The Patriots' Offense

Putrid performance yesterday. However, we must give credit where credit is due; the Jets outplayed us and kicked our asses.

No one played well, but it started with the offensive line. Rex Ryan's defense was explosive and confusing. With numerous sets featuring one or two down lineman, the Pat's o-line continually left holes when picking up pass rushers. As a result, Brady was forced into throwing balls too early, and was often inaccurate. Not to mention the dumb delay of game penalties that occurred when Brady was calling out blocking assignments. Perhaps a contributing reason for this was the lack of a rushing attack. Maroney started well and then disappeared, Taylor subbed in and out while Morris and Faulk played sparingly.

Some would say the running game was not prominent in the perfect '07 season, but this is NOT the '07 offense; at least not yet. In '07 everything looked easy. We were spoiled. We could pass every play, even when other teams knew it was coming, but there was nothing they could do about it.

How can we get back to that?

Like I stated previously, it starts with the protection up front. There is a direct correlation between pass protection and Tom Brady's ability to get back to his cool, casual self in the pocket. Receivers not named Moss and Welker have to step up as well. Galloway and Welker's replacement Edelman dropped too many passes yesterday. How long will it take to fix? Time will tell, but when this machine is well oiled, we all know it's one of the best.

Until then, the Patriots need to do whatever it takes to find ways to win, even if that means running the ball. Hopefully this was just a blip on the radar screen, because I can't watch that every week.