Patriots Random Thoughts (October 24, 2011)

Okay, after six games and a bye week, I am finally ready to share a whole bunch of my thoughts on the Patriots...

It amazes me almost every time I look at the numbers after a Patriots win but it never gets old looking at Tom Brady's career win-loss record. 

Since taking over for Drew Bledsoe way back in September of 2001, Brady is 115-38 in the regular season (not counting the game he started against the Chiefs in 2008 when his knee exploded, ending his season).  Add in the 14-5 record in the playoffs and the three Super Bowl titles and you understand why I added the music video at the top of the post.

Brady is not having the freakish statistical season he had a year ago (3900 yards, 36 TD, 4 INT) but he is still playing at a high level and when he is under center, the Patriots are always in the hunt for a championship...

As much as I love watching him play, I don't think I'm alone in worrying that Aaron Hernandez will fumble at a critical time this season and cost the Patriots a win...

Another second year player I am worrying about is Devin McCourty.  After earning a spot on the 2nd Team All-Pro team as a rookie, his play has slipped considerably as a sophomore.

The Patriots have the worst pass defense in the NFL and if they have any shot at winning the fourth Super Bowl of the Belichick Era that needs to improve immediately.  A quick turnaround by McCourty would go a long way towards fixing that problem...

I think this is the week that Albert Haynesworth emerges a force on the Patriots defensive line.  He has played good in small doses but coming off the bye week, Haynesworth should be at 100% and should team with Vince Wilfork, Shaun Ellis, and Andre Carter to form a devistating front four...

Brandon Spikes looked great against the Cowboys.  His attacking style resulted in 8 tackles and consistent disrupting of the Dallas running attack, which produced just 60 yards outside of a Tony Romo quarterback scramble that went for 17 yards.

I hope Belichick continues to unleash Spikes because that type of disruption can only help the secondary improve...

With Jimmy Graham emerging in New Orleans and Jermichael Finley piling up big numbers in Green Bay, its easy for national pundits to forget that Rob Gronkowski just might be the best young tight end in football.

Coming off a 546 yard and 10 touchdown rookie season, Gronk already has 401 yards and 5 scores in 2011.  He is becoming a trusted Brady target, especially in the red zone, and is the main beneficiary of the increased attention on Wes Welker.

Having a 6-6, 260-pound animal running up the seams helps make the Pats offense so dynamic...

Speaking of Welker, let's hope the Kraft Family and Belichick get him re-signed sooner rather than later.  I do not want to see Brady's security blanket playing elsewhere in 2012...

Things don't look good for the Steelers this week.

Bill Belichick is 8-2 coming off a bye week as the Patriots head coach and have won seven straight games after the built-in mid-season vacation.

Giving Belichick the extra week almost seems unfair at this point...