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