Patriots Playbook - 10/2/2008

[41:25] ..." right next to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. -- Patriots in the New England Revolution is now a whole new England's most. Exciting entertainment shopping destination infantry -- On Christmas tree shops all probably use staples and"...

[45:15] ..." defense that is all the rage in that. Torn apart by the New Orleans Saints in the -- all week to buy tickets at -- the Saints. Are starting to show that there are better team. Then"...

[1:10:06] ..." from the running game at a necessity. Now they just brought back Najeh Davenport. And Gary Russell -- the younger and the Gary Russell boat people don't really know that much I guess hardly any playing"...

[1:18:00] ..." Which is of course Eric's NFC championship -- game they'll -- the New Orleans Saints put. They don't want Cowboys don't have them clintons and the Cowboys haven't had to -- into the Cowboys losing the Cowboys"...

[1:20:09] ..." won't best. Job. Pretty good players who isn't available. At the safety Roman Harper like -- been on the freshman bella yeah."...

[0:00]" Let's go let's go let's go -- without I'll I'll want to go pot pie. That -- one pair of -- Patriots playbook got back on combat odds that they've gone here truthfully when. Breaking down last Sundays -- man coverage. Sunday's game -- for the great. -- do. -- and the rest of the 2008. NFL. And some of the foreign stuff in between. On Patriots playbook."

[0:41]" They can't walk inside Patriots playbook for Thursday Europe Patriots. Dot com radio I'm John -- yes item on the telephone book. Just walked in in Tampa Florida tonight for some college football duties but it -- a heck of a lot better because their skeleton you know in my parade here in the studio Philip were to happen."

[0:59]" I don't mind. I'm doing good how you doing I'm John how are you I look over away John is supposed to be an NC might so I just immediately say hi -- are screwed up. I taught -- one of those winning Lebow's. Faces of me on a stick what exactly guys right they have the they have a cardboard cutout of Tom Brady and here in Tedy Bruschi on the wall we want to John -- when he's not here -- I think that. Good idea you know I'd you know I'd be able to -- that you know -- to get somebody to step. I I almost called you -- to cousins -- Baxter as a odds on the phone every every Thursday a -- and plus there's. They're women with. Nice figures on TV here so well well distracted a little bit on you gotta forget we -- full frontal pornography in the studio. Full frontal now while you guys -- you don't have what I'm in the exaggerate ranked. Other how would you don't but today and excellent as always -- had a great taco -- got to meet. As a -- from England one of there was one of our listeners was here and negative for a trip to the US had a couple of friends that are in the US here. Okay and yeah as pretty sure they part of Godiva chocolates to box near you missed him and done I think ultimately -- clean -- John however you're gonna get some good food down there."

[2:12]" However it's you know eighty degrees and sunshine right where I am right outs of the two."

[2:17]" And if if the if the south Florida folks. Put up his could've a spread in the press box as the Tampa bay Bucs do here in for treatment."

[2:26]" They do okay you know -- usually like the of the pull important variety type stuff you know about the southern now barbecue type thing that they do -- analyst. Pete Townsend and then you know I've I've never had --"

[2:36]" Points at all while many must do a little bit different then because."

[2:40]" You know what -- I mean I've never been a huge. Pregame meal eater I mean I can do it Gillette stadium's it would because I'm usually they're two and a half to three hours both involved. So there's plenty of time to digest but. Oracle on the air duo on radio broadcast with a little different I have time to. You know do when I'm on the Gillette Stadium like five under stifle any sort of urge to -- gasses."

[3:05]" Not many -- yeah. But gotta talk what you don't. You don't national radio brought Kendall didn't you know you need to belch that that's the difference between John a professional and Andy who -- him a trial. Exactly -- a not only entity that's right so what happens cabinet today guys are leaving tomorrow correct or is there. Tomorrow afternoon. Yeah like -- though. Yeah 'cause of the time difference by the time we get there will be rebounds -- we get the Red -- like planning a current event right yeah I'm ready hands of."

[3:39]" Actually I didn't I do I would literally look like -- an -- like today so -- the first three innings in which nothing happened then and then wake up this morning and turn on you know Hitler and his order wasn't about that the western dominated again last -- is a good Red Sox."

[3:52]" We already had an area that's all I want a political power on I kept up your progress over the relentless volume that baseball -- yeah. It's a little chuckle all there is a game this weekend at those."

[4:05]" I have to admit though when you have two weeks to talk about the San Francisco 49ers. I'm I'm I'm going to. I mean it would it would get some heavy -- yesterday and so I'm kind of like you know Mike you and I spent the whole first W talking about matchups and yeah we like -- this -- this you know. Yeah I thought the other was and there are some decent match -- to look at your going to be individual battles in the game put that. When he had two weeks to prep for Sampras discus like please can we keep this thing off now."

[4:31]" And commit such -- about the charges. Well nine I'm going anytime but you know."

[4:37]" You know -- we can -- sort of look ahead even all the guys don't always certainly Walton and never would admit that but. I have to admit I think that there's got to be a little bit morbid sense of urgency to this when this week. Civil because that was looming. On the horizon in San Diego -- you agreed to answer that."

[4:53]" Well I do think we'll have a lot more talk about into week after the long stretches over with because is a very unique road trip where they're out their for the week of practice and a different environment he's doing it without what are your team leaders and a different player behind that are. There are a lot different here to look out for. And I do think and a couple -- that I that is going to be a lot more talk about I think we'll know a little bit more about the team after five games as opposed to three -- the big difference but the two big -- going out west. Playing one team don't know much about and one team would you have a lot of heated battles -- over the years so an -- noble but."

[5:25]" Mark up yet John I think you and I talked about this on Tuesday show about. At the quarter mark. You tend to have an -- what direction. Teams are going in. And by mid season you kinda know what you have finally and you know there are some teams who like the Giants last year who looked like a horrible team up to the last quarter of the season and then turn it around right away but that's that's those are few and far between. So I think Mike's right at after the game 45. When they come back from the strip. It's we're going to have a lot better idea who you know where where whether or not Cassel is actually. Doing what he needs to do to lead this offense and whether the defense is going to step up and rebound from that horrible game against Miami in. We'll have a better indication I think -- feel a little bit more confident about saying whether or not you know we think this team -- guys."

[6:13]" Bill always says -- you don't know a lot of -- team until a couple of months of the season anyway. Because go through so much in the pre season you don't really know a whole lot of New York playing. And you really need a few game kind of figure out this is what we have this is how it's probably going to be all year. And what I need to do going forward I think after the kind of trip we have put the Doubleday and -- that adversity in the road. -- got to figure things out after a while."

[6:36]" You that I agree with but he hears something in some food for thought. Because this team has had such. Shocked -- system early in the year -- you know but obviously that we spent a lot of time talking about here. It would be fair to say that maybe you need to allow a little extra time for this team to move to Connecticut it's. If it's its legs underneath it is this team is different. From what it was last year. If it was changed radically in the opening week against Kansas City so -- we will be a little bit more lenient should we allow a little bit more time for the team that. Find it's identity."

[7:09]" Well I think you may be under normal circumstances but considering. Brady wasn't involved in any snaps during the pre season games. We kind of head off for a month what this team was like. When Brady did finally Godown."

[7:24]" If that's that's a great point area because what do we can't speak with Randy cross yesterday. And ran -- at the very same thing. He's you know it's not like we don't know what we didn't know what was comments we just didn't realize what was going to pick this Brady didn't take a single snap of the presage -- well we have a -- to -- elation it's always all the preceding so in reality it really shouldn't come as a tremendous surprise it is team destroy it would have been altered because I struggled the precision now obviously the personnel groupings are vastly different. You don't have that the younger players getting the reps that you had during the pre season. But the problem is that the veterans were getting the reps sold they extra little slowly mature while slowly with a quarterback mr. little slowly."

[8:05]" Yet at the thing that has surprised me somewhat. In the pre season. I don't really get too concerned about you know how many points are scored or how much they give up on defense -- you know I consider playing with different personnel groups are shifting guys around your. Looking more for. Evaluation of individual players or individual positions as opposed of the team as a whole. And so when it in court too much with with Cassell Gutierrez O'Connell a quarterback. And it really. Take take it is too much of a concern at that point but since the season has started and they still haven't scored you know twenty points yet. I am a little concerned about whether they have the ability to do that with you know with what I have right now but --"

[8:50]" Certainly not at the pace -- last year now that doesn't happen even -- you were behind it is not at that pace but at least. You know to a protest I don't think once you have that you know against -- who probably should score again like Miami with a weak secondary leader averaging 38 points they -- have scored thirty points in the first three games last year and and -- to -- two games -- at 34 and so there were hovering around 3530 at a point it is about a week and if you take. Even if you take two touchdowns away. Bet till I thought I won 22 points a game you're probably on the top penalty at that point and then having an approach that gets on a little concerned about that. To think he can make him a little bit more of a window to. -- what they're really made up here because beyond they have tinkered with the offense a little bit and they are running some different plays and do different things and and outset going as. And we ask about changing the playbook Matt Cassel Woody and that was. You know some players are more comfortable with certain plays than others in other words not going to Matt Cassel do all the things that Tom Brady did because he may not be comfortable doing it. And part of that may be throwing deep with the -- Tom Brady has -- denied it has got a great arm. I don't think he always knows where the ball's going when he talks it deep and that's an issue that kind of limit them the plays in your playbook out. Let Penner rework the offense a bit. Taylor Moore put -- ranks and then he will we have here maybe give them a week or two which is why that come back on this road should be going to be in week. Eight at that point we haven't rather you going to have five games under your belt. We weren't. A team right now so carry your. You know Richmond I'm not going to you know at the line -- we do you know any you know any -- exactly as -- we do this but I do think you know I do they come back in the triple -- tomorrow what Matt Cassel. Can handle it how to handle adverse conditions. Spending entire week on the road haven't prepare for a game not having the conference -- environment now having Tom Brady there in his -- talking to him. Well how all that goes will be interesting that he will be back."

[10:46]" Let me ask you guys that ticket gonna put look into the crystal ball a little bit because or play a little what -- an end. And realize that may or may not be -- that we can get away with through discussed on. And just because the focal point he happens to be around the -- offense right now and the fact that they have not quite performed up to smoke and another we've also talked in great detail about the -- in the lapses that they had against Miami but. He got escorted -- people I think. It's fairly unanimous amongst you know it may be the three of us and certainly can and the rest were POW brethren here that this team will probably be okay provide that we -- Hawkins to -- Anywhere from you don't want to force that we have appointed game is that a fair assessment."

[11:25]" Yet that's what I'm looking four point four with 17 point it with the personnel they have."

[11:30]" Right if they can get to that point. They should still be okay it should still be you know right there for the division title and and you know -- skipping a beat. Well let's let's look -- just a little bit in let me ask you what you think. And in Michael got a bullet used that week six barometer that you're talking about. This team continues to struggle offensively. And let's say they you know that they lose one or two of these next couple games at what stage do you think that this has to reach. But for the Patriots decided to pull the plug -- do something else a quarterback or shaken up offense."

[12:05]" I did did have to be out of it and the playoff berth rather. And had a -- for it on the green hair. Yeah I think if they're out there yet they make -- at that point but he had to lose my -- put O'Connell and their you to act because so you'd White House and be back anyway he -- like like we nighter and I was people like. Korean seven. Yeah they'd lose and if you lose these games a comeback to win three and a lot of no absolutely nothing I didn't need to get going. Kazakhstan to figure out Nicol calls and you give that a chance of winning right now than -- that's why -- I think I have a favorite but distributing -- again you don't United seven certainly pennants six to win the east. Yeah I mean at this to any and we okay pull the plug let let let Kevin O'Connell play."

[12:51]" Look I I'd like Matt -- I think he's added I think he's a great guy and I think he's you know a better quarterback than people give him credit for that said. When you draft a guy in the third round. At quarterback. I -- you know knowing this team's draft -- Serena never really draft quarterbacks. They don't really draftsman don't threaten that high and so that's said. I think they're looking into the future with that back. And I'm not ready to say that they're confident that Cassell -- in the best opportunity to win games if they struggle. I don't I think maybe sooner rather than later in the -- and I don't think. They would have a problem going to O'Connell if they felt at that point they've had a better chance to win and he gave him a chance while they were -- I don't think -- other -- possibility I'm not saying that's what's going to happen on the sank. I wouldn't be surprised if it happens and then my accident. -- think you don't think half dozen minutes in and O'Connell and all I'm saying if he struggles and the coaching staff feels that O'Connell does give them a better chance I don't think they'd be afraid to him I'll make. -- don't hold that triggers and what do any thing here now I don't think I don't think if they. If they start struggling. And they and it looks like they're going to be out of it but they're still in it. I don't think they'd have a problem make nets which they felt like hey you know what we're still in it we -- have a chance we better go with the guy who gives us a better chance and if they think -- the rookie."

[14:14]" I -- I'll root that out think his experience human like -- plain and back there saying well. You know past couple years under his belt he has played automatically now I think they feel to have a better quarterback right now and I think -- correct. And they believe he -- in the better chance to win public Eric that if at some point typical calls made some strides in practice chosen a few things in the edited because lynch. I just think that overall I don't think it is going to change their opinion past or being the better quarterback for them right now wall. And the guys that they'd have to be out of it in my book. Like this but then again we don't get to see everything that goes on practice -- to zooming. That's -- and is making the assumption that they've brought all their support behind -- I don't know if after eight weeks are only going to change their mind."

[14:59]" Yeah yeah let's -- that's very good point you're right -- they get -- out of their way I think to showing that. You know they support Matt Cassel in the you know by not bringing in the veteran quarterbacks and everybody just assumed that they were going to -- that we -- after the Kansas City game you know as they have sent from from they want that back -- older -- so you're right they're probably going to be a tendency to give him a little bit -- the benefit of the doubt."

[15:25]" I think that it. And I haven't seen enough yet enough negative to make the hole to make the change right now although I don't against Miami no question about it. I think his performance was worse than some other people think I'll -- it was very good against Jets and -- pretty good boy coming in against cheese. Given the condition of the circumstance and -- game not shown up to the ballpark not expect -- the play you know and haven't gone there relieved Tom Brady. I think you know he's had two out of -- pretty good. That -- it was a -- that the -- would -- help out much to me it's three games I can't in making any sort of knee jerk reactions. Based on -- one to two teams that need more of the body worked -- all about."

[16:03]" Yeah again I'm not saying -- knee jerk reaction -- I'm just saying we're not privy to everything that goes on in practice right right so. You know who's to say O'Connell isn't performing great. You know had a right usually leave you mean don't meet in the right right now -- now for all we know it always is catching -- kick return or -- throws in now granted most rookie quarterbacks don't come into the league in -- Right now."

[16:26]" No you know unless you're a very highly. You know -- out of the draft pick in -- your name is Alex Smith."

[16:32]" And yeah well especially for a guy who -- MO the reps in practice anyway fear rookie quarterback who is expected to north of me you attracted chances are getting all the reps in pre season. And nearly a little bit more here O'Connell is not prepared that right now. I don't know I doubt he's getting a punter -- Right now on the on the practice -- for all we know Gutierrez to be getting -- and now we really don't know."

[16:54]" The other it's true although I would I'd be I'd be very surprised I definitely. Think that if they brought in O'Connell for a specific reason they like it is mixed. This will be his mobility is Willis is strong on communicate the big -- He not only led you know his team in passing obviously but -- let his team in rushing again it was during his senior year it's going to be history yet so you know here's a guided. Is big and physical and sort of it's prototype for a lot of the quarterback -- seat. Certainly at a high level and college who can do the whole you know run passing it will hold -- young -- hopeful phenomenon that it will. Yeah or mobile like I felt like it or maybe it -- testing continued to struggle -- Matt -- and -- can -- pretty -- and -- even -- Tom -- In a lot of ways but he here's the thing just because sometimes you guys know this. Is Lola site soon as well most savvy football fan. There's no word for the day standing you know on the I I think -- people realize that sometimes you make a change. Just because it's not working and you need -- spark it is not any one thing already two things -- any really anything negative sometimes you make change for change sake -- because she needed -- start. You need to kick start something to do that. And -- the pitcher to an in depth that Ralph but I think it's an interesting sort of thing to look forward to. Or at least. Anticipate unnatural for two but anticipate. Potentially the Patriots having to override that decision like this because so much is expected of this team this year. Still even a Brady's dad and so much still expect the resources we -- think at least they're still. Part of political -- of the playoffs but also we get most of the fans that that listen to our program -- the email they still put the Patriots are going to make the playoffs that the Cleveland isn't. That the theory that you don't think that they're going to make the playoffs so because of that kind of pressure on you. I think they've got to be thinking ahead a little bit that's all."

[18:51]" I don't know -- has a better. Quarterback in the pocket or move better in the pocket quite yet. Because I'm not to all in his pocket awareness yet I look at the Miami team. And their first try to cut into the red zone after -- really good play -- to back to back act did not step up and avoid pass rush -- look at Tom Brady. The one of his strength is ability that both in the pocket when pass rush coming employed or that's quick."

[19:13]" Mission I would say Mike Moore more so than you do what I think tressel has good legs. And I think he has. -- just has better yeah Walsh sees their runner can yell recognition in the pocket I would totally agree with an immediate."

[19:26]" You could put you named all back -- he can't recognize the past present and I'll pass to move that I get my point -- Brady's ability to avoid the sack has come from his recognition as opposed to his his athletic ability where in castles case it's probably more as athletic ability -- recognition."

[19:41]" Absolutely -- absolutely so that's obviously where they're different he's got the ability to to make a little something more out of a mistake. But then again maybe if he'd stayed in the pocket walk -- long enough or. You know learned how to check all this initial receiver who happens to be covered maybe he can make a better plate that were Brady excels."

[19:59]" And I agree theorized that he's smart he's a more experienced. More intelligent and again using your words savvy quarterback. And -- that you lack right now and you have cast when there he can write them plays -- when it hit the fan I was going to react. It's all right. You don't realize how good Brady is he's not there I think adding people start to realize that not people taken for granted here. I don't think there's been a lot of talk of just picking up that he is -- moving on as if nothing happened here that while the that I BO pay. I think he's got to he's he's an advocate all right and Q drives in the Miami game even of the Czech team they struggle in the reds on offensively -- seen them play. That each year yields a whole lot of time agree. And really the reds on efficiency has been the biggest thing to me at that when -- get out there he's in a release butter with having let based -- work. That's what happens defenseman now as much -- based at eleven guys crowd into a much smaller area. And it's hard to get guys open and I'll think Kimi proper -- just yet and that to me is part of parents that commitment and Tom Brady."