The Patriots will be hurting without the "Big Daddy" Sunday | Courtesy Patriots.com

If Vince Wilfork ever wanted his chance to prove his worth to the Patriots, the free-agent to be will have his chance on Sunday.  Wilfork, who has stepped up as a big-time leader for the Patriots defense this season, will get his chance by actually not playing at all.

The premiere run stuffer, who enjoys long walks in the beach and eating up double teams for breakfast, was one of six Patriots players downgraded to out Saturday night.  The others?  Fellow defensive lineman Ty Warren, who is another premiere run stuffer having one of the best years of his career, Fred Taylor, nose tackle Myron Pryor, tackle Nick Kazcur, and guard Stephen Neal.

With three top players out, the Patriots will obviously have some problems along the defensive line tomorrow, especially against the run attack.  The Bills feature a two-headed running game led by Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, and with a sub-par passing attack, they will probably look to attack the Patriots on the ground all day.

Needless to say, with Wilfork and Warren out, it will be a tough task for the Patriots tomorrow, especially considering how well this Buffalo team played the Patriots in week one.  The Patriots will likely start Mike Wright and Jarvis Green at the ends, with Ron Brace/Titus Adams inside at nose tackle.  However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots played a lot of four man fronts, putting Tully Banta-Cain, Derrick Burgess, and maybe even Adalius Thomas at the ends, with Green/Wright/Adams moving inside at times.

No matter the case, the Patriots will now surely have their work cut out for them against a better-than-advertised Buffalo Bills squad.

Welker had 5 catches for 64 yards on a drive that sparked the Patriots

Admittedly, this post comes way later than it deserves.  However, if you were watching the Patriots’ game against the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday, you may have seen one of the most remarkable solo performances in New England Patriots history.

The score, knotted at seven.  The time, halfway through the third quarter.  The ball, at New England’s own four yard line.  The play, a quick pass to Wes Welker who gets absolutely drilled by Carolina defensive back Charles Godfrey.

By this point, the Patriots were playing flat as they ever have under Bill Belichick.  Following an extrememely lackluster performance against the Dolphins, the Patriots came out and had shown absolutely no swagger against the 5-7 Carolina Panthers (minus a few moments on defense).  The Patriots were backed up and on the verge of taking a major hit in the field position battle.  And now one of the team’s best players was on the ground after taking a serious shot.

But as he had so many times before, Patriots receiver Wes Welker, in visible pain, popped right back up and joined his teammates in the huddle.  The next play? 3rd and two.  Brady finds Welker who ran a beautiful slant-n-drag to get open.  13 yards, Patriots first down.  Three plays later, Welker gets open again, for 13 yards and another first down off of a short out and in from the left slot, splitting another two defenders.  In another three plays, the Patriots called Welkers number again.  This time on a quick swing out of the slot for nine yards.  Then one play after that, Welker came up big again.  Off of the play action, he just found a way to sneak behind three Carolina Panthers into the middle of the field.  He caught the ball and turned it into a 23 yard gain, setting the Patriots up with a first and goal.  The Patriots would go in to score the touchdown and take the lead 14-7.

But the play by play can only take you so deep into what happened.  After Wes Welker’s second catch, the crowd finally, after more than 38 minutes of football, got going.  After his third, his fourth, his fifth of the drive, everything was okay again.  Wes Welker, through grittiness, toughness, and pure scrappiness found a way to bring energy back to the Patriots.  In just one drive, he became a legend on the field, displaying everything you could possibly ever want out of a football player.  If it hadn’t been for Welker’s spark, the Patriots might not have won that game, and may have had a month on the couches come January.

But that’s not what happened.  Wes Welker happened, and the Patriots are still in the driver’s seat in the AFC east and in the Wild Card race.

There’s no question, in my mind at least, that Wes Welker is the MVP of this Patriots team thus far.  He’s on track for nearly 130 catches, and that’s after missing two games earlier this season.  There is no question that he is the key to making this offense go in New England, and I believe that he deserves to be in the NFL MVP talk as well.  Wes is virtually uncoverable, and he is making defenses pay week after week.

Look, Wes might not have the unique skillset of your Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, or one of your typical #1 vertical/jump-ball receiver types, but there is no denying production.  And with production, quickness, and fundamentals in mind, there is no denying that Wes Welker deserves talk as one of the best, if not the best, receiver in the NFL.

If the Patriots can right this ship and make a playoff run this January, they’ll owe a good chunk of that success to Wes Welker.

Earlier tonight, the Patriots fell flat to the New Orleans Saints, suffering their only multi-score deficit of the season, dropping the game 38-17.  There’s a lot that went on, so lets get straight to the analysis:

• Drew Brees is insane.  He was virtually unstoppable tonight.  Every pass of his was perfectly accurate.  A few of the Saints’ big plays came on perfect passes in nearly perfect coverage.  If Drew Brees proved anything tonight, it’s that he might be just as good as Brady and Manning.  Every time he stepped into a throw, every Patriots fan felt a collective sinking feeling tonight.  Brees was that good.
• The offensive line was atrocious tonight.  The Saints defensive line got consistent pressure on Brady, affecting a majority of his throws.  It seemed, just from watching the game once, that the Saints really dominated up the middle, and that Dan Koppen and Nick Kazcur really played sub-par.  Matt Light also looked rusty.  The o-line is really going to have to turn this around quick.
• The Drew Brees 2nd quarter touchdown to Devery Henderson was completely inexcusable.  I’m not sure if it was Meriweather’s or Wilhite’s fault, but that play was just a symbol for the poor play of the secondary tonight.  The only defensive back that played to his level was Leigh Bodden.  Off the top of my head, I can only think of one or two times that Drew Brees targeted his side.
• Where has Jerod Mayo gone as of late?  Haven’t seen much of him lately.
• The Saints’ interior offensive line really dominated the Patriots defensive line.  Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren were consistently being pushed off the ball resulting in 4-7 yard runs.  Kudos to that group for the Saints.  It’s not easy to push back the big boys up front for the Patriots.
• The Patriots are in desperate need of a pass rush.  The only Patriot consistently wreaking havoc is Tully Banta-Cain.  Beyond him, the pass rush has been abysmal.  It seemed that nearly every time Drew Brees dropped back to throw, he had all of the time in the world.  Something has to be fixed.  Without a pass rush, this team won’t make it far in January.
• On a positive note, I loved the running of Laurence Maroney.  He has gotten his swagger back.  He has been more decisive, and has shown brute strength when it comes to moving piles and trucking defenders.  If he keeps his play up, it will be a big bonus for the Patriots down the stretch moving into December.
• Lastly, taking a look at the playoff picture, the Patriots currently sit at fourth in the AFC with a 7-4 record.  There are two games ahead in the AFC East, and face the 5-6 Dolphins next week.  Looking at the race for the two seed, the Patriots are one game behind both the Chargers and the Bengals who are 8-3, and hold 6-3 AFC records.  The Patriots are 5-3 in the AFC, so this loss wasn’t that deep of a wound.

Photo Courtesy NFL.com

For the Patriots, the game will be a chance to get revenge following their devastating 35-34 loss to the Colts, who were 8-0 at the time.  But revenge will be no easy task.  The New Orleans Saints, at 10-0, have been the most dominating team in football up to this point in the season.  They are first in the league in points scored and total yards and also have a very opportunistic defense that ranks first in the league in takeaways.

On offense, the Saints have been nearly unstoppable so far in 2009.  They are lead at quarterback by veteran Drew Brees, who by showcasing accuracy, poise, and touch, has led the Saints to a 10-0 record, while establishing himself in the upper-upper echelant of quarterbacks with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.  And while their passing game, led by receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem and Lance Moore, as well as tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Reggie Bush, whom coach Bill Belichick has taken a keen interest in defending.  However, as potent as the Saints passing attack is, their running game is that much more.  They are lead by a three headed attack of Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas, and Reggie Bush that ranks fourth in the league.  Bottom line is, it will be extremely tough to make this Saints team one dimensional.

On defense, the Saints are a little bit banged up in the defensive backfield with Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, and former Patriot Randall Gay all banged up.  So there will be opportunities for the Patriots.  While the Saints have a lot of talent defensively, you can move the ball on them.  They are ranked 16th against the pass and 20th against the run.  The thing with them is that they create a lot of turnovers, so protecting the ball will be key for the Patriots.  Leaders on their defense include defensive end Will Smith, safety Darren Sharper, defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis who is returning from a sprained MCL, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma who is listed as questionable.

Keys to the Game – Patriots

1. Pressure Drew Brees – He will pick defense apart if he isn’t pressured consistently.

2. Win the Turnover Battle – Saints are not a team to easily give up turnovers, they just take them.  Winning the turnover battle will be key.

3. Attack the Injured Saints Secondary - Make them hurt quick, especially if they are without Greer and/or Gay.

Players to Watch – Saints

Darren Sharper, S, #42 – Veteran safety leads an opportunistic Saints defense with seven interceptions, three of which he has brought back to the house.

Reggie Bush, RB, #25 – Coach Bill Belichick has been talking up Bush all week.  While he is no Gale Sayers, he still brings a unique versatility to the run and pass game, and is a dangerous weapon.

Players to Watch – Patriots

Tully Banta-Cain, OLB, #95 – Has been the most disruptive pass rusher for the Pats this season, and the key to slowing Brees will be applying pressure.

Ben Watson, TE, #84 – Watson has been quiet the last couple of weeks, but with his athletic ability, could burst onto the scene at any moment, and could be an x-factor for tonight’s game.

Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 30 Saints 27

This game could easily go either way.  However, since the Saints are beat up in the secondary, and the Pats already lost a tough one against the Colts, I think the Pats will squeak this one out in a semi-shootout.

On paper, the Bucs, who are behind first year head coach Raheem Morris, really don’t stand much of a chance against the Pats today.  The Patriots are coming off one of their most impressive wins in franchise history, dismantling the Titans 59-0, while the 0-6 Bucs are coming off a 28-21 loss to the Panthers.

Players to Watch – Buccaneers

Josh Johnson, QB, #11: Johnson, in his second year, will be making his fourth start for the Bucs.  He has a good arm, and has rushed for 40+ yards in each of his starts.

Aqib Talib, CB, #25: Big, physical corner in his second year is part of a secondary that is struggling.  May see time on Randy Moss.

Players to Watch – Patriots

Brandon Tate, WR, #19: Rookie Brandon Tate was activated to the Patriots roster yesterday, meaning he will likely play today.  With the Pats’ receiving corps depleted, he could see some serious run at receiver.

Brandon Meriweather, S, #31: Brandon Meriweather has quickly established himself as one of the best safeties in the game today.  However, he has yet to record an interception this year.  Will today be the day?

Key to the Game – Patriots

More Big Plays: Looking back at the Titans game, and this pretty much goes without saying, but the key to the Patriots success was the big play, which up to that game, they had not been hitting.  The Patriots offense is on a roll right now, and the Buccaneers’ pass defense has looked very vulnerable this season to the long pass (worst in the NFL in 40+ yard passes allowed), so the Patriots will certainly have their chances deep.

Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 38 Buccaneers 10

I really don’t think the Bucs stand a chance in this one.  I think the Pats will come out and dominate, and move into the bye at 5-2.  I think that the long travel to London may slow the offense down a little, and while the Pats probably aren’t going to be posting another 59-0 shutout, this one has all of the makings of a blowout.

Edelman, a seventh round pick out of Kent State, had 21 catches for 188 yards in five games this season.

Edelman’s injury and Joey Galloway’s release leaves the Patriots with just three options at wide receiver (four if you count Matthew Slater), Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Sam Aiken.

Clearly, the Patriots need to address the position.

One option for the Patriots would be to bring in outside help.  Some options for the Patriots include Robert Ferguson, Marvin Harrison, Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie, Jerry Porter, and Reggie Williams.

However, I think the most realistic option for the Patriots at this point is to look internally for help.  There are really only two options for the Patriots if they go that route, and they are rookie wide receivers Terrence Nunn and Brandon Tate.

Tate was selected in the third round out of North Carolina by the Patriots this past April’s draft.  Tate was having a great senior year at UNC, until tearing both his ACL and MCL.  He is a big playmaker as a receiver, and is an even bigger playmaker as a kick returner.  Tate, still rehabilitating from his knee injury, was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list by the Patriots at the start of training camp, which meant he couldn’t even begin practicing until after week six.  Well, six weeks into the season, he began practicing on Tuesday.  I don’t think Tate will be ready as a receiver for this Sunday’s game, but he could certainly make an impact as a return man.  However, down the road, he could turn into a solid #3 for the Patriots (hopefully by the end of this season).

Terrence Nunn was an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska in 2008, who didn’t get any looks by the NFL despite being the Cornhusker’s second all-time leading receiver.  The Patriots signed Nunn this summer, and he really exploded onto the scene during training camp.  However, he was still cut, and eventually landed himself on the Pats’ practice squad.  Nunn has decent speed, and has the knack for pulling down the awesome grabs.  He could probably come in and contribute right away as the fourth receiver if the Patriots activated him off the practice squad.

The release of Eric Alexander is, like Banta-Cain, a head scratcher.  He is one of the Patriots core special teams players, and has really found himself a niche in that area.  However, like Banta-Cain, I would expect Eric Alexander to be resigned soon.

Michael Matthews, whom the Patriots acquired off waivers from the Giants, seemed like he could be a good fit as a blocking tight end for the Patriots.  However, things didn’t really work  out so far, so it’s not too surprising to see him go.  Joey Galloway, however, was the real disappointment.  In his three games as a Patriot, Galloway never seemed to catch on mentally.  He was inactive the last three games, and while the Patriots tried to shop him before the deadline, I guess they just decided to cut their losses and move on.

These four releases reeled in the Patriots nearly $3 million in cap money, as well as four open roster spots.  There has been speculation that the Pats could use the roster spots to bring Brandon Tate and/or Mark LeVoir off PUP, but there has been ever increasing speculation that the Patriots could be looking to swing a trade by today’s trade deadline.

A few names the Patriots have been mentioned with?  Deion Branch, Shawne Merriman, Stephen Jackson, and Julius Peppers.

First, you can cross Julius Peppers off the list because the Patriots do not have cap room for him.  As much as I would like to see him on the Pats, it is a virtual impossibility at this point.

As for Stephen Jackson, he would be a nice upgrade.  However, he carries a pretty large cap charge and the Patriots are probably enjoying their committee approach, with Laurence Maroney coming off his best game of the season.

Shawne Merriman is intriguing, but you have to wonder whether or not the Chargers would deal him to a rival AFC contender.  Also, Merriman’s deal expires after 2009, and he has not recorded a single sack.  If the Patriots traded a second round pick for a player who isn’t even being affective rushing the passer, to have him only play 10+ games, would it really be worth it?

The final name on that list is Deion Branch.  He is probably the most intriguing name to me.  The Patriots just got rid of Joey Galloway, and don’t have a solid #3 at receiver.  Branch is being paid $5 million in Seattle, and his playing time has been very limited.  The Patriots could probably get Branch for a fourth or a fifth round pick, and he could come in and instantly be a big help.  It wouldn’t take long for him to get back in sync with Brady, and the Patriots could probably restructure his deal to lessen the cap hit.  Call me crazy, but I’d love to see Deion Branch donning the flying Elvis once again.

Deion Branch could return to the Patriots | Courtesy Patriots.com

Not really sure about the logic in this move.  Banta-Cain was playing really well for the Pats.  In six games, he had three sacks, and had been one of the teams best overall pass rushers (if not the best).

If Banta-Cain was released after tomorrows trade deadline, he would have to pass through waivers, where he would almost definitely be claimed.

This means there is a chance the Patriots will bring him back.  In fact, he may even be back before Sunday’s game in London against the Bucs.

The Patriots also extended wide receiver/special teams ace Sam Aiken through the 2011 season.  This is a solid move, as Aiken has proven he can be at least somewhat of a factor as a receiver, and is a special teams captain for the Patriots.

With TBC’s release, and Aiken’s restructuring, you have to wonder if a trade is looming for the Patriots before tomorrow’s trade deadline.  Deion Branch anyone?

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

Offensively, the Titans feature the explosive and deceptive quick Chris Johnson, who is averaging six yards per carry.  Johnson is complemented by the power back LenDale White.  At quarterback, the Titans will start 36-year-old Kerry Collins, who has experienced his fair share of struggles this year.  If Collins struggles, the Patriots may also see the scrambling quarterback Vince Young, who is waiting his turn to play.  At receiver, the Titans showcase a three headed attack of Kenny Britt, Justin Gage, and Nate Washington.

On defense, the Titans have showed a strong ability to stop the run, but rank 31st in pass defense.  Both of their starting cornerbacks, Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper are out for today’s game, meaning the Titans will be starting two rookie cornerbacks.    However, they still have Pro Bowl safety Michael Griffin in the secondary, to go along with a solid front seven that includes Keith Bulluck, Jovan Haye, and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Key to the Game – Patriots: Air it Out and then some. With the Titans really hurting in the secondary, the Patriots will have plenty of chances to throw the ball today.  They will probably be able to throw the ball deep as well.  At this point in the season, the Titans’ biggest weakness is their pass coverage, and the Patriots should look to take advantage of that all day.

Player to Watch – Titans: Chris Jonhson, HB, #28. This really isn’t much of a question, who the player to watch for the Titans is this week.  Johnson is third in the NFL in rushing, and at 6.0 yards per carry, will force the Patriots to stay conservative on defense.  Also keep your eye on: Kenny Britt, WR, #18

Player to Watch- Patriots: Tom Brady, QB, #12. I normally wouldn’t put such a star player as the player to watch for the Patriots, but I really believe this could be Tom Brady’s breakout game.  Sure, Tom hasn’t thrown an interception since week 2.  And yes, he’s had some good games.  However, he has not had that game.  That game that makes you remember why he will be a first ballot hall-of-famer.  With the Titans’ secondary really beat up, I think this could finally be Tom’s day to have that break out game and connect with Randy Moss on the long ball. Also keep your eye on: Sebastian Vollmer, OT, #76

Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 34 Titans 10. Yes, I know the Titans are a talented team and their record does not reflect that.  But I think their pass defense is going to kill them again.  I think Brady and company will finally pull it all together and have that breakout game fans of New England have been looking for.