Brady, Pats put up 49 at Miami
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by Behbigben15
The NFL MVP favorite, Tom Brady, once again blows up the opposing defense after a 49-28 defeat of the winless Miami Dolphins. The first half wasn't even close, as New England went into the half with a 42-7 halftime lead over their division rivals. Brady blew out the Dolphins with FIVE first-half TD passes (6 for the entire game). Miami's QB, Cleo Lemon, turned the ball over twice (1 INT, 1 lost fumble), as the Pats D held Miami to one first-half TD (Lemon 4-yd run). Though, Miami did not go down without a fight. The 28-year old first-year starter lead Miami to two offensive TD's in the fourth qtr (Patrick Cobbs 1-yd run, Jesse Chatman 7-yd run), and last year's defensive player of the year, Jason Taylor, added a 36-yd interception which he ran back for a TD. Brady, was not the one who threw the pick, who has just 2 on the year, NE played backups Matt Gutierrez (1 for 1, 15 passing yards), and Matt Cassel (0 for 2, 1 INT).
Miami's 21 point fourth quarter was not enough to edge New England's powerful passing offense. Brady, once again, utilized the Pats offseason acquisitions, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth. Welker had 138 receiving yards on 9 catches and 2 TD's (14, 16), with Moss accumulating 122 yards through the air on just 4 catches (30.5 YPC), and 2 TD's (35, 50). Stallworth, and TE Kyle Brady (another offseason acquisition) added 3 catches (each) for a combined 61 yards, and 2 TD's (each). So, apparently the Patriots offseason acquisitions have really helped the Pats' offense, and Brady, who may end up shattering Peyton Manning's record for most TD passes in a single season (49). Brady already has 27 TD's in just 7 games, and is averaging 3.8 TD's a game. At his rate he will have 54 TD's in just 7 more games, but the key here is, if the Pats clinch a playoff berth early (which is highly likely), then Brady will probably sit out a few games to rest. Plus, the Pats schedule gets a little tougher, they still have to play Indy (which is always a tough game), Philly, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Miami again (the Dolphins will be lokking for revenge, and possibly their first win of the season). You can never assume that New England will beat teams like Washington, NYJ, and the NYG, so the Pats are far from going 16-0.
But, do you think they will finish the season 16-0? It is possible, but I think will depend on the NE/Indy game, which is in just TWO weeks (the same weekend as the BAL/PITT game, awesome!).
Brady has had a terrific first seven games, but can NE continue to play well without healthy RB's?? I think it's possible, the Pats are second in the NFL in rushing yards (850), and first in attempts (202). NE has the best offense...heck, they have the best overall team in the NFL right now, and are still rolling. They are 7-0, and have put up eye-popping numbers in their first 7 games of the season.
Patriots Rankings (NFL):
Offense
Overall- 1st
Passing- 1st
Rushing- 2nd
Kicking- 4th
Defense
Overall- 2nd
Passing- 4th
Rushing- 7th
Give/Take Diff: Tied 1st (+7)
Tom Brady's stats:
169 for 229, 2,125 Pass yards, 27 TD, 2 INT, 74%, Long: 69
