The difference between above average and below average: New England Patriots destroy Green Bay Packers
The New England Patriots are a top ten NFL team that may or may not be able to beat a top five team, but it has no problems dispatching of the League’s weaklings. Today the Razormen blew out the Green Bay Packers 35-0 on the road. The Patriots launched an air offensive similar to the one it unleashed against the Minnesota Vikings three weeks ago and the Packers could do little to slow it down. While tight-end Daniel Graham made little impact against the New York Jets last week he quickly chipped in today by catching New England’s first touchdown on a fourth and inches inside Green Bay’s two yard line. Later in the game quarterback Tom Brady tossed a touchdown pass to New England’s other starting tight end, Ben Watson. He also threw a 54 yard touchdown pass - his longest of the season - to Reche Caldwell. Caldwell, who’s more of a possession receiver than a downfield threat took advantage of a well-drawn and well-executed play-action play to get wide open in the deep middle. Brady’s fourth and final touchdown went to runningback Laurence Maroney. Maroney was New England’s leading rusher with 82 yards on 19 carries. Corey Dillon had 12 runs for 31 yards. He scored one touchdown but also fumbled once. Fullback Heath Evans contributed with a 4th down four-yard run.
Defensive end Richard Seymour and linebacker Mike Vrabel, both players who should be among New England’s best but who have in fact struggled this year, had productive performances against the Packers. The front-seven in general had a good day and limited Green Bay to 43 yards on the ground.
New England now has a 7-3 record and remain perfect on the road and against NFC teams. The Patriots once again enjoy a two game lead in the AFC East since the Jets lost today to the Chicago Bears. Next week is the fourth major test the Patriots have faced this year when they take on the 9-1 Bears. Considering the weakness of the NFC and the New England’s inability to beat the League’s elite teams (Denver and Indianapolis) the loser next week will look flawed. Sadly, the Patriots probably don’t match up well against the Bears. New England’s offensive line is above average but nothing special and will have a hard time controlling the line of scrimmage.
It should be one heck of a game.
