A pretty solid win by the Patriots.  Surprisingly, the defense is looking pretty good through three games. In this game, they didn’t allow any Falcons points for the last 38 minutes, and overall they’re giving up an average of 14 points a game.  The offense looked a little better, mostly because they had more balance, running for over 150 yards and Fred Taylor himself running for 105 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.  They still struggled in the red zone though, and Brady still had quite a few off throws.  Next week will be a tough game, as the Ravens look like one of the best teams around this year.

Not a good game for the Pats.  The few highlights were Julian Edelman having a good day stepping in for Welker, and Fred Taylor running well.  This game left me with a list of concerns:

• Offensive play calling. The offense struggled all day, and I think a big part of it this week and last was the play calling.  They don’t seem to be getting into any rhythm at all and are making some odd calls on third down.
• Offensive line. Obviously, the Jets through the kitchen sink at the Patriots, but the o-line let a lot of pressure get to Brady.
• Brady. He didn’t look comfortable in the pocket, and never really starting hitting the throws that he usually makes.  The Patriots also got multiple delay of game penalties, which never happens with Brady.
• Defense. After stopping the Jets the entire first half, the Patriots defense really struggled in the 2nd half.  Still, they held the Jets to 16 points.  I was really surprised to see McGowan at safety so much.  I can only hope the young defensive players come together and gel into a good D.
• Penalties. The Patriots had WAY too many penalties in this game (11 penalties for 89 yards). Too many offensive holding and delay of game penalties that kept killing any potential for a drive.

What a crazy game.  2 TDs from Brady to Watson in a minute to win the game.  Just crazy.  Some really quick thoughts:

• I liked Maroney’s kickoff return to start the game. Specifically, I liked him hitting guys instead of running out of bounds at the end.
• Brady was not looking great early, but he sure got it going at the end of the game.
• The Patriots need to finish their drives! Two ending on failed 4th down conversions, one on a missed field goal, another at the goal line where we couldn’t get it in. Don’t know if this was new play calling or Brady struggling.
• I thought Maroney looked pretty good running in the first half when there were holes.
• But there weren’t a lot as the OL didn’t look great in run blocking or pass protection.
• Where was Joey Galloway?
• Lots of new names on defense.  I saw Ninkovich, McGowan, Banta-Cain, and Guyton getting a lot of time in there.

My biggest concerns:

• The offensive line. This is still the same line that lost us Super Bowl XLII
• The defense. I’m hoping all these young guys will come together as a unit and do something great. They really weren’t that bad most of the game. Maybe most of their focus was on stopping Evans and Owens, which they did.
• Finishing drives. The Patriots had a lot of long offensive drives that ended without getting anything. They need to finish these drives.