Patriots Playbook - 11/18/2008

[2:37] ..." through a couple of lesbian sports page this morning and you know Joey Porter as does Joey Porter is that Joey Porter does -- the only good lord. You don't now. When this happened earlier this season before the Dolphins came up and thanked"...

[3:21] ..." You know hit his play has suffered he hasn't been the same Joey Porter said he was say 45 years ago in Pittsburgh this year he is again. And and he's I think that's fueling a"...

[16:02] ..." trend the last three years has been. Middle linebackers winning that Award DeMeco Ryans one -- the Houston and in 6 Ervin Patrick Willis won -- deserve a disaster he. Maybe being exposed a little bit"...

[1:02:42] ..." less. Aren't talking nova Scotia. This out their but hear me out Matt Schaub was traded for a while first round picks and second to a second. If Cassel continues his current trend that plays better"...

[1:22:43] ..." game Pittsburgh San Diego game. On the last play of the game Troy Polamalu recover the fumble in in in scored an apparent touchdown. That would have made it at worst seventeen to ten and eighteen"...

[1:51:08] ..." point players and coaches conference calls and I'm begging begging for Joey Porter to be apart of the conference call what do you think the chances are that smart. So so I'm guessing that there will be request. To our good friend Harvey Greene who's the yeah vice president for communications they're public relations for the Dolphins actually been idea. Frequent contributor to this program in the past and we played the Dolphins. Although I'm guessing there will be a demand the French Joey Porter I don't know that they'll be able to fulfill that tomorrow but. You know willow. Will loan will let you know tomorrow."...

[0:00]" Let's go let's -- know how bout another golf I want to go pot pie. Then they've won a pair of -- Patriots playbook cut back on combat on it being on here. Good -- breaking down last Sundays game -- Superman coverage. And these Gatorade for the break. -- and the rest of the 2008. NFL. And some of the fun stuff in between. Our feelings John look on Patriots playbook."

[0:40]" Welcome back inside the playbook Patriots dot com radio I am John wrote. And -- I like it was two months ago. -- Would I think it's also partly because it was like Thursday when we left litigate Murton and we didn't do show what last Wednesday."

[1:00]" Yeah just what -- so anyway bomb it if it. It's going to be a little different today I'm going to focus a little bit more today on the dolphins' game upcoming rather than revisit. So much what we did against the Jets last Thursday for couple original one it was last Thursday along time as a long time ago ball weird weird the way the schedule has has a broken out here. Palms so we've got back to willow tried to blow get bought I am revisit this a couple of things -- or point out that I think could have a bearing on. Future. Games and future situations for the global team but. You know the first thing I gotta struggle with today is the fact that you Joey -- in his mouth again what else is. I mean I I do you know I'm opening up the sports page more and I'm going on line. I'm reading to a three of the newspapers -- elected do you know every day you know -- of US sports pages dot com pre ware at right good good -- their money I have who by the way the guys who just bought -- a sports leagues don't come. Used to be my agent. Not our -- not anymore but he used to ask. You know I just didn't really haven't seen this was no need they're in them why pay somebody up but when you don't have to go out. You know -- so. But -- good guy didn't and I'm happy for the success it's a great convenient one stop shop for you know. Trying to get all of you reading done you know -- and you and it sort of polls. Sport's greatest around the country of one on one site yeah all -- by -- them -- that thanks a mall the other that the scripture a lot of the people who listens program. Are aware of what is -- but. -- I'm reading through a couple of lesbian sports page this morning and you know Joey Porter as does Joey Porter is that Joey Porter does -- the only good lord. You don't now. When this happened earlier this season before the Dolphins came up and thanked the Patriots a year you know he ran the mountain but it was -- like. Hah hah okay -- your big dummy now the Patriots are going to catch and look what happened of the game so I guess the question I have here is. What we do with it in do we do anything with a do we just ignore it let him run at the mile while it."

[3:07]" It's unfortunate that it's happening in a year when he's able to back it up. Because in the last few years you know the bill says he's he's always the same player he's been but he's had a drop off the last few years there's a reason why. You know hit his play has suffered he hasn't been the same Joey Porter said he was say 45 years ago in Pittsburgh this year he is again. And and he's I think that's fueling a lot more -- talk because now he feels like he's actually going out there and backing it up where in past years he would talk a lot. But -- the game -- common you wouldn't hear anything you wouldn't hear his name at all during the game and people wouldn't really taken seriously. Now people are taken seriously but. I think it more affect. You don't focus on what he's saying when you focus on how it's plain and he's playing well. So I think you have to eat you sort of have to consider him in your game plan whereas before. Maybe a year or two or three ago. I don't think it was really the play making force studies that he was before then and is again now. So I think you have to take him into consideration I don't think you really pay attention to what he's saying well."

[4:14]" No but it's clear to me -- that he did hang out. Pretty good game obviously can -- and the fact is he was able to pretty much back up all the and is now the ball for game one now. -- the circumstances are somewhat different. In in the biggest -- in different is. Is the improvement of Matt Cassel with a -- in the Patriots -- line in particular to protect Mac right so in that regard I'm wondering. How this changes. You know how those guys down the hallway in the locker room how this looks at things knowing that they are going to be more confident that they've got a quarterback who's better able. To lead them down on the field mean my goodness as far as I'm concerned Beckett was every bit as good as Tom Brady in terms of leading the team. From behind when he threw that touchdown pass was third in that I have the -- that was clearly I was very -- time Brady has it really was and and overall that was. -- best game easily. It statistics usually each game he plays is becoming the best game he's ever play which is because it which is great and we don't know but the problem right now is not with him in the often not at all -- the -- on the ball right it will get to that. But the fact is that you know where those guys concerned -- knowing that the schedule in the -- Based on what they did largely the last time yeah. How does that change how should change their well I don't know if -- change the."

[5:34]" Attitude as much as it might change their game plan bumping -- things that. Josh mcdaniels said yesterday on the conference goalie had the media I'd ask him about. Or I was asking about changes in game plan calling this year as opposed to last year and somebody follow up with. -- mobility. And how that's played into. The way he changes -- ways. Calling the games and he says something interesting which was they've always had the designed rollout in the playbook. They used to call them with Brady every now and then. But Cassel as we know it was a much better runner. Then then Brady ever ones. I think we can hologram that yeah whether it's when the pocket breaks down he runs straight up field or whether it's rolling out to his writers left. Scanning the field and you're throwing on the run or deciding to take off and run with a they weren't really calling those kind of plays early on in the season because I think their focus was trying to get Cassel. Develop as a pocket passer more and to try to stay in there and throw the ball downfield more. Now that he's getting a lot more comfortable and it's pretty much his offense now. I think you're seeing the last few weeks a lot more of those designed rollout where they know they're getting pressure they try to alleviate that mitigate that by -- by sending him out of the pocket. So I think against the Dolphins you might see a lot more of those plays called and you did in week three. When they played Miami. Because castles at a level now where he's comfortable enough and they can he can handle that and and he's not just rolling out and automatically thinking run first. He's rolling out thinking pass first look downfield and if nothing's there then I'll run. Whereas earlier on his first I think what we're taking over he was just running with the ball so I think look for a lot more the rollout. Against Miami this time. And you then you would I think he's very good quarterback -- in the it is very good job and I heard of."

[7:31]" Remember if it was a remember it was a national show me it was EI show I don't know but I heard of and say that on his role of last week. A game yet. Was he reminded them and -- he -- after that -- it reminds me of the way Ron Amadon used -- the pocket. Where he would. Field and at the -- and take off obviously you compared him to a halt in quarterback -- kind of silly but. At the same time I understood immediately what the caller was there's a lot of that team and raised it about him into the development. And frankly my first thought after Thursday's game even though you know you're disappointed like everybody else. If your Patriot. Corey fair my first thought was I think he just -- them. Yet if not a boat load of -- what's the difference it's a lot larger."

[8:25]" Depends on who you talk about. The only girl people you know. It was it was by far his best game and I think regardless of whether they wanted to lost it in overtime giving him have a chance to win it in overtime but. The fact that he got in there. Was. And it made it his best game they -- 1246 yeah yeah. And I agree with it if he stays healthy continues to progress. Which I know reasonably at this point. Bolt eased my children upward curve here though then yeah I think -- right now I'm going to make he's going to do well from so -- in the off season. There was another point I was going to make about about his Grambling of the Ron Amadon comparison was that. Because he's such a good runner and people know that he's a good runner when he talks and the nights ago. Which Ron Amadon also what I mean that makes him that much more dangerous when he -- rollout and he sort of half pumping after watching downfield because that it's almost like it's almost like a college team that runs and option. You have to have somebody were at at accutane. Any sort of can't really make a play at the quarterback until the last second and sometimes."

[9:32]" That's too -- very true and I guess that kind of let him get any of the teams are going to have to prepare. For the run pass option -- that Matt -- and throw -- and we -- gaping -- up the middle -- I'd never seen -- before gaping -- completely -- they had -- the middle -- field because -- that the wide receivers -- and because -- the linebackers and everybody with -- the middle -- field -- to -- somebody in -- to make -- And if they don't they're going to risk getting burned again. And when they do put -- in the middle there you would think that it is going to be in single coverage somewhere and as long as your accurate with the -- gonna make somebody pay to this is what the development of Cassel as a quarterback is continuing. To pay -- dividends with a team offensively. Sure you know I mean. Look at the numbers on the sheer you know black and white have little 400 yards passing. He ran for 62 rushing he's the first with a lawyer back game he is the first player. And the AFL NFL merger. To have more than a draft order 400 more passing and sixty or more rushing and again. 38 year. Impressive -- that. I mean. You know that's a bald guys like you know young right now and so. That you know I get you have to wonder now well it's going to be a statistical anomaly or is he going to go on and you know back this up the mother solid performances and obviously time is is only when you tell them but when you think about that just. On the surface you'd have to think that. You know the development here in India -- you know first of all you have to I think you know give credit to the Patriots were taken with a number one. And number two in in very close number -- here give credit to Matt Cassel for taking the advantage take advantage of the situation and you know pick it up and don't. Now the problem is he's got. Got to help out out of the out of the football because that's where this team is now lacking whereas earlier in the year when he was just beginning. His his tenure now as the Patriots starting quarterback. We all okay this team can -- and deepens a little bit to keep them in games and they did for the most part. But we also all last week that. Is the Finn is Adam is got a major holes in it a lot of -- due to injury but when have we ever used injury as an excuse around here. And so because of that now. Some all the guys like Cassel stepped up on offense what was -- Jarvis Green Ellis offerman off stump up on offense you know like we've seen. Now Wes Welker certainly now we've -- ten consecutive game catches for player in NFL history to do that. I mean -- these guys step up. Now it's time guys like. Here will that you know who's going to be in an effort it was Thomas it's time now obviously guys like Mike Wright that book you know in. And even that and Jarvis Green when he's in the case the other smoother entry. We've lost -- sweetly now. To the IR for the year and I realize that not a big deal but it certainly lessens your number -- it it takes away from your depth. And your ability to do absolutely and of course obviously lost Robbie Harris and you've got plenty of opportunity now for the all. To -- and -- you know they stepped up miserably on on Thursday and they didn't replace on the roster Terrence Wheatley went another quarterback or another defensive nor did they replace Thomas. What Thomas. Hasn't been place that's what I mean he hasn't even played -- placed on the IR you -- on the active roster correct which leads me to believe there's somebody call their thinks that there's right shot economic."

[13:13]" Right but it was interest and they promoted. Rookie tight end Tyson debris to the to the active roster when when Wheatley went on injured reserve. Which deplete your depth at a at a position it was thirty depleted to begin with. Which I thought was kind of interesting that they made that move -- this deal that works out but right. But you're right every major injury that they sustained issue the player -- replace that person whether it's counsel for Brady or. Meriwether for Harrison Green-Ellis for Maroney. Or I should say -- slash Morris has morris'. Basically missed time. As Maroney is under study all of these guys have come in and perform tool. A level that you can't really complain. They've done their job and then some. And so now I think you're right Pierre Woods of the guy you mentioned that Thomas you know they haven't made any moves within yet but. The longer he stays out the more Pierre Woods is going to get playing time in the more he needs to. Make people on London not to forget about it -- Thomas but at least fill that void and not doing anything even when nick casual -- mark -- or stepped in there. And you never heard mark of course name which is a good thing for an offensive line because he was doing his job he wasn't getting beat -- was getting penalties."

[14:24]" I think we also have to look at the entire defense picture when you -- at a guy like Shawn Crable who never solve you know down of football this year. Hank Williams never saw -- down of football this year these are all guys could've figured into the numbers and rotation could have figured into the the position rotations. You know and Williams is going to be that hybrid guy anyway you know linebackers like safety. A -- in all that. It is all taking their toll. And so now you know this decent. I mean. You've -- Jerod Mayo. I guess to his credit especially on the defensive side here develop a lot more quickly than the -- the Patriots probably needed him too because were seen him drop back in coverage yet you know he's he's got the tight ends generally coming out of the backfield a lot of time. You've seen him come -- asked to play solid runs dusty its because frankly there are some deficiencies there when it's just Tedy Bruschi out there and god knows we all love -- but he doesn't have the ability and today that he. Three years ago yeah four years it wasn't just castles best game it was -- this game right when he tackles. He was he I said as the guys in the press box at the time he was playing possessed. -- and yes he is as as good a young linebacker is I have seen. Certainly in my time you know -- the Patriots are sixteen seasons but you know working with a team but I mean I've covered pro football now for the better part of the last 25 years. And I gonna tell you there -- very few linebackers young guys especially rookies that come an inmate is significant impact like he looked to many right now he's a slam dunk defensive rookie of the year."

[15:59]" I I agree with that and and it's interest ended that the trend the last three years has been. Middle linebackers winning that Award DeMeco Ryans one -- the Houston and in 6 Ervin Patrick Willis won -- deserve a disaster he. Maybe being exposed a little bit out there right now Miguel blah -- but you know again I'm just -- he is back on his year last jagr and nothing -- say you know what he -- I think it's interesting that that position is the one that's getting it of late. And and if Mayo wins it again -- be three years in a row but. You don't know corners no safeties and no defensive lineman the impact the scenes. Is. The opportunity to make an impact is there are more at that position Bennett Bennett the other at the front or in the back there that the and that's kind of an interest in. -- yeah out."

[16:46]" It if it's it's really that the entire season when you look at it. Has been sort of an interest in lesson in evaluation self evaluation of how good are you how good are -- how good are these guys. You know well they can be good if a you know it's probably a lot of the answer that -- And to the often improve. And that these -- regrets has been one of the rather unusual I think we'll turn around that we've seen over the last few weeks it doesn't mean that the Patriots and bad spot. Impacted your second place that the way it is your game behind you have a chance to pull back even for first place after this week if this is a huge. Huge game for New England oh they lose this game. It doesn't look at it does not look good at all and I'm talking about wild card or other things right it does not look good this -- this this season. Hangs on this weekend's game as far as I'm concerned. I still think Emeka I think that that's pretty accurate I don't predict as they did earlier in the second season will come down that Buffalo game. Well undoubtedly I think probably to the -- and things I do think that the Patriots could have a playoff spot -- And if they win this Saturday or they when this Sunday I think they'll have a playoff -- I think ultimately they'll give him. Whether or not they are division champion are not could certainly come down that last game at Buffalo."

[18:07]" Yeah and you know it's it's unfortunate that if they come down to a tiebreaker you know -- Colts are going to win their their division now. But let's say comes down to the Patriots in second in the AFC east and the Colts and second. In the AFC south. The Colts have that's ever it is they want to head to head well that's true the end I hope the bulk of those guys are going to get and now let's hope it doesn't come down to the AFC west the Chargers coming in second because if -- Girardi two games back to their or eight. -- I mean right -- right now have a two game lead you know on them they do but let's say something weird happens in the next week if they become tied right. They lost that they had that the charges threw down. Yeah I realized that I -- I'm not even -- it's hard right now where I'm are just looking at the whole field of playoff possibilities and thing. You know that New England really better win the division. While I'm pagan under and they can't really hope to get awhile now although statistically speaking -- on me it is New England it's Miami. And it. -- well. Indianapolis Indianapolis now Aaliyah and -- Baltimore in Baltimore thank you that was from the Jackson probably not right now and Baltimore the fourteen basically fighting for two -- right now. And it could be more. As the season goes on as I -- that I don't think it's all going to shake out until week seventy. While ultimately won't but is or has any chance to win the division and you you're so just as the Patriots need to think about winning this division after getting and I think this week. Yeah you need to beat Miami right now you have to divisional losses and a quarter third divisional loss right you'll lose all tie -- but -- lose your. Breakers if you're at that time as you've got to before -- in the division especially. Having both of vote to those -- against. Miami -- and and New York yeah. You've you've got to find what you got to win game permanently they split with New York you're -- you gotta pull out all the top all the ops and then of course then -- next critical game will be that that last game against Buffalo but. This as far as I'm concerned that -- you play to win year you don't worry about you know week twelve week thirteen week seventy or about the year. You worry about this one actually. Oh. It is I don't worry about it ain't -- you know the off week always come down here. In eleven games. Actually -- twelfth so don't worry about week thirteen -- beyond you worry about this when you -- win this before you can even think about the next now and the one never more open now never more now that should never be a problem these guys them hallway but frankly some times I. I have to admit especially -- of the divisional game I just don't seeing. Urgency like on the -- You know against mother teams all of it has to do with the fact that they've been beating up on divisional opponents and that -- 37 and eleven. Against a divisional opponents to those want what's best record in the NFL FL -- overall against division -- against teams within your -- division. In 2001 of hatred for approval and so. I'm wondering -- maybe just over time now when you beat the crap but it is immune systems are taken for granted naturally if that's not human nature."

[21:22]" Well. I think they got there wake up call with the Miami team and we were I hope and I really don't expect -- come on planet like they did then. Well there we wait at plus with this week having the extra data work. Because they played last there's that other they're here today today is actually on Wednesday they gonna have to Wednesday's this week for all intent and purpose John. They're typical Wednesday is starting today and they'll have today again tomorrow. And then their regular Thursday Friday schedule so they're having an extra day and I think and I couldn't have come against the better opponent in this one because of what happened and we theory. So. I don't expect -- to look like they did back then there are different team -- the different quarterback they've learned their lesson on defense I know. I'm confident that there they're going to c'mon. And and handle at this time."

[22:10]" One other thing about very tough obviously yeah yeah one other thing about -- from a unit though -- I did not realizes he -- not. But 62 yards rushing he had was the most by a Patriot quarterback in thirty years. I didn't know that but I'm not -- I find that remarkable. It would the most in any game by any Patriot quarterback all the than Steve Grogan. In the yard performers the sixth highest single game total for a quarterback in Patriots history Grogan as the franchise record. He rushed for a 103 yards against the Jets back in nineteen and -- was pretty weird. But Grogan had the last sixty yard rushing game. Against Oakland back in 1978. While. Most in thirty years for baker quarterback. -- that -- you know -- the -- your game and you know the -- total -- for a QB -- the NFL AFL -- And -- that's -- regulation -- and -- get the ball went over -- you -- an -- you know he -- the -- that obviously -- didn't get the -- because I think a lot of people feel -- the ball. In the -- Is one stop of that game thirty they've seen what on your own sixteen you are on the the only on the opposing team aren't like yeah. Or fifteen yard line and fifty yard line and you give up a sixteen yard game."

[23:37]" Actually given up a fourteen yard gain and then. -- whether you know to make the tackle on on Keller and the extra two yards in Everett. Maybe a better hit and he doesn't get -- but you want to I was thinking of was that overthrown touchdown to wide open Randy Moss. -- change the complex all the time now no -- that was certainly you can only one -- you know shoulders on the island is it was overthrown. Was overthrown. You know I wonder if if there was overthrown now because. Moss has been listed lately and injure the foot injury. And I think he does and -- I I wonder if that has affected his performance out twice in the last few weeks Cassel pass downfield. And it's been overthrown. And that never happens. We have to admit I I just I just want their -- end of regulation was pretty remarkable or was but as far as it would having to do -- injured right potentially but. But as far as -- breakaway speed getting open downfield. I just I just wonder that has affected Moss at all the fact that he's been with the with that and we seem to over the -- the big thing with him was always you can never overthrow him asking that it will not when as -- talk though. We -- that's --"

[24:54]" I again I understand it completely -- folks as many of you were familiar with the program are aware this is nitpick Tuesday. So you know if you still have some -- that you need to pick over last Thursday 3431. What was what was it was a 3040 or do you think there -- put up the court 3431 overtime loss to the Jets all I you know please. Feel free email those web radio Patriots dot com at the address that the it'll this year. 5854370. Or 82 is that telephone number and number as well you can call in. Really that I have I'm actually kind of in an interest in player. Glad that this in this which -- in the last game is give me changed reflect a little bit and really decide what was important in a negative. About the game personable feeling of -- nutritional lost again. Should not lost that game. Yeah disappointing -- put that much effort becoming a lot of effort into coming back. Problem is they should of phone that 24 to six hole begin with but again that's all on the -- and children -- I I have to admit that you know two things stand out number one. Killer. How they could not keep him from ripping them right up the middle time and time again anyway had a touchdown that defeat and drop the wide open how can you not just event. I I I'm totally and completely baffled by that. After the first drive of the game when he ripped him for a couple of the -- how do you not adjust that idea not account for well."

[26:25]" It was its interest in John that the first half they seem like the Patriots could do nothing right. Then at the end when they win Gaffney caught that touchdown of naked and it was 2413. And a half. It seemed like from that point on the Patriots could do nothing wrong. They came on the second half and they were stopping. Favre and the Jets offense at every turn and they were moving the ball at will it was ridiculous how easy they could move the ball downfield. They shot themselves in the foot twice in the third quarter. Once when when Watson caused his own fumble. And then when