DAMNGINI

Waitasec, the Pats lost to the Jets? The J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets? What a horrid state of affairs. Once again, the Patriots offensive play calling needs to come into question, as they team could not figure out for the second week in a row if they were a running team or a team that should spread the field and let Tom Brady pick apart the secondary and poor saps trying to cover Ben Watson. Instead, the team kind of muddled around in between. Running somewhat effectively but not consistently. The passing game was not consistent or in rhythm the entire game.

I had the pleasure of watching the game at the Charlie Horse in West Bridge sitting directly in front of the 8 screens showing all the early games with the Pats on the big screen. Information Overload! Suffice to say, I cannot imagine how thoroughly annoying I would be with the Sunday Ticket as I switched from game to game. Suffice to say, after watching the game, I was more than ready to let the kids loose in the arcade and take out my frustrations on the kiddie games.

Where did the Pats go wrong? First and foremost, the defense let the team down in the fourth quarter when they could not stop the immortal Kevin Barlow and get the offense back in the mud. While I detest going away from natural grass, at this point I think the FinessePats are better off on turf. Third down stops were few and far between, as the Jets spent a lot of time eating the clock.

Also, at this point, it is ludicrous to keep bringing up David Givens and Deion Branch as reasons for the offensive slump the team has been in. Jabbar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, Chad Jackson, Doug Gabriel (despite his fumble and benching), and Troy Brown are a solid group. I have no doubt that Jackson will emerge as a number one receiver next year, but the group now is still very good. Lest anyone forget, Caldwell is doing well, Gaffney caught 55 passes the other year, Gabriel looks better than Randy Moss, and Jackson is slowly coming into his own. Troy Brown is, well, Troy Brown. Last time I checked, David Givens went 8 receptions for 104 yards: FOR THE SEASON! He is down and out for the year. Branch, on the other hand, was a guy who held out while still under contract. Know what happens to slobs like us who do that? We get shown the door. I have nothing but a big hell yeah for the Pats for showing him the door. Who the hell is Deion Branch? A number two receiver for a mediocre Seattle team right now.

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