Patriots Beat 49ers 30-21

Well it wasn't pretty, but Pats improve to 3-1. It was not the most exciting game, but the Patriots did a lot of things well. For one, their pass defense looked good has they held J.T. O'Sullivan to only 130 yards passing, and he completed less then half of his passes. The 130 yards is the lowest total that O'Sullivan has had all year, and the Patriots were able to do that with a lot of players coming in and out of the game with injuries. New England also held Gore to 54 rushing yards, and other than the first coupe of series he was really quiet. So, overall you have to be really happy with the way the defense played. The offense was a bit of a different story.

The Patriots looked awful in the beginning of the game, other then the bomb to Moss for a TD. Cassel couldn't seem to find the open receiver, and the pass rush was all over him. Eventually Cassell was able to settle down and finish with a sold stat line (22/32 259 yards 1 TD 2 INTs). My worry with Cassel is that when the pass rush gets some pressure on him, he seems to stop looking down field, and frantically run around in circles. He needs to work on keeping him composure in the pocket. That being said, the offense line was not impressive today. They were very inconsistent, and just haven't seemed right since the Super Bowl.

My other worry is the running back situation. Kevin Faulk bailed them out today, but it is getting sad that he is becoming the goal line back. Morris had a solid game, and it is really looking like he should be the starting RB. I am giving up on Maroney. He is terrible, he refuses to take a hit, and he dances behind the offensive line way too much. He would be a great goal line back if he would just hit the whole, but he just doesn't seem to want to do that. So, I really think the Pats just need to rely on Morris, and use Faulk as they have for the past 10 years.

Overall, a win is a win, and the Pats did a lot of things right today. It was great to see them get the ball to Moss, as he had a huge day (111 yards and a TD). The Pats just need more consistent play from their offensive line, and Cassel needs to keep his eyes down field. Now they Patriots are going to be coming into some harder games as they face San Diego and Denver the next two weeks, but at least you have to be happy that the defense is looking much better.

-BMack