it will depend on what type of personnel the Giants employ against the various groupings the Patriots put out on the field. If the Giants go light in the box with nickel/dime packages, yes, I expect the Patriots to run the ball.
NoVAPatsSoxCeltics__Jaxxon_ One writer this past week (there have been 10,000 of them) made a specific point of referencing a quiet Super Bowl crowd as a real benefit to the Pats' offensive line -- where Giants Stadium was unusually loud. Thoughts?
Mike_Reiss Good point, I think. Any time you go on the road, and you're in the shotgun, you have to use a silent snap count. That can be tough. With less crowd noise, that should help the Patriots, who ran approximately 75 percent of their pass plays in the shotgun this year.
patsfaninny__Guest_ Mike--Is the roof going to be closed the entire game?
Mike_Reiss Yes. Once a decision is made before the game, it can not change.
Big_D__Guest_ Hi Mike, do you see the Pats coming out in a no huddle?
Mike_Reiss If they win the toss, I could envision this, absolutely. There are different styles of no-huddle attacks, and if they go this route, I think it will be of the controlled variety, not necessarily hurry-up like we saw against the Chargers in Week 2.
TerpsForPats__Guest_ Mike, how do you think the Patriots account for Ahmad Bradshaw?
Mike_Reiss Like the question, TerpsForPats, because Bradshaw did not play in the season finale. The 1-2 punch of the bigger, powerful Brandon Jacobs and the smaller, quicker Ahmad Bradshaw is challenging to any defense. I think the first key is clearly identifying which player is in the game. The second key will be sharpness in the basic fundamental of tackling.
ruylopez__Guest_ I would like to ask Mr. Reiss' opinion on what lead to Domenik Hixon's TD lickoff return. Did the Giant's execute their blocking very well, or did the Patriots allow themselves to get out of position when the Giants threw that four-man wheeling block that created that massive running lane?
Mike_Reiss That kickoff came after a 15-yard penalty that pushed the kickoff back. I think that was a factor because it changed the lanes, and the angles, that the coverage men took. At the same time, you have to give credit to Hixon and his blockers for executing. So I think it's a little bit of both on this one.
Tim_K__Guest_ MIke, do you think that Eli Manning can play mistake-free football today or will the "old" Manning show up?
Mike_Reiss He had 20 interceptions in the regular season, but hasn't thrown one in the playoffs. I think the Patriots will force him into at least one mistake.
T-Bone__Guest_ Who are you favorite sports bloggers, both Boston and not?
Mike_Reiss Mike Sando of ESPN.com tops the list.
TerpsForPats__Guest_ Hey Mike, will big brother Peyton be in attendance tonight?
Mike_Reiss I believe Peyton said earlier in the week he would be here. I saw him in the Media Center, so I know he's in town.
nerangers__Guest_ Mike, any word on resigning Moss and/or Stallworth? I think both are FA after the season ends. Both have been valuable to the Patriots this season!
Mike_Reiss The Patriots have had internal discussions on how to proceed with Moss. Looking ahead, I think it will come down to how many years the Patriots are willing to commit to. I think they would be most comfortable with a 1- or 2-year deal, but I don't know if Moss will go for that. As for Stallworth, I think both sides realize his $8 million in option bonuses won't be picked up.
Shino__Guest_ how should we pressure manning?
Mike_Reiss Ideally, if you can get there with four rushers, that's the way to go. That's why I think Mike Vrabel is one of the X factors in this game, as he is often the fourth rusher. But if the Patriots can't get there with four, look for them to make a quicker adjustment this time around to bring fifth and sixth rushers. The Patriots didn't do that until the second half of the season finale.
Jerome__Guest_ Who is your SB MVP today?
Mike_Reiss Brady.
Mike_Reiss Going to answer a few more here...
T-Bone__Guest_ I don't understand when/where Justin Tuck lines up and what he does, but he often seems to be threre at the end. Where should we look for him? If he lines up in the middle does that mean they are trying to stop the run?
Mike_Reiss Tuck comes on in third-down/passing situations and lines up over the left guard. Look for the Tuck/Logan Mankins matchup as a key in this one. ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli pointed that out this week and I think he was right on.
Kauai_sunshine__Guest_ Will the gaints blitz a lot today?
Mike_Reiss For sure. That is their M.O. They overload sides and try to outman you.
drew__Guest_ quick one before you head out......anythign crazy like playing Eric Alexander or P. Woods to spice up the matchups???
Mike_Reiss I'd be really surprised if that happened. The Patriots have a four-man rotation at linebacker. Only in the event of an injury.
Va_Pats_Fan__Guest_ Do they know something about Moss that we don't? Why only 1 or 2 years?
Mike_Reiss He played with something to prove this year. I think whenever you commit long-term to a player, you want to make sure the player won't change once he achieves security. The Patriots have not said this -- this is only my thinking -- but I sense there is some reservation in this regard.
StrephoN__Guest_ Mike, do you think the Pats will come out in a 4-3 defense, with newly added Thomas?
Mike_Reiss I think we'll see a 3-4 defense, as that is the best alignment against the run.
Mike_Reiss Thanks to everyone for chatting. Enjoy the game and we'll do it again soon. 