Building on a tough win, Patriots still have work to do

A win is a win and two in a row over teams that had success in the playoffs last year and expecting to be there again this year is a good sign. As much as I enjoyed watching the game late night in Geneva, at times it was frustrating and I was concerned by the lack of consistency with the offense. The running game was a bit awkward but did enough to keep the Ravens in check. No real big gains, but two touchdowns - one from Sammy Morris and the other a QB sneak by Tom Brady was enough of a threat in the redzone where in previous weeks there was none. Brady did a decent job spreading the ball around to nine different targets, with Ben Watson leading the way in yardage (51 yds) and longest catch for 34 yards. Randy moss finally caught a touchdown, but this game was by no means a Brady to Moss fanfare. Wes Welker was back and in the first half was seen as a threat and helped to move the chains a couple of times, but otherwise was relatively quiet in the second half. It was more like the Sammy Morris Show with Brady as a sidekick. Morris ran the ball for first downs, one TD, blocked, caught the ball.... it was as if he was a bigger version of Kevin Faulk due to the physical toughness of the Baltimore Ravens defense. I was happy with Sammy Morris and Ben Watson this week, but disappointed with Brady, Laurence Maroney (is he injured or is he just hurting?) and although I should not be too tough on Sam Aiken and Julian Edelman - as both replaced Joey Galloway - they did not help the offense when it was needed. Notice I did not mention the offensive line... Nick Kaczur gave up a huge hit on Brady and Matt Light was responsible for Terry Suggs, when Suggs stripped-sacked Brady and the Ravens scored the defensive touchdown. Enough said... poor, poor, poor. The defense again did a great job and for the forth time this season, held an opponent to less than 17 points and made sure the offense had a chance to win the game. The double B's at safety - that would be for Brandon's Meriweather and McGowan - played a physical game versus the Ravens receivers and running backs. It makes you wonder how quickly McGowan has caught on and started his second game over James Sanders. Rookie Darius Bulter is outshining his 2nd round compadres - Patrick Chung and Ron Brace. Butler had two passes defensed in the endzone as Joe Flacco tried to score over the rookie. Butler played tough defense and was impressive. On the otherhand, both Chung and Brace seem to behind in learning the Patriots defensive schemes and losing out by not getting on the field. Myron Pryor again had a decent game rotating in, where one would think Brace should be the go to guy being a higher draft pick. Leigh Bodden had his first pick of the year and Shawn Springs continues to stay healthy and making tackles leading the team with seven. Gary Guyton and Mike Wright are stepping up nicely replacing previous starters Jerod Mayo and Richard Seymour. Guyton was everywhere and had a huge stop on a 4th and yard or so (depends on how much you believe the spot). Wright continued to get pressure on the quarterback and had two sacks on the day. The special teams unit has been problematic with tackling on kickoff returns. Brandon McGowan (again!!) had a nice hit to force a fumble on Chris Carr in the beginning of the game, but otherwise that was it Carr later having a longest of 27 yards and Larderius Webb having one for 38 yards. Chris Hanson had two chances to put inside the ten yard line that ended up in the endzone and brought out to the 20.... Next up, the Patriots face the undefeated rookie coach and Belichick disciple Josh McDaniels and his Denver Broncos. The Broncos have always been a tough team for the patriots over the years and McDaniels' knows the Patriots offense pretty well. Let's see if master can confuse the grasshopper and give another opponent their first loss of the season. IN BILL WE TRUST!!