Week 11 @ Carolina

So close! The Pats lost this game to a great Carolina defense, and an explosive Cam Newton. Regardless of that last call there were so many things the Pats could’ve done to stay in the game. Other than the fumbles, and the penalties at the wrong times, I can’t say I’m disappointed with this team. We got beat fair and square against a team that was better than us that night.

The run game looked good. We had more rushing yards combined with each back, and the power running looked to maintain ground. Blount looked awesome. Ridley looked better in the second half after being sent to the doghouse for fumbling at a crucial point in the first half.  Shane Vereen looked awesome also. I’m glad we have a dynamic player like him back on our offense.

I thought Brady looked good tonight too spreading the ball around.  I think he targeted like 7 or 8 people tonight. That’s classic Tom Brady for ya! I Aside from the pick in the end zone on the final play, I think he played pretty decently.

The WR’s played well too. I don’t understand why Thompkins isn’t used more in the game. Clearly he can be a game changer, but I guess that’s just how the Pats do things. Edelman’s been completely silent the past month or so. Dobson seems to be getting it and that’s a step in the right direction for this offense.

Defensively we didn’t do horrible. I’ve seen the defense play worse haha. We only let up 300 yards, and about 299 of that was Cam Newton rushing the ball. Not really, but he might as well have. The defense being banged up is starting to show. With Dennard out, and Talib out again who knows what can happen Sunday night against Denver.

Even though it was a loss for us it doesn’t feel like a bad loss. We’re 7-3 and we’re 2 games ahead of an up and down Jets team, and the Dolphins. I think the Fins show more of a threat than the Jets at the moment, but there’s still a lot of ball left to be played.  The Panthers didn’t crush us, and we were able to score on probably the best defense in the game right now. 

Next Sunday night we got the high-powered offense that is the Denver Broncos. In what could be an emotional return for Welker, and Pats fans. All emotions need to be pushed aside because despite the great records these teams have; they need to win this game. Brady has Manning’s number at 9-4 but that’s completely irrelevant when it comes to them playing the actual game. The only way they can control each other’s game is by controlling the clock, and the amount of time each QB spends on the field.  It should be a good game.