I was debating when to write this, I figured doing it in about two days when the NFL picture has settled from this week would be a good time. Then I saw the highlights and some sport casters screaming out 'shades of David Tyree!' on Ballard's catch that brought the Giants to the Patriots 30, and I couldn't take it any more. Firstly, full credit to the Giants, they came into Foxborough and abused the Patriots offensive line and had complete control of the game for the most part. Eli made the throws he had to as well, and overall Belichick got completely outclassed by Coughlin...again. Now that that is out of the way it is time for people to throw some water on themselves. The Tyree catch is one of the luckiest plays not just in NFL history, but in sports history. Bringing it up on a moderately difficult catch does not do it justice. Second of all, to say that the Giants actually beat the Patriots is not enough without mentioning that the Patriots beat themselves just as much. I will break down exactly how they managed this in a little bit. Before I get to that however, I feel that as the designated 'Patriots writer' this season I should post the following police report that came out a short while after the game.
MISSING
Name: Chad 'Ochocinco'
Responds to: Chad, Mr. Ochocinco, Number 85, or any variation of saying eighty-five
Last seen: Reporting to Patriots training camp
He usually can be found dropping open passes and looking sad on the sidelines of National Football League games. The New England Patriots have asked the Boston Police department to look into allegations that Ochocinco is an impostor, because they can't believe that a former all-pro could be this terrible. Any information would be appreciated, if found please contact the Patriots immediately.
Reports that the Patriots secondary also ran away with Ochocinco have not yet been confirmed.
Do you know what the saddest part about what you just read was? 80% of it is true, let's move on.
Unlike against Pittsburgh, the Patriots secondary actually played a decent game. The Giants came out passing, hoping to expose the Patriots glaring weakness and were not able to. The blame for the loss can't be placed on them (for once). The usually reliable Gostkowski also missed a chip-shot on the stroke of halftime that would have made a difference late in the game, and Tom Brady threw some awful momentum changing interceptions. It really was difficult to watch and yet despite playing like they just met, the Patriots had the ball, down 4 with 3 minutes to go. If there was any doubt that Brady would get them the touchdown then you have not watched enough football. I think Brady's best quality is the ability to shrug off a bad game when it counts the most. I can't excuse him though, had he played better the Patriots could have settled the game in three quarters. The main reason for the Patriots loss today was because of (and I can't believe I am saying this) Bill Belichick. Some of the Patriots run calls were so predictable that it made me sick. If I can see what the Patriots are doing offensively that is not a good thing. So where did Belichick go wrong exactly? I would start with wasting a time out on a play that the Giants had nothing going for them and Eli backing up under pressure (and enough about him, he almost threw 3 picks on that game winning drive and won the game because of an idiotic play by Sergio Brown). The Giants promptly got a first down after this and never looked back. Also, when was the last time you saw Patriots defenders making such terrible decisions? That pass-interference penalty is indefensible and only poor coaching is a result, for the second time this year Bill Belichick you have been outclassed. At this point they really need to find someone (anyone!) to play nickel for them. Terrell Owens? I'm not even joking. Whats Troy Brown doing these days anyways?
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