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Why rest of league still is afraid of Patriots 10.23.12 at 12:46 am ET
By

The Tom Brady-Bill Belichick combo is enough to concern the rest of the league. (AP)

At 4-3, the Patriots have issues, but you won’t catch any of the other 31 teams in the league thinking New England isn’t still among the league’s elite.

To the contrary — one high-level NFL personnel man who has broken down extensive amounts of film on New England said the Patriots are just as dangerous as ever for two reasons: given some extra time (with the bye week) history tells us that they have shown an uncanny ability to self-correct and/or camouflage their weaknesses. They also have a healthy Tom Brady under center.

Sleep on the Patriots at your own peril, he warns New England’s critics, and adds that it’s likely the rest of the league feels the same way.

“The problems they face are legitimate, but they’ve shown an ability in the past to fix any issues they’ve faced,” he said. “And they still have Brady.”

Through the first seven games, the Patriots have struggled in several areas, particularly when it comes to pass defense. While he’s not sure what’s happened with the New England defensive backs, he believes one of the reasons the pass defense is struggling is that the Patriots — who preach team defense more than anyone — are failing when it comes to playing as a group.

“In the fourth quarter against the Jets, some of their defensive deficiencies were exposed,” he said. “You get a pass rush, that can mask a lot of those defensive weaknesses they’ve had. I saw [Bill] Belichick talk about it after the game, and some players said the same thing — we have to get better pressure on the quarterback.

“You have to be able to push the pocket and get after the quarterback, and right now, that’s one of the weaknesses of this team.”

As for their inability to take advantage of some opportunities and close teams out down the stretch, there’s a belief that the passing game isn’t quite where it needs to be with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski fighting injuries.

“At this time, the tight end group is not fully healthy — those two guys are playing through injury, and are not at optimum levels at this point,” he said of the Hernandez/Gronkowski combo. “I think it’s affecting their passing game. They are working their way through some nagging injuries at this point, but they’re playing. But the passing game is still working through some things.”

Offensively, one of several things working in New England’s favor is an increased balance. The running game is an aspect of the Patriots’ offense that now demands much more attention from defensive coordinators.

“One positive I can see from the New England offense that wasn’t there last year was that when they want to run the ball and stay committed to it, they can do it with great success,” he said. “They certainly have a lot more balance that they have had in the past.”

And then, there’s an offensive line that doesn’t appear to miss much of a beat, even when an All-Pro like Logan Mankins isn’t able to go.

“Another thing that really sticks out for me is the quality of the New England coaching staff and the level of self-awareness they have. They are a well-coached group, and well coordinated, particularly on the offensive line,” he said.

“Against the Jets, the offensive line didn’t have Mankins, but they were able to have success up front. That group is not in the top tier of talent in the NFL — their tackles are better now than in previous years — but that group does more with less particularly on the interior than most other teams. They’ve had guys come and go at center and at guard, and still have had success.”

In the end, this league source believes the combination of the Patriots’ own critical eye, as well as the continued high level of play from the quarterback, should be enough to minimize any problems down the stretch. The post-bye week stretch — which includes four games against teams currently at .500 or worse — should give us a good idea of where the Patriots will be positioned when the push for the postseason begins at Thanksgiving.

“The big picture in my mind? As long as they have Brady under center, they have a chance to win every Sunday, and that’s the bottom line,” he said. “I would look to how they do out of their bye week — that would be the litmus test for me. Then, you’ll be able to see how much they’ve changed and adjusted and they’ve been able to clean up. See how they come out after that — that will give you an idea of what this team will look like down the stretch.”

Read More: Aaron Hernandez, Bill Belichick, Logan Mankins, Rob Gronkowski Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • NFL Fan

    Puleeese, nobody fears this team. Pats have the EASIEST schedule in the NFL. You pick out one “high-level” NFL person, and he speaks for the other 30 teams? Quit cheerleading, Chris, and delve into why this team is 4-3, and how they almost lost lost to an equally inept Jets team sunday.!

  • Ronjb441960

    bottom line  pats fans  they won  4-3  mean we are in1st place  i am happy :)

  • Tcarlock3

    quit hatin on the pats n gt yo life they in 1st place so all smiles on my endtcarlock

  • Bam9er

    BB, cut off sweat pants? jesus h christ.

  • Zouki

    I’d be interested to see stats from last year to see how much if any the 2011 secondary improved after the bye week. It’s all fine to talk about “adjustments” but do they really happen, at least to a degree that makes a difference? And regarding the pass-rush: I thought Chandler Jones was supposed to be another Jean-Pierre Paul, and up to now I haven’t seen it. If Jones is as capable as he seems to be, what’s holding him back?

  • Brady for MVP HQ

    You really think that if you were a fan of another team, you would be happy to see the Pats were coming to town.  No way.  No chance.  Pats will still make a lot of noise this year.

  • Anonymous

    Just because you and people like you keep saying that doesn’t make it true.   Their schedule this year is a combined 55-52 (so far).   Not a monster lineup of opponents, but not bad either.   For comparison, the Texan’s schedule is a combined 51-53 (that would be a sub five hundred record) and the Ravens have opponents who are posting a horrible combined 47-57.

  • NFL Fan

    droofus, me and “people like me” are objective, something, I think, you and Christopher Price, aren’t. As for me, I get my facts from espn, nfl section.  Here are those facts: Giants have the toughest schedule THIS year based on their opponent’s 2011 record, which was 140-116. The Pats have the EASIEST schedule based on their opponent’s 2011 record also, whichwas 116-140! You want to argue facts, be my guest, but those statistics are fact. Most Pats fans will tell you the secondary is horrible, and their in trouble if they don’t tighten it up.

  • Anonymous

    So you’re saying that the 2011 record matters more than the current season. And you’re supposed to be the objective one?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7ZCDPVISSRBRA3GQQNSHOOECCU YourNeighbor

    NFL Fan. You are clueless. Their easy schedule was based on last years numbers. They play the NFC West which this year turns out to be the best division in the NFL. All four of the teams are ranked in the top 10 in defense. Based on team records and defensive rankings they have one of the hardest schedules this year. So much for the easy schedule genius. 

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  • Parity Pete

    NFL Fan – Schedules based on the previous years record historically do not reflect the strength of the teams the following year and if you are getting your “facts” from ESPN you have a multitude of other issues to deal with. The patriots are certainly not playing at an elite level by any means but to discount them because of the “easy” schedule they have is idiotic. Steelers, Green Bay, New Orleans and Detroit were a combined 50-14 last year and are a combined 11-14 so far this year so you can take pointless stats and file them where the sun don’t shine  Thank You

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/3VICLAUHBG3PNNJUZ4FZLAFGSA TRUST BILL

    They “HAD”the easiest on paper! Check again!!!!

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/GUWPGEDO4T2MO3GOSV427CRJTY Jon

    Lets see you think that Arizona, Baltimore, Seattle, Houston, San Francisco and Denver are easy, well the experts say the Pats have the 6th toughest schedule, but you know better, right. Puleeese shut up since you know nothing, and don’t even call yourself an NFL Fan, you insult everyone who really is a fan.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/GUWPGEDO4T2MO3GOSV427CRJTY Jon

    Just what does 2011 have to do with 2012, just look at the Vikes and the Saints? Compare this years Broncos to last and the same with Houston? Compare this years Miami and Indy this years Packers with last years, 2011 don’t mean a thing now.

  • mycelts

    SCREAM, TOO

    Pierce (first missed game) is resting against the Bobcats tonight, 
    20th in scoring, passing Barkley, at home would be right–
    Just 10 more points from Captain  P….
    Doc was determined to rest one of the Elderly Three.

    An Orlando hip hop station has a funny idea, 
    They’ve a clock counting down hours til Dwight’s outta hee-yuh!
    For Pierce, starting the game Jeff Green, Number Eight,
    First three minutes of this game for the Cs not great!

    Cats opened the game with an 8-0 run, 
    This is a team ten games in a row they have not won!
    Excellent ball movement from C to (shining?) C, 
    Love these words, “Avery Bradley For Three!”

    Wilcox kept Henderson from scoring, silly tech on him.
    DJ White got the call–hope he’ll find his rhythm.
    For the Cats, Henderson, in Q1, a great game.
    Kidd-Gilchrist Feb. concussion–hasn’t been the same.

    Randolph got minutes–heard he’s NBA’s ping pong star, 
    Cs up 1 start Q2–not too thrilling so far.
    Q2 White and Randolph showed that they can play,
    “Crawford For Three,” great words to say.

    Q1 Bass, Q2 JET, both hard to the hoop, 
    Should be relatively easy against this Charlotte group.
    Green heated up, found ways to make two, 
    More silly calls on the Cs–refs forgot what to do.

    Crawford and Wilcox, great give and go, 
    Doc loves that–After Time Outs–ATO!
    Cs playing half-court ball (ugh), finally T. Will for three, 
    Henderson has 21 points, Cs down 3 start Q3.

    KG’s shooting woes continue, Cats the only team playin’
    Cs are outrebounded, and not getting to the line–I’m just sayin’.
    Early Q3 Courtney Lee called for foul number four, 
    Cats (except AB’s three) the only team to score.

    Again quietly a good game from Brandon Bass.
    Scal riffed about UConn guys who don’t like to pass;
    Cats have Gordon, Walker and Adrien to boot, 
    These guys, Villanueva, Rip, Ray–all like to shoot.

    Cs struggle in Charlotte, they can’t seem to score, 
    Cs down 15 to start Q4.
    McRoberts opened Q4 with a loud dunk, 
    Only KG’s second field goal–Cs still in a funk.

    Early Q4 Lee picked up foul number five, 
    We’re all waiting for the Cs to (please!) come alive.
    Henderson, season high, beating us all on his own, 
    Half-court play, no paint, all the Cs have shown.

    McRoberts a double double, Cs’ effort is lame, 
    Doc hoped the new guys would show us some game.
    Tech on Henderson, only Q4 bright spot, 
    See the Cats in the playoffs (no jinx) we will not.

    Henderson’s Dad was a Celtic, wore eighty-four, 
    The son, half his number, but like Dad he can score.
    Trap game? No Pierce? Better than the Cats could dream.
    Logical response for Cs fans? No one to blame–SCREAM!

    History could be made tomorrow, a game not to be missed, 
    Pierce and KG 20th and 15th (pass West) all-time scoring list?

  • Otis

    This game was hilarious tonight. The Red Claw…err…Celtics looked like the Washington Generals against the mighty Bobcats. Can’t wait till this C’s team gets to throttle MIA in the playoffs. 

  • Otis

    get a life

  • robmarshtheshaba

    pathetic! these guys can’t think or come out flat. Thinking they can just go through the motions. This team has no excuses for their play against the bobcats. lol. how many times have they done this this yr? its not like they are learning how to play or don’t know about not showing up. crap crap crap. have a few more of these and forget it. this team just keeps showing dominance for stretches but louzy flat play in others.

  • Fab4ever

    I appreciated the effort…

  • Fab4ever

    Pierce or no Pierce. This team lost by 26 to the Charlotte Bobcats.

  • Boring Media Hype

    yawn…do people still follow African Handball on a regular basis?

  • Never showed up

    Read into it. terrible road team. Bad defense. Maybe he should have gave them a win on default and not play.

  • Bruinman86

     They had won 4 of their last 5 road games before tonight.

  • http://www.facebook.com/derek.lee.82 Derek Lee

    Hope there is a drug out there to speed up rondo’s recovery. Otherwise we’re screwed.

  • http://www.facebook.com/derek.lee.82 Derek Lee

    Are you an inbred who suffers from down syndrome?

  • Anonymous

    til I saw the draft which was of $5591, I didn’t believe …that…my friend was trully receiving money parttime from there labtop.. there great aunt haz done this 4 less than twenty three months and recently cleard the depts on there cottage and got a new Jaguar E-type. go to, jump15.comCHECK IT OUT

  • Otis

    Go to phonics.com you dumb B

  • http://www.facebook.com/eric.corwin2 Eric Corwin

    lack of heart…lack of hustle…lack of execution…Take a night off when playing a game that should go in the win column.  How about taking nights off against teams we have little chance to beat?

  • otis

     How dare you accuse him of being from Maine?

  • Bad Media Hype

    yawn

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