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5 Questions For a Patriots Blogger

Joe Tufaro — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:35:43 +0000

Again, we here at Fansided.com have the luxury of having access to fans that follow and write about their teams on a daily basis. Today we visit with Jamie Pacheco of MusketFire.com as he answers some burning questions about the Patriots prior to this weeks Super Bowl.

1. How will the injury to “The Gronk” affect your game plan and who will need to step up in his abscence if he cannot go?

Only the Patriots know the true extent of Gronk’s injury. If he can’t go, the offense they’ve run all year – two tight ends – can’t work and simply isn’t possible. The Pats do not have a backup TE who can do what Gronk does as a blocker and a pass catcher. They could go with more 3 WR sets or could use Nate Solder as a blocking TE on the line and maybe run more power sets. My feeling is Gronk plays and Solder is brought in as a blocking TE when needed to spell Gronk. Even if Gronk isn’t 100%, his presence demands the defense’s attention and if they take their eyes off him, watch out. I don’t think much will change though I do anticipate some more running and more screens than we’ve seen from the Pats this year.

2. Tom Brady has carried this team all year, however your defense has looked better as of late. What has been the difference in the defense this year and lately?

The defense has actually been much better at getting to the QB than last season, though the passing stats don’t reflect that extra pressure. Vince Wilfork has said all season that there have just been little miscommunications here and there and players being out of place, but that they would “get it” eventually. It could very well be that they are “getting it” now. Another factor that can’t be ignored is that Wilfork is playing some of the best football of his career this season and especially the last two playoff games.

3. Who’s bigger in Boston, Sox, Celts, Bruins, or Pats?

That’s a tough question. I don’t think that anyone can ever wrestle the Red Sox from the top spot in Boston, though the Patriots are close. Due to the Bruins recent success and the Celtics’ lack of success, they may have leapfrogged the Celts right now.

4. What is the state of your offensive line currently and who might be the weak link?

The offensive line is a strong unit and they did a pretty good job keeping Tom Brady clean against Baltimore in the AFC Championship game. Sebastian Vollmer is likely to play Sunday but he hasn’t suited up in several weeks, so he could be the weak link until he gets his “game legs” back under him. Dan Connolly at center is probably the weakest individual player but he has interior help from Logan Mankins and Brian Waters. Waters has been the team’s most consistent lineman all year and has been a pleasant surprise, especially considering he wasn’t signed until after camp.

5. Predictions on how the game will evolve?

I think the Patriots will actually start slower in this game than normal. I think that they were really onto something when they had BenJarvus Green-Ellis running the ball against Baltimore, who were focused on getting to Brady. My guess is some more running plays, namely draws and straight ahead power runs, to catch the Giants sleeping and try to wear them out as the game progresses. Bill Belichick has emphasized conditioning in practice, and I think that will play a large factor towards the end of the game. Belichick turned the heat up in the Pats’ practice bubble to simulate conditions in the dome. Which team is best conditioned to win in the fourth quarter will determine what I feel will be a tight game.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY: Physicality Needed

Joe Tufaro — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:31:17 +0000

The Giants and the Niners renew their storied rivalry today at Candelstick Park in San Francisco at 6:30 EST. This one should be a good old fashioned battle of wills. Those of us who remember the match-up from January of ’91, are really looking forward to a battle royale. However, there really are a few keys to this game that ensure victory for the New Yorkers. Forget the rain, forget the wind, and forget the mirror image 4 game winning streaks. This game will be decided up front.

Offensive Line: The offensive line must protect Eli today at all costs. They must find a way to open a few running lanes to allow the Giants to use the play action pass effectively. The Niners have a very talented defensive front which recorded 3 sacks last week. The Giants did rush for 89 yards in the last meeting in week 10, without Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw’s presence should make a big difference in this game. His physicality along with Brandon Jacobs could be a key to this game.

Defense: The defense can turn this into a simple task. They need to stop the run game of the Niners, force them into throwing the ball, and invite Alex Smith to beat them. Alex looked good in the final quarter last week, but he saw one look from the Saints defense. The Saints repeatedly brought 7 to 8 players on blitzes, which is actually a very easy read for the Qb. This week he will see the Giants rush 4 or 5, and see many more defenders in coverage. The Giants must remain physical when playing the wideouts and especially the tight ends of the Niners. Throwing off the rhythm of the San Francisco offense as they did against Atlanta and Green Bay is critical.

Eli vs. Alex: No matter which side of the stadium you are on this week, this match-up is one sided. If the Giants can make this a game of QB vs. Qb by restricting the running game of the Niners, they win.

No turnovers, No special teams mistakes, and the Giants should win their 5th game in a row as well as their 5th NFC Championship in 5 tries. Physicality, Determination, and Finishing will get the Giants a re-match with either Baltimore or New England in two weeks

NFL Sunday Picks

Joe Tufaro — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:56:10 +0000

We had a rough week last week going 9-7 thanks to some unexpected injuries, and some other strange happenings. We stand at 130-63 for the season including Thursday nights win in Pittsburgh. Here we go:

New England at Washington: The Redskin defense is pretty good, but still no match in the long run for the Patriots

PICK: NEW ENGLAND

Kansas City at New York Jets: The Jet offense will have it’s struggles again this week against a very strong K.C. defense. However Tyler Palko won’t mature much against the Jet defense. PICK: JETS

Houston at Cincinnati: Cincy’s defense might be a little much for the beat up Texans. I’m going with the home team with Cincy making it’s last stand at a playoff spot. PICK: CINCINNATI

Indianapolis at Baltimore: Even though Baltimore lost to Jacksonville earlier this year, I don’t think lightning strike twice, besdie The Ravens need to keep pace with the Steelers: PICK BALTIMORE

Minnesota at Detroit: Keep an eye on who is playing Qb for Minny this week. Christian Ponder wasn’t practicing during the week and might be out for this game. Joe Webb won’t scare the Lions and the Minnesota secondary allowed Tim Tebow to go 15-20! PICK: DETROIT

Atlanta at Carolina: I have been a big fan of Cam Newton this year, but the rest of the team needs some help, as he noted this week in the media. Atlanta needs to sew up the top Wild Card spot soon. PICK: ATLANTA

Philadelphia at Miami: Vick, Maclin, Matthews, all back….I’m guessing they need some time to get used to seeing each other again. Miami playing very well especially at home. PICK: MIAMI

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville: If Raheem Morris wants to have any sense of success this year, he needs to start winning again. Jacksonville didn’t look much better last Monday with a new coach. PICK: TAMPA BAY

New Orleans at Tennessee: New Orleans is on a roll. Tennessee coming off a good road win in Buffalo. I don’t see N.O. missing a step here. PICK: NEW ORLEANS

San Francisco at Arizona: Fantastic effort by Arizona last week beating the Cowboys in Overtime, and a nice pick by us. I think they spent a lot on that game. PICK: SAN FRANCISCO

Chicago at Denver: Chicago with no Qb and no RB…I’m not turing on Tebow now. PICK: DENVER

Oakland at Green Bay: This one is actually a tough one. The Green Bay defense could be susceptible to the Oakland running game and if Carson Palmer gets going with the Raider speed, there could be a lot of points scored here. Still think Rodgers is too much for anyone to handle. PICK: GREEN BAY

Buffalo at San Diego: San Diego needs this one, and all the rest. Buffalo blew their chances last week at home, this one across the country ends badly for them. PICK: SAN DIEGO

New York GIANTS AT DALLAS: I think the running game is back for the Giants and will help Eli exploit the Cowboy secondary. Dallas offensive line still a work in progress. PICK: GIANTS

Just for the record…here is where I register my picks every Thursday. http://poolhost.com

Does Defense Still Win Championships?

Joe Tufaro — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:26:21 +0000

There is an old saying that I have always believed in…Defense Wins Championships. However, after witnessing last nights game between the New Orleans Saints and The New York Giants, I wanted to take another look at that adage. The Giants, in a losing effort, had Eli Manning throw for 406 yards, while the team gained 465 Total Yards. The Giants had 29 first downs and were 5-11 on third down conversions. The Giants were reduced to throwing the ball throughout the second half as their defense could not contain the high wire act of Drew Brees and the Saints. So with a one dimensional offense staring at the Saints the entire second half, they allowed Eli to complete passes at will. Unfortunately, as we stated in our piece yesterday, without a running game this team is now the Eli Highlight Show every week. But more importantly, can you really be successful with just a great offense?

Let’s take a look at who many believe to be the top teams in the league and how they are faring defensively:

Green Bay: Ranked 30th in total defense averagng over 393 yards per game allowed

New England: Ranked 32nd in total defense

New Orleans: Ranked 25th in total defense

Chicago: Ranked 23rd

Houston, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore rank 1st to third in that order…….so if you still believe that Defense Wins Championships…One of those three teams will be wearing the crown come February.

Finally: A Football Thanksgiving Worth Watching….We Hope

Joe Tufaro — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:49:35 +0000

On Thanksgiving Days of the past I remember trying to enjoy this great day of football. However, the great games have been few and far between these past few years. When the Cowboys entered the mix they made a deal with the NFL that they would host the game every year, as long as they were also home the week before. So we have had the endless trek of teams traveling in a short week to Dallas and most getting trounced much to the delight of the Texas crowd, but doing nothing for ratings or interest from other fans. The Detroit Lions have been….well….The Detroit Lions. This year it looks like all this might change. Here’s the lineup for today.

Green Bay Packers (10-0) vs Detroit Lions (7-3) Thursday 12:30 EDT on Fox. The Lions finally bring a team to the Thanksgiving Day game. Not since the days of Barry Sanders have the Lions looked so capable, and they found a running game last week which will certainly serve them well. Green Bay, of course, is now in the position of chasing history. The ever elusive undefeated season on the line every week from now till February 5th in Indianapolis. Aaron Rodgers is the best QB in the game currently, and should provide some pre meal entertainment for all.

Miami Dolphins (3-7) vs Dallas Cowboys (6-4) Thursday 4:15 EDT on CBS. This game just a month ago looked like it would be the worst game ever played on Thanksgiving Day. With the Cowboys struggling with injuries and the lack of a running game, and Tony Romo being inconsistent the Cowboys were going nowhere. In walks DeMarco Murray and suddenly the Cowboy offense works again. The Cowboys now lead the NFC East. The Dolphins on the other hand were a defeated team, had a coach that was about to be fired, and couldn’t win a game even when leading by 15 with 2 minutes to go. What’s changed? The last three weeks the Dolphin defense has allowed 3, 9, and 8 points respectively while scoring 31, 20, and 35. As a wise man once said….It’s not who you play, but when you play them. This game could rival the famous snow game between these two teams……or it could be another waste of three hours of advertising. We will see.

San Francisco 49ers (9-1) vs Baltimore Ravens (7-3) Thursday 8:20 EDT on NFL Network. In a game many won’t see, if you don’t get the NFL Network, the brothers Harbaugh clash in this Prime Time affair, The Surprising 9ers travel to Baltimore with their young QB Alex Smith, and a pretty good running game. The Ravens have a pretty good running game themselves and a struggling young Qb in Joe Flacco. The Ravens are showing some age on their great defense and the offense has just been too inconsistent, but they have been finding ways to win. This game will be all about hard hitting defense, and probably some trickery thrown in somewhere. This contest will without a doubt come down to Special Teams, Turnovers, and who has the nerve to pull out the big play. Look for these two brothers to have their guys ready to play, and a few tricks up their sleeves from the backyard as well.

So while their are no guarantees……except that we will all be stuffed by the end of the day…….this Thanksgiving Day at least gives hope to the prospect of three good football games to enjoy before, during, and after dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone form the staff of GMENHQ.COM and thank you for your support!