Pats Remind NFL Why They're a Dynasty, Derail the Favre/Jets Bandwagon
Monday, September 15, 2008 at 11:04PM Mike Dussault Not since week two of 2007 against the Chargers has a win felt this good.
Yet again the Patrios overcame a significant loss/controversy and won a game that many had written them off for. I don't know why it's so easy for people to forget that this is the signature of this Patriots dynasty, that started with their introduction at Super Bowl 36.
Of course you don't just replace Tom Brady and no one is saying the road to Tampa in February goes thru Foxboro just yet, but Sunday's 19-10 win over the Jets was a reminder to everyone that no matter who is playing the Patriots are a solid, well coached football team.
This isn't last year's explosive team, but this one looks like it has a better defense and efficient enough on offense to get the job done when they needed to. In two games the D has come up with critical stops inside the 5-yard line.
As I stated in my Keyz before the game, Cassel did exactly what he needed to do: he protected the football. His zero turnovers to Brett Favre's one interception might've been the difference in the game. And he was two tipped balls away from two touchdown throws, one of which was nearly a Brady-esque bomb to Randy Moss (which Moss probably should've had, not that I'd even criticize 81).
This was a top to bottom team win. From Stephen Gostowski's perfect 4-4 Field Goal and 5 touchback day, to Lamont Jordan's wrecking ball game sealing second half performance, everyone had a part in this one.
The fact that it was the Jets at the end of yet another Pats statement win just made it all the more sweeter.
How good are the 2008 Patriots with Matt Cassel? It's too early to tell, but like all Patriots teams of this decade they will battle in every game and anyone who beats them will have to earn it.
One-Hitters
Ellis Hobbs is playing like every highlight of Plaxico Burress' Super Bowl winning TD that has shown over the past six months has been a personal attack on him. He looks solid.
Glad to see Brandon Meriweather learned how to catch this off-season.
Laurence Maroney could be descending down the depth chart after Lamont Jordan's hard running style, a style that the Patriots are known to covet.
David Thomas played the whole game and has done a good job as the number one Tight End in replacement of Ben Watson. Now if he can just stay healthy...
If you weren't cheering your ass off when Adalius Thomas ripped Favre and Leon Washington to the ground for the sack that really sealed the win you aren't a Pats fan.
Credit to Josh McDaniels for coming out throwing after the Jets cut the lead to 16-10. They could've been conservative, especially with Cassel at the helm. But he made some great play calls and Cassel executed them.
Let's hope Pierre Woods isn't too badly injured, he's looking good as the #3 OLB.
Worth mentioning that Gary Guyton, an unrestricted rookie free agent signing, is getting time in the base defense. He's got great speed, something the Pats have really needed in years past.
Jerod Mayo... wow. Defensive Rookie of the Year voters take notice.
Richard Seymour is back, baby.
The Denver-Pats Monday Night Game is looking a lot better now than it did in April.
We'll be back in a couple days with a look at the Dolphins Keyz. Until then, savor the love from the media...
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