The Patriots are leaving no doubt this season as they steamrolled the Dolphins, proving completely capable of rushing the passer and shutting down an offense that looked very sharp (in the first half) in last week’s game.
Some want to label 2015 as a revenge year for Brady and the Pats, but to me it seems like the pressure if finally off for Belichick and Brady to get that elusive number four. Brady seems more relaxed and poised than we’ve seen him since 2010, and maybe even all the way back to 2007.
The Dolphins stopped the Patriots offense quite a few times, but Brady and his offense were patient and relentless.
Then there’s the defense who finally flashed a ferocity we’ve been waiting for. There are five 1st rounders playing prominent roles and all are coming into their prime.
2014 1st Dominique Easley and 2015 1st Malcom Brown are both getting better each week and it they’ve filled some weaknesses nicely.
But it’s Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins that are the key pieces and when Chandler Jones plays like he did against the Dolphins his contract size after 2016 next gets a little higher.
The Patriots defense has shown they can stop the run, with Alan Branch being a big key, and when their pass rush is clicking they can cause havoc. That’s the kind of defense that wins Super Bowls, no matter who’s in your secondary.
Exciting.
Now the Pats get a short extra break to rest and refuel.
Here are the Posits:
Dion Lewis. Dion Lewis. Dion Lewis. I don’t know what else to say anymore. This guy blows my mind every single game and once again he was playing with his hair on fire. What a new element Lewis has added to this team. He is a nightmare, and so so hard to tackle in space. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. I can’t get enough!
I don’t want to sell Brady, Gronk or Edelman short. Those guys were all once again clutch throughout the game and unstoppable as always. They’ve been doing it so long now it’s almost expected and we’re spoiled for that.
Nice to see LaFell getting some catches as we knew he would.The back shoulder fade is his bread and butter with BRady. I’m not so sure about those screens unless he’s on a smaller DB, but he’s getting into a groove.
Now we will see the power of a fully operational Patriots offense, assuming that…
The offensive line wasn’t great. Brady still could get the job done, but it was a little scary a few times and he took a couple good shots. Hopefully Jackson is not gone for long. Luckily Stork and Wendell are coming back at the right rime.
But I’d really, really, really like to get Marcus Cannon back and I can’t believe I just typed that.
Anytime Ninkovich and Chandler Jones combined for three sacks and five QB hits the Patriots defense will be okay.
I really don’t know who I like better – Collins or Hightower, and I’m not going to make myself choose, I can just love both of them the same and by the same I mean a lot.
I think Butler, Ryan and Coleman did a pretty good job. It wasn’t perfect but it was better and that’s all you can ask for. Coleman has been breaking up passes every game, and tough ones too. Butler is aggressive and always on his man. Ryan has found some consistency.
Around now is when you know what you’ve got and I think this defense is absolutely one that can win a Super Bowl. The secondary, or more specifically cornerbacks, are not a fatal flaw. If they’re defense is going to break it will be because Chandler Jones, Ninkovich, Sheard and Hightower have a quiet game.
