Thoughts after Week 12, Patriots vs. Lions

This game was a lot closer than the final score indicated. The Pats could not get a stop for nearly 3 quarters and were down by as many as 11 points in the 2nd quarter. Fortunately the Pats were able to pull away in the 4th quarter to a 45-24 victory over the Lions.

Offense
Brady played perfectly as his 158.3 perfect passer rating would attest. He surgically passed for 341 yards, 4 2nd-half TDs with no picks. The OL was shaky early on and Brady took some nasty shots. But Brady stayed cool and continued to deliver accurate strikes while the OL made adjustments. Brady for MVP? Definite possibility.

Welker finally looks like he is back to his pre-injury form. He looks explosive again and he finished with 2 TDs.

Branch also looks explosive again too. His hamstring must be feeling a lot better because he also caught 2 TDs. Probably the play of the year was on an awesome "fake-in, go" route which badly fooled CB Alphonso Smith. Brady threw a perfect strike to Branch streaking down the left sideline. Branch then got Smith turned around several times before racing into the end-zone.

The running game was pretty good adding 2 rushing TDs as well. One notable play was when BJGE plowed over this game's whipping-boy, Alphonso Smith, on his way to a score.

Defense
The defense played pretty poorly for 3 full quarters. They couldn't stop the run and they couldn't get off the field on 3rd downs. It felt like the Lions were able to just methodically march up and down the field for most of this game and score almost at will until...

...rookie CB Devin McCourty made a great play going underneath to pick off a pass intended for the much taller WR Calvin Johnson. This was the stop the Pats were desperately searching for all game and you could feel the momentum finally swing in New England's favor. McCourty added another INT later in the game on an overthrow.

After the Pats' offense started pouring on the points after repeatedly abusing Alphonso Smith, it was great seeing the intensity continue from the defense. They delivered some punishing hits and I love this smash-mouth style of football.

Special Teams
The only noticeable negative from this unit was that the Lions used directional kickoffs to pin Tate deep in the corner and limit his return yardage. It's a minor concern in the grand scheme of things but something that other teams may start to emulate.

Other Thoughts
The offense is carrying this team while the young defense continues to learn on the fly. It was great seeing the Pats make 2nd-half adjustments which the Pats during the dynasty era were known for and outscore the Lions 35-7 in the 2nd half.