Do you remember a few weeks ago when I wrote that on Monday things always seem clearer from Sunday’s game? I hate to tell you I think I lied.
I still just can not wrap my head around what I saw, I may complain to CBS because I think they showed me a team different from the New England Patriots.
The offensive line sucked, the running game was ehh, the passing game look hurried and out of synch, the defensive backs were just brutal and the special teams melted down.
The only redeeming value was believe it or not the defensive line that notched 5 sacks on Ben Roethlisberger and had several other hits or hurries.
Now the team as a whole needs to show they don’t really suck as bad as they played on Sunday and get it together in time for back-to-back games against the new York Giants (home) and New York Jets (road).
While I spend the week clearing my head of the remaining pieces of that disaster from Sunday here’s some news nuggets for you. They’re way better than the McRib.
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Belichick had his weekly Monday media meeting about the week ahead.
Third down woes continue to plague the Patriots.
Entering Week 8 teams coming off their bye week were 3-9. This week they were 5-1 the lone loss belonged to New England.
Should the Bills be ranked higher than the Patriots in the Power Rankings?
The Patriots haven’t had a successful onside kick since 1994 and it happened against Bill Belichick’s Cleveland Browns.
Rex Ryan says the Steelers had the formula to beat the Patriots.
The Patriots red zone defense through Week 8 is ranked 16th in the NFL. In 29 opportunities by opponents they have 15 TD’s and 9 FG’s.
Rapid Reaction: Steelers 25, Patriots, 17
The final play in which Steelers S Troy Polamalu batted the ball was illegal. Does it really matter?
LB Jerod Mayo (MCL) made his return against Pittsburgh; it was good to see him on the field even though he wasn’t at 100%. Players who missed the last game against Pittsburgh with injuries were S Josh Barrett (hamstring/thumb) and LB Dane Fletcher (thumb). QB Ryan Mallett was a healthy scratch for the 6th time in 7 weeks also healthy scratches were RB Shane Vereen, LB Jermaine Cunningham, G Donald Thomas and WR Julian Edelman.
A look at the Patriots defensive snaps with Mayo eased in.
RB Kevin Faulk was activated off the PUP list Saturday and he was in the starting lineup on Sunday against Pittsburgh. Faulk made his presence felt when he made a monster hit on a blitz pick up during the Patriots last scoring drive.
DL Brandon Deaderick also was activated from the PUP list and saw some action on Sunday as well.
Pro Bowl voting is open feel free to cast your votes for deserving players.
Patriots DE Shaun Ellis suffered a rib injury in the first quarter and did not return. It will be interesting to see what his practice status is like during the week.
The NFL announced the Week 10 flex schedule and the Patriots game in New York against the Jets is remaining as the Sunday Night game on NBC.
Patriots S James Ihedigbo says “What we put on tape wasn’t us”.
This road loss shows they can only go so far.
“Bruschi on Tap”: Tedy Bruschi dissects the Patriots loss to the Steelers
Former Patriots CB Leigh Bodden went unclaimed on waivers so he is now free to sign with any team.
Ben Roethlisberger won the battle of elite quarterbacks on Sunday.
New England’s positional groupings, once again multiple TE’s had the most reps.
Steelers passed the test with ease.
Patriots defense was in the Twilight Zone during the Steelers game.
Patriots offensive line was a self-destructive mess on Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski believes he had a touchdown in the 4th quarter.
Patriots had season high five sacks on Sunday to increase their season total to 15.
New England plays the New York Giants on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Look for the Sox & Dawgs “In The Red Zone Game Preview” available on Friday.
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
