The mood in halls of Reading Memorial High School last Monday were were not good after the Patriots’ devastating 20-18 loss to the Broncos in the AFC Championship game. Sounds of, “If Stephen Gostkowski didn’t miss the extra point,” “ If they would have gone for the field goal on one of fourth and one’s at the end of the fourth quarter,” “If the referees called pass interference on Aqib Talib in the end zone,” “if James White would have caught the football,” echoed through the hallways.
Those remarks are easy to say in hindsight. But, the fact of the matter is that the Patriots were outcoached, outplayed, and out of gas when it came down to the wire on both sides of the ball, for once. Most of the Broncos’ players completely got inside their heads, as it came down to the final seconds. RMHS senior Matt Scherber said “ It was very disappointing because I wanted to shove the trophy in Goodell’s face.” Indeed, many diehard Patriots fans were thinking the same thing, especially after the whole “Deflategate” fiasco; this was an absolute heartbreaker.
There were many fundamental mistakes that made many fans, including myself, cringe. What’s more, it was clear that the Broncos were in the Patriots’ heads before the game even began, starting with the opening coin toss. “New England has won the toss, what do you wish to do?,” followed by, “We would like to receive.” Bill Belichick is trademarked for deferring. If this has worked for sixteen years, why did he change it? The Broncos’ defense could then set the tone for the game and pump up the crowd, as a Peyton Manning offense can no longer do that.
With momentum already in their favor, the Broncos’ defense stopped the Patriots on their opening. Then, came the missed Gostkowski extra point, after they got on the board because of heads up coaching to challenge a forward pass fumble.The rest of the game, the offensive line was in shambles, forcing Brady to make poor throws. The Patriots’ defense played good enough to give the offense a chance. But, two fundamental blown coverages by Jamie Collins on Owen Daniels, resulted in Broncos’ touchdowns. Sadly, Peyton Manning didn’t even play that well, especially considering his conservative approach at the end of the game. The Broncos’ defense, like many times this year, bailed him out.
What went wrong:
1.) The Offensive Line- Tom Brady was hit 20 times and sacked 4 times by the Broncos’ defensive line. Now, the Broncos’ defensive line is probably the best in football with the addition of Von Miller; the Patriots should have been prepared for them. A 38 year old quarterback deserves better than constant pressure as soon as the ball is snapped to him, which results in poor throws. The Patriots’ offensive line has always been a lingering problem, and it was their ultimate downfall. The Patriots’ first round pick should be used to bulk up the offensive line, but Goodell took that away too. Senior Daniel Sletterink said it best, “Regardless, we need a new offensive line, Tom had absolutely no time in the pocket, which made him look bad”.
2.) Running the Football- The Patriots have never been great at running the football, nor have they had an explosive back, since the departure of Corey Dillon. As a result, the Patriots have successfully established themselves as a throw first team. RB’s are overrated because we are in a passing league, resources should not be expended to them. An offensive line is needed to successfully run the football... they make the RB, and that’s why they are so expendable. When players Le’veon Bell, Marshawn Lynch, and Arian Foster went out, their replacements did just as well, because of their strong offensive lines. So, it does not make sense to run the football with the offensive line struggling. Although establishing the running is important, when the offensive line clearly cannot block, running is a waste of downs at vital points in the game.
3.) The Play Calling- Many Patriots fans were angered by Belichick’s decision at the end of the game to go for it on fourth down, when the Patriots were in field goal range. But, in hindsight, that was the first time they were able to successfully get down field. However, the play call was horrible. Edelman got nowhere on the play action pass; all the credit goes to Chris Harris Jr. for staying back and reading the play. The Patriots are usually successful in 4th down situations, but as Matt Scherber said, “They are a team that takes risks, and their success has been tremendous when doing so. You can’t blame them for taking a risk then failing, because stuff like that happens.” Then, there were the forced throws to James White; White was lined up on the outside and went down field, and was completely blanketed multiple times. But, this is no excuse for their offensive woes, especially since they were 2-15 on third down.
4.) Breakdown in coverages in the red zone- The defense played great in the second half, but that doesn’t excuse forgetting about a wide open Owen Daniels twice.
What went right:
1.) Stopping the Run- The most emphasized game plan, which went particularly well, was stopping the strong Broncos run game. Neither CJ Anderson, nor Ronnie Hillman, had an impact on the game. Granted, CJ Anderson got some garbage time yards in the end, but the Patriots defensive line stuffed them at the line of scrimmage in key situations.
2.) Getting to Peyton Manning- Peyton Manning outplayed Tom Brady, but that isn’t saying much considering Brady’s poor performance. Both touchdowns were because of uncharacteristic mistakes by Jamie Collins. Other than that Peyton Manning didn’t make any big throws in the game. Manning is one who usually takes risks, but coming off of injury, he hasn’t done that. Manning knew he had a lead and played very conservatively at the end of the game. It can be argued that Manning’s approach kept the Patriots in the game until the end.
3.) Second half defense- The Broncos in the entire second half only scored three points. Many pundits were surprised by the lack of adjustments made by the Patriots in the second half, particularly on offense. The defense was the one bright spot to make adjustments for the second half. They got to Peyton Manning for three sacks in the second half, two by Jamie Collins. They forced the Broncos to punt on six of their seven possessions, four of them being three and outs. The biggest takeaway is a defense that can bail Brady out and keep him in the game.
The season’s ending cannot be changed, but optimism for next season is high as ever.
Patriots’ fans should be enthusiastic about the improved defense, as it puts less pressure on the offense to have to do everything. But, Belichick is the master of the salary cap, and will find Brady new targets on offense and a better offensive line, even without a first round pick. The Patriots simply can’t go into another year with offensive line imperfections with a 39 year old quarterback. Most of all, no one will have to hear about Peyton Manning ever again. In the words of Bill Belichick, “we’re on to the 2016 season.” The Monday mornings of sleepy RMHS students strolling into class from staying up late watching a nail-biter, is just around the corner.
My Super Bowl Prediction: The Carolina Panthers will win the Super Bowl; their defense is simply too good.
Peyton Manning is hungry to win one last time. But, he needs to play better than he has, and not shy away from taking risks, like those against the Patriots.