The Patriots look bad. Three weeks ago, it was still to early to pass judgement, and last week's win against the hapless 49ers papered over many glaring deficiencies. But now there can be no dispute, the Patriots are a mediocre team, capable of beating the schlubs of the NFL but utterly impotent against the big boys. There was a reason they were the lowest ranked one-loss team in Football Outsiders DVOA rankings going into this week. Other thoughts:
- There can be no doubt that Cassel made a number of fundamental mistakes tonight - under throwing a wide open Randy Moss in the first quarter, missing a wide open Ben Watson in the endzone in the second, tossing an ill advised screen pass for an interception in the third. His passes look wobbly. He appears uncomfortable in the pocket. He seems incapable of throwing to receivers running medium or deep patterns. At best, Cassel is a work in progress; at worst, he is a disaster.
- Cassel is not the only one to blame, of course. Anytime the defense spots your opponent 30 points, you are probably going to lose. Deltha O'Neal earns obvious "goat of the game"™ honors for being burnt twice for long gainers, but the Patriots defensive line deserves equal blame. You line up in the 4-3 and you are unable to stop the run or record a single sack?
- Should I be inspired or depressed that Cassel had more rushing yards Sammy Morris?
- I cannot wait to read the speculation about what Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick were jawing about prior to halftime. Perhaps Daniels was asking whether Cialis or Viagra would better rehabilitate the Patriots limp and sagging offense.
- Should I be inspired or depressed that Morris had more receiving yards than Randy Moss?
- At least Brady's surgery went well.
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