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Originally Posted by Hawg73
It does sound like they're getting at least a little moist and runny.
One thing about the Pats is that most teams who have such a shitty record have already quit and are squabbling with each other. That is not the case here.
We had major issues with the Oline through the first half of the season and getting a few guys back and a few other moves (Onwenu from RG to RT) and a little actual cohesion have improved the protection from non-existent to average. Deciding to pull the plug on Mac Jones was another move that has helped a little, but all that happened concurrent to a bunch of injuries to the few skill guys we had.
I figured it was worth mentioning that these guys still have a lot more fight than you might expect and have (outside of STs) started playing smarter football with fewer pre-snap issues.
Most Patriots fans think Bailey Zappe is a scrub with a noodle arm, but he's actually 3-1 in his 4 starts (over two seasons) and may eventually figure it out. I think he throws harder than Jones did (but not a laser) and moves pretty well in the pocket, but neither his accuracy on the move or judgement is good enough so far. He set the all-time NCAA record for TDs and Yards during 2021 at Western Kentucky but is mostly an unknown.
The one thing that stands out about this team looking around the league is that we almost never blow a coverage. Our D is extremely well-coordinated and smart. Jabril Peppers is playing the best football of his career and is the best tackler of a solid group and Christian Barmore has really come on in year 3 as an inside pass rusher who disrupts the pocket.
It's all about Patrick cracking the code and he's going to have to work hard to beat a D that has excelled despite zero help from their Offense.
We'll probably lose, but we won't roll over and beg for mercy.
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This is a good summary of the 2023 Pats season. The one thing that's not mentioned is that in a season of virtually no momentum, there is a little bit right now for NE. They won last week after 5 straight close losses. The D has been great of late. Zappe looked way more functional last week than Jones had been. The OL and the team in general is a little healthier. The fans are ready for a big December game and take out their frustrations. The mood about Belichick has turned a bit, not so negative around there. The Chiefs better watch out.