Well, this Sunday we’ll get to see what the Patriots are made of. Sure, it’s not the greatest team they’re facing – but the 49′ers aren’t “bad” either. Not that it mattered a week ago when last season’s worst team destroyed the Pats … at home.
So, will Cassel finally learn to read a blitz and will McDaniels finally allow him to throw deep to Moss? Will they actually use all their running backs? Will they remember that they have two solid tight ends who can run and block, and should be doing one or the other on each play?
Will the defense wake up and remember that it’s their job to get to the quarterback? Will they remember that they too can score points?
A week ago the team compleletly embarassed themselves in front of a home crowd which was running for the exits early in the fourth quarter. This week they’re on the road, and they’ll stay on the road until they’re done with the Chargers a week from now.
A lot is riding on this game. Odds are not good of them beating San Diego without Brady, so a loss to the 49′ers means they would return home with a 2-3 record. Not good when Buffalo will likely be 5-0. That could put the Patriots 3rd in the division.
Also riding on this is Matt Cassel’s future. If he can’t handle the game and they’re trailing by a wide margin at half-time, expect to see Kevin O’Connell take over – and likely start against the ‘Bolts.
