Foxborough...we have a problem....BUT

The Patriots finished the toughest 6 game schedule in league history at 3-3. If you consider the strength of opponent, being on the road and all of the injuries, I think 3-3 is about the best they could have hoped for. If they had, say Indianapolis' schedule, they'd be 5-1 and the talk around the league would be three-peat. Instead, we have to hear about how good the Indianapolis Frauds are and how 'superbowl caliber' their defense is. That's BS.

Once again 3-3 going into the bye is just like starting the season over at 0-0. They have an extra week to get some guys back (Poole, Seymour money, McGinnest, Beisel, Scott, Dillon, Brown, etc and BRUSCHI). They should also get back to the drawing board. Even with all of the injuries, they stayed in a 3-4, plain coverage, almost prevent defense so they wouldn't get burned on the long play. How'd that work for'em? It is time to get back to the 4-3 and utilize the strength of this team, the D-Line. Take the reigns off these guys. Typically, in BB's defense, the D Line hit the O Line and watch to see where the play is going and then fill the gap to either side of the O line guy. (2 gap system) Forget it Bill, you're getting torched that way. Not that I would attempt to hold a candle to BB's knowledge, but if that hasn't worked AT ALL, why not try something different. Here's an idea: Let them play!!!! Go to the 4-3, and let Seymour, Green, Wilfork and Warren get upfield on the snap, let them penetrate, let them get into the backfield and get some sacks and tackles for a loss. Maybe the pressure might even lead to, of all things, a TURNOVER! If the cover guys can't cover anyway, why not attack? What's the worse thing that could happen, they give up one or two big plays a game? They're already allowing that!

Here's some of the uglilness so far this season, the Pats are:

30th in takeaways with 3. Only Houston and Washington are worse.

25th in run defense. 125 yds/game

32nd (LAST) in red zone Defense. 19 trips, 15 TD's and 4 field goals

31st in first down Defense. They allow 6.4 yds/play on 1st down.

Here's some of the bright spots (Tom Brady):

3rd in passing offense, 295 yds/game

8th in first downs gained with 120

2nd in sacks allowed, only 7 sacks in 232 pass attempts - but that's ALL on Brady getting
rid of the ball, because you will never convince me that they've protected him this year.
How many times did you wince last week when Brady got hit? How many times have you
seen a blitzer come through untouched this season?

It HAS been pretty bad this year, but with the competition in the division being so bad, the Pats could probably go 9-7 and still win the division. I'm looking for a big turn around after the bye. With the remaining schedule they should only have a MAX of 3 more losses. MAYBE at Kansas City, MAYBE one division game, and VERY MAYBE to Indy, but I think that will be a statement game for the Pats. IF they do lose three more that still puts them comfortably in the playoffs at 10-6. So fear not Pats fans, it's bad but it can only get better.

I believe we have a faithful reader that is a Doctor. Hey Bryan, can you give us some medical insight on what's going on with Bruschi?