Thursday Morning Third Down Back

The Patriots play their eleventh regular season game on the road against the Detroit Lions on Thursday November 25th at 12:30 PM. I'm feeling pretty thankful this year.  We're 8 and 2.  How are we 8 and 2?!   Holy crap.  I'll take it. Last week was great.  I've still got a buzz from that win.  Sweet, sweet Manning tears. Here's five things I'm thankful for this year: 1)  Tom Brady - The Best Quarterback we've ever had. 2)  Bill Belichick - The Best Coach we've ever had.  Maybe the best coach ever.  You think I'm being a little generous in my praise?  Brady and Belichick are 119 and 36 together.  Bill Walsh and Joe Montana were 114 and 44.  So... yeah... They're really THAT good. 3)  A Surprisingly Frisky Running Game - I've been on board the BenJarvus Green-Ellis train as long as I can remember.  And I can't tell you how many times I shouted "Woodhead!" last week (some of them were even while watching...

The Patriots play their tenth regular season game at Gillette against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday November 21st at 4:15 PM. "Hey Dad!  What was it like watching Tom Brady?" "He was awesome.  Just awesome.  Smart.  Accurate.  He was so cool and steady in the big games.  He was a joy to watch." Football is a team sport.  It's more than just about the quarterbacks.  Blah blah blah. C'mon...  We all know the story here is Brady vs. Manning.  Honestly, are you ever going to tell your kids about the time you saw Pierre Woods make three special teams tackles in a game?  (Oh hey... Welcome back, Pierre Woods .  Didn't see you over there...) This is as good as it gets.  Two of the top 5 QBs of all time facing off.  It's Magic vs. Larry.  Marino vs. Montana.  Me vs. a pecan pie on Thanksgiving. These games tend to be pretty memorable.  You can tell your kids (or your cats...  or your cat's kids...

The Patriots play their ninth regular season game on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, November 14th at 8:20 PM We're doomed.  DOOMED!  I was afraid last week would be a trap game.  Even Admiral Ackbar couldn't have saved us. Now we're going to Pittsburgh.  Then we've got the Colts next week. Before you know it, we're going to be looking at 6 - 4. Ugh. Here's five things I'll be watching for this week. 1) Tom Brady - How bad is the foot?  Bad?  Or bad bad?  We're not going to be able to run on the Steelers, so we're going to have to air it out.  If I'm the offensive coordinator, I bring back the game plan from this 2006 gem vs. the Vikings .  2) Shayne Graham - Gostkowski has been quietly excellent over the last few years.  Not only on field goals, but on kickoffs, too.  I don't think anyone is expecting too much from Shayne Graham.  He just has to come in and not suck. 3) Run Defense - Peyt...

The Patriots play their eighth regular season game on the road against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, November 7th at 1:00 PM Seemingly easy game this week with a game against a much tougher opponent next week?  It's the dreaded "trap game" . Quick -- name the Browns starting QB.  The correct answer?  Colt McCoy .  He actually started the season third on the depth chart (behind the immortal Jake Delhomme ).  He's completed 32 passes for his career.  Brady has completed over 2800.  So, you know, advantage Patriots. Last week, I predicted "Brad Childress will do something kinda dumb".  Little did I know we were about to kick off a whole week of dumb Childress moments .  High comedy.  My condolences to my buddy Viking Dave on another lost season. Here's five things I'll be watching for this week. 1) BenJarvus Green-Ellis -  BJGE had a hell of a week last week (17 carries for 112 yards, two TDs).  Did I have him on the ben...