Monday, November 26, 2007

You don't know how to beat the Patriots


Most coaching decisions can be made by Ed at the end of the bar. My mother wouldn't kick to Devin Hester. My sister can manage the clock better than Herm Edwards. This might be the reason why everybody is coming out of the woodwork to proclaim that they have the formula that can beat the New England Patriots. All I have to say about that is, "No, you don't."

Yes, the Patriots' quest for an undefeated season was in jeopardy during Sunday night's 31-28 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Fact is, they still won. But that won't stop the presses from explaining to you that the Eagles laid the blueprint to beating the Pats. Actually, if you had a dollar for every time the word "blueprint" was used in sports articles today, you could buy your own NFL team and make yourself the coach and use these ideas yourself. And you would lose.

The article that stood out to me was from John Czarnecki of FOX Sports, which is titled "Here's how you beat the Patriots". That's right, he learned how to beat what is possible the greatest team in the history of the NFL by watching one game. Here is what he learned:

1. Teams must be physical with Randy Moss and the other New England receivers.
2. You must vary your blitzes on Tom Brady.
3. You must gamble and go deeper with your passing game.
4. You must be able to pass block on the edges.
5. You need a versatile running back.

So, to sum up all 1,080 of Czarnecki's words, you need to be physical, pressure the quarterback, make big plays, pass block and have a good running game. Very insightful. The Pats weren't going to blow out every single team, that we knew. So why is everybody convinced that last night's game is a sign of the Patriot's perfect season is almost over. Last time I checked, they're still undefeated. This is a good reminder that unless you're one of the 32 special few, you are not an NFL coach, no matter how hard you try. And you're definitely not Bill Belichick.

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