Bits from Belichick
SAN DIEGO -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick just held a teleconference with the media the day after the Patriots' 30-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers. With the team's red-eye flight home, Belichick had not had a chance to review the game in its entirety, but said he'd seen most of it. He took an upbeat tone about the game.
"I don't think the competitiveness of the game was reflected in the score," said Belichick. "We did a lot of good things, but we offset it with missing some opportunities and not being able to make a few plays at the right time."
Here are a few key points from the session:
1. Defending the defense -- Belichick pointed out that defensively the Patriots did a good job against the run (the Chargers had 28 rushes for 98 yards), on third down (San Diego was 3 of 10) and even in pass defense on short and intermediate routes. They were undone by big-play passes. "Overall, it was I think a pretty competitive game defensively other than the big plays, but you can't dismiss those," said Belichick. "But I think there were a lot of positives in terms of the overall way we defended them, but not on those handful of plays."
2. Secondary issues -- Belichick was asked if the team's lack of pass rush -- no sacks and no quarterback hits -- contributed to San Diego's three 40-yards-plus passing plays. He said the secondary has the first set of responsibility on those plays. "Well, any time the ball gets thrown over your head in the secondary that's not good, so it's every defensive back's job to keep the ball in front of them. The intent is never to get it thrown over your head, so whether there is a pass rush or not that's the last line of defense. You got to prevent the big play, and if they hit them they can hit them in front of you. Ultimately, it's got to fall, long-passing stuff, with the secondary. You're always looking for more pass rush and always looking for tighter coverage, but you got to defend the deep ball first and we didn't do a real good job of that last night."
3. West Coast practice -- Belichick made it clear he did not think the team's decision to set up camp at San Jose State and practice there in preparation for the Chargers had any effect on its performance. "I think it was the best thing we could have done for our team. I think we had a good week of preparation. I think it worked out well. I don't think that was the problem."
4. No injury update -- Belichick did not have an update on defensive end Jarvis Green (right ankle), right tackle Nick Kaczur (right ankle), safety Brandon Meriweather (hip) or cornerback Ellis Hobbs (leg) all of whom were injured in last night's game. Both Meriweather and Hobbs returned, but Green and Kaczur did not.
5. In praise of LeVoir -- Belichick had a positive assessment of the job Mark LeVoir did filling in for Kaczur at right tackle, after Kaczur was forced to leave the game in the first quarter. "He did a pretty good job. We were throwing the ball a lot when he was in there. It didn't seem like there were a whole lot of problems there. It can always be better, but there weren't a whole lot of problems at that spot."
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Metcalf up the middle...........
we pats fans need to lower expectations this year. I mean did you guys think Brady was a bum. Just enjoy the team, support them while getting excited for next year. Hope guys they young guys become really good next year.
Wake up Bill your secondary is terrible, admit it. Alright you cannot admit but the fans can especially someone who knows football inside and out. Your corners do not have the speed or size to cover any decent receiver. They are a disgrace. There is no help from the safety and your linebackers are not helping out the way they should. This is the truth and I know it hurts.
BB: "Belichick pointed out that defensively the Patriots did a good job against the run (the Chargers had 28 rushes for 98 yards) ....."
Look, I love BB but let's be real: It has been reported Tomlinson has been playing hurt with lingering turf toe that impacts his ability to make cuts. He appeared to aggravate it toward the end of this game (..........when the Chargers were up 30-3, what was the point, Norv Turner, of leaving an injured LT in the game.........?). I'd hate to have seen the score with a healthy Tomlinson.
BB: "I don't think the competitiveness of the game was reflected in the score," said Belichick.
With respect, I'd say that's true, but in reverse. It appeared to me the Chargers eased off the throttle at 30-3. And insofar as "competitiveness" goes, where is the IMPACT of our big play makers on this year's Patriots team?
Adailus Thomas?
Mike Vrabel?
The "so disruptive" Richard Seymour?
The "best" D line in the league?
The impact of coach Dom Capers?
Pro-bowl O linemen Koppen/Mankins/Light?
Ben Watson (besides the illegal motion call)?
The Randy Moss who makes spectacular leaping catches and one hand grabs that defy laws of physics?
Laurence Maroney?
Look. I love the Patriots and follow them religiously. But I keep waiting to see these game changing play makers make game changing plays. And our losses to both Miami and San Diego did not appear to be fiercely contested battles (like Dallas yesterday against the Cardinals, for example). Rather, it seems as if the above named play makers lost their spark when they lost Brady. That group in particular, do not resemble the playoff caliber "scrappers" and hustlers of recent years. Not saying they don't care or aren't trying, but they're NOT MAKING PLAYS, not MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
In fairness, I think we have seen some stand out play by Rodney Harrison, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, LaMont Jordan, Stephen Gostkowski, Ellis Hobbs (returns) and even Chris Hanson (last night). But overall, so far, this year's team does not appear to me to be performing at a high level on a consistent basis.
What I see is opposing offenses moving the ball against the Patriots and scoring, especially early on in games. I don't see our front 7 generating much pressure against the opposing QB and sadly, our defensive secondary as a group is among the worst I've seen against the pass.
And instead of US scoring on our first offensive drive, opposing defenses appear to generate pressure up front on Cassel and effectively smother a limited offense that struggles to run the ball, struggles with vertical passing, and appears to be limited to mostly short passes and screens.
I don't think it's all on Cassel. But beyond the loss of Brady's production, the team seems to be suffering from the loss of Brady's inspiration and confident leadership. Suffering badly, I would add.
what about cassel and not being able to score from the 1st yard line in 4 downs? that would have made in 10-17 and change the whole dynamics of the game!
get dante cullpepper quick
moss isn't being utilized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111111
the problem with cassel is that he has a horrible case of happy feet. you can see it on every pass play -- if the first read isn't there he panics and it destroys the offense. he lacks in brady's strongest trait, namely poise in the pocket. you know it's bad when john madden can point out the open receivers cassel can't see.
i understand that the coaching staff hopes that he will improve if they continue to show faith in him but at some point they should take the opportunity to have a look at o'connell. cassel isn't leading this team anywhere so why not see what the rookie is capable of. between the two of them, o'connell still has the most game experience
Thanks to this years Pats. I see my family now on Sundays. The Pats are taking this year off anyways.
"Patriot fan for now" are you serious? I remember 2 and 14 seasons and worse. They are my Patriots, win or lose. This season will be tough, but they still need fan support for better or worse. Tough it out this year, and if you can do better put in a job application or try-out for the team. In the mean time, love 'em or leave 'em.
All good points above... I have never gone to bed early, but last night was one where I couldn't watch anymore. I will always support my pats and have when they were good and bad, but it is frustrating to watch a team that doesn't seem to have the fire to give 100%. If we get our butts kicked, but we left it all on the field then I am ok with that... Not one sack with this D-LINE? That to me was a sign that we aren't playing with passion.. San Diego hasn't exactly been destroying teams.. This team needs to decide if their identity really is "Brady", or if they are going to decide to play like the team we all believe they are..
OK, can we stop with the "O'Connell would be better than Cassell". A few quarters in pre-season means NOTHING.
Yes, Cassell gets happy feet in the pocket - most inexperienced (and some vet) QB's do too. He's not Brady, he doesn't have Brady's abilities. But no one does!
The Patriots are losing games at the line. Koppen wasn't beaten on the goal line, he was OWNED! IMHO, if we're going to lose 30-10, then throw caution to the wind. I mean, I want to see 6 interceptions, and blitzing on every down.
I've been a Patriots fan since 76" but I have to say this " If BB is such a great coach how can he allow one player TOM BRADY dictate if this team is going to-be good. Why could he not see that we would be in terrible shape if we lose him well here it is. WE SUCK. but that's ok we will be back but I hope we are smarter i'm sorry I hope management is. Lets not keep relying on TB he might not come back.
See and watch his movements. TB will be President one day.
GFORTUNE
Wow! How spoiled can we be? Take this in stride. Do you really expect the Pats to win every game and have stellar seasons each and every year? Get off their backs, let them play ball instead of showing how fast you can give up hope and start crying about losing. The game was not pretty to watch, but it was my patriots, they have been my patriots for about 35 years. Ive seen the worst seasons we've ever had and I'm not ready to lose faith and love for my team even if I see those worst seasons again. I'm no football coach, but then again, neither are you.
The QB position is the most important position on a football team, your offensive line is second. When we lost Tom Brady we lost alot on and off the football field.
However, there are far too many veteran players on this team who have been to the trenches before when nothing was expected of them and the New England Patriots were always considered the underdog. Now New England is usually a favorite and the taste of success has swallowed up the sense of urgency this team use to play with all the time. Last night there was no sense of urgency, there was no veteran presence on the field or the sideline, the New England Patriots football team that we have come to love is vastly different this year and nobody can put their finger on it. I have said that Bill Belichick will really have to show everyone how good a coach he really is because that was the worst performance by a football team I have seen in quite some time. This team didn't care and it showed
Bill,
So how did you think the O-Line did? What did you think when your interior line was getting driven 5 yards deep behind the line? Did it remind you of the SuperBowl? Do you see a trend here?
Even when Cassel had time, he either couldn't find the open man or either 1.) underthrew him (Moss) or 2.) just missed him when he was wide open.
Bill, when do you think Cassel will lose the "deer in the headlights" look?
And finally, did you notice that your small DB's were getting outrun and outjumped by taller wide receivers? Do you plan to draft taller DB's who can run and defend at some point?
Pat are lucky if they go 4-12 this year. Enjoy the Autum leaves. Wait til next year. Maybe.
the pats run is over. i think we all know it. the D is old and tired. the O-line is exposed. who knows how effective #12 will be next year. it was a great run while it lasted but those days are long over...
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