Patriots Pummel The Vikings

Good news everyone, the Patriots wont be going 0-16! Whew! Besides all of that, it was great to see the squad come to life on Sunday. Not having Adrian Peterson available was obviously a big factor, but with that big of a route I think it's safe to say the Patriots could have most likely survived Peterson having a solid day.

 The offense looked good and bad at times. The bad is clearly the receivers. Outside of Julien Edelman, Kendrell Thompkins and Rob Gronkowski it's obvious Tom Brady has zero trust in anyone else right now. Danny Amendola is a ghost yet again, Brandon LaFell is starting to prove his doubters right. I was defending him last week on Face book saying to give him a chance but if I see him not even thrown at for a second week I'm gonna start to think he's a bust myself. As for Aaron Dobson, I know it's the start of his second year but injuries and ineffective games are starting to ruin his career.

 Besides that, how about the positive? The offensive line was improved, however it's clear there's still work to do. I mentioned in last week's blog that the Patriots needed to add a blocking Tight End to the mix, and they just might have found that in Cameron Fleming. If last week was an indication of things to come from Fleming it could be a big positive for the offense. Yes they need receivers but they need a tight end that is able to block as well. Any Pats fan that can remember the days of Daniel Graham and Matt Light working together to make Dwight a non factor in their games knows how important this is.
Freeney

 Another positive is the commitment the team is showing to the running game. Even the harshest McDaniels critic should appreciate it. Even when Brady was as quiet as he was, the offense continued to move due to the running game. There was even a point where the running game started to throw the Vikings off, not knowing what was coming next. Giving a team with Tom Brady at the helm the element of surprise is a recipe for success. IF, and I emphasize IF the defense and running game are legit this year, I like our chances in the post season

 I'm running a little short on time, so I'll finish up here. I was very happy with the defense. This secondary looks like it's living up to the hype so far. Chandler Jones had arguably his best game as a pro playing on the edge. Adding a healthier Sealver Siliga to the mix with Vince Wilfork also made a positive impact on the running game. Outside of the first drive..All around A+ performance from this unit.

The Patriots still have some issues to address (receivers, OL) I still want to see more from the front 7 before I'm sold on them as well. But you have to be encouraged from what you've seen so far from this team. Outside of a second half collapse in Miami, they've played some pretty damn good football.

Saturday's Patriots Notes

• As you've probably heard by now, Adrian Peterson has been booked and released from jail. He was deactivated for this Sunday's game against the Patriots after news of his arrest. It goes without saying this is a huge advantage for a struggling Patriots run defense. 

• Second year linebacker Jamie Collins was seen yesterday walking with a limp in the Patriots locker room. At this point in the week unless he heals quickly I can see Collins being out for his first game. Chances are that Rob Ninkovich moves to outside linebacker while Dont'a Hightower goes back to inside linebacker.

• With Adrian Peterson out, the most important things on defense are to hit Cassel and make sure you know where Cordarelle Patterson is at all times. Not exactly rocket science but easier said then done of course. 

• It's still early but it would be a great sight to see some chemistry begin to develop on the offensive line this week.

Patriots Players to Keep Your Eye On

Here is my list of Patriots players I have my eye on right now..

• Sealver Siliga - The Patriots are going to need to give Vince Wilfork more muscle upfront if they want to effectively stop the run. Joe Vellano is a backup at best and either Siliga or Chris Jones should be starting instead. Jones was inactive for week one against the Dolphins but Siliga had a pretty good game and stepped up for the Patriots last year on run defense. I'm thinking he'll be getting the start this week over Vellano. It goes without saying but without one of Siliga or Jones stepping up big this year the Patriots could be in a lot more trouble then we hope for on Run D.

• Rob Ninkovich - It was recently reported that Ninkovich got nicked up in Miami. This could indeed be the reason he saw so much less time. However it's hard to ignore the playing time and improvement Dont'a Hightower showed on Sunday. One has to wonder if this is going to be a sign of things to come this season or if this was indeed just due to injuries. 

• Tim Wright - Given the OL's struggles the Patriots need to see some value on their trade and soon. It seems like forever ago since the Patriots had an effective tight end attack. If this offense can get production from Wright, Rob Gronkowski, Julien Edelman, Brandon Lafell and the offensive line corrects itself suddenly the trade looks pretty damn good and the Patriots would then have a formidable air attack again. 

• Brandon LaFell - I'm not as worried as Lafell as others seem to be. Normally with Tom Brady and his receivers you have it or you don't. Not only did the two have a good Training Camp together, but they looked pretty damn good  in week 3 of the preseason. He has never proven himself to be an elite receiver but the Patriots just need him to be another solid option, not a superstar.