All week long, the Patriots/Packers matchup had been dubbed as a "Super Bowl preview" and "Super Bowl 48.5". I, like basically everyone, knew that it was going to be a tough game. We were facing a good football team, on the road, at one the toughest places to play in all of professional sports. I'd even go as far as to say that it's tougher to win at Lambeau than it is at Century Link.
5 "what the heck?" moments:
1) Logan Ryan on Randall Cobb. I think this pretty much speaks for itself. I'm gonna pull a Belichick here and go with the classic, "no further comment".
2) Green Bay was only forced to punt once the entire game. ONCE. We desperately needed Chandler Jones on Sunday afternoon. I mean, what even is a pass rush, lately?
3) That one time Aaron Rodgers had 16 seconds to throw the ball. HOW DO YOU NOT GO AFTER THE QUARTERBACK? WAY TO GO MATT PATRICIA, WAY TO GO.
4) Offense got off to an agonizingly slow start. Something we haven't really seen since...week 4.
5) Not going for it on 4th and 18. Ugh, I love coach, but this was one of the times that I had to question what he was thinking. The game was on the line, offense was finally clicking, and we all know Brady has that 4th quarter magic. Next time, pleaseee go for it, Bill!
2 things I would have done differently:
1) Blitz, blitz, blitz. Did I mention I would've blitzed? Not having Chandler Jones definitely proved costly for the Patriots. They did sack Rodgers 3 times on Sunday, but he was too comfortable in the pocket for most of the game. And he wasn't afraid to tuck the ball and run it himself, either.
2) Use the run game a little bit more. When you're facing the 3oth ranked run defense in the league, you would expect your team to try to dominate on the ground. Personally, I've thought that Green Bay has deserved to be ranked a little better against the run, lately (maybe 24th). Regardless, I was shocked and a little disappointed that we didn't see more of Jonas Gray and Blount. The run game was essentially non existent. Belichick has really been using that "new week, new game plan" theory, lately.
Why New England will be just fine:
While a loss is a loss, I don't feel completely terrible about this one. Why? 1) We lost by 5 points...to a very good football team...one the road. 2) There's more to gain from this loss than there would have been from winning. Confused? I'll explain. While there were several missed opportunities on Sunday afternoon, overall, the Pats played a good game. They showed that they can compete with the NFC's best, on the road, in cringeworthy temperatures. So not all is lost. And one thing I certainly do not want to hear is a debate about whether or not the Patriots can bounce back and if it is time to reevaluate who the best team in the AFC is. I mean really? Come on. I hate losing more than anyone. Okay, well maybe Brady hates it just a liiitle bit more, but still. Again, I don't feel bummed about this one because both teams fought hard, and the Patriots were a couple of plays away from walking out of Lambeau with another win under their belts. In my opinion, they needed that tiny dose of reality. Like a "hey, you guys can ball, no question about that, but don't get too cocky, too quick. Work on these areas and you're solid."
Give me a rematch on neutral turf (ehem, Arizona in February), with a healthy Chandler Jones, and I like our chances. The Pats played a little conservative on Sunday, in my opinion, too. Which kind of makes sense because why give a potential Super Bowl opponent all your best tricks and plays? Save some magic for when it realllly matters. Also, San Diego was watching. Let them think that they've got you figured out, and put it on them Sunday. I'm hoping for a dominant December. Actually, I'm praying for crazy, scary good Patriots football from here on out.
Currently sitting at 9-3 on the season, we're still atop of the AFC. Win out, and we have home field throughout the playoffs. Even better if Denver loses one more. The Patriots control their own destiny right now.
Let's hope this loss has the same effect on the Pats as their last one did. Think about it...where would another 7 game winning streak put us?
As always, Go Pats!
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