Week 16 Snapshot: Pats Trounce Cards

Another week, another blowout.  At this point in the season, I don’t think any team wants to play the Patriots.  The offense you knew and loved from 2007 is back, although the philosophy is different.

Game Notes

• The Cardinal’s effort was pathetic.  It was unprofessional, lackluster… just rediculous.  They are a playoff team, and need to start playing like it.   Teams like the Cardinals make me believe that the NFL should re-organize and expand the divisions.  While the current system is very organized and clean-cut, it is letting too many bad teams make the playoffs.  Going back to three divisions per conference following an expansion may not be a bad idea.
• Everybody on every facet of the game played a fantastic game, which is why I definitely won’t be doing a player stock report this week.  On offense, Matt Cassel, Sammy Morris, Lamont Jordan, Wes Welker all played terrific games.  On defense, Junior Seau, Jarvis Green, Mike Vrabel, Brandon Meriweather, and Jonathan Wilhite all played well.   On special teams, Gostkowski, Slater, Washington, Redd, Welker, and Ventrone all did their thing.
• I was surprised the Patriots were able to work so effectively and as much as they did through the air.  Cassel had a very good game, throwing for over 350 and three touchdowns.  A big reason for the was the play of Jabar Gaffney, who without a doubt had his best game of the season.  However, the real reason for the Patriots success throwing the ball may have been how they came out at deteriorated the Cardinals with the run.  For snap #1, Sammy Morris pounded the ball down the Cardinals throats.  After a little Sammy Morris, the Patriots turned to the bruiser, Lamont Jordan (who, if the Patriots make the playoffs, will be a VERY KEY contributor).
• The kickoff coverage unit was rediculous.  After giving up the return touchdown lasty week, they played one hell of a game.  I felt like Steve Breaston was stopped inside the 20 on every single kickoff.  And boy, were there a lot of kickoffs.
• Very solid game from the Patriots defense.  The Pats success defensively started with the pass rush.  Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Mike Vrabel, and Rosevelt Colvin all had big games rushing the passer.  However, the biggest pass rush came from Brandon Meriweather, who forced a stip-sack on Matt Leinart on a safety blitz.  In my opinion, he is developing into a real star.  Speaking of stars, how about Junior Seau?  Although he is turning 40, he still plays with the heart of a rookie, as was exemplified during the game on Sunday.

Game Balls

Offense: Lamont Jordan, RB: Jordan pounded the ball 20 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the Pats’ 47-7 victory.  Jordan showed the ability to carry the load conistently, as his north-south running really wore down the Cardinal’s defense and allowed the Patriots to have the success they did through the air.

Defense: Jarvis Green, DE: Jarvis Green easily had his best game of the year.  With Ty Warren resting most of the game, Green led the Patriots’ pass rush and was a big key in stopping the Cardinals passing attack.

Look Ahead:

In the final week of the regular season, the Patriots will go up against the 7-8 Buffalo Bills, with their playoff lives on the line.  If they lose, they’re out.  Period.  However, with the Seahawks topping the Jets Sunday afternoon, things got interesting.  The Patriots will need to win and have the Dolphins lose to win the division.  That means Patriots fans will have to root for the Jets to beat the Dolphins, which should be interesting.  The Patriots could also make the playoffs as the wildcard if they don’t win the division, which means the Jaguars would have to beat the Ravens.