Thoughts after Week 17, Dolphins vs. Patriots

The Pats took care of business in a meaningless season finale and won big 38-7 over the visiting Miami Dolphins.

Offense

Brady continues to play mistake-free and tossed 2 more TDs. Most importantly Brady escaped injury while playing early into the 3rd quarter.

It was good to see both starting WRs Welker and Branch inactive for this game. We don't want to risk a repeat of last year. This also gave opportunities for other players. For example, Tate made a great diving catch in the end-zone from Hoyer. Taylor Price also made some good plays in his first NFL action.

Edelman made the most of his opportunities with a nice 40-yard scamper after catching a pass in the flat on a fake reverse. He later added a 94-yard punt return for a TD as well.

I'm proud of BJGE who reached the 1,000-yard rushing milestone. He quietly goes about his business and I like his no-nonsense approach.

Defense

The defense played great in this game. It all started with a beast-like performance from Wilfork wreaking havoc in the middle and recording a pair of sacks. It was good to see his intensity but he was flagged on a questionable helmet-to-helmet collision on one of his sacks.

Rookie DB McCourty recorded his 7th INT of the year. He definitely deserves consideration for ROY honors though Suh will probably win it.

The only player who struggled was Butler who continues to get beat all over the field. He is fast and always seems to be around the ball but he can NEVER make the play. I wonder if he's just not physical enough to want to get in there to break up passes.

Special Teams

The special team’s play was highlighted by Edelman's 94-yard punt return for TD as I mentioned earlier.

Other Thoughts

The Pats managed to rest several key players and escape major injuries while winning this game. Woodhead's head injury is an area of concern and hopefully he'll be cleared to play come playoff time.

The Pats played with a lot of pride on a meaningless game. It shows you how much winning means to this franchise. I love this team!

Thoughts after Week 16, Patriots vs. Bills

(Ugh, the Pats have just been eliminated from the NFL Playoffs and I'm a few weeks behind on my football analysis. I have to try to write this for completeness and pretend that this game just recently happened.)

The Patriots dominated this game and easily won 34-4 thanks to the sloppy play of their division opponent, the Buffalo Bills.

Offense

Brady set the all-time record for most consecutive passes thrown without an INT. The TV showed a graphic with Brady and two other former players who previously held the record, Brady's numbers were far more impressive because Brady threw for nearly twice as many TDs. Those other players were more game-managers. Ironically in this game, Brady finished with game-manager-like stats, 15 of 27 passing for 140 yards, 3 TDs.

Rookie TE Gronkowski caught a pair of short TDs in his homecoming to the state of NY.

The Pats did a great job running the ball finishing with 217 yards and a TD.

Defense

The Pats' run defense was not good and is possibly a result of all of the injuries on the front line. Wilfork had shifted to DE in this game for matchup reasons but Kyle Love seemed to struggle filling in at NT.

However, the Pats did a great job creating turnovers finishing with 7! The Bills were sloppy and the Pats were able to capitalize each time. Bills QB Fitzpatrick threw 3 INTs to Chung, Page, and Fletcher. The Bills also fumbled 4 times and the Pats were able to recover all 4.

Mayo did a great job of patrolling the middle of the field. He delivered some devastating hits though some looked much worse at first because he left his feet a few times to hit the receivers. However, all of the hard-hitting seemed to have its effect because the Bills started to get timid across the middle.

Special Teams

The Pats did a good job corralling dangerous return man C.J. Spiller.

Other Thoughts

With this win the Patriots have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The road to the Super Bowl will go through Foxborough, MA.

A Prayer for Tary's Grandfather

Lord,

As You already know, Tary's grandfather suffered a stroke this past weekend. He has no feeling on the right side of his body. He is very old and has other health issues. Things are not looking good.

Lord, I am not asking for a miracle. I am only asking that You be with him. Comfort him. I ask that you ease whatever suffering he may be enduring.

I pray that You watch over all of Tary's family. Most of them do not know You as God yet but they are part of my family now. I love them. All I can do is to call out to You on their behalf.

I know that You will hear my prayers. I trust in Your perfect will.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bedtime Conversations

The other night Tary and I had the following bedtime conversation:

Tary: Hi muffin.
Me: Hi cinnamon roll.
Tary: Hi croissant.
Me: Hi southern-style chicken sandwich.
Tary: o_O

We have the cutest nicknames sometimes. Now I'm hungry.