Quick Thoughts after the Game

It took until the 3rd quarter, but finally everyone who roots for the Patriots breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't just that the offense adjusted and finally figured out that short screen passes were much more effective at disrupting the blitz schemes than 15+ yard passes on every down. And it helped that they actually sustained long drives that allowed the defense to catch its breath.

But more importantly, the defense adjusted in the 2nd half and shut down willie parker AND got pressure on Big Ben consistently. Overall great effort on both sides of the ball in this one, which is what we really needed to see, especially against a quality opponent.

Evil Disrespectful Tom Brady set the tone early, jawing with Anthony Smith et al, and then following it up by burning him on 3 TD passes that made him look bad.

After a week of "the Patriots are beatable" and "the Patriots are vulnerable" we get back to reality and everyone can start throwing out even more over the top hyperbole with the Jets coming to town.

One more note. as I write this, Peyton Manning just threw up a bomb for a TD in the 3rd quarter after they were already up 37-3. Good thing they don't run up the score though.