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Ostend's Awards 2007Jealous of Modi for his part in diagnosing the game play (Modi's Doghouse), Ostend is getting in on the act from the more positive perspective! Each game 'I' will denote the Patriot player or players that contributed in a manner that earned my recognition. There's a five bone rating with five being the best!
Ostend, like Modi before him, sadly doesn't get to enjoy the games with me any more. His loving, friendly and enthusiastic manner could never waver and I'm proud to continue his awards to those influences which positively impact each week of Patriotic Performance! Please do visit a small tribute to the Loving and ever Living Memory of Ostend - as Loyal a Pats fan as any of us!
When you open your season on the road against a Division rival there is much challenge and when two pro-bowlers step off your roster one week before the game then the challenge magnifies. The Patriots are loaded with new faces and high promise so the delivery on that promise was essential in victory and thus there are plenty of opportunities for Ostend O-Wards. Saving up bones all summer means a few more perhaps than usual for the opening volley:
Ever wonder how the best player in the NFL would respond to having a full compliment of wide receiver talents? How about a game day in which his offensive line has him hit only once and hurried zero times after that? What if he had a decent running game as a threat and promise for play action? He'd casually and comfortably sit back against an overmatched Jets team and throw away three passes after a good 7 seconds of pocket reading and probably one of his soon to be clutch wide-outs would drop a pair. Other than that he'd fire 22 of 22 completions for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns including some of the most perfect passes ever thrown. That's Tom Terrific for you and that's the first five bone O-Ward of the season!
Cheer the play onto the player until he's earned his place as a Patriot Team Member. Performance wise there's no doubt now and he's certainly still saying all the right things but I'll give Thanks to the player when Thanksgiving arrives with everything still looking right. However, when you catch 9 passes for almost 200 yards and a pair of touchdown then you certainly deserve the four bones. Coincidence that 5 then 4 were awarded? Ostend is "Always a Bruschi Backer!" Moss has some promise though and his leaping grab barely loses out to his three Jets burning engines for the 51 yard touchdown.
This unit lives and dies together mostly though a single player can stand out in Modi's Doghouse on occasion. In this instance their work ethic dominated a Jets team so completely that Tom had more time to throw than he needed on virtually every play. Hit only once in a full game is an impressive feat and these guys did it while ensuring there was enough running room to pile on 136 yards. If they performed like this every week Tom will win the NFL MVP and deserve it half on the merit of the line.
Ellis nailed down his starting Corner position fairly well but leaped to fame with an NFL All time record 108 yard Kickoff return for a touchdown. That kickoff deflated the Jets as it gave a 21-7 lead to start the second half. It was electrifying and prop to Heath Evans and the other blockers for him, he did the work and effectively sealed the game.
Sure Adelius Thomas is getting props for his play and deservedly. In fact it may be Adelius who paved the way for Mike Vrabel who back full time at OLB and with the added threats at ILB, was able to unleash for many pressures and great run support all game long as evidenced by 2.5 sacks and six solo tackles
Jarvis added two sacks and five solo tackles as he showed why he's a starter on this Superbowl quality team with an impressive back up in #93! Sure Seymour is the pro-Bowler but Jarvis doesn't cause much drop off and by yesterday's results there was perhaps an improvement from Richard's typical game. You did Marquis Hill proud today Jarvis but you did so for yourself and Patriot Nation even more!
Ostend may run out of bones sooner than anticipated if this season keeps up at this pace though fortunately he might pick at the carcass of our opponents for a few more supplies. The highly touted, highly confident and rather outspoken Chargers took a thrashing in Foxboro which has a host of Patriots worthy of receiving accolades and Oz will do his best:
Completing 25 of 31 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns is astounding and even with this he had to work to receive the award. He carved up the Chargers defense with surgical precision while clearly having a tremendous time and ensuring all of his weapons had a chance to see the ball whenever they got open. This was a statement game and the opening drive and final drives made the statement crystal clear: Brady is the League MVP presently but more importantly he can have four bones for his efforts. The fifth bone eluded him when just before half time he allowed a pass behind Moss to become his only real snafu in the form of an interception.
Easily a candidate for the player of the week this was his most inspiring performance as a Patriot. He started the defensive effort with an interception but added forced fumbles, sacks and very tough play to his repertoire. Colvin came here as an impact player and is now fully delivering on the promise. Ostend proudly presents him with 3.54 bones in appreciation.
The Ostend disclaimer remains: Cheer the play and not the player ...yet. Moss continues to do everything asked of him which includes going over the middle, coming back to help a pressure blitz, blocking and of course he's rather adroit at catching the ball and notching touchdowns. Eight more catches, another 100 yard performance and a pair of Touchdowns ensure this player is getting well earned praise. Three more bones went to the difference maker as we steadily near the point where he is pronounced a full blooded pure bred Patriot!
The trouble with naming other players is that there were so many who made major contributions: Vrabel (again), Welker (again), Faulk, Maroney, Morris, O-Line, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Samuels, Adelius Thomas and on and on and on! In consideration of this and the phenomenal all over performance Oz announces an unprecedented award. Taking the 21 bones left on the shreds of the former LT, he's awarding every player not in the doghouse a bone in appreciation of a great team win! Wait - He's throwing in for Ellis Hobbes who made enough good plays as well to earn a bone as well...the kicker will have to work on it and earn one of his own next week.
The Patriots play poorly (for the most part) until 7:30 remaining in the second quarter and then the switch flips as an angry and inspired team responds to the two challenges they didn't like. The Defense stopped allowing first downs or even yards while the offense began to explode. Their margin of victory was larger than any thus far and the domination complete even with that initial round of less than stellar play. There were many top dogs out there for the Pats and Ostend's bone collection is once again diminished.
set his all time best passer rating at 150.9 by once again missing on only six passes as he hit the seats with 8 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and his Pats in total control. Brady had four touchdowns and no interceptions as he again demonstrates a total mastery of the game and his impressive arsenal of talent. Calm, poised and throwing passes to perfection like the 45 yard TD to Moss which ended his day as a complete success and a four bone winner. Lose the fumble and the fifth bone of elusive perfection would have been awarded.
Came out of Modi's doghouse and was flying around the field making plays, tackles and even a sack as the youngster proved himself ready for his starting and starring roles. The forced fumble on the sack also was the trigger for Loseman leaving the game even though it was the Wilfork hit which did the damage.
Not only did the fast accelerating Welker have six grabs for 69 yards but his punt returns were the impetus for the game turning around and if he didn't make a fantastic play on the 76 yard punt it likely would have been the longest punt in NFL history. His lateral pitch to Moss showed how much fun and how self-less he is in the midst of the game and earned him a trio of bones this week.
The tackle leader had 9 with several passes defensed as well. He has become a leader on this defense and a central part of a defense that dominated Buffalo after their only drive of any consequence in the first quarter. Thomas picks up another pair of bones.
ho-hum - despite his complaints to the "Onion" (tongue in cheek here), Moss has just continued to dominate. He notched 11,000 yard receiving for his career and is going strong as the strength of the newfound Pats passing attack. Welker and Moss combine to make the difference in Brady being the clear NFL MVP at present. Moss had his third (of three) 100 yard receiving games and scored on a pair of touchdowns which each highlighted how well he understands body control dynamics and how sure his hands at catching Brady passes. His stretch-out for the 45 yarder was again a classic example of use of his body throughout the route to ensure only he will catch it and that he will do so in smooth stride. Giving the ball to a kid and celebrating with his teammates bumped up another ho-hum to a three bone award!
Speaking of Bones, this fast but forceful runner put up his first 100 yard game of the season and broke Bills Middle Linebackers fore-arm in the second quarter. Maroney gave a Full Tilt 5.4 yard average on the day and gets a two bone award for his efforts.
His hands and concentration are improving much as his opportunities now that Moss and Welker are making it easier on him by occupying defensive attentions. Three games and a trio of Touchodwons is no coincidence and Watson probably had his best game this week to notch his first bone in some time.
The game had highlights and highlight reel moments for certain though it was a steady avoidance of error and capitalization of the opponent which led to the dominating win. 34-13 certainly is a domination and it is with amusement that it might be considered a let-down by this team.
Sammy Morris and Randy Moss split the honors with each getting a four bone award. Rarely is this split and Randy has had to work hard to steadily prove his commitment, top dog goes a long way on that road:
A brilliant 49 yard run padded his 5.5 average yard per carry but he pounded the ball well and a string of eight straight rushes helped dominate the deflated and injury ridden defense of the Bengals. He held up his stamina well as he shouldered the full burden with Maroney out for this game. Well done Sammy and welcome to the O-Awards. 117 yards on 21 carries will do that for you!
Today we celebrate the letter M as a pair of M letters take the top dog. Moss had a pair of touchdowns and one an athletic piece of art and body control. His fourth straight game for 100+ yards is also rather remarkable as he does every route asked, blocks and has logged more downs than any other skill position player. Moss is holding to the team concept well and earned all four of his bones from Ostend!
Gets the bulk of the credit for his holding Chad Johnson to just three receptions. His interception stopped a half ending scoring drive by the Bengals and did much to keep the game out of reach. Assante is quite a welcome addition back to the Pats and he gets three bones from Ostend to prove it!
Joined the factor list with his four catches and some impressive yards after catch. His WR screen for 23 yards was remarkable and important. The more he gets involved and in synch, the more deadly this already frightening offense becomes.
Whether Josh McDaniels calling a timely reverse to Welker, a potent series of run assaults, a pass to Vrabel or a defense that allowed as Quinn's keys to win predicted, plenty of catches by TJ and Chad but no (1) pass over 20 yards. Their effectiveness was neutralized by solid secondary play and a front six that stopped the run (56 yards to Quinn's called for 54) and enabled an extra defender to harass the pass. The Pats were ready and played steady with a continued score in every quarter steadiness streak that goes back to Miami last year. This team had the plan to capitalize on Cincinnati’s weak points (LB injuries) and limit their strengths. The coaches get to gnaw on a bone for their fine work and the bones can be used on the Dawgs of Romeo next week.
It's surprising that a 17 point win still slides into the notion of a down game but the game had many quality highlights. The defense dominated in the first half after a marquee stop which ended the defensive Red Zone Failings. The second half the defense slipped and the offense had the worst quarter (third) of the season but still many earn worthy accolades.
Sure Ostend as a Bruschi Backer has a slight bias but he led the team in tackles (7) and notched a pair of sacks to earn the spot this week. Put aside rumors of his slowing down, he's sharing time and the rest is making all the Inside Linebackers stronger for it.
Ben Watson - 3 bones
Ostend was torn about Watson's award as he was far ahead of the pack and certainly an offensive top dog. Watson hauled in six passes for 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He took advantage of the opportunities with his finest game as a Patriot. Add in a Tight End - End Around for 11 yards and the frequent blocking successes and Watson earned all three of his Ostend Bones.
Stephen Gustowski - 2 bones
Quietly nailing both field goal attempts and all extra points, Gustowski also managed to prevent a big return, even getting in on a tackle. Solid play which was missed by the offensive expectations of this team.
Assante Samuels - 2 bones
His interception certainly was valuable for the third straight week but his tip for Seau to intercept was the first red zone stop and the key play of the game. Samuels is a solid corner and is steadily raising his value in the league but had plenty of room to earn more bones with a game changing play that is no doubt in his future.
Junior Seau - 2 bones
Sure the fiery Modi may impound him for the celebration but the timeless linebacker had a pair of picks for the third time in his career and was a solid run stuffer all game long.
Sammy Morris - 2 bones
He not only replaced Maroney again but replaced Faulk who was dinged early and thus left Morris with all the running responsibilities. He pounded the ball 21 times for 102 yards and generally found the tough yards he needed. His stellar play and blue collar approach has earned him more accolade than the two bones but in this game he did enough for two even as he looks poised to have earned the starting role regardless of injuries elsewhere.
Tom Brady - 1 Bone
With all the pundits and fans observing Brady's 'off day' Ostend notes he still had a passer rating over 100 and threw three touchdowns with no interceptions. There were some errant throws for certain as well as some drops but he did enough to keep the offense moving and the taste of his O-Award will hopefully help him drive forth for a five bone award in the next week when it will be most needed!
Git Along Little Doggies! This was a fine step in the progression of the 2007 New England Patriots. They started hot on both offense and defense but hit a dangerously slow slump in the middle which found them trailing the Cowboys in a hostile environment loaded with momentum and incentive. Responding to adversity in those environs are tremendous qualities in a team and the resulting 27-3 performance from that point forward made clear that the Ostend O-Wards would be deservedly full.
Tom Brady - 4 Bones
He missed the first throw of the game badly when he could have and should have had a touchdown to Moss. He missed him again on a great flea flicker call in the second quarter. He fumbled on a sack and it was returned for a touchdown letting the 'Boys' back in the game. So how does he get four bones? Throw for nearly 400 yards (388) with five touchdowns, no interceptions and a callous disregard for personal statistics while ensuring team success as evidenced by a complete willingness to throw away the ball and risk the completion percentage when it was necessary. Imagine how much better he'd be without that 'nagging injury' each week!
Welker - 3 bones
When your code named the Labrador Retriever by Tom Brady, it's hard for you to win over the Golden Retriever's admiration. Welker beat double coverage deep, pounded the underneath routes for a team high eleven receptions. He had a pair of touchdowns and was solid on punt returns all day long. The man is tireless and may appreciate his dog bones more than most - according to Tom.
Josh McDaniels - 2 bones
Fresh out of the doghouse he dropped a fantastic game plan onto the Cowboys. If Brady had nailed the first deep throw trickery it would have been fantastic but putting in the play and the call will have the attention of the league. Called a fine game especially when you factor in the brief loss of Matt Light (Don't call him Todd!), the loss of Maroney, Morris, Watson and the lead. A few wrinkles snuck in to draw the attention of future teams and give the Pats the edge in this contest but 48 points on the previously top defense is a message. Well done to the offensive coordinator and let's see more fine work in the future please.
Dante Stalworth - 3 bones
Dante's Inferno led the team in yards with continued excellence at running after the catch. Seven for 136 is impressive as was his second week with a touchdown but he is adding every little detail and earning his threat and reputation.
Stephen Gustkowski - 2 bones
Not only did he nail his two field goals with some range demonstrated but he again was putting kickoffs into the end zone and making it challenging on the Dallas Cowboys. Sure one was returned and he missed the tackle but it was nto for his kick's failing. Quietly returning to the stellar assurety with which he ended last season.
Kevin Faulk - 1 bone
He makes all the clutch catches and clutch runs even when forced into duty which doesn't suit him as the primary back. Best of all is his continued blitz pick-up which enables Brady to make so many of those lethal throws. When a first down is needed Faulk will find the way.
No defensive notables? Tedy was second on the team in tackles but he needed more than last week to keep his spot. Wilson missed tackles, Rodney was torched by Witten on one series, the corners were in teh doghouse, the line was run on with Wilfork having the closes look for a game ball or perhaps Seau for his best interception season ever which is impressive in an 18 year career. Wilfork gets an honorable mention nod but nobody on defense took home the trophy even though the team managed, with some Dallas help, to hold a top offense to just 20 points.
Tom Brady - Five Bones!
Any other greatest Quarterback ever (t.m. onion) would have thrown away the ball on the one sack he took. Any other Greatest QB ever would have hit Moss just a bit inside for that fake spike play. Any other Greatest QB ever would have inspired Dante Stalworth and Kevin Faulk to not drop their two passes. That way he would have...still not improved upon his perfect passer rating for the day. Miami's secondary is and was in shambles, well overmatched. Randy Moss did turn two effective punts into remarkable touchdowns but Tom was excellent and can cash in another offensive Player of the week award, offensive player of the month award and probably League MVP. That said:
21 of 25 completions for 354 and six touchdowns without an interception - astounding and worthy of allt he bones in Oz's collection but like the consumate team player, he'll share:
Above the Pack!
Randy Moss - three bones
The man is astounding as rooms go silent after replays show the catches folks still hadn't understood could be made from the live broadcast! Only four catches but he made them count with two showstopper, jaw-dropper steals that maybe Tom Brady threw inappropriately unless he knows Randy is out there to do this - which he does. Moss can have another bone or two if he'll sign an extension with the team now - he must be having enough fun to warrant staying on another few years!
O-Line - four bones each
It's such a simple option to award to a group but this unit has just kept doing it all year long and it's their collective work. Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaiczur and Kyle Brady are yielding the best pass protection this franchise has ever seen. Jason Taylor is no slouch and Vonnie Holiday still isn't taking a break - in fact they seemed to try and notch it up to make an impact but the O-line were stalwards. The one sack was on Mr. Pefection (Tom Brady) for not getting rid of it sooner as they had given him much time. Dante Scharnechia can take a bow for this group as well which means Ostend's out 35 bones for this group - they'll have to really wow him to ever get a unit rating this high again.
Assante Samuels - two bones
Quietly did his job resembling a shut down corner against admittedly inferior talent in the QB and receivers. Still all he can do is his job completely and he did just that to earn the two bones.
Tedy Bruschi - two bones
All he did was again lead the team in tackles (12) with ten of them solo tackles. The man Bill Belichick calls the "Heart of the Patriots" needs to spread his sure tackling secrets to his defensive counterparts to up the level of their games.
Wes Welker - two bones
The little giant led all receivers with nine receptions for 136 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He fell off on punt returns but perhaps the exhaustion of his tireless "Labradour" fetchings on regular downs. Miami not only couldn't keep track of him in restricted free agency, they didn't keep track of him on the field and Brady was all the happier for it.
Dante Stalworth - one bone
His ability to run after the catch is unmatched on this team. He broke the game open with the first touchdown, another spectacular thiry yard touchdown catch and run in which he makes it look like a video game highlight breaking tackles and spinning away from would be tacklers. We'll forgive his one drop, he played with T.O. after all and had to pick up some of those habits, now he's got Welker and Moss to inspire him to improve.
Willie Andrews - One bone
He should have known the defense was tired when he returned the kickoff for a touchdown but he did atone by also downing a punt inside the five. The young safety is making the most of his opportunities and giving the Pats flashes of depth that will continue to pay dividends even as Ostend runs out of bones!
Mike Vrabel - 5 Bones!
A rare player and rare performance as Vrabel leads the team in tackles (13), notches 3 sacks which all forced a fumble (strip sacks), caught a touchdown and why not show off the good hands again with an onside kick recovery and return. A quintessential Patriot of the era and cornerstone of the dynasty.
Wes Welker - 3 Bones
Leading the NFL in receptions is not a surprise as he manages to continually be the difference maker for the Patriots. Lighting quick out of his cuts, tough and durable he attacks the slot like no receiver in the league presently and his nine receptions for 89 yards only add to a growing legend and fan base which is led by Tom Brady! This without mention of yet another Touchdown - well without mention until now.
Josh McDaniels - 2 bones
Another excellent gameplan which is no doubt aided by the talent yet still employed excellent use of it to assault the opposition and readily score 52 when 76 wasn't out of the question if they wished. Expecting the talent of the Redskins to require pressure they gave it a diet of draw passes and slot slants which had the linebackers second guessing, safeties doing double duty and the Pats running up and down the field with Brady well protected by scheme as much as his excellent offensive line. Not content with the first half plan, the second half plan adjusted similarly to give a screen passing clinic as well. Same impact but different tact which not only added to the success but expanded the repertoirre for future opponents to review.
Vince Wilfork - 1 bone
The centerpiece of a D-line that welcomed back Richard Seymour while harassing all Redskin running backs. They paved the way for the linebackers to combine for excellent games. Vince emerged from the doghouse with the most inspired play of the group.
Tom Brady - 1 Bone
Responsible for five touchdowns and another three TD minimum met, Tom put a pair in via the ground and kept the ball spread with precise passes that demonstrate he can continually find the open receiver in perfect stride to maximize the efficiency. of the best offense in the history of the NFL. Again he hurt his statistics by completing 29 of 38 passes for 306 yards and again no interceptions - astoundingly dangerous even without his first ever two TD rushes.
Pundits - 1 Bone
Please question the character, integrity and performances of the Patriots further. Continually give them the additional motivation of uniting the team against adverseries and adversarial creations. The Patriots don't have the no respect card but as Dante Stalworth observed they have an angry unification behind the "We are hated" mantra of many pundits most of whom seem inspired only by jealousy of the winning formula. Thank you and keep up the good work!!
Three quarters of the game edged towards the Colts winning battles but only just and as the pressure mounted and the game intensity became more demanding, the World Champion potential began to rise above last year's holders of the title. You own the title until it is taken from you and New England has done nothing of the sort but similarly the Lombardi is for the 2006 season and this new year has just had the edge slip to New England. Many more battles await and hopefully many better performances but this time the celebrants get a week of rest (bye week) with Ostend's honorifics having a bit of forgiveness for the points of struggle.
RandyMoss - 3 Bones
Some uncharacteristic drops hurt the Patriots early in the contest but his spectacular grab over the middle in traffic as well as his Touchdown earned him some very worthy praise. A total of nine catches for 145 yards ensures he earned the top honors this week even amidst the Colts trying to scheme him out of the contest. He ran all the routes not just the highlight variety and he's at the bye week earned himself a full and honored part of this team's greatness.
Chris Hanson - three bones
That's one bone for each of his fantastic punt offerings. In close games the matter of field position often does much to define the victor and he was spectacular today with a pair that had no return and ended inside the 20 and another booming one which due to an 11 yard return made it just out of the line of success for all punters, the 20 yard line. He was clutch and after a rocky first start on the team has been constant and quality.
Tom Brady - two bones
He matched his interception total for the first half in one game! He was stymied for much of the game with his first failure at a first drive score. Yet he remained calm and poised through a myriad of bad calls, high pressure, key drops and a ten point deficit with 9:44 remaining in the game. All he did was set his face in determination rather than the pout so common for NFL signal callers; and then throw and throw. He made the reads, made the throws and managed it all with efficiency so much he had a chance to run up the score at the end but took the knee with a prideful hard fought victory against many opponents. He now holds the record for most games with three or more touchdowns as he stole that away from Manning with this victory in which he had a better percentage, more yards, more touchdowns and of course more victories than his highly heralded opponent.
Jarvis Green - two bones
The stalwart lineman added tot he mix with a rare four man Patriot front. He had several key stops including an Addai pounding on 3rd and short but most notably and award earning was his strip sack of Manning with the game's final outcome in the balance and decided by the Manning-killer of Jarvis Green who always find a way to reach the elusive Quarterback.
Wes Welker - 2 bones
His punt returns were impressive, his game ending catch to stay in bounds and lead to the kneeldowns was impressive, his touchdown to close the game to a three point margin was impressive but most of all it was his tough and durable ability to get short separation, make the catch with assurety and move the chains when they needed to be moved. He alone might have been the difference in last year's game.
Vince Wilfork - 1 bone
He didn't dominate Saturday. This time he wasn't dominated either and he anchored the line that twice in a row thwarted the Colts at the goal line and made the game a six point deficit rather than 14 and those precious 8 points were more than the margin of victory.
Harrison - 1 Bone
He had some miscues for certain but his primary assignment of Dallas Clark led to Manning losing his security blanket with Clark shut down. In fact Clark interfered with Harrison on the first drive to prevent an interception but shockingly the never efficient officials missed that call too. Rodney was a key part of the game plan and earned his honor even with his role in Addai's longest run and catch.
Go Pats!
Zip
Ostend-tacious