Either the Patriots embarrass someone else, or they themselves are embarrassed. That's a trend I'm starting to notice with this team.
The Pats were on the happy side of a 41-7 score, in a game loaded with turnovers. Denver came in as 3 point favorites (when was the last time the Pats were underdogs at home?) with a powerful offense and a less than frightening defense. Said defense was ripped apart by Sammy Morris, Randy Moss, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
The Pats put up college football style numbers on the ground. 257 yards on 38 carries (6.8 yards per). Morris had over 100 in the first half, and finished with 138 and a score.
But the story was the defense. Seymour had his first standout game of the year, Mayo continues to be a steady tackler, and the Broncos turned the ball over 5 times.
It's hard not to be overly optimistic after a 41-7 win over a division leading team (especially one that historically does very well against the Pats), AND the 2-4 Rams are coming to town in a few days. BUT, it's just one game. Matt Cassel obviously has the talent and the know-how to be a winning quarterback. What he, and the rest of this team, has lacked is consistency.
As if to keep Pats fans from flying too high last night, Rodney Harrison's injury brought us all down to Earth. He'll be out for the season with a torn quad, and considering his age, he might have played his last NFL game.
Harrison's lost a step, and isn't as sure of a tackler or as big of a hitter as he once was, but he's still a solid safety. And the Pats are extremely thin at defensive back. John Lynch might finally be reacquired, and Ty Law is a possibility at safety.
Source:
ESPN.com
Photo Credits:
AP Photo/Mary Schwalm
AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
