Week 6 Snapshot: 59-0

I woke up this morning, and I had no idea how to even begin talking about this game.  When you have a historic blowout like this, there really isn’t much to say.  The Titans came out today (rather, they didn’t really come out), and had nothing to offer the Patriots.  It was like Florida versus Charleston Southern from earlier this year.  No contest.  Was it the weather?  Was it the coaching?  Was it the players and flat out poor execution?  I couldn’t tell you.  However, one thing I can tell you is that this Patriots team is for real.

The Patriots came out of the gates strong, forcing a three and out and getting a nice punt return by Julian Edelman.  However, the Pats were quickly stopped and Stephen Gostkowski missed a 39 yard field goal.  From that point out, the Patriots went full force on the pedal and didn’t let up until the second half.

During the second quarter, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense scored 35 points, including five passing touchdowns, an NFL record.  Brady was perfect.  Every time he dropped back, he found Welker, Moss, or even Sam Aiken deep down the field.  It was like 2007 again.  It was awesome, and I think every Patriots fan enjoyed every waking minute of it.

For those fans that are whining about Bill Belichick running up the score, he didn’t.  Do you really expect an NFL team to stop and put backups in the second quarter of an NFL game?  Absolutely not.  And the logic of playing Brady for one series in the second half was so that the offense could continue their rhythm, because at times, they have come out flat in the second half.  Brady and co. came in and delivered on that first drive of the second half, so they finished their job and Belichick took them out of the game.

Just a few more thoughts on individual performances during the game:

• Rookie offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer held down the fort at left tackle.  Really liked what I saw.  He has excellent size and feet, paved the way for that Maroney touchdown, and is definitely the future at the position.  Solid start for him.
• Speaking of Laurence Maroney, he had an excellent game.  When Sammy Morris went down in the first quarter, it was obvious the brunt of carries would go to him, and that he would have to be ready to step up.  Maroney certainly delivered, netting 123 yards on 16 carries.
• Defensively, the rookies Pat Chung and Darius Butler both had good games for the Patriots.  Chung was particularly active in the second half, racking up 8 tackles and an interception, while Darius Butler had a second quarter interception that help contribute to the Patriots rout.
• The entire defense played particularly well.  They completely shut down the pass, getting some solid pressure.  Although they let up a couple of big runs, they played solid run defense overall, and of course earned the shut out.
• Last but not least, it was really great to see Tom Brady back to form.  Before the game, I called for Tom Brady to have his breakout day.  He certainly delivered, throwing for nearly 400 yards and six touchdowns in just over one half of work.

Brady threw three touchdowns to Randy Moss yesterday | Courtesy Patriots.com