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Regarding #1 above - this is how to lie with statistics. I don't know how it happens that this running game is #5 but I'd guess it is the product of a passing game that leads to more offensive downs and more opportunities for the running game. I could be wrong about it but the pass-to-run ratio cannot be close to balanced. So, instead of relying on the stats, maybe some better questions might be: Can the Pats rely on their running game to carry them? Are any teams afraid of the Pats' running game? Regarding #2 above - this is a VERY different Pats team. The Pats of old were simply made of tough execution, in the image of the old NFC East. They controlled the game tightly, predominantly with a strong (not fast) defensive, with a strong (not fast) running game and tough (not fast or exceptionally talented) WRs with huge hearts (see Troy Brown). That is the kind of team that doesn't miss a beat in the cold/snow. This year's team has all the talent that other teams didn't, but I still haven't seen the need for heart in any of their games (maybe the Colts game, but that would be stretching it a bit). That is not to say they don't have it, but they haven't needed to show it yet. That said, until proven otherwise, the jury is still out on their ability to play in the cold/snow. Finally, regarding BB's comments on snow helping the passing game - who is he kidding? Sure the DB needs to react to the WR's cuts, but the WR still needs to cut. He can't run as fast, the cuts are slower (safer) which knocks off the QB-WR timing developed over the course of the season. Thus, when the cut is made he sits and waits longer for the ball, which arrives like a cold chunk of brown leather/ice coming at him like dead weight in the air. All of this evens out the 'disadvantage' presented to the DB. Anyone who has played in freezing windchilled snow games knows this feeling. If history has taught us anything, it's that the passing game gets you far into the playoffs...when you play in domes, not out in the northeast elements.
I think the NE rushing performance is being hinged to the performance, or lack there of, of Maroney. Flying under the radar are guys like Eckels and Evans that are pounding the ball in the later parts of games. In fact, I think it's completely false to say that we are in trouble come winter time. I'll tell you one thing, as a defenseman, the last thing that I want to see coming at me in sub-zero weather is a guy like Eckels or Evans with a head of steam. If the Pats continue to build leads in the first half the way they have been, it's going to be very difficult for teams to recover in the second half.
Theyre averaging 40 plus pts per game. They have a tough defense. And they have four guys who can run the ball. Oh yea, and they have this QB-WR combo.I think they will be fine in a cold weather game.
Its actually a pretty balanced attack. The Patriots have thrown 346 passes to 316 runs. That's only a difference of 30 plays. They REALLY spread the ball out to several RBs. But Faulk and Maroney average 4.6 YPC and Morris was getting 4.5. Its not like the RBs are getting stacked at the line on every play. They just don't get all the carries. Maroney has only gotten 20 carries once this year. But they even throw in a scrub like Eckel and he starts ripping off yards running through big holes against the Bills.If their rankings are a surprisingly high a little bit, it might be due to the fact that this has been a down year league-wide for RBs. It just seems like there's a lot of injuries and RBBCs out there. Could be wrong about that though because I haven't checked.It be pretty funny if the Patriots set all these NFL records for passing and then in week 17 just ran the ball 35 times and finished the year with more runs than passes.
Indy will be at home.
I think you missed his point.That would require NE to perform a Minnesota meltdown circa 1998 or so.
Home playing or home watching?
I think you missed his point.That would require NE to perform a Minnesota meltdown circa 1998 or so.
Well, I guess that's what I get for not checking...
OOF!
I was guessing that he was an Indy homer.I think you missed his point.
Solid info as usual.Also, the Pats are a very tough group on both sides of the line and that's always important in cold weather. They'e not going to loss many battles there which often gets overlooked because everyone is concentrating on their skill players this year. This is not a finesse team, they can slug it out if they have to. Overall this group has more than enough experience playing in the cold-weather. I find it hard to believe that playing in Foxboro come January is going to be anything but a plus for Brady and their defense.
Their only real opponant would be injuries.
1 is a product of their passing game, which could suffer due to bad weather.2 is not what's being discussed here. A bad blizzard is not the same as simply cold.
I remember the Snow Bowl vs. the Raiders in Jan 2002 (or, the Tuck Rule game, if you prefer). Everybody thought the snow would cause the passing games to disappear and that the running games would dominate. A funny thing happened, though...the running games didn't dominate. Why? Both the OL and DL could not generate a push due to the footing, so they both kind of mushed around the LOS and once the RB reached them, was taken down relatively quickly. Also, because the lines were stuck mulling around the LOS, the QBs faced no pass rush. Brady went 9-for-9 on his lone TD drive and 8-for-8 in OT to set up the game winner.Now this was in the old Foxboro Stadium. Gillette installed heating pipes under the field, but my understanding is that the heating system is purely to keep the roots from freezing, not to melt any snow buildup. Also, the Pats have since installed FieldTurf and I have no idea if it comes with its own heating system or if the one under the old grass field has any effect.I don't think bad weather like heavy snow is going to affect the Pats' passing game like many here think.
I have to disagree here David. Now, I should say that regardless of the weather, NE is still a HUGE favorite against anyone. That said, weather has always been the great equalizer. While NE may be able to handle inclement weather, if you have a terrible day - 40's, howling swirling winds, a lot of rain - then you have leveled the playing field at least a little from NE. Balls take different bounces (or thuds as the case may be). More accidents and mistakes happen... and while chances are the other team suffers more, just by having bad weather you expose NE to far more risk than on a good weather day where weather is not a factor for either team.Once again, from what I have seen I am not amazed at the NE running game. God, they have Brady and Moss each having beyond career years, then welker and stallworth and watson... of course they can run the ball. I heard Buffalo even tried ONE MAN FRONTS against them this past week!So, I contend that on a very bad weather day, you already even the playing field a little. You may very well take Moss out of the game - that's HUGE.If you combine bad weather with a defense that can REALLY stop the run then you go from NE cant be beat to any given sunday quickly, imo.
this was exactly what i was thinking when i started this thread....moss is kind of a finess type of reciever and stallworth is the run down the field and chuck it to him guy...a bad storm could neutralize those two...i know i`m reaching here but it`s worth considering.
