1st half analysis
Analysis from the first half, with the Patriots trailing the Chargers 17-3:
Big plays hurt the Patriots, and specifically the coverage of cornerback Deltha O’Neal. The Chargers had been slow starters entering this game, but they set the tone early with a 48-yard connection from Philip Rivers to Vincent Jackson on the first offensive play. O’Neal was in coverage.
That set up the Chargers’ opening field goal.
O’Neal looked to be a step behind on the coverage.
On the Chargers’ second drive, it was a 49-yard strike from Rivers to Malcolm Floyd – again with O’Neal in coverage – that was the big play. That went for a touchdown, and was an exceptional throw and catch. At the same time, O’Neal’s leverage looked to be slightly off, giving Floyd a chance to go up and make the catch.
While O’Neal obviously struggled, the Patriots’ lack of pass rush was also apparent.
From a schematic standpoint defensively, the team is in the 4-2-5 nickel quite a bit, as it is relying on the linemen to hold up against the run, with the linebackers and defensive backs in coverage.
Offensively, the Patriots have struggled to generate consistency in any phase of the game. San Diego defenders are tackling well, limiting the effectiveness of the Patriots’ screen game.
Unlike last week when the running game helped settle down a game that started at a frenetic pace, the Patriots haven’t had the same success on the ground with Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk splitting the snaps.
The Patriots’ lone points were set up by a complementary phase in which punter Chris Hanson pinned the Chargers deep, the defense held, and the Patriots had a short field to work with. But the Patriots have had some breakdowns on special teams. A 15-yard facemask penalty on Jerod Mayo on the punt team provided the Chargers a shorter field on their final touchdown drive. Also, kicker Stephen Gostkowski is 1 of 2 on field goals, missing from 48.
The Patriots get the ball to start the second half. To win, they’ll have to play more competitively in pass coverage, and find a way to sustain drives -- either with the running game, or more downfield strikes in the passing game.
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Mike,
Where is the pass rush? BB needs to consider dressing Crable, perhaps he could provide a spark on abvious passing downs. The secondary is holding their own when you consider that Rivers has had all day to throw.
Also, could we see O'Connell soon? With Matt Ryan's success, and to a lesser extent Flacco, rookie signal callers are playing well.
You and I both know that's not going to happen. The Patriots winning that is.
This game was over in the First Quarter when the Chargers targeted Deltha O'neal.
i can't believe how much the Pats sucked in the first half. sucked in all phases of the game
Hey Matt 4 downs to get the ball end the end zone on the 1 yard line. You know what happens when you can't get the ball in and on 4th down you try to run it yourself. It equals maybe a .500 season for the Pats.
Basically it is Matt Cassell= SUCKS
Lack of our own big plays hurt us. We had our chances...Cassel sucks!
Pats D is Pop Warner at best. An embarrassment to the NFL. Put me in a powder blue uniform and I'd get a 98 passer rating against this second-tier secondary.
I would say at this point we can safely say there is a reason Matt Cassel has always been a back-up. Consistently poor decision-making, doesn't read defenses quickly and cannot convert when it counts.
Chargers just showed us to score from First and Goal
>> there is a reason Matt Cassel has always been a back-up.
Play calling by our offensive co-ordinator is not good and he quite obviously doesn't trust Matt Cassell and it seems obvious to me that Tom Brady made him look very good. It's shocking to see just how bad we are and how much Brady made everyone look good with few exceptions. It's frustrating watching this tonight. we are second best in every department. Blocking on special teams is very bad. Still I'll be there shouting and cheering the full 60 minutes next week, as they say take the rough with the smooth! Go Pats!!
Deltha=MISERABLE. Cassel has the ability but not the intangibles to be an NFL quarterback. I say we send Brady out in a wheelchair. He'd have better pocket presence.
Maybe this season is all about the draft.
If Cassel was going to be effective, he would have shown it in the preseason. Since Cassel has no future with the return of Brady, if the Pats were serious about playing to win this year, they would have brought in a capable old horse to run the machine for one year.
Oh well, go Pats!
I just don't understand it, Cassel cant make a decision if his life depended on it. Ive never seen a QB scramble so much in my life. The pats are down by 27 and your telling me you cant put in O'Connell. Clearly Cassel isnt cutting hes never gonna cut it, thats why hes always been a back up for a reason. PUT IN O'CONNELL who knows maybe we might have a passing offense casue we surely cant pass it or Run it.
Ah Well
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