Cris Collinsworth and Steve Mariucci Conference Calls

[3:01] ..." against the run the way that the Patriots do. You know Brett Favre going to have to be a major element in this game if they're going to win and you're not going to just line up and blow. Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren and these guys off the ball assists this is not going to happen. Even though their offensive line greatly improved so. You know that's that's sort of want the interest and questions with this game how much -- and the Jets get their running game or keep their running game going. And and how much is that going to be just fall right back on the lap of Brett Favre and and I have to make plays in the passing game because. You know the Patriots have made a good living for"...

[1:41] ..." think that amusing finger quotes here the whole game manager tagged for Brett Favre do you think that that can stick. Or do you think that we've seen him turn into anything that he hasn't been"...

[12:45] ..." a timely appreciated and then now we turn the call overdo it Steve Mariucci. These do you want to give up. A few opening comment. As deep as everyone either as an analyst for NFL network"...

[0:38] ..." the the ultimate. Injury happening. So early in the season and comes Matt Cassel a guy that. That have never played since high school and and it is to watch this team. Sort of become a"...

[0:00]" You don't about the Patriots changing their image to -- Elaborate on that. Well I think that you know obviously last year this looses. Big. An offensive explosion news is we've ever seen you know between Tom Brady and Randy Moss in the and -- Wes Welker in the numbers of those guys put out -- it was it was remarkable -- mean every week -- that are sort of sat there and NBC's studio with our mouths open and going to you believe they're doing this again and and then quarter. Sort of the the ultimate. Injury happening. So early in the season and comes Matt Cassel a guy that. That have never played since high school and and it is to watch this team. Sort of become a little bit more of a ball control. Running. With -- it -- says it's maybe back to the old Giants days for Bill Belichick kind of a thing and and yet now we're starting to see on the offensive side. There are stretching a little bit more you know I mean oh willingness to you to do -- in I mean it was obvious last week watching the stadium that. When they when they got the lead over Buffalo. They knew their defense was going to be able to hold it says so they go on you know whatever that nineteen play drive and and you know it's just a it's not that stadium. Really know pinball machine light up the scoreboard kind of offense. But in some ways it may even be more effective because of the color player on the defensive side."

[1:40]" Brent do you think that amusing finger quotes here the whole game manager tagged for Brett Favre do you think that that can stick. Or do you think that we've seen him turn into anything that he hasn't been for the rest of his career."

[1:57]" In the you've been watching Brett do -- and I have. He is oblivious you know and I. I almost have to laugh out what we talked about it because I noted. That that's part of what these coaches have to do it you know I mean it just as Mike McCarthy last year it was. You know Brett we've got to play and then and let's stick to the play and then. And you know we can't throw it up all the Damon and we've got to take our shots but it's the same time. You know Brett as a way of making big plays down on the field that if you don't take some other shots. You know then then your -- and you're not the six and 31 place football team that you have either you know I mean they've got good weapons here this. Dustin Keller has become a nice weapon for him at tight -- Cotchery and Coles both guys who can make plays down the field. But you know it's so that's always the interesting dynamic here in in especially and it against the team that -- the -- against the run the way that the Patriots do. You know Brett Favre going to have to be a major element in this game if they're going to win and you're not going to just line up and blow. Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren and these guys off the ball assists this is not going to happen. Even though their offensive line greatly improved so. You know that's that's sort of want the interest and questions with this game how much -- and the Jets get their running game or keep their running game going. And and how much is that going to be just fall right back on the lap of Brett Favre and and I have to make plays in the passing game because. You know the Patriots have made a good living for a long time and making teams one dimensional with those guys up front. And then force in the other quarterback available."

[3:44]" Barrett ever played receiver in the league you'd see some of the young guys now but there's a torch that I'm going with Andre Johnson Larry Fitzgerald and those guys. Kind of becoming the at the top blow receivers in the league there's not. The -- that new -- receivers together that way maybe. You know of the nineties somewhere basketball player -- maybe you know you go further back some more -- start."

[4:09]" You know it that the game is is a little bit different now -- I think that. There was a stretch of time in the early eighties were it was also own and then. We started this season some Raiders in Cleveland Browns and and some of those types of teams that. Wanted to come out and play bump and run man to man and and -- phase and then. Teams figured out how to use motion antics and and bunch formations to keep the ball and run man to man things away so even a guy like Deion Sanders. As great as he was you couldn't really. Just line up and they -- and I'm going to take this guy all over the field because they're going to take -- four times come across the field. And -- got a fallout and some combination coverages and you know -- of the game is just constantly of balding but I'd say it's nice when you have. Inning clearly -- Walker's been the dynamic player you know catching balls on this team this year. But you wonder what Wes walker would be without Randy Moss sitting on the other side. And you know be in to that constant threat down the field you know aware. There would be the possibility on any given play a few starts and two Q was your combination coverages on Wes Welker. All you know rain and boxes they're just gonna chalk one up so. In it's it's say it's a catcher's game right now we're I think that thing that's surprising me a little bit more. Because teams are playing so many zones and they're playing so many different combinations. Pitchers in the guys with a great hands and even some some Anquan -- kind of guys these bigger. Stronger of the Braylon Edwards guys you know the guys that. You know they can catch a ball and and the first guy misses a tackle these tack on some guy that weighs 230 pounds. Brandon Marshall another one of those in that category so. It's not always about speed you know there's there's planning is quick little guys -- guys. But does the term power wide receiver I don't think I. Would have anticipated. -- At any point in my -- clearly there some power wide receivers they're."

[6:24]" What -- and actresses that it does seem like geysers start to contribute or earlier in the couriers to I think Avery at St. Louis Jackson Philadelphia. I think it does make -- a product of I think college is preparing these guys all the better than on the path there's been the perception that you know -- three years for heroes come into his -- it's something that. They're showing you lies -- these guys are able to contribute over an earlier in the career."

[6:49]" Well if you watched any of the Texas Tech and Texas game you probably have pretty good answer went. I you know and I played college football you know half the teams in the counter play in the wishbone. And allies. You barely can turn on television anymore of that they're not in the shotgun and four wide receivers and spread the field and and I think that was the biggest difference that were saying now is that. You have. Receivers coming in the game that have experience reading defenses and and it's sounds funny we always talk about quarterback reading the -- but I remember Joe Gibbs there and one time. Dead that he thought did you know other than quarterback I'd the next smartest position had to be receiver because those guys. Our reading defenses and coverage on the fly the same way their quarterback is. And if they can't do that and they can't play right away in the NFL so. By these teams doing much more that we're seeing more of the pro style. Offenses in college they're coming in a little bit better."

[7:50]" Or Chris your you mention it job that Patriots coaching staff have done. When you figure all the losses especially one -- Does this right up there were some more. -- older -- and done in the past."

[8:07]" You know I've made the comment there's this past week honor showtime inside in a fellowship that I I thought it was. I think it's every bit the equal of what they did last year and you know film -- the argument -- no matter what I think. Laughed a little bit but in and not only are they are they doing it you know Tom Brady in there by you talk about that one. But they are doing it across the board I mean they've got a lot of young players playing in here would it. Mayo and Guyton and Wheatley and we'll -- and you go right down the line of you know been Jarvis Green Allison and -- lot of these guys are making. Not only contributions. That helping to win the game. And and one of the interesting things that I think it's coming out of this thing. Is that you know he's -- we got the feeling watching the Patriots and that's impossible last year that. You know maybe they're getting a little long in the tooth and you know -- didn't of that transition period now where they got a start getting some younger players and there in the you know that that whole thing. Well it is some of these injuries it's sort of happening naturally now that that they are developing other guys that. They can play you know the two safeties now I've had to play a lot more than what they've had the play in the past Meriweather and Sanders and and you know you can see the improvement there -- worse in. A lot more speed at linebacker. You know secondary that. Is forced to play young guys because they just don't have other guys back there right now so. You know if if if if the Patriots can still work their way into the playoffs this year hey I think it'll be a little bit remarkable. But for the long term building this franchise there's some rule there's a real asset. Or. Real. I mean it's going to help the franchise long term as well because some of these young kids are playing and contributing in big games."

[10:08]" Brett this has got back the USA today I had more of generally question where you regarding quarterback. Now on. This year it seemed there there. A lot more accurate than they have been more in recent years. There completion percentage of the league is that oh record 61%. And their own pace to throw about seventy fewer interceptions than last year which is pretty significant number. I want to get your take on if you've noticed sit there and what has been you know the reason behind it in."

[10:40]" It like that. I think there's a little bit of days and and maybe we point of the Patriots again for report this you know that. The wide receiver screen was and always and vote and in the NFL because unlike unlike college sequence and lineman downfield block you know and in the pros you've got to block behind the line of scrimmage words and colleges considered guys downfield block -- on those kinds of plays. But a lot of teams are playing the same these sentences you know -- were seen in. A lot of soft zone coverages where essentially between the Taiwanese. They're going to give you those throws if you want to throw five yard pass. Go on whether it and so offenses now have just and -- going to take it. You know don't don't open your between the twenties and and I get down in the red zone and out came on you know now you get the blitzes that he gets. You know all hot read today did all that did different things but. These teams do not want to give up news you know sixties and seventies navy yard bombs maybe for any markets open to do that watching them. Play a year ago but their play and softer UC in a lot of two deep safeties were really tough to get the ball down the field. And and -- willingness on the part of the -- of coordinators. To allow others underneath throws and come up and make the tackle and see if the team. Can put together a ten play drive without a holding penalty without a fumbled on the interception. Without something going wrong on the offensive side. Is kind of -- style that's involved right now I mean I don't know this. But my guess is that the league is probably gone from. A league where you get twelve to thirteen possessions the game down 2 league where you did. Nine to ten possessions of the game and had I could be dead wrong on that but that's what it feels like to me. If you watch the Patriots bills game last week -- felt like there's about six possessions refereed steam during the day. And so I I think that has something to do."

[12:44]" I'll get Chris thanks to a timely appreciated and then now we turn the call overdo it Steve Mariucci. These do you want to give up. A few opening comment. As deep as everyone either as an analyst for NFL network is well on -- lack -- of the globe. Pretty. Halftime of both games."

[13:03]" Well there but at this. No thanks everybody could be on with yet I'm just didn't packed up get ready to fly out to Boston tonight we'll do -- Total access show tomorrow won't win. Forward to the up to the -- going to be a doozy."

[13:18]" Any question her and beat. They've are all from Newsday I'm curious earlier that coaching standpoint. Did you sign Ty Law. Yesterday in the play game and Bob. What kind of a challenge is it real late but that they can perform at -- and it -- level. With two days of preparation."

[13:40]" Yeah it's going to be you know it. I'm sure they're going to work a -- order -- have the -- kind of shape he's in because certainly he's been sitting on the couch. He's not ready to play but if you -- Ty Law he's probably in very good shape and been training no long waiting for this opportunity. And just coincidentally it's against his former team and and with the Jets again and and that's an interest to move right. I'm anxious to see if he has any participation in the game. With such. Short preparation time but good acquisition and the guys still what is he 32 years old I'm not sure about that but or. He's 34. Well he's so he's -- Brett Favre generation and he's still hasn't -- all that's stood in front."

[14:31]" But the third different that you that he probably in good shape that they -- difference between being in good shape and mean -- football shape."

[14:37]" Absolutely ideas and it depends on what kind of training that he's been doing I don't know if he has the personal trainer. Or he's been doing a lot of you know spreading and in backpedaling and and turning and running in -- a lot of it deep sense of back. Trains differently than a wide receiver does. You know you're running backwards and turn and run and much more often and and it's a different kind of reaction. -- the the groin and hamstrings and skipped lectures. We're going to get tested. The first strife and so. But my guess you know he's a veteran guy a smart enough to know which required. To be in shape for training camp. You know whether you know he's not going to have to go through the two days. And get sore and in test is is lakes that -- but they'll gradually work community please when he plays whether this game -- next game. I'm sure he'll have a role. Myself I doubt -- it'll be an every down sort of thought it would probably be in nickel situations. At first and then. See how he feels and in and worked and been gradually that way. You'd think that the coincidence they hit it right before the Patriots into that at that. You know I think it's you know timing is everything at. Footnote I don't know how long they've been discussing necessary in need of another corner. To fill their roster and a threat to their roster. But. You know if you can get a guy that a little bit familiar with the opponent. And you want to discuss some things with -- my -- you know that might be a quick conversation but. You know I think if he's available there's a -- due to some soon as he can in in this was the time."

[16:19]" Chris was just starting assignment his face of the Patriots. Coaching staff has done is equal last year. What do you make of it."

[16:31]" You don't have always self from afar and and I I don't know bill belt checked all that well or Scott pioli I don't Scott little bit but. They have always been even even with their their Super Bowl teams. Go back few years. They have always been able to replace the injured players. With somebody. The you know we we may not be all that familiar with -- and they don't seem to skip a beat it's it's been amazing. From a coach's viewpoint. I I watch them and say all right did that this injury bad injury in this injury and also in the production should fall off. And it doesn't seem to follow up as dramatically as some other teams and I that that. That credits the the skill and are scouting department. And finding guys that are later rounds in -- much stock Tom Brady now talking about guys that are definite backups special teams players. That end up playing. On a regular basis and they don't skip a beat in net. That means they're finding guys as free agents. They're doing their homework -- looking under every rock. For the best players that they can find and they have done it maybe maybe the best job in the National Football League. With their complete roster of 53 players and practice squad guys it's been it's been excellent and you got to credit Scott pioli for that and and his staff."

[17:53]" From a coaches perspective. Can can you do. Equally good job with a team that's sort of just. Staying afloat or more time. Nobody -- compared to a team that was undefeated or it's going through -- championship game."

[18:12]" Well I'm I'm not sure I understand the question but I you know they. It you know this'll this'll saying it is is more than Tom Brady and Matt Cassel. Or some other replacements. You talk about Benjarvis Green-Ellis. You know where he's comfortable you know and in -- the -- he scored touchdowns and playing well and and there they're not afraid to run the ball with new guys in. You know I've been impressed I was around I was around -- and Ron Amadon. In San Francisco and I know. What kind of effect that hasn't seen simply -- joke. In your confidence. You know -- that confidence as a team. -- our new guy win games forests and in certainly Matt Cassel has been developing. Every week they're getting more and more comfortable with a mean made plays with his late last week ran around like he was in high school. And making it make first downs and touchdowns and I was impressed. He's growing up as a quarterback he's he's certainly adding to his value. When the time comes from new contract. You know I've I've just been. You know impressed with the makeup of their team from the coaching staff. -- depth on the roster and how they keep fighting. You know they're going to be in a dog fight all the way through -- they're not going to run away with this division as we all know. This game the Jets is going to be really telling. But in Miami and Buffalo or you know breathing down their ineptitude tight division and my guess it's going to be tight all the way through December. But it's been fun to watch a team lose their their great quarterback concede see them not only hanging on. But you know out front other division and played pretty darn well."

[19:54]" You think that. The best coaching job about check given all the injuries in the fact that -- you've won it."

[20:00]" Well it's it's pretty darn good I don't know it's his best job that's hard to say to every team really is -- new team. Every year's a new year and in your opponents change to the strength and your division changes a little bit sometimes. But who you know what's it Tony they're halfway mark basically and that's let's see where it ends up you know. It means. It could end up but it could end up just unbelievable you know -- if he can win twelve or thirteen games this year that would be amazing coaching job. And that's possible and but what you see where all ends up you know we know that Bill Belichick has has done a great job there and you know what this is his best. You know you're not maybe -- most challenging. Given the circumstances but the C word ends up it's got a chance to be excellent."

[20:47]" But pounds worth and asked him about the whole game manager tag in reference to -- are now. He brought up the Mike McCarthy tried it now there -- weird mid -- and they. Getting him to go that way at least the last couple weeks is that a transformation that could ever possibly different or."

[21:05]" that the you know they're going to play whatever way they can -- you know part of part of that team manager thing all it is is. You know -- yet to see what the score is you know they get behind forget managing the game they're going to open. Wide open and throw the ball around and try to win try to get back in the game -- up. You know that the last game with the Rams and forty enough and at halftime. My goodness it's it's you don't get games like that and so you're not going to be able to take chances or throw the ball or be in the shotgun. And start swinging -- around just not gonna happen there's no need for it. And I I like the way I'd like the way this Jets team has developing. You know we saw that we saw the Patriots in the Jets played second week of the season course the Patriots we need with Matt Cassel in his first start. And Brett Favre really just in the second game in their offense. You know he saw a couple quarterbacks trying to find their -- and it was in nineteen to ten games not real exciting neither guy threw the ball that well. Or all that often. But I see but now I see both of these offenses opening up some. Much more efficient and productive. You know Brett was getting hit earlier in the year more than he had. All of last year in Green Bay and I would start to worry about it -- going to survive it or not because she was taken some hits. You don't what did you sixteen sacks are so not a lot of sacks but but a lot of hits and he's going to you know he's going to throw the ball taking hit quite often and but lately they ran the ball more they're protecting him better they get the ball out of his hands a little bit quicker. And certainly hasn't had a cup he has had sex now lately and and not. They're not having to rely on his on his arm they're playing great defense they took the ball away from the Rams five times in. Got 159. Yards of return yardage off the takeaways. Which set up scores and score points in Italy it was amazing team effort. But the defenses is greatly improved. Since the beginning of the year and -- here -- Ty Law and I think the Jets are going to be a real contender in that division."

[23:16]" The unit is that the USA today I got -- more of a general league like question for you at the same thing. I've noticed that there -- quarterbacks this year drawn fewer interceptions and have a much higher. -- completion percentage that you noted that changed this year and and I'm what do you think has been the change behind that."

[23:41]" Well where it worked which evolving. Other than a wildcat offense. What we see in the league. A couple things. There're a lot more seems to me anyway without doing research and statistics it's seems to me there's a lot more. Throws. That are safer tight throws -- Less risk. And and you'd talking about screens. Bubble screens college greens. You're talking about. If if if -- years off seven yards or greater. Quarterbacks will pop up control -- smoke grow which is like -- one step kind of throw gimme the ball on the line of scrimmage. You're seen teams. Green Bay has been doing this for awhile you cannot run place. Will pop up and throw the ball to wide receiver whether it's on a quick slant or smoke route. While the offensive line -- run blocking okay it's it's kind of the inaudible just between the receiver and the quarterback. Because it's a soft defensive. Coverage to pop in the ball laughter well those are all high percentage throws you're getting more and more of that. You're also seen. Quarterbacks. You know it's not just Peyton Manning. At the line scrimmage runner past depending on how many are in the box -- seen more teams do that now so you know. Quarterbacks then we'll tend to throw the ball against the loaded up box and less coverage. Then they are. Against against. All kinds of coverage and double coverages so I think it's you know it's it's only percentage or two I suppose but I think. The demon -- vault you know little bit that way plus. I think teams are getting the ball out quicker with three step throws maybe more often just to protect that precious quarterback and and so maybe statistically your fine you know higher percentage of completions that way. Yeah like he."

[25:40]" You're correct percentages not really that much more than has been in years past but what I was -- Looking at like interceptions. You know they're on pace to throw about seventy -- Last year -- you what was probably their risk involved you know and you start to on the ball up and over between linebackers and in the it into the into the secondary. That you're going to run the risk of higher. Interceptions and so you're on the ball underneath shortened underneath the unique coverage and typically -- That you know he would fewer interceptions with those types of throws we're ready to pack -- also I think."

[26:18]" It's called back here I think -- call -- cold. It and that I would arrogant they --"

[26:25]" I'm not there we'll get a lot of sleep but at bat okay all right thank you thank everybody resentment."