****Official AFC Title Game Thread**** (1 Viewer)

[jgb95]

What's the early word on LT and Rivers?

Just heard the weather forecast they said it'll be in the teen sunday here in foxboro

 

[Cptchaz]

What's the early word on LT and Rivers?Just heard the weather forecast they said it'll be in the teen sunday here in foxboro

Foxboro - 15˚ high, Sunny, 0% chance of precipGiven that the highs are usually in the middle of the day, it should be nice and nipply for game time.As for Rivers and LT....too early to tell...but I bet we will see them next week.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

both should play

Im actually more worried about Rivers than LT right now

How crazy is that

 

[jgb95]

not crazy at all. rivers played well today!!!

You have turner and sproles

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I'm not buying any of this "Indy would have given NE a better game schtick."

LT and the Chargers players hate New England with the intensity of a thousand suns, and hatred can do wonders for a team (see today's games).

It appears that Norv has the passing game leaps and bounds above where it was last year (whether Rivers or Volek plays).

Vegas line is starting at 13 points. I don't see NE covering that spread.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

both should playIm actually more worried about Rivers than LT right nowHow crazy is that

Nice call on the Colts game. I was WAY wrong.Good Luck this week, hope you can field a 53 man roster.

 

[Green and Gold]

I'm not buying any of this "Indy would have given NE a better game schtick."LT and the Chargers players hate New England with the intensity of a thousand suns, and hatred can do wonders for a team (see today's games).It appears that Norv has the passing game leaps and bounds above where it was last year (whether Rivers or Volek plays).Vegas line is starting at 13 points. I don't see NE covering that spread.

I agree, after seeing the game today I'd say a (healthy) Chargers team puts up as good or better a fight than Indy would have. However, I see the Chargers having a similar problem NE did last year going into Indy for the AFCCG. The Pats had just come off an incredibly emotional win on the road vs. a team off a bye, and they just didn't have enough in the tank to finish off the Colts. Hopefully the Chargers can avoid the flu, at least.The Pats have other advantages, too. Jacksonville wasn't physical at all and NE has an extra day of rest, and they don't have to do any traveling. If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

 

[meanjoegreen]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

Read up on your history to see how much class SD showed when they beat NE in Foxboro two years prior.

 

[tommyGunZ]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

Read up on your history to see how much class SD showed when they beat NE in Foxboro two years prior.

Do you need a baby rattle with that weak ####?Get your boyz ready, Lights Out and the Bolts D are about to punch your Patriots in the mouth.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

Read up on your history to see how much class SD showed when they beat NE in Foxboro two years prior.

Do you need a baby rattle with that weak ####?Get your boyz ready, Lights Out and the Bolts D are about to punch your Patriots in the mouth.

"And there it is sports fans, at 6:15 of the third period Guy Gilbert guillotined for high-sticking."- National Lampoon's Cold Turkey

The only person who needs a baby rattle is the "superstar running back" talking smack about another team's coach or his own coach or his own quarterback.

If LT can't grow up on his own, New England will be happy to assist with his growth process.

 

[Raider Nation]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

Read up on your history to see how much class SD showed when they beat NE in Foxboro two years prior.

Do you need a baby rattle with that weak ####?Get your boyz ready, Lights Out and the Bolts D are about to punch your Patriots in the mouth.

The Chargers should bring all of their Super Bowl trophies with them to intimidate the Pats.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Rivers to have an MRI on Monday.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Rivers to have an MRI on Monday.

Ughh. If he can't go...

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

What you didn't think the Moon Landing celebration on the Bolt logo was classy?!?

 

[Raider Nation]

Rivers to have an MRI on Monday.

Ughh. If he can't go...

....then the Chargers have a shot to win???

 

[[icon]]

If they can beat the Pats next week I will seriously tip my hat to them, much as I dislike the attitudes and antics of LT, Rivers, and Merriman. If they lose, I hope it's with more class than they lost with last year.

The Patriots didn't exactly show class when they beat the Chargers last year in San Diego.

Read up on your history to see how much class SD showed when they beat NE in Foxboro two years prior.

Do you need a baby rattle with that weak ####?Get your boyz ready, Lights Out and the Bolts D are about to punch your Patriots in the mouth.

:sehorn:38-14

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Rivers to have an MRI on Monday.

Ughh. If he can't go...

....then the Chargers have a shot to win???

cmon now, I thought you comedy writers are still on strike.

 

[Baby New Year]

Get your boyz ready, Lights Out and the Bolts D are about to punch your Patriots in the mouth.

Start the thread, plz.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

 

[Gopher State]

I bet on the wrong teams in all four of the NFL games this past weekend, so I going with NE this week, my luck should help SD greatly.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

on endless loop in the weight room.

 

[DanFouts]

What's the early word on LT and Rivers?Just heard the weather forecast they said it'll be in the teen sunday here in foxboro

Just saw ESPN say sprained MCL for Rivers.....questionableLT MRI neg.......questionable....Gates....questionableI imagine 3 game time decisions.....all play.....

 

[Gr00vus]

Injuries or no injuries, the Pats are the better team this year, I expect them to win.

I expect the Chargers to give it their all, and while I'll be expecting the worst, I'll still hope for the best.

 

[Anarchy99]

What's the early word on LT and Rivers?Just heard the weather forecast they said it'll be in the teen sunday here in foxboro

Just saw ESPN say sprained MCL for Rivers.....questionableLT MRI neg.......questionable....Gates....questionableI imagine 3 game time decisions.....all play.....

IMO, if you have two legs mostly attached and a pulse you are playing in a league championship game.

 

[pats3in4]

Question to the Chargers fans: How is the RT that replaced Olivea? Vrabel mixes up pass-rushing and coverage against most tackles, but if the tackle he's up against isn't particularly good or experienced, he comes off the edge a lot more, often with outstanding results (see the Washington and Pittsburgh games).

Do the Chargers often help pass-blocking on that side with a TE or RB?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Question to the Chargers fans: How is the RT that replaced Olivea? Vrabel mixes up pass-rushing and coverage against most tackles, but if the tackle he's up against isn't particularly good or experienced, he comes off the edge a lot more, often with outstanding results (see the Washington and Pittsburgh games).Do the Chargers often help pass-blocking on that side with a TE or RB?

Clary has been solid since taking over for Olivea -- an improvement, for sure -- and has gotten better as things have gone along. He was outstanding yesterday (as was McNeill on the other side).

 

[pats3in4]

Question to the Chargers fans: How is the RT that replaced Olivea? Vrabel mixes up pass-rushing and coverage against most tackles, but if the tackle he's up against isn't particularly good or experienced, he comes off the edge a lot more, often with outstanding results (see the Washington and Pittsburgh games).Do the Chargers often help pass-blocking on that side with a TE or RB?

Clary has been solid since taking over for Olivea -- an improvement, for sure -- and has gotten better as things have gone along. He was outstanding yesterday (as was McNeill on the other side).

An improvement? Interesting. Thanks.Next question: Do the Chargers play their CBs always on the same side of the field even if the WRs switch sides? Welker usually lines up in the slot, but can play SE or FL. Moss, Gaffney and Stallworth all pretty much switch up at SE or FL, although it's more common to see Moss at FL to start the game. I'm thinking the Pats will see how the Chargers handle their 3-and 4-wide packages and make adjustments in matchups accordlingly.

 

[Gr00vus]

Question to the Chargers fans: How is the RT that replaced Olivea? Vrabel mixes up pass-rushing and coverage against most tackles, but if the tackle he's up against isn't particularly good or experienced, he comes off the edge a lot more, often with outstanding results (see the Washington and Pittsburgh games).Do the Chargers often help pass-blocking on that side with a TE or RB?

Clary has been solid since taking over for Olivea -- an improvement, for sure -- and has gotten better as things have gone along. He was outstanding yesterday (as was McNeill on the other side).

That said, neither Olivea or Clary could be mentioned as being among the best in the league at this point. Goff also has been inconsistent this year. The right side is definitely the weaker side of the offensive line.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Question to the Chargers fans: How is the RT that replaced Olivea? Vrabel mixes up pass-rushing and coverage against most tackles, but if the tackle he's up against isn't particularly good or experienced, he comes off the edge a lot more, often with outstanding results (see the Washington and Pittsburgh games).Do the Chargers often help pass-blocking on that side with a TE or RB?

Clary has been solid since taking over for Olivea -- an improvement, for sure -- and has gotten better as things have gone along. He was outstanding yesterday (as was McNeill on the other side).

An improvement? Interesting. Thanks.Next question: Do the Chargers play their CBs always on the same side of the field even if the WRs switch sides? Welker usually lines up in the slot, but can play SE or FL. Moss, Gaffney and Stallworth all pretty much switch up at SE or FL, although it's more common to see Moss at FL to start the game. I'm thinking the Pats will see how the Chargers handle their 3-and 4-wide packages and make adjustments in matchups accordlingly.

Cromartie usually lines up on the right, Jammer on the left, even if the WRs switch sides. I'm guessing Florence will be on Welker in the slot most of the time.

 

[Gr00vus]

Next question: Do the Chargers play their CBs always on the same side of the field even if the WRs switch sides? Welker usually lines up in the slot, but can play SE or FL. Moss, Gaffney and Stallworth all pretty much switch up at SE or FL, although it's more common to see Moss at FL to start the game. I'm thinking the Pats will see how the Chargers handle their 3-and 4-wide packages and make adjustments in matchups accordlingly.

Generally they do line up their starting CBs on the same side of the field, Cromartie on the offense's left side and Jammer on the right. Florence is the third CB - Manning went after him quite a bit yesterday with good success, I imagine the Pats will do the same.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Question to the Chargers fans: How is the RT that replaced Olivea? Vrabel mixes up pass-rushing and coverage against most tackles, but if the tackle he's up against isn't particularly good or experienced, he comes off the edge a lot more, often with outstanding results (see the Washington and Pittsburgh games).Do the Chargers often help pass-blocking on that side with a TE or RB?

Clary has been solid since taking over for Olivea -- an improvement, for sure -- and has gotten better as things have gone along. He was outstanding yesterday (as was McNeill on the other side).

An improvement? Interesting. Thanks.Next question: Do the Chargers play their CBs always on the same side of the field even if the WRs switch sides? Welker usually lines up in the slot, but can play SE or FL. Moss, Gaffney and Stallworth all pretty much switch up at SE or FL, although it's more common to see Moss at FL to start the game. I'm thinking the Pats will see how the Chargers handle their 3-and 4-wide packages and make adjustments in matchups accordlingly.

It's usually Jammer on the (defense's) left and Cromartie on the right. But not 100% of the time.When Randy Moss was a Raider I think Jammer generally matched up with him all over the field (and did very well against him -- but that was the lame Randy Moss, not the Superstar Randy Moss). But in most games, for most plays, Jammer is LCB and Cromartie is RCB.

 

[Pat Patriot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

Who is Rivers to be calling anyone the sorriest corner in the game? The Chargers have Merriman mostly to thank for any of the shenanigans after last years game.

 

[Gr00vus]

I also think the Chargers will use pretty much the same base D and D strategy next Sunday as they did yesterday. They were in nickel much of the time. They were also playing mostly a straight 3 or 4 man rush. I think they blitzed four or five times at the most. In coverage they basically kept everything in front (except for the blown coverage/tackle on Gonzales) and tightened up as the field got shorter - resulting in tons of yards but not as many points as you'd have expected. Granted they got two INTs and a fumble - but they have been a defense that generated turnovers all season, and their strategy has been designed towards creating more opportunities for turnovers.

This is the same approach they took in the September game against the Pats - not many blitzes and keep plays in front of you. As we all saw, they didn't execute it very well at all - they blew too many coverages and didn't tackle well at all. It'll be interesting to see if the continued experience in this system will improve their results this week.

They've definitely changed in emphasis from Wade's all out blitzes of the last few seasons.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Charger safeties have to play better this weekend or it could be a long day. Clinton Hart was burnt toast yesterday.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

on endless loop in the weight room.

Stop with the "we got disrespected" schtick...Took me a while, but I found the soundbite I was looking for...

"Drayton Florence reportedly told fans at Gillette Stadium following San Diego's 41-17 win in 2005. "[Expletive] New England and their team," Florence said, according to the Providence Journal. "Get that look of shock off your faces. Don't be shocked. We beat your ###."

The funny bit is this was the first time I had seen From here on out, he's Suge Belichick

Excerpt follows...

...Belichick is no longer just a genius coach with a ratty hoodie. He's added an element of pure gangsta to his already impressive game. He is officially the NFL's Suge Knight.

From here on out, he's Suge Belichick.

This is not a rip on Belichick or the Patriots. This is me fully appreciating their contempt and sense of revenge.

Suge Belichick doesn't care if you like him, his team or his methods. He'll ring up 52 on you, beat you like you stole something, and if the media dares question him about it, he makes Barry Bonds' interactions with the press seem like International Coffee moments. And, according to the tabloids, Suge Belichick will steal your wife, too.

Straight from the Book Of Suge.

Has any team gone from beloved to be-hated like the Patriots? And I thought dogfighting had the real staying power. Turns out, nothing has traction like #####ing about the Patriots....

Funny stuff, regardless of which side of the spygate dynasty melodrama you're on...

 

[Gr00vus]

Charger safeties have to play better this weekend or it could be a long day. Clinton Hart was burnt toast yesterday.

It seemed to me that Weddle got more and more playing time as the game went on. I know it's not ideal throwing a rookie out there against Brady, but I'm wondering if Weddle will see most of the time in place of Hart - I hope so.

 

[tommyGunZ]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

on endless loop in the weight room.

Stop with the "we got disrespected" schtick...Took me a while, but I found the soundbite I was looking for...

"Drayton Florence reportedly told fans at Gillette Stadium following San Diego's 41-17 win in 2005. "[Expletive] New England and their team," Florence said, according to the Providence Journal. "Get that look of shock off your faces. Don't be shocked. We beat your ###."

So one fan's account of Drayton Florence mouthing off = that video of the Pats acting like morons?

 

[Bill Lust]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

on endless loop in the weight room.

Stop with the "we got disrespected" schtick...Took me a while, but I found the soundbite I was looking for...

"Drayton Florence reportedly told fans at Gillette Stadium following San Diego's 41-17 win in 2005. "[Expletive] New England and their team," Florence said, according to the Providence Journal. "Get that look of shock off your faces. Don't be shocked. We beat your ###."

So one fan's account of Drayton Florence mouthing off = that video of the Pats acting like morons?

It's funny how the Chargers LOVE to talk, then get their panties in a bunch when someone does it right back. I am sure we will get a whiny lecture from LT about class the next time Rivers is practically climbing into the stands to talk smack to fans.

 

[Gr00vus]

Another thing to watch with the Charger D is how often Merriman and Phillips drop back into coverage. It's definitely something that's taken a while for both of them to get used to (and also has much to do with lower sack totals for both), but they seem to be doing much better with it at this point. It's another change from last year, the goal being to give more looks, and thereby more surprise, by running many different schemes from the same base formation. Many times it'll be Cooper or Wilhelm who is the 4th pass rusher with both Merriman and Phillips in coverage. I'm not sure if I'm totally enamored with it, but it's been getting decent results here in the second half of the season. Merriman should have had another pick yesterday for instance due to this type of coverage - Manning never saw him and basically threw it right to him. So don't be surprised to see Welker covered by a linebacker on purpose on multiple occasions on Sunday.

 

[Pat Patriot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

on endless loop in the weight room.

Stop with the "we got disrespected" schtick...Took me a while, but I found the soundbite I was looking for...

"Drayton Florence reportedly told fans at Gillette Stadium following San Diego's 41-17 win in 2005. "[Expletive] New England and their team," Florence said, according to the Providence Journal. "Get that look of shock off your faces. Don't be shocked. We beat your ###."

So one fan's account of Drayton Florence mouthing off = that video of the Pats acting like morons?

You are right. ACTING LIKE MERRIMAN = ACTING LIKE A MORON.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Another thing to watch with the Charger D is how often Merriman and Phillips drop back into coverage. It's definitely something that's taken a while for both of them to get used to (and also has much to do with lower sack totals for both), but they seem to be doing much better with it at this point. It's another change from last year, the goal being to give more looks, and thereby more surprise, by running many different schemes from the same base formation. Many times it'll be Cooper or Wilhelm who is the 4th pass rusher with both Merriman and Phillips in coverage. I'm not sure if I'm totally enamored with it, but it's been getting decent results here in the second half of the season. Merriman should have had another pick yesterday for instance due to this type of coverage - Manning never saw him and basically threw it right to him. So don't be surprised to see Welker covered by a linebacker on purpose on multiple occasions on Sunday.

I'll take Tom Brady in a chess match against Tedd Cottrell.

 

[bryan215]

Another thing to watch with the Charger D is how often Merriman and Phillips drop back into coverage. It's definitely something that's taken a while for both of them to get used to (and also has much to do with lower sack totals for both), but they seem to be doing much better with it at this point. It's another change from last year, the goal being to give more looks, and thereby more surprise, by running many different schemes from the same base formation. Many times it'll be Cooper or Wilhelm who is the 4th pass rusher with both Merriman and Phillips in coverage. I'm not sure if I'm totally enamored with it, but it's been getting decent results here in the second half of the season. Merriman should have had another pick yesterday for instance due to this type of coverage - Manning never saw him and basically threw it right to him. So don't be surprised to see Welker covered by a linebacker on purpose on multiple occasions on Sunday.

That would be a mistake on their part. Welker is just about the best slot WR in the league and can cut/turn on a dime. Putting a LB on him...esp ones that aren't FANTASTIC at pass coverage is a recipe for getting dinked and dunked to death.

 

[pats3in4]

I also think the Chargers will use pretty much the same base D and D strategy next Sunday as they did yesterday. They were in nickel much of the time. They were also playing mostly a straight 3 or 4 man rush. I think they blitzed four or five times at the most. In coverage they basically kept everything in front (except for the blown coverage/tackle on Gonzales) and tightened up as the field got shorter - resulting in tons of yards but not as many points as you'd have expected. Granted they got two INTs and a fumble - but they have been a defense that generated turnovers all season, and their strategy has been designed towards creating more opportunities for turnovers. This is the same approach they took in the September game against the Pats - not many blitzes and keep plays in front of you. As we all saw, they didn't execute it very well at all - they blew too many coverages and didn't tackle well at all. It'll be interesting to see if the continued experience in this system will improve their results this week.

If this is true, I'd be concerned if I was a Chargers fan. Washington and Jacksonville employed this strategy. Both teams bottled up Moss. Neither team allowed anything deep and kept everything in front of them. Pats rung up 52 on Washington and Brady went 26 of 28 against Jacksonville. Bend-but-don't-break tends to break against the Pats when Welker can deke the nickelback in close or Moss can catch a jump ball over the CB from a pass inside the 10.Granted, nobody has shut down the Pats' offense outright (the NYJ and Ravens came closest, both aided by horrendous throwing conditions), but the teams that "looked" the best (looked being a relative term, obviously) did so by mixing up their coverages, giving lots of fake pre-snap reads and overloading the blitz from alternate sides. Another tactic the Chargers should use is to grab Moss and Welker and hope they don't draw a flag. I'm being serious. The Ravens did this to great effect on both guys and the Eagles did this well vs. Moss. Make the ref throw the flag. Test the waters early, to see how the game will be called and make adjustments accordingly.

 

[Gr00vus]

Another thing to watch with the Charger D is how often Merriman and Phillips drop back into coverage. It's definitely something that's taken a while for both of them to get used to (and also has much to do with lower sack totals for both), but they seem to be doing much better with it at this point. It's another change from last year, the goal being to give more looks, and thereby more surprise, by running many different schemes from the same base formation. Many times it'll be Cooper or Wilhelm who is the 4th pass rusher with both Merriman and Phillips in coverage. I'm not sure if I'm totally enamored with it, but it's been getting decent results here in the second half of the season. Merriman should have had another pick yesterday for instance due to this type of coverage - Manning never saw him and basically threw it right to him. So don't be surprised to see Welker covered by a linebacker on purpose on multiple occasions on Sunday.

I'll take Tom Brady in a chess match against Tedd Cottrell.

Well Brady certainly won the first round handily. I just thought it'll be interesting to see if Cottrell's strategy will be more effective this time around now that the team has worked with it all year. I mean, let's be honest - nobody and nothing are going to shut the Pats down. It's all about triage, and trying to come up with a way to minimize the damage. I think this approach may have a shot at that IF they execute to a high degree of competency.

 

[pats3in4]

Another thing to watch with the Charger D is how often Merriman and Phillips drop back into coverage. It's definitely something that's taken a while for both of them to get used to (and also has much to do with lower sack totals for both), but they seem to be doing much better with it at this point. It's another change from last year, the goal being to give more looks, and thereby more surprise, by running many different schemes from the same base formation. Many times it'll be Cooper or Wilhelm who is the 4th pass rusher with both Merriman and Phillips in coverage. I'm not sure if I'm totally enamored with it, but it's been getting decent results here in the second half of the season. Merriman should have had another pick yesterday for instance due to this type of coverage - Manning never saw him and basically threw it right to him. So don't be surprised to see Welker covered by a linebacker on purpose on multiple occasions on Sunday.

That would be a mistake on their part. Welker is just about the best slot WR in the league and can cut/turn on a dime. Putting a LB on him...esp ones that aren't FANTASTIC at pass coverage is a recipe for getting dinked and dunked to death.

A big mistake. This was Washington's strategy, putting the fast London Fletcher on Welker. The Redskins figured that Welker would make some catches, but pay a hefty price by the hits Fletcher would lay on him. Welker made catches, dove to avoid hits and when he took hits he just bounced right back up and took some more. For a guy his size, Welker is tough as nails.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Another thing to watch with the Charger D is how often Merriman and Phillips drop back into coverage. It's definitely something that's taken a while for both of them to get used to (and also has much to do with lower sack totals for both), but they seem to be doing much better with it at this point. It's another change from last year, the goal being to give more looks, and thereby more surprise, by running many different schemes from the same base formation. Many times it'll be Cooper or Wilhelm who is the 4th pass rusher with both Merriman and Phillips in coverage. I'm not sure if I'm totally enamored with it, but it's been getting decent results here in the second half of the season. Merriman should have had another pick yesterday for instance due to this type of coverage - Manning never saw him and basically threw it right to him. So don't be surprised to see Welker covered by a linebacker on purpose on multiple occasions on Sunday.

I'll take Tom Brady in a chess match against Tedd Cottrell.

Well Brady certainly won the first round handily. I just thought it'll be interesting to see if Cottrell's strategy will be more effective this time around now that the team has worked with it all year. I mean, let's be honest - nobody and nothing are going to shut the Pats down. It's all about triage, and trying to come up with a way to minimize the damage. I think this approach may have a shot at that IF they execute to a high degree of competency.

Not exactly deep strategy but I would throw the kitchen sink at NE. Send Philips and Merriman from the edge AND a LB up the middle. That leaves you 5 in coverage so you better get to Brady. But even if you dont sack Brady you are much more likely to hit him. Playing it like Jax did does you no good.

 

[Gr00vus]

Granted, nobody has shut down the Pats' offense outright (the NYJ and Ravens came closest, both aided by horrendous throwing conditions), but the teams that "looked" the best (looked being a relative term, obviously) did so by mixing up their coverages, giving lots of fake pre-snap reads and overloading the blitz from alternate sides.

If you read my follow on comments you'll see that the Chargers have been doing exactly what you said, minus extensive blitzes. I know many have said the way to beat the Pats is to Blitz Brady and such, but honestly I haven't seen it work. Unless you're actually sacking him regularly due to blitzes, he'll eat you alive with them. And this year the offensive line just hasn't allowed the kind of pressure necessary to make blitzing pay.I think the Jags were as effective as you can expect to be against the Pats - you choose your poison, die fast or die slow. One advantage of die slow is that it gives the offense more opportunities to make a mistake, which the Charger D has been good at capitalizing on this year, and I think that's the direction Cottrell has been heading towards.The other side of the coin is you need to keep up in the scoring on your end. The Jags mistake was settling for field goals. They're a waste of time against the Pats for the most part this year.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ug17-hRH5e8

on endless loop in the weight room.

Stop with the "we got disrespected" schtick...Took me a while, but I found the soundbite I was looking for...

"Drayton Florence reportedly told fans at Gillette Stadium following San Diego's 41-17 win in 2005. "[Expletive] New England and their team," Florence said, according to the Providence Journal. "Get that look of shock off your faces. Don't be shocked. We beat your ###."

So one fan's account of Drayton Florence mouthing off = that video of the Pats acting like morons?

Well, the story was widely published at the time, and I think it's a stretch to call it "one fan's account". Having said that, what the Pats did WAS bush league, but my point was there was some history between the squads that may have contributed to it. Personally, I like matchups that have a certain amount of bad blood in them; makes for better football...

 

[Gr00vus]

A big mistake. This was Washington's strategy, putting the fast London Fletcher on Welker. The Redskins figured that Welker would make some catches, but pay a hefty price by the hits Fletcher would lay on him. Welker made catches, dove to avoid hits and when he took hits he just bounced right back up and took some more. For a guy his size, Welker is tough as nails.

It's not about getting hits on Welker - it's about mixing up the coverage and having guys in positions Brady isn't expecting.