The Patriots Report: Week 11

Tweet Was this game a sign of things to come?  Have the Patriots finally figured out their defense and are starting to peak at the right time?  Is Gronkowski the best Tight End in the NFL?  I can safely answer 'yes' to only one of those three questions and if you are struggling to figure out which one, go watch a tape of the game against Kansas City.  The main thought for me following the game is one that will probably be echoed by many experts: was this result the work of the Patriots defense or Kansas's inept offence?  The answer is probably a little bit of both, as the Patriots defense got some key red-zone stops and rookie QB Palko threw some awful picks.  Regardless, this is what the Patriots have to continue doing, now they are in a 4-way tie for the first seed in the AFC and also hold a commanding 2 game lead in their division.  They have to keep improving on the defensive side of the ball while racking up the W's if they want to succeed in the post-season. I realize that I have beaten that point more than Chris Brown has beaten Rihanna (too soon?) but damn it its true!

It also is really refreshing to see Bill Belichick using a guy on special teams, offense and defense again (shades of Troy Brown in 04').  His guy? Julian Edelman, who had a spectacular punt return for a touchdown that broke the game open.  At this point anything that reminds you of the Patriots Super Bowl winning teams is a good thing, and Edelman's contributions can not be overlooked.  This is the first time in a long time that the Patriots 'mystique' reappeared.  There really is not much more to say so I will keep it short and sweet this week.  Next week the Patriots travel to Lincoln Financial Field to play the Eagles who basically are playing must-win games until the last day of the season (assuming they can keep the winning streak going).  Although a loss would not be the worst thing to happen to New England (they have the tie-breaker over the Jets and a much easier schedule then the Bills) it will be interesting to see if they can put a desperate team away.  Look for Luka and I to do a joint recap of that game next week, until then cheers.