Debunking the hot takes from this weekend’s “surprising” win. So many takes, so little time.
- The Patriots are playing mind games with Jimmy Garoppolo:
Teammates praised the young QB’s ability to execute within the gameplan and the offense, which sounds fine. But many in the media following the game, thought that this was a sign of the team downplaying what they saw as a herculean effort. It was a sign that Belichick had gotten to them and wanted to keep the little guy down.
A small relevant side note: according to Mike Shanahan, Robert Griffin III, a young emerging QB, didn’t want to watch his negative plays after wins or losses. He didn’t want to see the flaws in his game; he only wanted to focus on things he did right. This is one educational point of view, called “positive behavioral assessment”, but it’s not the one Bill Belichick subscribes to.
Belichick is not playing mind games, he’s preparing his player for success (and failure) in the NFL. Belichick likes his players to understand that they wouldn’t win without the guy next to him and the guy next to him and the guy on the Practice Squad replicating a defensive tendency of their opponent. Then when the game is over, he wants them to try to learn from their mistakes and move on. It’s very easy to ride the roller coaster, but good teams don’t do that. They never get too low, never get too high. Yes, good win. We’re onto — Miami. Just a reminder, RGIII is a disaster of a QB and his teammates after the game this week praised his rookie opponent as if he were the next coming.
- The Patriots defense was disappointing:
Michael Felger’s post-game analysis is hilarious and easily dismissed, but I get the feeling that he wasn’t the only one feeling it. But let’s look at it. Zero turnovers!!
#Patriots did a good job mixing up who was blitzing and who was dropping back into coverage. Confused Palmer a few times creating sacks, etc
— Adam Bogdan (@PatriotsInform) September 12, 2016
Professor Belichick used his deep and athletic front-7 to confuse Carson Palmer, a 14-year veteran player and Brady truther, and the secondary locked down the deep portion of the field. This was the number 1 offense in the NFL last year because of their chunk yardage, quick hits up the field and the Patriots held them to 21 points. And the reason why Fitzgerald was open, was because he was running underneath routes and that’s all that was available. Why isn’t “Bend but don’t break” regarded as sexy by the NFL? “Bend But Don’t Break” starring Ron Jeremy as BB sounds, ugh, yeah, not sexy. As an aside, it’s nice to watch a dominant defense that doesn’t have to behead the opposing QB to win. Good tackling, good technique, effective defense. But Zero Turnovers!!!
- The Patriots don’t need Brady to win.
I mean… sure. They don’t need any one player to win. They are a team in the purest sense. But he’s the best at his position and a great teammate who understands this, so they’re far better with him than without him.
- Belichick misused the timeout at the end of the game.
Another Felger. To be fair, we were all pissed at the moment, but this is why we are lucky. He watches the game in real time and makes good decisions. Just shut up, he’s the best ever and you, whoever you are, Peter King or Michael Felger or Collinsworth or Senile Phil Simms, Belichick is better at football coaching and strategy than you will be at anything in your life. Ever. So keep his name out your mouth
- The AFC back-up QB led teams are better than the NFC elite.
This one I just made up, but it’s not wrong. Bye bye, parity. But yeah, Giants – Cowboys is America’s Game, hahahahaha.
The same way I hated Jimmy Johnson and the Cowboys, but there’s a grudging respect there. It’s real. People don’t want to admit it, but– Who are we kidding, they fucking hate us, so bad. 90% of NBC’s graphics “packages” were highlighting the great success of the ’15 Arizona Cardinals.
I muted the audio, but look forward to rewatching just to hear the following conversation:
Collinsworth: “Now, Al, I don’t know much, but knowing things ain’t about the players and the plays, but knowing that the game is played…(stares off into space) … Sometimes, I don’t even recognize my own children… (cut inside the booth, Collinsworth speaks earnestly into the camera) But one thing I’m sure of, Al, Roger Goodell is just about the most honorable man I’ve ever met… Some may say it’s ironic, that you’re watching former players now in the booth actively suffering the effects of long term brain injury in real time while we defend the man who has done the most to muddy the waters of CTE research, but… Did I do the bit about the players and the plays? (looks over).
(Al Michaels stares dumbfounded at the field, trying to not make eye contact)
Michaels: And we’re finally underway, a kick to the back half of the end zone, the over-under for kicks taken out of the end zone for tonights game is 6. (mutters) Please, run it out… (grimaces) And he takes a knee. (Heavy Sigh, turns) You seen this Stranger Things show all the kids talk about?
Collinsworth: Dang, Al, I’m an OC guy. Always have been.
- Belichick just won COY award.
Belichick should win COY award every year, but sports writers will only give the COY to a great narrative and now Belichick has one with Brady out. And Belichick seems interested in the Media Narrative. So maybe this one is spot on. But in truth, Belichick doesn’t want your stupid awards, he just wants NFL Films to make a 10-hour documentary called “You tried to take me down for doing things the right way, you should all be ashamed of yourselves.” (It’s a wordy title. IN!)
- Jimmy Garoppolo just earned himself a big payday.
How many people have had one good game in the NFL? It was one heavily scripted offensive gameplan, sure Il Grappa was put into the offense as if he was Brady, but it’s ONE GAME. Really, think the headline should be Josh McDaniels got himself out of head coaching jail.
- The Patriots win was surprising.
I’m surprised that anyone was surprised. 5-0 now when Patriots under Belichick are double-digit underdogs. Stupid idiots thought the Patriots weren’t going to win. Sorry, but it was clear after watching Peyton Manning (the Tom Brady of commercials) be gifted a Super Bowl ring through no doing of his own, because he rode the coattails of an outstanding defense that then followed it up with an opening night win against the reigning MVP that Outstanding Defense beats Offense.
- The removal (and installation) of the banner at Patriot place matters.
Brady doesn’t want to be a distraction, Belichick doesn’t want Brady to be a distraction. It was a marketing ploy. It galvanized Pats fans, a little bit. But we’re going to have to settle for the after career biographies to hear the Krafts and Brady and Belichick actually say their ‘eff-yous’ to Roger Goodell.
11. LaGarette Blount will rush for 1,000 yards.
He’s on pace for 1,150, baby. This hot take was right on the money!
