September 8: Oakland Raiders

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	Raiders Game-Day Weather
NFL Review		ESPN Review

Better Than It Seemed

New England Patriots 30 – Oakland Raiders 20

Many will recall the efficiency of the Raiders first drive in which a long kickoff return, long run, long pass to Moss and long pass to Jordan set up an easy Touchdown. The fact is only the kickoff was a serious concern by Game’s end but the lasting impression is probably a bit weaker than reality. Similarly a single deep (73 yard) touchdown toss to Moss may linger in the heart of Poole critics despite that the play was an early rarity before the Pats had settled in fully for a dominant defensive performance against a known potent offense. Concerns of stopping the run were real in the early development but the Raiders managed only one rushing first down in the second half. The Patriots had switched to a predominantly 4-3 formation which enabled them to both contain Jordon and put pressure on Kerry Collins. The result was a long and frustrating second half for the Raiders. Collins completing only 18 of 40 doesn’t factor in his 4-4 start and his final 4 straight completions once the Patriots had effectively taken the game. Completing 10 of 32 between is a sign of excellent secondary work. Meanwhile Jordon did run for a 3.9 yard average but managed only 70 yards after being contained well for the latter half of the game. He unlike Corey Dillon did not find the end-zone once nevermind twice.

To listen to reports the primary concerns were the new linebackers ability to contain the run, Dillon’s inability to run the ball and some woeful Special Teams work. The switch to 4-3 was in reaction to solid work by Dillon and a flexing of the versatile muscle which makes the cranial Patriots so very strong. Oakland had no reasonable response to the shift and New England continued with an effective scheme which used their linebackers in the best format. It also allowed unsung hero Jarvis Green to log more field time and the results were evident as he was involved in a critical juncture. New England had just failed on 4th and 1 to shift momentum to the Raiders when Green hit Collins and the ball dislodged into the air before Vince Wilfork took control. This set up a very significant Patriot score to make a two score lead ultimately more than the Raiders would achieve. The 3-4 is not scrapped or a failure as the learning curve has been evident for the newcomers but rather New England showed they retain the versatility to switch systems and sustain a high level of play. Brown and Beissell will contribute more and develop more. Compared to the opener of 2004 this run defense was a fortress and that was with veteran presence in the middle of the linebacker crew.

The Oakland Raiders have wisely switched to a 4-3 scheme which maximizes the tremendous middle talent of Washington and Sapp. These two closed the middle while Kelly and Hamilton represent two very talented ends to take on blockers and leave their behemoth Outside Linebackers to make Dillon’s running lanes non-existent. It also dared New England to pass which the Patriots accepted to great success. There’s a solid reason the Pats notched more passing yards in the first half than the second as Oakland had to back away a bit from their run stuffing stance in order to halt the passing attack. There’s a reason the Tight Ends caught so many balls early and that reason is the Pats play offense as they have done for a few years: taking what the defense will offer up. So while Dillon averaged 2.7 yards per carry on his 63 yards of rushing, he found his way with excellent blocking to earn a pair of touchdowns. The line couldn’t move the Raiders to help him frequently but with one exception did so when it mattered most. The one failing falls largely to a non-fullback effort by Dan Klecko whom simply missed his blocks as he charged through the hole. Thus the O-line may have not given Dillon the room he needed as they were overloaded with six lineman sized targets for the five of them to block, they did manage to keep Brady mostly untouched and definitely without a sack. IN the priority system of this team that has a higher value than Dillon’s lanes and with unheralded blocking from Daniel Graham to aide them the unit neither failed or succeeded in the first test.

So the final large concern many take from the game involve the Special Teams and it is true that Brad Seeley and his units have considerable work ahead. New England which uses so many starters have logged insufficient time with this unit during real game situations. Exploring the final roster cuts they worked different units more than the end result and the result of this was a less stellar preparedness. Still the units put together some good work with Josh Miller notching three excellent placements which were well covered to ensure poor Raider field position. Tim Dwight started the punt returning with the explosiveness they hoped to put into the position and Hobbs again seems ready to demonstrate he’s more dangerous than Bethel on a play by play basis at kick-returner. What absolutely must be addressed are blocked extra points, blocked punts and a total coverage unit which was below average. These are reasonable concerns and fortunately came in a game which was still a victory.

One of the better kept yet obvious secrets to a game is how few possessions exist per quarter. Generally a team will get 3 full possessions per quarter and in the case of an offensive ineptitude it may rise to four. This game was no exception to that rule which gave Oakland 3 in the first, 3 in the second and 7 for the second half. This excludes the end of half kneel down. The extra time in the second half was due to their shorter possessions but this was still preserved despite a one play touchdown in the first half and a one play turnover in the second half. It, along with a dominant effort by Richard Seymour, is why the two score lead into the fourth quarter was insurmountable. In breaking down the Raiders had moderate success on three of their first four possessions with a missed field goal being the non-scoring success. Of their next ten possessions only one was a credible drive and that came after the blocked punt when the game seemed won and New England may have relaxed a bit allowing the same play to beat them in the same manner as it had for the first touchdown.

Ultimately the game and results were not surprising given the opponents recent history. The Raiders have improved but the world Champions are not greatly decreased and may still claim the best home field record in this Millennium! Here are the five key points in the game in which New England’s offense carried the day a bit more constantly counter-punching until their defense could wear down the opponent.

Zip's Five Key Points of the Game:

• Pats 23-14 at 5:05 when Dillon gets an 8 yard TD behind Neal, Graham and Givens blocks!
• Six play 84 yard TD drive at 9:32 of fourth giving Pats 30-14 edge
• Wildork Interception/fumble take-away after Pats lose key Momentum in Third in a tight game
• Brady hits Branch for 10-7 lead with Raiders sending 8 in coverage!
• The Mangini switch to 4-3 for the Third Raider Series – changed the defensive presence and results.

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September 18: Carolina Panthers

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NFL Review		ESPN Review

Panthers Provoked and Pats Unprepared

Carolina Panthers 27 – New England Patriots 17

Carolina deserved this win. They didn’t play a phenomenal game and in fact probably played worse than they had the previous week but it was still more than sufficient to defeat a poorly prepared and under performing Patriot team. It is only one game in a long season but it had better serve as the wake up call or a slumbering New England team will relive a version of their 2002 season. Mental mistakes and focus failings cause penalties, dropped balls and missing wide open receivers. All these are part of the mental preparation. Carolina felt some of those but they did not let their hunger for revenge prevent their performance at the most critical times. In fact they did the answering to each New England attempt and New England was left searching for answers by game’s end.

New England wins games by preparation and execution with few flaws. They did not seem prepared and their execution was full of flaws. The two primary culprits were a seeming offensive ineptitude and a Special Teams crew with a constant penchant for failure. Adding in a mediocre defensive effort and the loss was almost inevitable. A final saving hallmark of the Patriots is a big play when they need it. Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Willie McGinest, Deion Branch, Tom Brady …someone in the unit normally gives just the right big play performance to secure a victory. This round New England managed just one earned big play from Mike Vrabel as he impersonated Tedy Bruschi by notching his first interception for a touchdown. The other big-play was a mishap for Carolina in which both Corners followed Branch into the middle to let Troy Brown run 71 yards and set up a score. So while the Patriots found 1.5 big plays they allowed Carolina four of them which was enough to make the game difference. Carolina had the excellent interception by Witherspoon, the speed rush sack and fumble by Rucker, the deep ball to Ricky Proehl and the Punt return virtually for a touchdown. Combining the big plays with significantly fewer miscues, turnovers, penalties and ineffectiveness ensured the Panthers were by far the better team on the field for the day.

On the Special Team front the comparisons are frightening. New England had one punt they even bothered to touch and that was for no return. Meanwhile the Panthers averaged more than 21 yards per punt return and if you exclude their 76 yard return they still averaged more than 10 yards per punt return. The Panthers in tribute to Superbowl 38 made that their average starting position. New England managed to commemorate, or is that commiserate their Superbowl 20 blowout with their starting position. Spot a team 20 yards per possession and expect to win? Not easily!

Offensively the Patriots had 21 incompletions! That’s right between drops, errant passes, forced throwaways and such, the Patriots had more balls incomplete than many teams attempt in a game! Add in thirteen penalties and there is already a sign of the apocalyptic failings. Dillon is a stalwart talent yet he hasn’t managed 100 yards in two games and didn’t manage three yards per carry yet again as he struggled with 14 carries for 36 yards (2.6 yards per carry average). He seemed to not hit the holes with energy and power in part because he didn’t seem to do much with energy and power and in part because there were no apparent running lanes (holes) to find. With an anemic running performance the passing woes were magnified and the Patriots lethargy continued as receivers failed to get off the jam or to shake free of the allegedly less quick defenders. Despite 23 completions the Panthers defense really had the better of New England most of the day.

Where does a team go from a performance like this? It varies as the Patriots have had worse performances such as the Steeler game last Halloween. In that game their reasons were clear as they had an overwhelming and ludicrous number of significant injuries. This game they had some secondary issues but that isn’t where they lost the game and as such it is hard to blame that particular failing. In the Dolphin loss last year they outplayed the Dolphins for most of the game and self-destructed with foolish turnovers and a lack of secondary depth to handle the frantic last minute (successful) gasp of Miami. Still they were games with understandable faults and reasons. To properly digest this loss the source must be found and fixed which may not be as easy unless a psychiatrist can wake up the team. It is possible the loss itself may wake them but Belichick is unlikely to leave it to hope. Changes must come on the Special teams unit. Perhaps fewer starters whom are perhaps a bit less in focus and a bit less dangerous in their effort. Perhaps a key cut which is not uncommon when there is key failings of individuals? Something must shake up this unit to change the trend which cannot be allowed. Offensively much must make the unit make fewere penalties and be in stronger focus such that Tom is more accurate and the receivers drop fewer balls. Perhaps a challenge to the lineman for Corey Dillon to unveil his prowess in a game in which he isn’t expected to get much performance. What is clear is New England can be thankful this is an early call to waken. It is a loss out of division and out of conference. It is a loss to a team they may face again much as they did in beating Pittsburgh and St. Louis in playoffs after regular season losses. Ultimately this particular game won’t decide the playoff positioning or even merit. However, performances like this will certainly settle the merit question if not corrected. Coach Belichick, New England expects and demands you show your properly prepared team for a judgment of their 2005 talent. Tune in next Sunday and expect a battle worthy of World Champions!

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October 2: San Diego Chargers

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NFL Review		ESPN Review

Adjusting to Failure - Anomaly or Trend?

The San Diego Chargers put a pretty impressive pounding into Patriot Nation and their perhaps overly extended pride. The first half was a competitive shootout but half-time adjustments made clear that San Diego adjusted and corrected properly while Belichick's Brigade floundered to adjust to San Diego or their own personnel issues! Meanwhile, Patriot Nation must adjust for the first time in more than two years tot he notion their Patriots may not be the best team in football with all conditions presently in place. The good news is that they may still rise to be the best team in football when such things matter, January, if only they can sufficiently survive and thrive on an inferior AFC-East along the way. They must adjust to their own changes and become Master of these by the end of the next 12 weeks while managing to exploit a weak division and be in place to make a run for the dominance they held virtually throughout the last 2+ years of NFL action.

The game began well enough with a defensive stop and a solid Patriot 73 yard Drive to the 19 yard line. A run losing three yards preceded a pass of 11 such that facing third and short the Pats felt obliged to pass and this failure preceded a greater and more ominous failure. Adam Vinatierri missed a chip shot field goal for him (36 yards).

San Diego responded with a 7 play drive for a field goal in which New England stood strong at second and 1 as well as third and 1! Trailing 3-0 the signs were still quite good for New England. A nine play drive setting up Dillon for a one yard touchdown plunge seemed to indicate the day's trends as it put Patriot Nation on top 7-3 and highlighted the Shotgun formation and a screen pass to Dillon for his longest reception ever as a Patriot.

The Patriot Defense responded by shutting down the Chargers for the second time in three drives and getting the Offense the ball and a lead. Unfortunately the Pats have not shown a prolific strength of offense when holding a lead. First play: Sack for minus eight yards. Somehow Givens converted by force of will a third and eighteen but quickly a loss of yards on the ground and a pair of incompletes gave the Chargers the ball back at their own 43 after a 114 yard punt return. The Chargers attempted to self-destruct with penalties (4) but the Patriots behind Scott and Starks gave up big passing yardage to entitle the Chargers to sneak their way out of the holes. End result was an eleven yard Touchdown toss to McKardell whom burned Starks. Worse still the Bolts had discovered New England's group of defenders could not well respond to their hurry up offense and seemingly had a key to exploit, which they did, throughout the game.

Trailing once again the offense for New England was a bit hasty as with only two plays they his Tim Dwight for a 30 yard Touchdown to recapture the lead 14-10. This gave a tired defense little time to rest and it would show as the Chargers would then exploit New England on three Consecutive drives leading well into the second half. Drives of 79, 80 and 75 yards would show their dominance over New England's defense. Meanwhile the Pats first and best answer set up a First and Goal before the half which provided a disappointing three points. The half time tie was worthy but the inclinations were showing ill which became reality as New England's offense completely fell out of rhythm. Tom on his heels failed to complete significant passes and the run game vanished entirely as San Diego piled up drives, yards and points in a totally dominant second half which allowed New England only 3 minutes of fourth quarter possession. While the final rumbling of points was irrelevant to the overall mastery, this game wounded the Patriots Pride and showed many a weakness to exploit when the units don't get themselves into sync. Offensively they had better learn to let their Tight ends loose, their running game better become a consistent factor and Tom Brady had better learn to play consistently whether trailing or leading, with the game on or not on the line in the final frame. There is considerable work ahead for this group and fortunately much time. In the meanwhile the Adjustments made by fans to their fall from dominance had better be matched by the adjustments of coaches and players to ensure the dominance is restored when it matters most...and that the team is properly poised for when that occurs.

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October 9: Atlanta Falcons

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NFL Review		ESPN Review

A Step in the Right Direction

New England Patriots 31 – Atlanta Falcons 28

After a tumultuous week of reviewing the Chargers second half dominance of New England, the Patriots needed to take steps which hopefully included a victory but had to include some essential elements. The first part of those steps were indeed taken on the legs of Corey Dillon whom on the Pats second drive began moving the chains and setting up the strength of the day: offense. Specifically the bulk of the steps were taken on the arm of Tom Brady who hit Deion Branch three times on the first scoring drive before ultimately handing the job back to Patrick Pass for his own powerful steps. Pass plunged into the end-zone for his first NFL rushing touchdown. It seemed the Patriots were dedicated to a better run performance and Tom was definitely poised to cut up a challenged Atlanta secondary. The seven play drive had included 5 rushes for 27 yards and a touchdown which was a sign they had come to be physical.

Defensively the Patriots strategy seemed to be leaning towards shutting down the Atlanta vaunted running game and after their first three series Atlanta had little success running and marginal success passing. The Corners and safeties were on an island to ensure the linebackers could concentrate on the run and the strategy along with the offensive explosion had New England up 14-0 for the end of the first quarter. Unfortunately they didn’t seem willing or able to adjust their defensive philosophy with this lead and Schaub went deep for 53 yards over Assante Samuel and setting up the Falcons with the help of a PI for a Falcon touchdown. Thus in short order the Falcons had climbed back in the game and the Pats offense surprisingly lost a seemingly productive drive primarily due to the detriment of a sack. Just within Adam’s range they failed to extend their lead because a sack on first down led to three ineffective plays which forced a punt to a pressing Falcon front.

The Falcons put together a sustained drive picking on Gus Scott as they drove to the five yard line. Were it not for a Roosevelt Colvin sighting in which a third down play produced a sack, the game might well have been tied. Instead the Falcons settled for a Field goal but had shown the Pats weakness of Secondary and started to loosen up the run defense as well.

With under two minutes remaining the Pats managed the clock poorly and punted to the Falcons with good field position. A quick bit of failing and a failed attempt to time-out stun a rookie kicker let the Atlanta Falcons notch a 58 yard Field Goal as time ran out in the half with the Patriots up by just a single point and the Dome in a frenzy. Atlanta had dominated the second quarter with 11 first downs and 10 minutes in time of possession!

New England had a half time response for their opponent. Brady opened with a 45 yard pass to Daniel Graham to remind the Falcons that the Tight ends were getting considerable attention on the day. Not convinced the Falcons watched while the other Tight End, Ben Watson, sprinted 33 yards past his coverage for a Tom Brady Touchdown pass that had come lightning quick. The defense began with a dual sack by Vrabel and Green to rattle the young Schaub and it succeeded as two incomplete led to an Atlanta punt and the Patriots had set a powerful message before the now quieted crowd.

After a pair of punts the Pats were once again in possession and driving. A penalty was the start of an onslaught of Patriot Penalties which totaled an unacceptable 11 on the day but before they began in earnest Brady went over the top deep to speedster Bethel Johnson for a 55 yard touchdown and a commanding 15 point lead at 6 minutes remaining in the third frame.

After another Falcon stop the Patriot offense was driving for the kill and had just crossed mid-field when a turning point arrived in the game. Only 41 seconds remained as Brady stepped back to pass either to Dillon or an open Daniel Graham. Tipped at the line the ball was intercepted and although there was no return the Falcons had hope again.

Quickly they went 28 yards to Crumpler over the much smaller Samuel and they had notched their only first down of the third quarter. They had also changed a drive for an insurmountable 22 point Patriot lead into a chance to close within a single score. When the run failed them yet again they went back to their top notch tight end whom finished the distance with a 25 yard touchdown. The Pats now held onto a more fragile 28-20 lead as the fourth quarter had just begun.

The next drive had the penalties in earnest with the Patriots having a pair of first down passes called back and ultimately landing them too deep in the hole for Patrick Pass to notch a first down despite his 13 yard run. The penalties would keep coming and the Patriots were squandering a chance to seal the game. It was at this point that a broken handed Willie McGinest made the saving tackle on Ducket whom had rumbled 18 yards but had more to go if not for McGinest’s hustle. Stopped on the drive at that point, the Pats answering drive had Brady go deep to Givens on a third and short. While many clamor for Charlie Weiss at this point, it was actually precisely the type of play Charlie would have called. It failed and thus the Falcons got the ball back for one final drive.

They put up eight plays and spanned 62 yards for a touchdown that needed only two point conversion success to produce a tied game. A perfect throw and catch earned them this prize but they had made a tragic error. The game had ridden on the arm of an exceedingly effective Tom Brady. With 3:47 remaining on the clock. Tom Terrific was as advertised and demonstrated why he so frequently is overlooked for league MVP. Despite Watson notching a False start to start the drive improperly, Tom hit Branch for the first down…until the holding on Neal nullified this and put the Pats into a deep hole. Branch broke free however and Brady had him in sights and Atlanta chose to use pass interference and accept the gain rather than the potential touchdown they had nearly allowed. A few plays later the Pats were in Field Goal range before the two minute warning and began to run down the clock to let Adam take the game walking away. Patrick Pass really sealed it with a 15 yard run and the Pats left Atlanta only 20 seconds to recover from Adam’s 31-28 automatic points. They did not and New England was victorious.

The defense had squandered too much, tired too much and certainly shown too many penalties for a championship team. Today the offense was ready to make the steps of opening a running game and letting Tom Brady look all world. It was a victory against an NFC opponent of Championship caliber. It was a win on the road. It was a win despite the absence of many key components. The schemes had their flaws but had enough forward steps to match the offensive progress. It was not enough by much but they took small steps ahead in their division. Many small steps must be taken to win each week and this week there were enough – more impressive since the ground gaining Falcons lead the league in small steps… but they did not lead the Patriots with it.

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October 16: Denver Broncos

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NFL Review		ESPN Review

Fortunately, A New Season Begins Now

New England Patriots 20 – Denver Broncos 28

Denver entirely dominated and humiliated the New England Patriots…in the second quarter. They even launched an impressive drive in the first series of the second half. They also closed out the game with two key first downs enabling them to end on a knee. This is what good teams do in key matches. This is what New England has done far too infrequently this season and that is why after the toughest opening six games in NFL History, with an astoundingly challenging rash of injuries and with the change that comes from their past success; New England stands at 3-3 as they enter their much needed bye week. They have played precisely zero division games and are tied for first place within their division. They have a bye to get healthy, re-evaluate their defensive philosophies and begin their new ten game season with a Sunday Night Halloween eve opener against the Buffalo Bills. So while the future holds all the hope and promise of a new season, this is a review and will leave that for a week or so while forcibly reflecting upon the Denver victory.

The first quarter held promise and a slight foreboding of dread for the inability to capitalize on the Patriot dominance which heralded that first quarter. The Patriots opened by driving to mid-field before an incomplete to Branch on third led to Miller’s first Punt. He dropped it perfectly on the Denver 3 and the Patriots Defense arrived inspired. A quick three and out nearly had a safety but gave the Patriots the ball back with excellent field position at the Denver 43. Nearly in Adam range they got there in a single play as Branch caught a 13 yard pass. The drive gained 9 yards but stalled and Adam gave New England an early lead. The defense again held strong and New England’s offense again reached the mid-field before stalling. Poor penalty use by Shanahan enabled New England to give Denver the ball at the 3 rather than the 30 and again New England seemed poised in the Field battle game as the first Quarter ended with Denver managing only a pair of first downs.

The second quarter would begin the embarrassment as Plummer evaded pressure and then untouched by pressure all day managed a 72 yard bomb over Duane Starks to set the Broncos up on the 5 yard line. They would not disappoint their fans. Two carries later Tatum Bell was in the endzone for a 7-3 Bronco lead. The tide had turned. Despite a free first down on a questionable roughing the passer call, New England proceeded to lose 5 on a run with famous Amos Zereoue as part of their 3 and out. Miller did once again land a punt inside the 20 for his third time in three attempts. Plummer immediately picked on the beleagured New England Secondary as he burned Sanders for 19 with Lelie and then deep to Lelie to once again expose the lack of coverage by Duane Starks. That pass was for 55 yards and Denver was in the red zone. A few plays later they hit Rod Smith nicely to make it 14-3 late into the second quarter. The Pats floundered on offense but did make a defensive stand when McGinest and Klecko shared a sack for the only real pressure on Plummer most of the day. The next New England drive also faltered and a correct reversal of a Givens ‘catch’ was part of that faltering. This time the Denver offense was ready to exploit with another big play and Monty Beissel would be the victim. Beissel over-ran a hole and let a Tatum Bell cut back cover 68 yards and set up Denver on the 11 yard line. Anderson then jaunted 10 yards which was recalled by replay from a touchdown to a first and goal. No matter as Denver was a perfect 3 of 3 in the Red Zone and surprised New England with a pass to Johnson for a 21-3 dominant lead inside the one minute mark. A beautiful screen pass to Pass had 39 yards and a near field goal range at the Denver 40. An errant pass and a poorly chosen pass to Amos forced a spike and a long range Adam 53 yard miss. It was appropriate for the nature of that second quarter. It also included New England left tackle Logan Mankins committing a personal foul which earned him a game disqualification and a long stint in Modi’s doghouse™.

Things would not immediately improve for the Patriots after the half time regrouping. Denver marched for another touchdown on 9 plays which included a Tatum Bell Draw play for 20 yards and the exploitation of Randall Gay who made his return debut and of course Duane Starks was exploited again before Anderson pounded it in from the 2 yard line. Denver was a perfect 4 of 4 in red zone touchdown scoring. Thus would end the worst of New England’s defensive ineptitude whether due to Denver becoming clock and play conservative with their 28-3 lead or whether they found some inner resolve. The offense was mired in a Tom Brady slump which dropped him below a 50 percent completion rate but he did manage to hit Tim Dwight for a long gainer which set up Adam to make the score a still abysmal hole of 28-6. The defense was however still determined and the offense again had a chance with 3:43 remaining in the third quarter and began a long march which would finish just inside the fourth quarter with an eight yard touchdown run by Patrick Pass.

The Fourth Quarter was filled with promise and a demonstration of heart by the Patriots. Instead of giving up they had found their team center and began an assault on the Broncos which was only a comeback attempt ultimately but which proved whom was going to give up and whom was in the game and season for the long haul. The results were brilliant by Brady and the defense as they dominated in putting up a pair of hard fought scores. Their rally ultimately fell short on errors in all three facets of the game: offense, defense and special teams. A solid field position was eradicated on a special team penalty which cost 27 yards as Chad Brown was caught holding when Tim Dwight had returned the ball to the 35 yard line. Still the drive had promise as five minutes remained and New England marched 30 yards. Brady then hit David Givens alone for a big gainer except that Givens had decided to run before the catch and that momentary lapse cost him the catch. A well timed Denver Blitz was poorly handled and Intentional Grounding was called putting New England in a deep 3 and 20 hole. Branch had the catch for 19 of those but an excellent hit flipped him and he couldn’t hold it as he struck the ground. New England saved the challenge for a time-out and hoped their defense would hold. Their first defensive failure went to the tight end over Starks and Vrabel’s efforts and New England lost some of the battle but still had faint hope. Starks was again exploited as Denver surprised New England with another pass and Rod Smith had hauled in an easy first down at the two minute warning. The game required only kneel downs and the Patriots rally had failed. It failed with an effort and given all the factors and how deeply they had fallen, there was enough encouragement that with the impending changes during the bye week, there is a full new season ahead for New England and all Patriot fans.

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