Moss' injuries have everything but sidelined him: T-Rexing passes over the middle and otherwise becoming a glorified decoy. Brady's new found inaccuracies are difficult to watch, as we remember his Montana-esque game rescuing drives. I had thought he was gaining traction after a cobwebby first few games after injury, but as more passes go long, wide and short on receivers you begin to question when or if he is ever going to get back into '07 form. Welker is still a joy to watch; he is like a windup toy when he catches the ball, an artist of kinetic deception, he eludes two and three defenders on every touch. But despite his abilities, guys like Watson, Maroney and the absence of another dependable receiver have left the Pats with only one playmaker. Not enough guys on the field to make the plays that win games.
The defense can't cover themselves against the pass, it seems like even stalwart physical play by Merriweather can't seem to lift the performance of the D collectively. Wilfork continues to be a beast up the middle, but when third down comes, too many receivers are left wide open for any quarterback with aeons of time on his hands to find them. There is no pass rush anymore.
Obviously, I love watching the Patriots play football every week. I will be a fan win or lose for life. But as I evaluate this team against those of past years, it becomes clear this is not the same calibre team we have had in recent years. Many of the high-quality players of the past are gone, especially on a very unfamiliar defensive unit that just doesn't seem to be getting the job done.
Of course, hopefully I am very wrong.
