When Christian Elliss clobbered Jaxson Dart along the sidelines, I immediately thought of the 2001 season when veteran linebacker Bryan Cox nearly broke Colts WR Jerome Pathon in half. That play, way back when, made me feel the Pats could be something that year. Turns out they would go on to win a Super Bowl (no one believed that was possible). If you are into signs, perhaps Elliss' decleatment of Dart did something similar (never mind knocking Gunner Olszewski out on the kickoff return later in the game). And if you're not, then carry on.
On to Musings...
Thumbs Up
There is only one Tom Brady, but Drake Maye played his most Brady-like game. He had the answers to the test, taking what the defense was giving him, even when it was short and quick. There were a couple of wow throws, but mostly, this was a 23-year-old quarterback in complete command, carving up the blitz, the base defense, and everything in between. Maye's the MVP right now.
One man's trash is another's treasure. Say hello to Cory Durden. The 26-year-old was charged up for a meeting with his old team, making his presence felt repeatedly in the run game. Durden stuffed Tyrone Tracy on the Giants' first offensive play and was excellent at the point of attack on a number of snaps. His pass rushing was less noticeable than in recent weeks, but the Pats lowered his snap count from a season-high 35 at Cincinnati to 24 Monday night and reaped the benefits with his physicality. "Cory Durden's been playing a lot for us, and we brought him over here from the Giants practice squad, or from the Giants," Mike Vrabel said postgame. "They let him go. And that game meant a lot to him. They told him he wasn't good enough to play for the Giants, and we thought he was good enough to play for the Patriots. So I'm happy for him. Made some plays and continues to help us, but also help himself. And I love that." Didn't see Durden in the locker room, but would love to know how many times Vrabel reminded him that the Giants didn't care to keep him. I bet you it was more than once...
Speaking of Elliss, gotta put him on the list. He also had a pass breakup on the GMen's final drive of the game. The veteran linebacker's athleticism makes for a rollercoaster ride at times - he can still get blown out of the hole - but when he's moving his legs and generating that speed, the new staff re-upping him in the spring makes sense.
I'm not going to tell you it was perfect - I counted three hurries and one QB hit - but Vederian Lowe did a solid job in less-than-favorable conditions. He moved his feet well, which helped unlock his long arms. Of course, Josh McDaniels didn't leave him on an island all game, but the variety of personnel groupings, formations, motion, and the quick passing game keep the offense moving in the right direction. Lowe won't face a rusher as good as Brian Burns when the Pats come back from the bye, so if he plays that way, this train can keep rolling down the tracks.
Shut down city from those two corners. Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis played their best game as a duo this season. Gonzalez