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2011 Game Analysis
Patriots offense explodes
in South Florida
Week 1
In a historic performance to open the season on Monday Night Football Tom Brady threw for 517 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Patriots beat the Dolphins 38-24 in an offensive shootout.
One of the key plays of the game was a 4th quarter pass to Wes Welker that resulted in a 99 yard touchdown.
All night Brady was dissecting the Dolphins defense and the 99 yard romp by Welker put the game out of reach.
Lost in the brilliance of Brady was an excellent game by Dolphins Quarterback Chad Henne who threw for 416 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Next week is a key game against the San Diego Chargers which could be a preview of the AFC Championship.
Turnovers hurt Chargers as Patriots dissect another opponent
Week 2
In a game between two of the better teams in the AFC the Patriots came out on top with a 35-21 victory. The Chargers severely hurt their chances by turning the ball over 4 times. The first turnover came in the 2nd quarter with the Chargers near the Red Zone as Vince Wilfork made an incredible play intercepting the football. The second turnover came in the 3rd quarter in the redzone as a Phillip Rivers pass intended for Antonio Gates was taken at the 9 yard line. The errors continued in the 4th quarter as Mike Tolbert coughed up the football on the New England 37 yard line and Phillip Rivers fumbled the football on a sack at the San Diego 38 yard line. 3 out of the 4 turnovers really hurt the Chargers as potential points were lost.
New England was very precise offensively putting up 35 points.
If San Diego wants to get to the next level (ie Super Bowl) they need to be more focused and disciplined with the football.
Next week it is on to Buffalo where the Pats play the surprising Bills.
Bills come back from 21-0 deficit to defeat Patriots
Week 3
The Buffalo Bills once again scored over 30 points and defeated the Patriots 34-31 in an offensive shootout.
This was a "measuring stick" game for the Bills and after falling down 21-0 they mounted a come back starting in the second quarter.
Tom Brady surprisingly threw 4 interceptions in an erratic performance. He did throw 4 touchdowns passes in a 387 yard performance. Brady set the NFL mark for most yards passing ever in a three week period however.
Wes Welker had a career day with 16 receptions for 217 yards.
The Patriots defense is ravaged with injuries and Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick came to life in the second half finishing with 369 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Fred Jackson ran for 74 yards and had a key 21 yard stomp that was very close to scoring a touchdown.
Next week the Patriots travel to Oakland to play a very physical Raiders team.
Costly victory in Oakland
Week 4
The Patriots got back on track with a 31-19 win over the Raiders.
The injury ravaged defense lost another starter when Jared Mayo went down with an MCL injury during the first half.
Mayo is expected to miss one month.
It is a major blow to a defense that allowed 504 total yards to the Raiders.
The Patriots need to start playing better defense otherwise the foundation will not be set and they will have a quick exit in the playoffs.
The Raiders by far had their highest yardage total passing for the season.
Jason Campbell threw for 344 yards.
Next week is a home date versus the New York Jets.
The Patriots will be ultra focused for this game.
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