Will Coach Belichick rest his starters?PATRIOTS (10-5) @ TEXANS (8-7)
Sunday 1 PM - CBS
LINE: Patriots +7.5
OVER/UNDER: 46LINE: Patriots +7.5
It's that time of the year again in New England, snow is falling and the Patriots have clinched their seventh AFC East title of the decade. Before we look ahead to the playoffs, the streaky Texans will attempt to earn their first playoff berth in franchise history by knocking off the Pats in Week 17. Houston will need a couple losses around the league, but at least they have something to play for.
New England has already secured a home game next week against for their TBD wild-card match up. While most analysts believe the Patriots will give their starters an abbreviated appearance, we here at Inside Boston Sports understand the importance of momentum. Last week the Brady bunch was firing on all cylinders, torching the Jags defense for more touchdowns than incomplete passes (4-3). #12 had some inspiring comments following the victory, "It's the time of year where we really need to start playing good football, and I think (Sunday) was one of our best 60 minutes that we played all year." Brady was also quoted earlier this week expressing his interest of playing a full game against the Texans.
On the contrary, Coach Belichick stuck to his cryptic political ways stating, "I do what's best for our football team, that's my philosophy." He later added, "Whoever plays, plays. Whoever doesn't play, doesn't play." This week will allow pro-bowler Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, and other banged up players to stay off the field and get some rest before the playoff push. The Patriots can lock up the number three seed with a victory this Sunday, creating the possibility of a home game if both IND and SD falter after their bye weeks.
The 2009 season has been a roller coaster ride for players and fans alike. Full of inconsistent play and multiple disappointing losses, the Patriots are heading into Sunday riding a three game winning streak. Prior to those victories, New England suffered back to back defeats in which they allowed close to 700 yards in the air to New Orleans and Miami combined. Our defensive players have stepped up as of late, holding opponents to an average of 164 passing yards over their last three. The Patriots will look to keep up the aggressive play against a hungry Texans squad.
What to watch this Sunday at Reliant Stadium:
1. Texans Aerial Assault - Texans QB Matt Schaub leads the NFL with a career-high 4,467 passing yards, while WR Andre Johnson has hauled in a league-best 1,504 yards receiving. New England has faced multiple high-powered offenses this season including Indianapolis and New Orleans. This Sunday will be another difficult challenge for our young defense, as the Texans hold the second best passing offense in the league at 290.6 yds/game. Houston is fighting for a playoff spot, look for them to throw early and often. On a side note, last week Patriot defensive backs Leigh Bodden and Brandon Merriweather became the first two NE players since 2002 to log five INT each in a season (Ty Law & Tyrone Poole).
2. Managing the Ground Game - RB Laurence Maroney has now fumbled twice inches away from the goal-line, resulting in a benching last week from Coach Belichick. The Patriots have integrated a healthy platoon of backs this season including Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, and Kevin Faulk. It will be interesting to see who will get the bulk of the carries against the Texans following last weeks' well-rounded performance. It seems as if Belichick has been saving veteran Fred Taylor for the playoff push, but no one can rationalize the BB philosophy.
On the other side of the ball, look for Mike Wright, and sixth round rookie Myron Pryor to keep up their underrated play on the defensive line. With a playoff spot secured, do not expect to see Vince Wilfork or Ty Warren on the field this Sunday. Texans RB Arian Foster has filled in for the injured Steve Slaton, racking up 97 yds and a TD last week against the Dolphins. Look for the Patriots to experiment with new looks up front to confuse Foster and in preparation for the playoffs.
3. Old Friends Connected Again - Who can forget the infamous 2008 Week 1 collapse of #12 against the Kansas City Chiefs? Brady will be reminded of his season ending injury when he squares off against the man who delivered the blow, safety Bernard Pollard. #31 has 96 tackles and three interceptions this season for the Texans. Look for Brady to attack Bernard with the few (or many) chances Belichick gives him. Old friend Eugene Wilson has logged 29 tackles and two INT in 2009, not as impressive as Pollard.
4. Reality Check: It's Week 17 - As much as Tom Brady wants to continue his recent efficient and effective play, we do not want to witness an injury this week. Remember this is the guy who took a nap before the start of Super Bowl XXXVI, he is ready for any challenge. You have to respect the fire and intensity he is bringing into this week's match up, but our season is just beginning. Coach Belichick has stated that TB12 should not worry about his playing time, he will get an opportunity to take the field. The Houston Texans are a competitive football team looking for their first playoff appearance. Our defense has recently developed solid chemistry after a few bad losses. This game is far more important on the defensive side of the ball, as the Patriots look to build upon their solid DB play. In addition, LB Jerod Mayo led the charge for the run stuffers last week with 15 total tackles. Brady's pocket presence and Moss' 3 TDs showed just how dangerous the New England Patriots offense will be come playoffs.
5. Compounding Success - The offensive line has kept Brady sack free in four consecutive games, bringing back memories of our old O-Line consisting of players such as Damien Woody and Mike Compton. This successful protection will have to continue if the Patriots want to play complete football during the playoffs. We all know that TB12 is a problem when he has free time in the pocket. WR Wes Welker needs one more 10-plus catch game to break the NFL single-season record set by opponent Andre Johnson in 2008. Even if he finishes with a measly two catches, Welker will hold the record for the second most receptions in a single season (124). He also missed two games this year, even more impressive.
Don't be surprised if the Patriots do not compete to their full potential tomorrow. The NFL has always been a game of injuries and staying healthy; this is not the week to be greedy. Keep in mind that the Patriots are 1-5 on the road this season (2-5 if you include London), a victory here could benefit our chances of making a Super Bowl run with a possible home game in the future. Belichick has always maintained the philosophy of taking it one game at a time. The focus is on the Texans this week, and preparation for our playoff game. Go Patriots!
New England has already secured a home game next week against for their TBD wild-card match up. While most analysts believe the Patriots will give their starters an abbreviated appearance, we here at Inside Boston Sports understand the importance of momentum. Last week the Brady bunch was firing on all cylinders, torching the Jags defense for more touchdowns than incomplete passes (4-3). #12 had some inspiring comments following the victory, "It's the time of year where we really need to start playing good football, and I think (Sunday) was one of our best 60 minutes that we played all year." Brady was also quoted earlier this week expressing his interest of playing a full game against the Texans.
On the contrary, Coach Belichick stuck to his cryptic political ways stating, "I do what's best for our football team, that's my philosophy." He later added, "Whoever plays, plays. Whoever doesn't play, doesn't play." This week will allow pro-bowler Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, and other banged up players to stay off the field and get some rest before the playoff push. The Patriots can lock up the number three seed with a victory this Sunday, creating the possibility of a home game if both IND and SD falter after their bye weeks.
The 2009 season has been a roller coaster ride for players and fans alike. Full of inconsistent play and multiple disappointing losses, the Patriots are heading into Sunday riding a three game winning streak. Prior to those victories, New England suffered back to back defeats in which they allowed close to 700 yards in the air to New Orleans and Miami combined. Our defensive players have stepped up as of late, holding opponents to an average of 164 passing yards over their last three. The Patriots will look to keep up the aggressive play against a hungry Texans squad.
What to watch this Sunday at Reliant Stadium:
1. Texans Aerial Assault - Texans QB Matt Schaub leads the NFL with a career-high 4,467 passing yards, while WR Andre Johnson has hauled in a league-best 1,504 yards receiving. New England has faced multiple high-powered offenses this season including Indianapolis and New Orleans. This Sunday will be another difficult challenge for our young defense, as the Texans hold the second best passing offense in the league at 290.6 yds/game. Houston is fighting for a playoff spot, look for them to throw early and often. On a side note, last week Patriot defensive backs Leigh Bodden and Brandon Merriweather became the first two NE players since 2002 to log five INT each in a season (Ty Law & Tyrone Poole).
2. Managing the Ground Game - RB Laurence Maroney has now fumbled twice inches away from the goal-line, resulting in a benching last week from Coach Belichick. The Patriots have integrated a healthy platoon of backs this season including Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, and Kevin Faulk. It will be interesting to see who will get the bulk of the carries against the Texans following last weeks' well-rounded performance. It seems as if Belichick has been saving veteran Fred Taylor for the playoff push, but no one can rationalize the BB philosophy.
On the other side of the ball, look for Mike Wright, and sixth round rookie Myron Pryor to keep up their underrated play on the defensive line. With a playoff spot secured, do not expect to see Vince Wilfork or Ty Warren on the field this Sunday. Texans RB Arian Foster has filled in for the injured Steve Slaton, racking up 97 yds and a TD last week against the Dolphins. Look for the Patriots to experiment with new looks up front to confuse Foster and in preparation for the playoffs.
3. Old Friends Connected Again - Who can forget the infamous 2008 Week 1 collapse of #12 against the Kansas City Chiefs? Brady will be reminded of his season ending injury when he squares off against the man who delivered the blow, safety Bernard Pollard. #31 has 96 tackles and three interceptions this season for the Texans. Look for Brady to attack Bernard with the few (or many) chances Belichick gives him. Old friend Eugene Wilson has logged 29 tackles and two INT in 2009, not as impressive as Pollard.
4. Reality Check: It's Week 17 - As much as Tom Brady wants to continue his recent efficient and effective play, we do not want to witness an injury this week. Remember this is the guy who took a nap before the start of Super Bowl XXXVI, he is ready for any challenge. You have to respect the fire and intensity he is bringing into this week's match up, but our season is just beginning. Coach Belichick has stated that TB12 should not worry about his playing time, he will get an opportunity to take the field. The Houston Texans are a competitive football team looking for their first playoff appearance. Our defense has recently developed solid chemistry after a few bad losses. This game is far more important on the defensive side of the ball, as the Patriots look to build upon their solid DB play. In addition, LB Jerod Mayo led the charge for the run stuffers last week with 15 total tackles. Brady's pocket presence and Moss' 3 TDs showed just how dangerous the New England Patriots offense will be come playoffs.
5. Compounding Success - The offensive line has kept Brady sack free in four consecutive games, bringing back memories of our old O-Line consisting of players such as Damien Woody and Mike Compton. This successful protection will have to continue if the Patriots want to play complete football during the playoffs. We all know that TB12 is a problem when he has free time in the pocket. WR Wes Welker needs one more 10-plus catch game to break the NFL single-season record set by opponent Andre Johnson in 2008. Even if he finishes with a measly two catches, Welker will hold the record for the second most receptions in a single season (124). He also missed two games this year, even more impressive.
Don't be surprised if the Patriots do not compete to their full potential tomorrow. The NFL has always been a game of injuries and staying healthy; this is not the week to be greedy. Keep in mind that the Patriots are 1-5 on the road this season (2-5 if you include London), a victory here could benefit our chances of making a Super Bowl run with a possible home game in the future. Belichick has always maintained the philosophy of taking it one game at a time. The focus is on the Texans this week, and preparation for our playoff game. Go Patriots!
Patriots Injury Report
Questionable
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
DL Vince Wilfork (foot)
Probable
CB Leigh Bodden (knee)
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder/right finger/rib)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
T Nick Kaczur (shoulder)
RB Laurence Maroney (knee)
WR Randy Moss (not injury related)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (knee)
WR Wes Welker (not injury related)
Texans Injury Report
Questionable
DT Shaun Cody (knee)
LB Brian Cushing (foot/ribs)
Probable
T Duane Brown (knee)
TE Joel Dreesen (shoulder)
WR Andre Johnson (ankle)
WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder)
--Special thanks to Josh Books for composing this post.
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