The Game Ball Thread: Week 2 @ Vikings

[SeoulSoxFan]

Well, well, well. 
 
Quality of life issue indeed. 
 
That was a complete turnaround from the Miami second half debacle. After the horrific 1st drive TD allowed, Patriots bottle up the child abuser-less Vikings for the first win of the season. 
 
As always, give as few or many game balls as you'd like. And here we go!

• OL: solid protection & solid run blocking. The holding penalties are becoming worrisome but I think it's fixable.
• Edelman: Burgertyme! 
• Ghost: the man is just money. Which is what he may command as a FA next year. 
• Brady: yeah. The beard. 

Although Solder could qualify as the "goat" for committing 3 penalties in 2 plays, overall he kept Brady upright so he gets a pass. Speaking of penalties, 14 penalties for 160 or so yards need to be stopped.
 
Now onto the first home game of the year vs Raiders, Carr, and my favorite non-Patriot player Marcel Reece.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Chandler Jones is bewildered at your omission.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

A very satisfying win.   Game balls to Edelman, Ridley, Ryan, Hightower, Gostkowski and Chandler Motherfucking Jones™

 

[soxfan121]

Special teams were immense in this game. Blocked FG for a TD, sure. But two punts downed inside the five, Gostkowski with FGs and kickoffs that limited the Patterson threat, good directional punting from Allen and good coverage on punt and kick returns, once tripping up Patterson inside the 20. 

 

[amarshal2]

Chandler Jones is bewildered at your omission.

Seriously. Winner winner Jones had a Vikings dinner.

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

Edelman keeps the ball until he has a bad game.

 

[Darnell's Son]

Edelman definitely gets one. His work in the pass and PR game was great.
 
In addition to the Edelman, the entire special teams did a great job, from Ghost to Allen to the blocked FG. All around great work in that phase of the game.
 
Brady finally looking like Brady was a breath of fresh air.
 
Chandler Jones consistently being a force on D and the blocked FG gets him a game ball.

 

[Oppo]

I'll play the pessimist.
Penalties: 15/163 this week, 9/100 last week

 

[RedOctober3829]

--The whole secondary.  125 yards passing given up after the 1st drive.  3 interceptions.  In particular I want to give a shout out to Logan Ryan.  He stuck with Patterson who had 4 for 56 yards on 7 targets.  
--Special teams.  Chandler Jones with the block FG, scoop, and score.  Ghost with 3 FG.  Allen with a couple of clutch kicks.
--Chandler Jones.  8 tackles(6 solo), 2 sacks, 3 TFL, and a blocked FG and TD.  Holy crap.

 

[jsinger121]

Defense and special teams won this game.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

I'll play the pessimist.
Penalties: 15/163 this week, 9/100 last week

 
Someone doesn't understand what a game ball thread is.
 
START A GOAT THREAD, CHIEF.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Wasnt the best game by Ridley, but he was a workhorse.

With the passing game so suspect, we need games like this from him. 4 ypc, 25 carries, 100 yard game. He was decisive and made people miss in the backfield. Maybe not the MVP of the game, but definitely a key cog in the gameplan.

 

[dcdrew10]

Up
Brady - the audible at the line on the Edelman TD was classic Brady
Chandler Jones - two sacks, another TFL, the blocked punt, the TD; pretty good day at the office
Julian - excellent all around
EDIT: Gost and Allen (and Special Teams in general) - Great kicking, no big negative plays, Edelman on punt returns, etc; good all around
 
Down
Solder - penalites
Team discipline - ibid
Announcers - should know the rules than my 7 year old.
 
Let's also not forget it's the Vikings minus ADP.

 

[Super Nomario]

--The whole secondary.  125 yards passing given up after the 1st drive.  3 interceptions.  In particular I want to give a shout out to Logan Ryan.  He stuck with Patterson who had 4 for 56 yards on 7 targets.  
--Special teams.  Chandler Jones with the block FG, scoop, and score.  Ghost with 3 FG.  Allen with a couple of clutch kicks.

Yes to both of these. To add on to the secondary love, Cassel was 6 of 17 for 72 yards targeting WRs.

 

[Darnell's Son]

Wasnt the best game by Ridley, but he was a workhorse.

With the passing game so suspect, we need games like this from him. 4 ypc, 25 carries, 100 yard game. He was decisive and made people miss in the backfield. Maybe not the MVP of the game, but definitely a key cog in the gameplan.

I thought the run blocking looked inconsistent. When he was given any room he gained solid yardage, but there were a few plays when he got the ball and had someone in his face. It happens, but I hope the O line can clean up their run blocking.

 

[mikeford]

Gotta give it to DMC. His INT changed the tide of the entire game. 

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Belichick: "Edelman you get the game ball. Uhhhh, Aiken put that ball down I don't want it sailing over Julian's head. Where's Nink?"

 

[soxfan121]

--The whole secondary.  125 yards passing given up after the 1st drive.  3 interceptions.  In particular I want to give a shout out to Logan Ryan.  He stuck with Patterson who had 4 for 56 yards on 7 targets.  
--Special teams.  Chandler Jones with the block FG, scoop, and score.  Ghost with 3 FG.  Allen with a couple of clutch kicks.
--Chandler Jones.  8 tackles(6 solo), 2 sacks, 3 TFL, and a blocked FG and TD.  Holy crap.

 
NFL Defensive Player of the Week award winner numbers. Beastly.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Quick note, you guys.  Its not "Chandler Jones".  Its Chandler Motherfucking Jones.  Carry on...

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Belichick: "Edelman you get the game ball. Uhhhh, Aiken put that ball down I don't want it sailing over Julian's head. Where's Nink?"

 
LOL. I completely read that in BB's voice.

 

[Dogman]

Wasnt the best game by Ridley, but he was a workhorse.

With the passing game so suspect, we need games like this from him. 4 ypc, 25 carries, 100 yard game. He was decisive and made people miss in the backfield. Maybe not the MVP of the game, but definitely a key cog in the gameplan.

 
His ball security looked very good too as defenders were using hands and helmets to try and dislodge all game.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Wrong thread sorry.

 

[axx]

Ridley wasn't even that great TBH. He got a good chunk of his yards on that last drive when the game was decided. The offense was pretty much out of sync the whole game.
 
Still.. Chandler Jones. Damn.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

Eh, I thought Ridley ran hard and it wasn't like the offensive line was opening many holes. Good game for Ridley.

 

[nazz45]

Revis locking on Jennings (1 catch, 4 yards compared to last week when Jennings had 4 first down grabs) for most of the game, freeing up the safety to aid Ryan on Patterson, who was also fairly quiet. Ryan's technique on the pick was exceptional, appeared to allow Patterson to release outside to gain inside leverage to defend the post/square in route. Assuming he had safety help for the corner/go route.
 
It will be interesting to see how they use Revis game to game. This time they chose to use him on the "number two" WR, including in the slot, and free up the safety to help defend the "number one."

 

[Tony C]

A very satisfying win.   Game balls to Edelman, Ridley, Ryan, Hightower, Gostkowski and Chandler Motherfucking Jones™

 
 
Agree with these guys -- Edelman was great in all phases, Ridley was tough (sure he didn't have a ton of yards, but there were no holes), Ryan seems to be over whatever ailed him during the PS, Hightower with his best game I've ever seen, Gost sure....and the MoFo for damn sure.
 
I'd only add Brady: in complete control and had great accuracy.
 

I thought the run blocking looked inconsistent. When he was given any room he gained solid yardage, but there were a few plays when he got the ball and had someone in his face. It happens, but I hope the O line can clean up their run blocking.

 
This is my sense, too. The OL was better -- competent -- but it's not like they created holes in the run game and not like Brady was taking deep drops and getting protected. I was cheered in this respect by the second half, when they seemed to wear the Vikes down a bit and, in particular, by Stork -- not sure if he was in due to injury or just to get reps, but I thought he looked really good, albeit that's subject to review.

 

[Stitch01]

Ridley got better as the game went on IMO. Took awhile to get in rhythm.

 

[( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)]

After the Vikings first drive I was terrified that without Collins the Vikings TEs were about to destroy the pats. The coaches made the adjustments and the pass rush showed up to take thst hole away. Great game from the defense.

 

[DJnVa]

 
Let's also not forget it's the Vikings minus ADP.

 
What? Really? Man, I had no idea.

 

[Darnell's Son]

 
What? Really? Man, I had no idea.

Yeah, I mean, we knew that and we hoped the Patriots would do what they did. Going into the game with that mentality means there's nothing they could do to impress. That's Yankee fan entitlement. 

 

[Stitch01]

Yeah, I mean, a lot to clean up but they won by 23 on the road.

 

[gammoseditor]

Surprised how much credit the offense is getting in this thread.  The defense set them up at the 1 for one touchdown.  Lots of the field goals were from turnovers or short fields from special teams.  They didn't need to do much because the defense and special teams were so good, but the entire defense and special teams deserve the credit for this one.  

 

[Deathofthebambino]

I'm with you.  Aside from Edelman, and maybe Ridley, I'm not sure anyone on the offense would grade out better than a C for me if I was giving grades.  Obviously, they really didn't have to do much today aside from avoid any big mistakes, so it's hard to take too much away from them, but I didn't see much there to make me optimistic about the offense right now.  The one thing I am optimistic about is that they are coming home and taking on the Raiders next week.  Hopefully, it'll be another week to work out some kinks.
 
I'm getting seriously concerned about our situation with the receiving corps.  This isn't about Brady not looking for guys, I firmly believe guys are not where they are supposed to be, and in the end, the only people that he can look for are Gronk, Edelman and Vereen when he's in there.  They have literally zero outside game or deep threats, and that's something that might not show up and hurt them this week or next, but going forward, it worries the hell out of me.
 
Chandler motherfucking Jones.  The entire secondary.  That's all.

 

[MyDaughterLovesTomGordon]

It was really odd, because Fouts kept talking about how the Pats were playing "mistake-free football," right as they were racking up penalties like parking tickets in Boston. 
 
The offense was very sloppy. Gronk wasn't anything close to dangerous, basically playing like your average NFL tight end, good for some short pick-ups off the line if you hit him right. 
 
They played most of the game with six offensive linemen, were ultra-conservative, and hoped Edelman could burn the guy with the bum groin, which it turned out he could. 
 
And Ridley did his best Law Firm impersonation, gaining steam as the game went on and busting a couple to put it away when everyone's tired. 
 
The secondary is getting pretty exciting, though. Loved the Revis pick, and Logan Ryan is looking downright dangerous. Browner can't get here fast enough to get Chung off the field, though. 

 

[jsinger121]

It was really odd, because Fouts kept talking about how the Pats were playing "mistake-free football," right as they were racking up penalties like parking tickets in Boston. 
 
The offense was very sloppy. Gronk wasn't anything close to dangerous, basically playing like your average NFL tight end, good for some short pick-ups off the line if you hit him right. 
 
They played most of the game with six offensive linemen, were ultra-conservative, and hoped Edelman could burn the guy with the bum groin, which it turned out he could. 
 
And Ridley did his best Law Firm impersonation, gaining steam as the game went on and busting a couple to put it away when everyone's tired. 
 
The secondary is getting pretty exciting, though. Loved the Revis pick, and Logan Ryan is looking downright dangerous. Browner can't get here fast enough to get Chung off the field, though.

Really hoping they put Browner at SS. With Ryan and Dennard opposite Revis I am comfortable with Browner destroying players in the middle especially tight ends and running backs on runs up the gut. Anything to get Chung out of here is fine by me.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Chandler Jones - of the "Motherfucking Joneses" (that's trade-marked, people, so watch it) - for bringing a much-needed dose of chaos all over the field, special teams and otherwise; for a sack, a few tackles for loss and just a general oomph to the confidence and emotion of our defense…gets my game ball.

 

[Kliq]

Besides Edelman the recievers were pretty bad. Amendola, LaFell and Dobson were all pretty much invisible for the entire game. Brady played the game that was required of him, so can't really fault him for managing the clock, not squandering oppurtuntities and taking care of business.
 
A big shout out to the defense as a whole, recovering from a pretty miserable game against Miami. One of the big things I noticed was the tackling. Last week, Moreno bounced around defenders and even when we got penetration, he snaked out into positive gaines. Total opposite this week, a lot of excellent open field tackles. After the first drive, the defense really cracked down on chopping off the short passes and kept them from becoming long gains.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

. 
 
The secondary is getting pretty exciting, though. Loved the Revis pick, and Logan Ryan is looking downright dangerous. Browner can't get here fast enough to get Chung off the field, though. 

Getting 2 full games out of Chung is a huge win. That being said Browner is a much much much better player. MF Jones is an absolute animal. Possible Defensive Player of the Year candidate if he can keep this up. I love the defense but hate the offense so far. Ridley did a nice job and held onto the ball, but what about Gronk? He hasn't looked nearly like himself through the first two games. Brady has looked okay but I feel like he's not comfortable behind the O-Line. Hopefully, this issue is fixed as the season progresses. Lots of questions on offense but zero question that this defense is the best this team has had since early in the Super Bowl Dynasty.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

From what I've watched and, more importantly, what I've read from Belichick AND the player, there's little chance that Browner replaces Chung or any other safety. He's a corner, no matter what his vitals (and our roster/depth chart) tells us we'd really really like him to be. His return may free up guys like Logan Ryan to see more action at safety, but as I understand it, Browner will come back to play the only position I believe he's ever played in the NFL, the only position he has played throughout his entire time with the Patriots - corner.

 

[Super Nomario]

Getting 2 full games out of Chung is a huge win. That being said Browner is a much much much better player. MF Jones is an absolute animal. Possible Defensive Player of the Year candidate if he can keep this up. I love the defense but hate the offense so far. Ridley did a nice job and held onto the ball, but what about Gronk? He hasn't looked nearly like himself through the first two games. Brady has looked okay but I feel like he's not comfortable behind the O-Line. Hopefully, this issue is fixed as the season progresses. Lots of questions on offense but zero question that this defense is the best this team has had since early in the Super Bowl Dynasty.

Can we pump the brakes on talk like this? Jones was great yesterday, but awful week 1. He needs to be more consistent week-in and week-out before he's on the level with guys like Quinn, Watt, Sherman, Miller, Willis, and Atkins.

 

[Stitch01]

This is true. That said, he was put into a good position to succeed by the coaching staff this week where I'd argue he wasn't last week, so the performance yesterday was encouraging. He's not Geno Atkins or Robert Quinn of course.

 

[rodderick]

Just watched the game and I still think the offense lacks explosiveness. Guys were seldom open and when they kind of sold out to stop Edelman no one stepped up. Gronk's still obviously not close to 100%, so some of the other receivers have to pick up the slack. Amendola has been especially disappointing thus far.

 

[mulluysavage]

I think Tyms is going to help this offense.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
 
Agree with these guys -- Edelman was great in all phases, Ridley was tough (sure he didn't have a ton of yards, but there were no holes), Ryan seems to be over whatever ailed him during the PS, Hightower with his best game I've ever seen, Gost sure....and the MoFo for damn sure.

Hightower was really good in week 1, too. I've perhaps been Hightower's biggest critic in BBtL, but he seems like he's starting to put it together - trucking people like Brandon Spikes, but with more speed and athletic ability. They're letting him rush the passer, and he's doing it well, his instincts and coverage seem a little better, and he's setting the tone with his physicality every time he hits somebody.

 

[bellowthecat]

I just want to chime in that I think Ridley played better than his numbers showed.  Lots of situational running where the Vikings knew he was coming like at the 1 after the DMC pick and late in the game when they were killing time.  This game was absolutely won on defense and special teams and I think that's exactly how they want to win games.

 

[Saints Rest]

I just want to chime in that I think Ridley played better than his numbers showed.  Lots of situational running where the Vikings knew he was coming like at the 1 after the DMC pick and late in the game when they were killing time.  This game was absolutely won on defense and special teams and I think that's exactly how they want to win games.

I haven't seen the game but followed pretty closely online via the game-threads and NFL Network, but Ridley's game reminded me more of Antowain Smith than anyone else in recent memory.  

 

[RedOctober3829]

Just watched the game and I still think the offense lacks explosiveness. Guys were seldom open and when they kind of sold out to stop Edelman no one stepped up. Gronk's still obviously not close to 100%, so some of the other receivers have to pick up the slack. Amendola has been especially disappointing thus far.

Absolutely agree with you.  Better defenses are going to take Edelman and Gronk out of the picture completely.  Who steps up from there?  Amendola has been utterly invisible, LaFell's role has been a glorified blocking TE on the outside, and Dobson is just getting back into the mix but only was targeted twice. Out of Brady's 20 targets that stood, 13 went to Edelman and Gronk.  Amendola got 1 target, but it was nullified by a penalty.  LaFell was not targeted once.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Absolutely agree with you.  Better defenses are going to take Edelman and Gronk out of the picture completely.  Who steps up from there?  Amendola has been utterly invisible, LaFell's role has been a glorified blocking TE on the outside, and Dobson is just getting back into the mix but only was targeted twice. Out of Brady's 20 targets that stood, 13 went to Edelman and Gronk.  Amendola got 1 target, but it was nullified by a penalty.  LaFell was not targeted once.

 
Tyms4Wins

 

[jsinger121]

Absolutely agree with you.  Better defenses are going to take Edelman and Gronk out of the picture completely.  Who steps up from there?  Amendola has been utterly invisible, LaFell's role has been a glorified blocking TE on the outside, and Dobson is just getting back into the mix but only was targeted twice. Out of Brady's 20 targets that stood, 13 went to Edelman and Gronk.  Amendola got 1 target, but it was nullified by a penalty.  LaFell was not targeted once.

 
Signing LaFell over someone like Emmanuel Sanders could prove to be a huge mistake.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
Signing LaFell over someone like Emmanuel Sanders could prove to be a huge mistake.

They tried to sign Sanders in 2013 but Pittsburgh matched the offer sheet, so they clearly like him, or did. I'm guessing they felt that Sanders was redundant with Amendola and Edelman (who hadn't broken out at that point), whereas LaFell gives them size, especially in the red area. He's been pretty useless so far, but he's kind of a trick-or-treat player anyway; if he catches 6 touchdowns I think it's a win no matter what his other numbers look like.