Bill Barnwell points to the Tom Brady's supporting cast to be the culprit for the blowout on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 41-14 beatdown speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the offense and while the public's eyes are always pointed at the QB, Barnwell makes a strong case for why that assumption is wrong. During the Monday Night Football game, Tom Brady's throws were on point, had plenty of zip and were placed accurately. Brady neither looked unwavering from pressure and had good movement in the pocket, extending plays and making great aerial strikes as he always has done. Statistically, the players around Brady had an abysmal game against a physically dominant Kansas City Chiefs' defense.
The offensive line protecting Brady has seemed to get even worse. Throughout the first four games play, the O line was in need of a serious reboot. That reboot was suppossed to start with removing Right Guard Jordan Devey last week, who has been dreadful this season, to insert the much anticipated performance by fourth round draft pick Bryan Stork at Center. This effectively began a musical chairs of replacements and reshifting of the line, which in fact worsened the effectiveness of Brady's protection. Rookie Cameron Flemming was consistently outplayed by Allen Bailey (Chiefs DE) and lead to a Brady fumble from a stip sack. The other Brady fumble occured when Tamba Hali's (Chiefs DE) well timed jump at the beggining of the play dashed right by Patriots' Tackle Nate Solder. Solder and fellow veteran Sebastian Vollmer were benched during the game. Barnwell states that the Pat's offensive line's subpar play lead to seven out of twenty five of Brady's drop-backs being hurried.
Playcalling also was routed to curb the Chief's defensive domination of the line. Shovel passes, play actions and screens galore were implemented by Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels. Short game air strikes were due to insufficient time in the pocket for Brady. The Patriots rushing game was suspect as well. An abused O line lead to only twenty four yards rushing in the first half. On one third and two play, Stork ended the opening lane and the rush early because he was shoved completely backwards. On one particular third and three, Chiefs pass rushed with just four guys against five O men and three Chiefs beat the lineman at the jump and rushed Brady, who manuevered out of it well, into a hurried throw right into the hands of Julian Edelman (Patriot's WR) only to be dropped. Yes, even the recievers played appallingly bad also. Edelman, uncharacteristically would see three dropped balls that were very catchable. Of the wide receivers only Brandon Lefell had a good game, whom has shown consistency and promise this season.
Indeed, Brady looked as if he didn't trust his protection or his receivers and from those who watched the game, who could blame him? The Patriots may just be a victim of the excessive hype related to so many successful years of solid performances on offense and defense alike throughout the decades. If such a perception is the case then the veil is slowly being lifted and is revealing the huge holes in the Patriot's game. The Patriots seem victims of a muddled and inexperienced offensive line and recievers who are still trying to figure out their niches in the offense...or catch the ball; which, from Bill Barnwell's perspective, has left Tom Brady, future Hall of Famer, stuck in the middle with newbs.
References:
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/new-england-patriots-kanas-city-chiefs-tom-brady/
Photography/ Image Courtesy:
Tom Brady: Kieth Allison
Pre-Season (various): Brian J. McDermot
Julian Edelman: Brian J. McDermot
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