Patriots 38, Dolphins 7

This game felt like the preseason. Even the weather was warm, at least for January. There was nothing at stake, a few players didn't even dress (Welker, Branch, Hernandez), and the starters weren't expected to play the full 60 minutes.

I approved of Bill Belichick's usage of Tom Brady and other key players in this game. The more worrisome Pats fans out there were concerned that there'd be a repeat of last year's Welker injury. But with a first round bye secured, it's kind of silly to sit players for 3 weeks.

I'm sure the practices weren't as rigorous this past week. And when Brady was in the game, the play-calling was run heavy, and there were few long passes. He got hit a few times. But survived.

Danny Woodhead may have suffered a concussion. He may not have. As of now, the Pats are only saying he has a "head injury."

BJG Ellis surpassed the 1,000 yard mark. I'm convinced that Belichick went for it on 4th & 16, just so Ellis could reach 1,000, then be pulled from the game. Ellis is the Pats' first 1,000 yard rusher since Corey Dillon in '04. His contributions this season have been invaluable.



There were many positives to take from this game, but much like after a big preseason win, it's important to keep things in perspective. Julian Edelman's afternoon, for instance, was world class. Will he do that against an elite team, that's playing an important game? It's difficult to gauge performances in a game like this.



The Patriots have 2 weeks off, and will host a Divisional Round game on Sunday the 16th, at 4:30 PM. They'll play either the Jets, Ravens, or Chiefs. Here are the scenarios:

The Patriots will play the Jets if the Jets beat the Colts on Saturday. No matter what happens in the other AFC playoff game. If the Jets win, they come up to Foxborough as the 6th seed. Simple as that.

If the Jets lose, then the Patriots will play the winner of the Ravens/Chiefs game, which will be played Sunday afternoon.

-The Commodore

Patriots 34, Bills 3

This was one of the easier games the Patriots have won all season. Probably the easiest. The Bills did just about everything they could to lose this game by 84 points.

It started early. The Bills drove down the field to begin the 1st quarter, running the ball well, cutting into the Pats' secondary like a burning chainsaw through chocolate. The Bills rushed for 67 yards on that opening drive, on 7 carries (9.6 per carry). Then they got into the red zone, tried a few passes that failed, then kicked a field goal.

The Bills soon got the ball back. And after their 67 yard rushing, 0 yard passing drive, they went 3 and out with 3 straight passes and 3 straight incompletions. Thanks for the favor.

And while the Bills' tactics were moronic, the Patriots' were simple, but effective. They ran the ball. A lot. The Pats amassed 217 yards on the ground, and got 12 of their 19 first downs by rushing. BJG Ellis ran for 104, Woodhead got 93, even Brady rushed for 13.

Then came the turnovers. Then more turnovers. Then more turnovers. The Pats left a few points on the field, especially Wes Welker, but it didn't matter. You can't turn the ball over 7 times and expect to be in the game. The Patriots cruised to victory, clinching the AFC East, clinching a bye, clinching home-field advantage.

This is the Patriots' 13th divisional title, and their 8th under Brady-Belichick. This will be the first time they've secured the #1 seed since 2007.

The Jets lost, but backed into the playoffs thanks to Washington beating the Jags.

The Pats host the Dolphins Sunday afternoon. Don't expect to see a scrub team out there, as Belichick's philosophy has always been to favor reps over rest. And with the bye secured, there's not much of a need for rest.

-The Commodore

Patriots 36, Bears 7

I was wrong about the Bears and the weather being something to worry about. The Patriots seemed to thrive in the snow, while the Bears wallowed in it. The Pats became the first team in the NFL to clinch a playoff berth, and took huge strides toward winning the AFC East.

Since halftime on Thanksgiving, the Patriots have outscored their opponents 116-17. That's simply staggering.

Last night, Brady had a few tipped passes that could have been intercepted, and a few field goals could have easily been touchdown drives. But I'm nit-picking. You just have to sit back and say that over the last 10 quarters, the Patriots have played amazing football.



Brady threw for a season high 369 yards, in the snow, in the wind.

Wes Welker is back to 100%. We were all worried that without Moss, he'd struggle. His 8 receptions for 115 yards disputes that notion. He's caught 36 passes in the last 5 games, and is back to being a favorite target of Brady.

Branch is the other favorite target. He also had 8 catches, for 151 yards and a TD. He's caught 4 TD passes in the last 3 games.



The most important thing the Patriots did last night was protect the football. 35 rushing carries, 27 receptions, 3 returns, and 0 fumbles. In weather like that, it's very impressive. BJG Ellis hasn't fumbled in his NFL career. Nor did he fumble in college. I can't find his high school stats, but I doubt he was a fumbling machine back in St. Augustine HS (New Orleans).



On defense, the Pats were all over the Bears. They held them to 185 total yards, and only 47 on the ground. They hauled in two picks, and recovered two fumbles. The Bears were only 3/8 on 3rd downs, so even when Chicago held onto the ball, they struggled to move it. The defense was a big reason why the Patriots dominated time of possession 39:41 to 20:19. That's essentially 2 to 1.



The Bears are fraudulent. The Patriots are currently the best team in the NFL. With the Jets getting "tripped up" by Miami, they now have a stranglehold on the division. They can clinch the AFC East, as well as a 1st round bye, with a win, and a Jet loss next week.

The Packers come to town on Sunday night, possibly without Aaron Rodgers. Though Green Bay does have the #1 scoring defense in the League, and the weather may once again be dicey.

-The Commodore

Patriots 20 Bills 10

The Patriots never lose two games in a row, and they kept that fact intact today with a 20-10 win over the free falling Bills. Rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis had his best game today, and looks like he could the running back of the future. I know I can't believe I just said that either. Green-Ellis ran for 105 yards and a TD. He doesn't break the long runs, but seems to know how to wait for his blockers, and make the 1 cut that springs him for 5-7 yards. That's all the Patriots really need, as Cassel continues to manage the game, and not make mistakes. What has really been surprising is Cassel's ability to run, he had a rushing TD today, and seems to be able to make the right decision to run at least once or twice during every drive.

The real story today was the Patriots defense who held the Bills to 60 yards rushing, 108 yards passing, and caused 2 INTs. The Pats defensive line was outstanding, and if they can play like that the rest of the season, they are going to be tough to run on. I am really impressed with rookie LB Mayo, who seemed to be in the right place at the right time all game (he also leads the teams in tackles for the season).

Final time of possession was 37:40 to 22:20, which really showed how much the Patriots dominated the game, as players like Welker and Green-Ellis helped the Patriots get first down after first down. So far this season I think the offensive MVP has to be Welker, who broke an NFL record today. He is the first player ever to have 6 or more catches in each of the first 8 games on the season. The Pats are now tied with the Jets for 1st place, and the best part is that they play them next week. I can already guarantee the Patriots will win that game by at least 10 points.

-BMack

Patriots Running Out Of RBs

Well after I came out and said that I expected LaMont Jordan to play this Sunday, it is looking less and less likely like that is going to happen. The Patriots have announced that Morris, and Jordan are now doubtful for the game against the Rams. That leaves the Patriots will only 3 running backs left. Kevin Faulk, rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis (who was just picked up last week from the practice squad), and fullback Heath Evans. I love Kevin Faulk, but he is not a full time back, so the Patriots are going to have to use Evans for short yardage. I have a feeling there is going to be a lot on Matt Cassel's table. The good news is that the Rams defense is weak, and I really expect Cassel, Welker, and Moss to have another big week.

-BMack