What did we learn about the team?
My biggest take away from this one was the way the Patriots won. Nick Folk deserves to be mentioned as well but the obvious standout was the defense. They answered a lot of questions and turned some heads I’m sure. The Patriots don’t need to put it on Mac’s shoulders to win. Obviously it helps when the offense can finish drives but the defense can step up and vaporize opponents. I know it’s the Falcons but a shutout on a short week on the road is impressive regardless.
Who stood out the most during such a dominant game?
Kyle Van Noy. Not going to hesitate or overthink. Dude balled out. Plain and simple. And to think Miami fans seemed happy to watch him leave and pay him to do so. KVN ended the game with 2 sacks, a pick 6, and an immediate drug test Friday morning. No I’m not kidding.
Most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in forever. But I’m super happy for him. Thanks Miami. Idiots.
The Titans are going to be a serious test for this Patriots team, how do you think they’ll approach Tennessee?
I’m not afraid of any team anymore. The Patriots can run with anybody at this point in the year. But Mike Vrabel has proven to not be afraid of the Patriots or Bill. If I was the Patriots I would dial up the same game plan they used against Cleveland. Julio Jones and Derrick Henry both won’t be playing. Leaving AJ Brown as their lone passing threat more or less. Adrian Peterson is in the backfield. But I think if the Patriots just make Tannehill throw it he will blow it. The Patriots defense is playing fast enough now to cause some real chaos. So if the Patriots can make them one dimensional they should win.
How do you think the Titans will attack the Patriots?
They’re probably going to start by watching the Browns first drive from a couple weeks ago. If the Patriots line up in that speedy package on 2nd down the Titans could gash them for chunk yardage. The Browns did it with their 3rd string running back. There’s no reason AP couldn’t break one off if the Patriots aren’t prepared. I’m also going to guess that they’re going to blitz a lot. Mac has shown he doesn’t have the best feel for the pocket so if Tennessee rattles him early it’ll definitely be a test for Mac the rest of the day. They also have to account for AJ Brown. I know he’s their only real receiving threat in the game he can easily rip a 45 yard play off like it’s nothing. If he winds up on a guy like Joejuan Williams that could be a mismatch talent wise that Tannehill could exploit.
The Patriots have their work cut out for them. But if they pull this out it’s over. For everyone. They will have far exceeded all my expectations I had. As small as they were. They will be “those dudes” if they win. LFG forever.
Stupid Spoiled Patriots Fan Pod/Blog 