Pre-Game Meal: Miami Dolphins 2.0

A Few Appetizers:

I'm definitely getting a little frustrated writing about how "the Patriots don't lose two in a row". I'm kind of a superstitious guy and I feel like it could end up jinxing the boys if we keep saying it all the time. Forget about history; history as meant shit this year. We are watching the development of a new New England Patriots team. Especially as far as defense is concerned.

The Patriots are yet to find their identity as a team and us fans are hoping that this discovery happens sooner than later over the course of the next five weeks. So in keeping with forgetting history, let's move on to the facts about this upcoming game.

The Patriots strength will be tested. After one devastating loss to Indianapolis and one heartbreaking performance against New Orleans, New England has to stay focused on the AFC East. A two game lead is worth nothing with five games left in the season and two of them being divisional matches. The Miami Dolphins are 5-6 on the season, 3-2 in the East, and 3-4 in the AFC. The Patriots are 7-4 through 12 weeks, 3-1 in the East, and 5-3 in the AFC. These numbers show the urgency of needing a win. Defeating Miami will make give the Pats possibly a 3-game lead and a 4-1 record in the East while dropping Miami to 3-2 in the division. More important than not losing two back-to-back games, in my opinion, is the fact that the Patriots have only swept the Fins two times since 2001. Miami always presents a tough fight, no matter how either teams' seasons are going. It will take focus, confidence, and hunger to propel New England to 8-4 and their first 'real' road win of 2009.

Oh! I almost forgot... Has anyone heard from good ol' Joey Porter this week? I sure haven't. Is it possible that some south Florida linebacker has learned his lesson about trash-talking? Probably not; but it's still nice not to have to hear his crap.

The Ronnie-Brown-less Weekly Match-Ups:

* Tom Brady vs. Miami Secondary - 21-36, 237 yards, 2 INTs, and NO TDs. Nope those aren't Chad Henne's numbers last week, they are Tom Brady's. Cool. One of his worst performances in recent memory. He'll need to snap back to form against this battered, young secondary. Moss and Welker will be freed up a lot more this weekend and if they aren't, Brady must not get frustrated. There are a TON of other weapons for him to throw to: Faulk, Watson, Edelman, Aiken, Stanback, etc. My only real concern for Tom this week is that he keeps his head on. He also needs to let go of the ball faster. If he can drop back and get the ball out early, defenses will be helpless. With time, he will make the Fins pay for the pain the Saints put him through. The most important match-up responsible for passing success, however, falls on the offensive line...

* Protection vs. Rush - The offensive line picture appears to look like this: Sebeastian Vollmer needs to be a part of our protection scheme. Whether he's starting or rotating in, he needs to be active. Matt Light looked a little weak (being respectful) on Monday Night and I'm sure a short week + a road game won't put him in top form. Steven Neal, the Patriots best lineman this season, came back last week and hopefully can return to dominating form this week. I'm not quick to say Light has been replaced, but I am seriously thinking about it. Miami lacking Jason Ferguson is good news for the Pats. The offensive line can mainly focus on Randy Starks, Jason Taylor, and my man Peezy. The bottom line is this: if the guys up front can hold their blocks better than Monday and make their holes, Tom Brady and Laurence Maroney will be able to run recklessly on the Dolphins.

* 6-Gamer-Maroney vs. Miami De-fins-e - Can anyone believe that Maroney has rushed for 8 TDs in 6 consecutive games? My friend Prince can; but that's about it. Maroney has been surprising to say the least and if wasn't fumble-happy following his first rushing TD of the game, he would be one of the best backs in the second half of the season. He has been running harder and making smart cuts. He still doesn't have the kind of vision that Faulk or the top backs have, but he is really working hard and it is paying off. The biggest challenge in this game is ball protection. If Maroney holds on to the rock, he will score and he will move the chains. Porter, Channing and the rest of the Fins don't stand a chance against a strong, stiff-arming Maroney. He knows he's helping his team and he wants to win as well as prove himself. I'm excited for the possibility of Maroney's second 100-yard game this weekend.

* Randy Moss vs. Vontae Davis - Last time these two played, Davis cried. That should tell you enough. Vontae got a lucky pick off of Brady, and he barely had possession; this time he won't be so lucky. After a 2-game slump from Moss, I expect him to get some good yardage and get it quickly. Randy and Tom will want to test this young defense and set the pace for the game. Vontae Davis is a good CB though, it will take a good, strong effort from Randy Moss. Hopefully some double coverage will get thrown Moss' way and open Welker in the middle of the field.

* Tedd Ginn Jr. vs. NE Special Teams - New England's kicking teams have not been special by any means this season. The coverage has looked vulnerable at times but decent enough to be able to stop Ginn. Big-time playmakers like Aiken, Slater, and McGowan will have to make good, disciplined tackles while staying in their lanes. Eliminating that speedster is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to defeating the Dolphins. At least eliminating him on kicks; we don't really need to worry too much about him receiving.

* Chad Henne vs. One Sorry Defense - I was disgusted by the secondary's performance on Monday. Merriweather made sure he wasn't going to the Pro Bowl by screwing up on two huge passing plays. Bodden acted like his season ended after his 3 INTs against the Jets. Don't even get me started on why Wilhite started over Springs. And no one could tackle. That, actually, was what pissed me off most. How can you be paid millions of dollars and compete at the highest level on one of the League's most respected teams and miss tackles?! I don't have the answer but I'm sure Bill Belichick did this week at practice. I definitely expect an improvement in the defensive backfield on Sunday. Miami doesn't pose half as many threats as New Orleans did and New England will be looking to, hopefully, make a statement. The other issue i have with this defense is their pass rush: it's non-existent. These guys have to get off their assess and make quarterbacks worry. Successful teams have a pass rush. I don't know why they can't create pressure but it is imperative that the learn how to do it soon. Chad Henne, however, isn't a terrible quarterback; he has 3 TDs and 4 INTs in his last 3 games but has only lost one. The key to throwing him off is pressure. Without much of a potent passing game, we're due for a lot of action on the ground.

* Ricky Williams vs. Vince Wilfork + Friends - Vince swallows up running backs in the middle. That's a given. When Ricky pops it outside though, it will be up to Ty Warren, Jarvis Green, and the linebackers to make tackles and keep him under control. The wildcat hasn't been as dominant as it was in 2008, but Williams still does work on the grass. He's got 792 yards and 9 TDs this season... he looks good. In the Dolphins loss to the Bills he had 115 yards and a touchdown. Regardless of whether the rest of the team shows up doesn't matter; Ricky usually always shows up. If he starts racking up yards under the radar, this game could end up being way closer than anyone wants it to be. Missed tackles CAN NOT happen. That's just inexcusable.

This game will be played with a lot of intensity, as every game between these two usually is. I can't stress enough how necessary a win is on Sunday, but I'm sure 90% of you share my feelings. Thanks for reading, as usual... I hope you're full.

GO PATRIOTS!
-B.DelaBarrera

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2010 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

2010 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

33. St. Louis Rams
Arthur Jones, DE, Syracuse
Jones is a DE that can play both 4-3 and 3-4, and can help Jake Locker get the ball back much quicker.

34. Tampa Bay Bucs
Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Local boy that will harken back to the days of Derrick Brooks.

35. Cleveland Browns
Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
The Browns have needs everywhere, and Warren is a solid player with tons of experience.

36. Detroit Lions
Brian Price, DT, UCLA.
After upgrading the Offense in RD 1, Price is a top 5 DT that is just short of the Suh/McCoy camp.

37. Oakland Raiders
Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
A rare solid pick for the Raiders, as Weatherspoon falls into their lap. Sean will bring sure tackling alongside Mr. Morrison and company.

38. Kansas City Chiefs
Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Carimi and Bulaga would finally give Matt Cassel some time to throw the ball to... somebody?

39. Washington Redskins
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
Jason Campbell hasn't exactly worked out, while Pike is the type of pocket passer that Coach, err, Owner Snyder desires.

40. Buffalo Bills
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Bills OL needs lost of help, and Williams can provide it at RT.

41. Seattle Seahawks
Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St.
Bruising runner that punishes defenders, a good turn after tip-toe Shaun Alexander.

42. NY Jets
Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa
Under the radar talent that would lock down the field paired with Revis, and can help in run support.

43. San Francisco 49ers
Charles Brown, OT, USC
After propping up the D in round 1, Brown would give rejuvenated QB Alex Smith another chance at stardom.

44. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
Mallet can't possibly throw as many INT's as Jake Delhomme. Can he?

45. Houston Texans
Demaryius Williams, WR, Georgia Tech.
Finally someone to take some heat off the man among boys-Andre Johnson.

46. Miami Dolphins
Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State
The Dolphins collect these athletic DE's that can set the edge and get after the passer.

47. New England (TEN)
Navarro Bowman, OLB, Penn St.
You want pass rush? Navarro Bowman will give you pass rush!

48. New England (JAX)
Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
Oh, you want more pass rush? Brandon Graham will give you pass rush!

49. Tampa Bay (CHI)
Danario Alexander, WR, Missouri
Hearing this large (6-4/215) target's name called on draft day would be music to Josh Freeman's ears. Alexander led the nation with over 1600 receiving yards.

50. NY Giants
Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
With Pierce perhaps gone for his career, Lewis is the guy to fly around and make plays.

51. Philadelphia Eagles
CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Brian Westbrook 2.0, hopefully Westbrook can stick around for another year to show CJ the ways -- let's hope he heals up.

52. Green Bay Packers
Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
Athletic DE that will wreak havoc with Clay Matthews and company in the Cheesehead-state.

53. Baltimore Ravens
Marshawn Gilyard, WR, Cinci
Mason can't be going for much longer, Gilyard provides a talented playmaker to Joe Flacco.

54. Arizona Cardinals
Aurelius Benn, WR, Illinois
Anquan Boldin is probably gone after this year... Benn would be an okay replacement.

55. Kansas City Chiefs (ATL)
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
The Chiefs need sacks, Miller would provide them in bunches.

56. Denver Broncos
Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
The rich get richer in the talented and fast defensive end department. Paired with Dumervil... wow.

57. San Diego Chargers
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
The Chargers, cornering the market on the white running back with this bruiser from Cardinal country.

58. Cinci Bengals
Austen Lane, DE, Murray St.
Bengals continue to get young, fast, and strong on defense with this Kiawanuka clone.

59. Pittsburgh Steelers
Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
Ryan Clark is probably not coming back, and Jones has the skills to play right away for Mike Tomlin.

60. Dallas Cowboys
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Flozell Adams is like 45 years old, Davis is a big boy that can hope to fill Adams' big shoes.

61. New England Patriots
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Tate would finally provide the true #3 Wideout that Tom Brady has been looking for since Jabar Gaffney left for Denver.

62. Minnesota Vikings
Chad Jones, S, LSU
Darren Sharper isn't walking through that door, although Jones has the potential to start thinking about trying to replace him.

63. Indianapolis Colts
Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
Gotta protect the franchise - which would be Peyton Manning. Johnson can run block and pass block pretty well, which will help the interior for the Colts.

64. New Orleans Saints
Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Who else would you put in this offense? Draft for luxury at the defensive line position with an athletic big man from the Tarheel state to go along with Hardy.

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NFL Power Rankings Week 13

2009 NFL Power Rankings Week 12

The Elite: Ugh.

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. San Diego Chargers
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. Dallas Cowboys
7. Denver Broncos
8. New England Patriots

The Contenders: The Titans have come a long way since the 59-0 drubbing...

9. Arizona Cardinals
10. Green Bay Packers
11. Philadelphia Eagles
12. Tennessee Titans
13. Baltimore Ravens
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
16. New York Giants

The Wannabes: The Dolphins put up a real stinker against the Bills...

17. Houston Texans
18. Atlanta Falcons
19. Miami Dolphins
20. New York Jets
21. Chicago Bears
22. San Francisco 49ers
23. Carolina Panthers
24. Kansas City Chiefs

Eric Mangini and Friends: The Browns don't actually deserve to be on this page of the NFL Power Rankings.

25. Washington Redskins
26. Seattle Seahawks
27. Buffalo Bills
28. Oakland Raiders
29. Detroit Lions
30. St. Louis Rams
31. Tampa Bay Bucs
32. Cleveland Browns

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Pre-Game Meal: New Orleans Saints

Happy Thanksgiving From NE Patriots Draft!

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving feasts, but at the same time, I hope you saved some room for your Pre-Game Meal. This week we look to bring Christmas a little bit early when we take on the unbeaten New Orleans Saints. Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that Sean Payton's squad is steamrolling through the NFL opposition behind Drew Brees' arm. Coach Bill Belichick spoke earlier this week on how the Saints are the most 'complete' football team in the league because of their potent offense and stifling defense. If the boys from the Big Easy know that the path to perfection goes through New England and that it is not going to be a walk through the park by any means. The Patriots are hungry to prove themselves against the best team in the land; especially the defensive backs who are foaming at the mouth, hoping to snatch down one of Brees' missiles.

I have to admit, it feels strange to be approaching a game with such magnitude that doesn't have any trash-talking, rivalry, Joey Porter, or Rex Ryan. The previous three weeks leading up to the game were filled with billboard material, historic rivalry, or bitter playoff memories. Now finally, we come to a game where both teams are focused on playing, have no bad blood, and fully respect each other. I am so excited for this Monday Night Football game, I can't even begin to explain. Every time I see the Flying Elvis with the Fleur-de-lis, I get all nervous and excited and it's great. I don't hate the Saints, I actually enjoy watching Drew and Reggie and Colston. However, depending on the way this game plays out, my feelings are always subject to change.

While listening to all the premature talks about the Saints achieving a 16-0 undefeated season, I picked up one fatal flaw in their method of approach. They are seriously considering the possibility of being the second 16-0 regular season team, yet they have only played ten games. With six games left in the season... anything could happen. I was always taught to not count my chickens before they hatched (pretty morbid when you think about that expression). I believe that when the Saints' 11th little golden egg hatches, it is going to be a big, fat L-shaped chicken. If you know what I mean.

Not to start downplaying the Saints record... but when I was checking out their stats, one crazy thing popped out. Out of the 10 teams that they have beaten to pulps, eight have records of .500 or worse. Their tougest opponents, and I use that term lightly, based on record were Philly and the Giants. Not to mention they almost lost to Miami and St. Louis. These guys do not look untouchable. And if memory serves me correctly, week 10 was exactly when games began to get a little closer for the 2007 Patriots... just sayin'

The Homemade, Deep Fried, Southern-Style Weekly Match-Ups:

* Tom Brady vs. Darren Sharper - I'll never understand why the media addresses match-ups like "Brees vs. Brady" or vice-versa. Don't they know that quarterbacks don't actually play each other. Tom Brady probably isn't sitting in a room watching film of Drew Brees, that's is what SportsCenter is for. Right, Tom? Tom Brady has spent the last week sitting in a dark room watching thousands of hours of film on Darren Sharper. While the New Orleans defense as a whole is playing extraordinarily, Sharper is playing out of his doggone mind. He has 7 interceptions and 3 returned for touchdowns. His return yardage (317) is exponentially higher than any other DB in the league. That is what makes D-Sharp the most formidable adversary for Tom Brady. Tommy has been playing very well himself these days. In his last 5 games, Brady has thrown for 300+ yards, 14 TDs, and 4 INTs. His passer rating is 100.4 and he is completing almost 70% of his passes. Man, it sure feels good to forget about the beginning of the season. Now having said all of that, it's time to make some points. Unbiased. Of course. Darren Sharper has not caught an interception in his last two games, and hasn't brought one back to the house in his last three. By the way, this just makes me feel better, he's still amazing. BUT I want to look at the QBs Sharper has picked off: Matt Stafford, Mark-the-pick-machine-Sanchez, The Chad Henne, and Matt Ryan. Now we all know Mark and Matt love throwing interceptions, both have thrown 4 in their last performances, Henne isn't great, and Ryan was in a slump of some sorts. This secondary has not faced an elite QB this year. If Tom gets some time in the pocket, he will continue to complete smart passes and score touchdowns; that is a fact. Darren is going to have to play some serious football to take one of Brady's passes out of the air, unless he under throws Moss or some other fluke.

* Randy Moss vs. Jabari Greer - Greer is coming off an injury only because he is ready to play. Moss is coming off a disappointing 34-yard, 1 TD game against New York. These two to be engaged in quite the battle for 60 minutes on Monday. Moss will have to be very tough off the line in order to get by Greer; but even if he does you can bet we'll see Sharper shadowing him at all times. Jabari has 2 INTs on the year and at 5'11", 180 lbs, he will test Moss' physicality and skills all night long. Play-action passes would appear to be the best bet for the deep ball if New England can get the running game going early. Only Greer and the Saints know if his knee is back to 100%, but as the great Hoodie once said: this is the NFL, no one is playing at 100% and everyone is suffering from one kind of injury or another... or something along those lines. I feel like Moss accumulate 95 yards and a score by the end of regulation.

* Drew Brees vs. New England Defense - This NE D is playing with a chip on it's shoulder. The guys are playing with an intensity against; they are playing like they have something to prove. And I like that. It reminds me of the old days. Drew is entering Monday Night's game with 2746 passing yards, 22 TDs, and 9 INTs. It's going to be up to the defensive line to penetrate Brees' protection and force him in to mistakes, because if Brees gets time to throw, the Patriots are going to have a long day. Hopefully the defense will look a little healthier this week with a couple guys coming off of injuries. I strongly believe that our secondary will come out wanting it more on Monday. The Saints don't have to prove that they are good, they don't have to prove that they can score and win games. However, the guys across the line of scrimmage from Brees and Colston feel that they have something to prove. They want to show that they can finish games, stifle the most prolific offense OF 2009, I stress that. Mayo and the boys are just tired of hearing that they don't play well in the second half. We don't want this to be a shootout; ESPN might, but we don't. We wan't our defense to step up and keep the Saints out of the end zone long enough for the Patriots to take a commanding lead.

* Wes Welker vs. No One - There it is. Plain and simple. No one can cover this man. He is just too quick, too smart, and too good. While he may not rack up 192 yards, he will get his ten receptions and play a crucial part in the passing game; especially on third downs. Kevin Faulk will also play a large role in third downs as usual.

* Jeremy Shockey vs. Brandon McGowan - Another week, Another all-star for Brandon McGowan. I hope he enjoyed his week of rest (Dustin Keller), because it's time for BM to take on his latest tight-end opponent. Jeremy Shockey has reinvented his career in New Orleans and it looks like he fits in pretty well. His 461 yards and 3 TDs in 2009 aren't the best by any means, but his numbers don't tell the story of how much he produces on the field for them. He can make the big play, can run routes like a receiver, and can stay in for pass protection. After Shockey gets bumped by a linebacker, McGowan will have to chase him all around the field and not let him get behind the defense. Unless B-Mac forgot how to cover a tight-end, I just don't see how Shockey has a big game.

* Marques Colston vs. Leigh Bodden - Leigh is still pumped from his outstanding performance last Sunday and probably will be for the rest of his season. That is unless Brees to Colston traumatizes him. During the few times that I have watched these two play ball together, Colston has gone out of his way to make some unbelievable catches. Hopefully Brandon Merriweather can give Bodden some help up top if he's getting worked by the other #12. Marques Colston has 172 of his 687 yards and 1 of his 6 TDs against all other AFC East teams. That's an average of about 60 yards per game and 0.33 TDs. So if Leigh Bodden can just do his job half as well as he did last week, Colston may end up with somewhere around 50 yards and a score. At most. Realistically, I predict 70 yards and no score.

* Reggie Bush vs. Bill Belichick - Along with Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush is someone that Coach Belichick is thinking about how to stop every day leading up to the game. Earlier in the week, Belichick compared Bush to Marshall Faulk and the similar roles they both play in their offenses. Belichick is going to make sure that Reggie can't sneak out of the backfield and beat the Patriots on little dump passes or short routes. There will most likely always be someone there to make sure that Bush and Shockey get picked up if they leave their blocks and run into the defense. Reggie Bush is still a good back and he's fast as hell. If he shows up and is allowed to steal passes and yards on dump passes, the Patriots are going to get annoyed and flustered. It is imperative that we keep Bush from getting hot. Aside from the passing, the Saints are fourth in the league in rush attempts. Their offense is way more versatile that most people notice. Bill is also going to have to keep Bush, Thomas, and Bell from creating a running attack. Vince Wilfork will have to eat up the middle and although the Patriots won't be blitzing all the time, they really should blitz on obvious running downs. Pierre Thomas is the guy between the 20's and he always gets his yards. It inside the 20's when the Saints sub in Bush and Bell where we have to come in and make stops. As long as the Patriots are scoring, keeping the Saints to field goals would be very comforting.

If the Patriots can pull off this prime time win, they will silence their critics and establish themselves as a dominant team in the NFL this year. It feels like everyone wants the Saints to win outside of New England and they are favored by Vegas. The Patriots will be underdogs again in the Superdome come Monday, so here's to history repeating itself and the Patriots giving the Saints their first loss of the season.

Now you're full,
-B.DelaBarrera

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