Re: Tom Brady done for the year?
As a Pats fan, this isn't the end of the world. With Brady, they were a threat to go undefeated with a 60 percent passing offense. Without him, they have to go back to the fundamentals that won them their first three championships. They don't have a superstar back, but they have a four-headed rotation (Maroney, Morris, Jordan, Faulk) that is more than capable of playing a ball control offense. They have a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive line that will be much more comfortable mauling people run blocking than backpedaling pass blocking. They have one of the best defensive lines in the league, backed up by a tremendous group of 'backers (including 4 impressive rookies).
We saw it late last season, and into the playoffs. The record setting offense was too pass-oriented. Any team that could bring pressure without blitzing would have given them fits. The quick strike offense means the defense has to go back on the field too soon, and gets worn down. Oh, and they still have Moss who has to keep the opposing defensive back field honest, and Welker who's THE prototypical possession receiver.
Are they the favorite to win it all now? No. But they're still the favorite in the AFC East, and, as much fun as the Tecmo team was last year, I'm looking forward to seeing some fundamental football again.
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