That's More Like It

The New England Patriots showed that they are just about ready to defend their title with a resounding victory at Lambeau Field. This was the most Patriot-like performance we've seen thusfar this pre-season and it was long overdue.

So much for not being able to stop the run. Green ran 11 times for 23 yards and lost a fumble to McGinest when Wilfork slashed into the backfield and Chad Brown knocked the ball lose. As a team GB ran 29 times for only 96yds for a 3.2 average. I'll take that any day of the week against any team in the league. Conversely, the Pats and especially Dillon looked strong running the ball. Dillon carried 14 times for 70yds, 5 yards per carry and a touchdown. As a team the Pats carried 34 times for 155, a 4.6 average.

So much for 3rd down conversions being a problem. The Patriots were 8 for 17 while holding GB t0 6 for 16. More importantly, the first team offense scored on 5 of its 7 posessions and GB needed a fluke play on a punt to get anywhere near the end zone.

So much for being bad on special teams. Other than the fluke play on the punt that hit Ty Poole in the back, special teams were very good. They were able to make plays on returns and stuff GB. They averaged nearly 30 yds per kick return while holding GB to under 20. Another good play that won't show in the stat sheet was the play by Tim Dwight on a punt. While waiting for the punt to come down on his own 10 yd line, he waved for a fair catch and moved forward a couple of steps. The defenders bought the decoy and went towards him. The ball landed slightly behind and to the right of him and bounced into the end zone. GB never had a chance to down the ball because they got duped.

OK so there were a few penalties, but as the anouncers suggested, that happens in pre-season on special teams because guys realize that they are on the chopping block and they are trying to make something happen.

Ben Watson was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 49 yards. It looked like they really wanted to work him into the offense. Did you see him come in motion and wreck defensive lineman on running plays? He is a devastating blocker and I think they used him well without showing him off too much. Sooner or later his catches will be downfield and not just in the flat. I just think they don't want to give too much away.

Now we are merely days from the opening kick-off. Don't expect to see many starters on Thursday night. Do expect to see a lot of passing, Belichick has to find some way to sort out these wide receivers. The only way to do that is to air it out to these guys and see who will make plays.

Tell your friends you heard it here!