1st half analysis

ANALYSIS

FOXBOROUGH -- Analysis from the first of today’s game, with the Patriots leading 7-3:

The story is the left knee injury sustained by quarterback Tom Brady at the end of the Patriots’ second drive. At first glance, it looked like a dirty play, but I want to wait to see replays before making a final call on that.

Backup Matt Cassel came on and led a scoring drive – 98 yards no less – but New England is obviously a much different team without Brady. Even after the score, the energy was taken out of the stadium with Brady’s injury. Cassel's best play was a 51-yard connection to Randy Moss on third down from the New England 1-yard line.

From a schematic standpoint, the Patriots opened in a controlled no-huddle, working out of their base 3-receiver attack. The offense moved the ball, but turnovers ended both drives led by Brady. Cassel showed great poise on his first drive – digging the team out of a tough spot at its own 2-yard line – but the offense struggled with three-and-outs in its next two drives.

Defensively, the Patriots have bottled up the Chiefs’ running game, which they had to do to be successful. That has put the ball in the hands of quarterback Brodie Croyle, and he hasn’t been up to the task.

Overall, to win, the Patriots must continue to bottle up the Chiefs’ running game. Offensively, converting third downs will be imperative.

The Chiefs get the ball to open the second half.