July 4th Is Over, So Now What?

Week 4: vs. Baltimore
Is there any team outside of the AFC East that we hate more? Okay, the Steelers might be it. (The Colts don’t count, they used to be in the AFC East.)

This Ravens defense is vicious, and these players get off on their opponents’ pain.  That’s not an insult, that’s a compliment.  This is football, after all.

However, their defense will take a hit this season, and the Patriots will be ready for them. I’m sure that they’ll have regular viewings of the 2007 matchup, to remind them how they were man-handled in the last game.

A heavy dose of Taylor and Morris will free things up for Maroney and possibly Faulk. The passing game will be less prominent, but there will be at least one big third down play.

Patriots win, 27-13.  4-0

Week 5: at Denver
The first of only two long distance road games, the Patriots visit with old friends Josh McDaniels, Jabar Gaffney, and Daniel Graham. It won’t be a pleasant visit for the home team.

I like Josh, and Bill likes Josh. But this is business, and Belichick isn’t known for his sentimentality.

Brandon Marshall’s involvement could help them, but not by too much.

Patriots win, 38-10.  5-0

Week 6: vs. Tennessee
Staunch defense meets an offense that is just now hitting its stride.

With Brady throwing like it is 2007, and Moss running out patterns rather than going deep, the Patriots will feature a solid short passing game with a lot of run fakes. Taylor will still manage to pull out at least 50 yards as this will become a running game late.

The Patriots run defense will have their hands full, but with the corners doing their jobs, it all works out.

Patriots win, 24-13.  6-0

Week 7: at Tampa Bay (London)
I despise the fact that Tampa loses a home game for this semi-exhibition deal. It’s my opinion that if you’re playing one game a year in London, simply alternate which conference is considered the home team. There’s got to be a way to keep from taking home games.

Anyway, the Bucs aren’t on the Patriots level, regardless of who is under center.

The Patriots win this early with the pass, then grind it out on the poorly maintained fields. (They’re designed for soccer, after all.)

Patriots win, 41-13.  7-0

Week 8: bye
A good deal of resting up is required now.

There are a few players dinged up, but the biggest players of note are Fred Taylor and Joey Galloway.

Taylor’s sprained ankle, suffered against the Titans, limited his touches in London.  He’ll be at about 90 percent for the rest of the season, but with the platooning it won’t affect his play all that much.

Galloway’s strained hamstring has limited his work since the Baltimore game, causing him to be deactivated for the London trip. The extra weeks of rest are what the doctor ordered—literally and figuratively—and he’s ready for the second half of the season.

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