Halftime Report vs. Ravens

At the half, the Patriots lead the Ravens, 20-14

Here are some thoughts from the first half:

Pocket Protectors

From the first snap, it was obvious that the offensive line had improved. On Brady’s 11-yard completion to Brandon Lloyd, the offensive line got a good enough push that nearly forced the guys in purple off the television screen. Brady has had nothing but time, and he just looks comfortable out here. Through the first two games, Brady’s success has been dependent upon the skill of the offensive line, which has been questionable at best. It’s looks as though they’ve established momentum vs. Baltimore.

Brady and Lloyd establish Rapport

In weeks past, we saw only the potential of the Brady-Lloyd saga. You could see something there, but we all knew it would take time to develop.

It has developed.

Brady is finding Lloyd on the closest routes and on the tightest throws. As I’ve said before, this looks like the beginning of a great relationship…

Defense Consistent         

Through the first quarter, the Patriots defense allowed only 17 points. To that, they did not allow a first down throughout the first quarter. ZERO.  Joe Flacco, who earlier this year claimed to be a top 5 QB, completed a beautiful pass to Patriots S Steven Gregory that brought the Patriots offense into a goal line situation.  It’s seems as though we’ll see a lot of that “bend-but-don’t-break” defense that led us to 3 Super Bowl Championships in the early 2000’s. Towards the end of the second quarter, the defense began to sputter, but this can be considered a wrinkle in what has so far been a solid season 

Pats' Preview: Week 3 vs.Ravens

Ah, yes. Or should I say, ‘Oh, no’? We knew they’d be back. They knew it too. It’s scary to think of what may unfold tonight when the Ravens host the Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium.

After a stunning loss at home, due in part to Gostkowski’s Cundiff-like kick, the Patriots enter this contest as underdogs with much to prove to their fans.

You can be assured that there will be no bounties necessary, as this Baltimore Ravens squad is so pissed at how their season ended – side note: I can remember walking out of my building screaming “Woo! Cundiff!” in the moments following the kicker’s monumental collapse in the AFC Championship game; Great times.  - and will be ready to punch this Patriots team square in the jaw.

Joe Flacco has started this season determined to silence the chorus of critics that broke down his gross inconsistencies throughout his 2011 campaign. Flacco has looked above average to this point, and has the capacity to break down a questionable Patriots secondary if the Defensive Line fails to play its cards right.

Not to be forgotten, Ray Lewis will be in uniform tonight, as he has been for every matchup against the Patriots. Lewis, a 17 year veteran of the NFL, has more heart and determination than a frat boy in a flag football league – just balls to the wall heart. Lewis doesn’t forget, and he knows the road to his second ring goes through New England. #52 came to play tonight, and will be an insurmountable force for New England’s offense.

They won’t get slaughtered, they won’t be shutout, but there is no such thing as a pleasant loss. Thus, I believe this team will take its second loss of the 2012 season on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Mark it down: the Ravens will win on a late touchdown – perhaps poetic retribution for the way their 2011 playoff run ended.

Prediction: Ravens 28, Patriots 26. (2-1)

Halftime Report vs. Cardinals

At the Half, the Patriots and Cardinals are tied at 6

 While establishing defense, the Patriots offense is struggling to put points on the board

Some quick thoughts from the first half:

Cardinals aggressive out of the gate

Arizona has gone for broke in the first half, establishing momentum with both runs and passes, including an 18 yard Wilcat run by CB Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals are well aware of the threat of the Patriots offense, and are threading the needle behind a solid running game to try and score quickly

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Tom’s Turnover

Tom Brady, on his first Gillette Stadium pass this year, has a tipped pass picked off by CB Patrick Peterson. The pass – intended for WR Julian Edelman – was most likely the result of a miscommunication in route running. The interception was the first Patriots turnover of 2012 Whatever the case, the Cardinals miss the opportunity to capitalize on the short field and get away with only a field goal.

Down goes Hernandez

TE Aaron Hernandez, who was seen favoring his ankle vs. Tennessee in Week 1, goes down hard with an undisclosed ankle injury. The injury was the result of a collision with WR Julian Edelman in which Edelman fell with all of his weight onto Hernandez’s ankle. Hernandez was helped into the locker room by the team’s training staff. We are awaiting word on the extent of Hernandez’s injury.

The non-existent Pass Rush Defense

While the defense has been stout in the points department, the Patriots defense fails to rattle Kevin Kolb’s cage. Putting pressure on the inexperienced Kolb is key to a victory today, as it was instrumental to the Patriots success vs. Tennessee last week. I’m not complaining, as the defense as aa whole is playing much better than that of the 2011 edition.  The point here is that the pass rush can certainly do better.

Coming up with a rhythm

In Joe Namath’s words, the offense is strugg-a-ling. Over the past year, the Patriots have been slow to start in the offense department. This usually isn’t an issue, as they are often at full speed by the second quarter. Today is different – the Patriots managed to earn only 2 field goals on the first 5 drives. Furthermore, the Offensive Line can’t seem to give Tom the time he needs. Brady seems rushed, and was often seen forcing the ball to Brandon Lloyd – a relationship that is in the making. Ridley, however, proves to be one glowing bright spot in the Patriots’ offense. Ridley’s explosiveness seems to be carrying over from last week, providing a consistent rushing attack  to slow down the Cardinals’ defense.

Pats' Preview: Week 2 vs. Cardinals.

This one just seems like a gimme, doesn’t it? Arizona hasn’t been much of a threat at all despite reaching Super Bowl XLIII in the 2008 season. Alas, I can assure you that this game will be much closer than what the numbers will tell us right now.

 Two words: Larry Fitzgerald.

 This guy could have Ryan Leaf chucking up lame ducks all season, and he’d still find a way to pull in 90/1,500/10 by Week 17. If that’s not bad enough, the Cardinals drafted WR Michael Floyd with the 13^th overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Even if he is just an above-average wideout, Fitzgerald should be occupying at least 2 defenders all day, allowing Floyd to be open on many key plays. Hell, even Early Doucet has developed into a solid 3^rd option receiver, and could prove to be vital to Arizona’s gameplan.

Defending against the pass will be a chief concern for the New England Secondary, despite facing the unproven Kevin Kolb at quarterback. Observing the way the secondary line of defense plays all receivers Sunday will give those still weary of New England’s DBs a bit of insight on how this season will play out for that unit. Having a consistent pass rush today will ultimately dictate the success of the secondary.

I’m going against the grain here: I project this one to be much closer than most media pundits have predicted. Despite the threats Arizona’s defense possesses, New England walks away from this one holding their collective breath. The Patriots will enter Week 3 unscathed at 2-0.

Prediction: Patriots 31, Cardinals 24. (2-0)

Halftime Report vs. Titans

At the Half, the Patriots lead the Titans, 21-3

 

The Patriots seemingly pick up right where they left off last season.

 

Some quick thoughts from the first half:

 

Stevan Ridley Impressive

 

Starting RB Stevan Ridley impresses in the first half. Despite being stymied by a suspect Offensive Line. Ridley maintains great penetration, and continues to explode when given space. Though there were some questions about the makeup of the RB unit this preseason, Ridley is sure to monopolize the team’s carries.

 

Brady, Lloyd establish rapport

 

Though there was one glaring drop by Lloyd, it’s clear that Brady and Brandon Lloyd are, at the very least, comfortable with each other’s style of play. Brady is not afraid to force the ball in Lloyd’s direction with a noticeable confidence not seen since his days with Randy Moss. This seems to be the beginning of a great working relationship.

 

Rookies step up big in Week 1

 

The biggest plays of the first half were all made by rookies. second-round choice S Tavon Wilson sticks with a tipped Locker pass for an INT in the endzone. In the second quarter, Chandler Jones makes a great strip sack at the goal line, recovered by fellow first-round LB Donta’ Hightower who then returned it for 6. Though it is week 1, the rising of young Patriots is a testament to the Patriot Way and how respected it is by veterans here and throughout the league. The roster overhaul conducted this offseason seems to be a worthy investment to the future of the organization.