What is it about New England's offense?

[No coincidences]

Brady drops back, has enough time to take a shit in the pocket, then throws to a receiver that's open by 20 yards.

Never been able to figure this out. They do it against pretty much everyone. Where is the defense? Are they that confused by NE's schemes and crossing routes?

[suicidekings]

4th ranked rushing offense, heavy play action, and a QB that makes very few mistakes. Over-committing to pursuit is going to get you burned on the checkdown pass more often than not.

[No coincidences]

4th ranked rushing offense, heavy play action, and a QB that makes very few mistakes. Over-committing to pursuit is going to get you burned on the checkdown pass more often than not.

I wonder sometimes if Welker is a ghost or something. He's wide-open an incredible number of times in a given game given his production and reputation.

[TwoWays]

I just ate a ham sandwich

[BigDofBA]

I think part of the reason the WRs are always open is because Brady has all day to throw.

I think I also need to add in that he is one of the greatest of all time. He doesn't stare down receivers, reads defenses, makes smart decisions, and has one of the quickest releases in the NFL.

New England also has a great system.

[TB12]

Also look at Brady's numbers against the blitz, he is absolutely dominant. Teams still think they can blitz his ass, they end up getting sliced and diced. Even without Gronk I think Brady is on a personal mission for that elusive 4th ring and will put up well over 30 points if he makes it back to New Orleans.

[Kyle_Fitta]

I wonder sometimes if Welker is a ghost or something. He's wide-open an incredible number of times in a given game given his production and reputation.

I know, he's pretty good for a nonathletic guy.

[slacker00]

How about NE's defense? HOU scored over half it's points when the game was basically out of reach.

I know NE's offense is maybe the best of the remaining teams, but so is their defense!

[Kyle_Fitta]

I wouldn't go that far. The defense has improved, but it's still inconsistent. Sometimes, they look like world-beaters, but then the next play, they look like the worst defense in the league. Matt Schaub isn't exactly what I'd call an elite passer, either. Plus, I believe a concern going forward is the lack of pass rush they got on Schaub yesterday. They only had one sack because he fumbled and then recovered. Otherwise, I don't believe the Patriots laid a hand on him. Out of all the playoffs teams, I would say they have the worse. However, because their offense is such a juggernaut, all the defense has to play is decent - which is exactly what they played yesterday.

[slacker00]

I wouldn't go that far. The defense has improved, but it's still inconsistent. Sometimes, they look like world-beaters. The next play they look like the worst defense in the league. Matt Schaub isn't exactly what I'd call an elite passer, either. Plus, I believe a concern going forward is the lack of pass rush they got on Schaub yesterday. They only had one sack because he fumbled and then recovered. Otherwise, I don't believe the Patriots laid a hand on him.

Yes, true, as soon as I wrote that I thought, wait a second. lol.

But I've got Schaub rated above Flacco, so NE should be able to handle the Ravens similarly. One week at a time.

[Kyle_Fitta]

Yes, true, as soon as I wrote that I thought, wait a second. lol.

But I've got Schaub rated above Flacco, so NE should be able to handle the Ravens similarly. One week at a time.

I believe Flacco is better than Schaub and he has more weapons to play with. Aside from Johnson and Foster, the Texans offense is sort of weak when it comes to weapons. Trust me, I give Joe Flacco a lot of shit. I think sometimes he makes the worst decisions ever and gets too much credit for what he is. However, for whatever reason, the guy has the ability to show up in the post-season. The pressure doesn't get to him. It actually brings the best out of him. Granted, he played a patchwork defense last year while Brady played one of the best defenses, but he did outplay Brady in that game and led his team down field to win the game. He also just outplayed Peyton Manning, too. The guy has a rocket arm and the Patriots have been vulnerable at times on deep passes.

[SmittyZ28]

One thing you are forgetting, and I apologize about the Brady gush ahead of time. This guy surveys the whole field multiple times and he can put the ball in windows just about no one else can. A lot of it is scheming and well designed/executed plays but Brady has been doing this long before Welker, Gronk and anyone else with a decent name. He understands the game better than just about anyone and he always sees the angle and reads the defenses well. Props to the offensive line as well because everyone knows Brady does not do well when getting hit. But if you have watched Brady over the years, he will miss some throws, but no one puts the ball on the receiver more accurately and he throws bullets when he needs to. Although the deep ball threat is mostly over, Brady does not air it out very well, there is no one better at taking what the defense gives. If the deep ball is available he takes a shot, if a short crosser to Welker is available then he takes it. Also, he is the most competitive football player in the NFL, guy has it all the hott wife kids the rings, money and he keeps the fire burning.

One more ring and he is the best to ever play the game, period

[TB12]

Smith and Boldin are HOT right now, and Ray Rice was solid on Saturday. Still that Ravens squad which is the oldest team in the NFL has to be feeling the miles under the hood and I expect them to get tired after Tom Brady grinds out 20 or so points in the first half next Sunday. I don't think the Gronk injury means NE can't beat SF or ATL, yes it will be much harder but really its about the QB and head coach. Brady just seems on a mission for that ring

[slacker00]

One thing you are forgetting, and I apologize about the Brady gush ahead of time. This guy surveys the whole field multiple times and he can put the ball in windows just about no one else can. A lot of it is scheming and well designed/executed plays but Brady has been doing this long before Welker, Gronk and anyone else with a decent name. He understands the game better than just about anyone and he always sees the angle and reads the defenses well. Props to the offensive line as well because everyone knows Brady does not do well when getting hit. But if you have watched Brady over the years, he will miss some throws, but no one puts the ball on the receiver more accurately and he throws bullets when he needs to. Although the deep ball threat is mostly over, Brady does not air it out very well, there is no one better at taking what the defense gives. If the deep ball is available he takes a shot, if a short crosser to Welker is available then he takes it. Also, he is the most competitive football player in the NFL, guy has it all the hott wife kids the rings, money and he keeps the fire burning.

One more ring and he is the best to ever play the game, period

One week at a time. NE needed a Ravens missed 32 yard FG to advance last year.

[Kyle_Fitta]

Smith and Boldin are HOT right now, and Ray Rice was solid on Saturday. Still that Ravens squad which is the oldest team in the NFL has to be feeling the miles under the hood and I expect them to get tired after Tom Brady grinds out 20 or so points in the first half next Sunday. I don't think the Gronk injury means NE can't beat SF or ATL, yes it will be much harder but really its about the QB and head coach. Brady just seems on a mission for that ring

Yep. I agree. The hurry up offense will make that old Ravens defense gasp for air down the stretch. Houston has a faster, more athletic, and younger defense, yet they couldn't keep up with it. Plus, you already can smell the fear in the Ravens already. Their no-namer linebacker is already making excuses by calling their offense cheap.

[TB12]

Yep. I agree. The hurry up offense will make that old Ravens defense gasp for air down the stretch. Houston has a faster, more athletic, and younger defense, yet they couldn't keep up with it. Plus, you already can smell the fear in the Ravens already. Their no-namer linebacker is already making excuses by calling their offense cheap.

Right! talk is so damn cheap in the playoffs. I also feel that SF is getting way too much credit at the moment, and it might get to their heads. Atlanta got the monkey off the back yesterday and I wouldn't be surprised if they beat SF easily.

[SmittyZ28]

Pats fans should be rooting for ATL thats for sure, loving them at +3.5 +100 at home

[k13]

Pats fans should be rooting for ATL thats for sure, loving them at +3.5 +100 at home

You scared Niners are going to abuse the soft Pats again? lol

[Kyle_Fitta]

You scared Niners are going to abuse the soft Pats again? lol

Soft? The Patriots aren't a soft team at all. And despite all the turnovers and mistakes the Patriots made, they still almost won that game. I believe in the SB if they play each other, the Patriots will realize running the ball on the 49ers is pointless, thus will just start airing the ball out, which is exactly what they did extremely effectively versus them in the latter part of the game a few weeks ago. I believe the 49ers will beat the Falcons by double digits and the Patriots will win as well. And I'm expecting a really close Superbowl. It's 50/50.

[k13]

Dome game should favor the Pats.