What to Watch For (Including My Prediction)
So, sorry I haven't posted the last few days, been sick as hell. Luckily for all you, I'm a grinder and I'm gonna be able to bring you all the weekly What to Watch For. Hope you are all as Jacked And Pumped for this game as I am. (I tried finding the video, but I can't) As always, follow me @CultOfBelichick
-Kyle Arrington. A lot of talk this week has centered around how he is allowing perfect passer rating against (158) thus far. I have been strongly on the Arrington bandwagon this year as he has made a number of plays in the run game, and hasn't made any huge mistakes on D. So needless to say, when that stat surfaced this week, I was rather surprised. However, I remembered back to last year, and how after week 6 last year, he was ranked second in the league in passer rating against, behind only Darelle Revis. He had played okay, but the Pats were last in the league in pass defense, so it really didn't make sense. So, I guess what I am saying is, I don't really trust that statistic, and I think he is somewhere between those two realistically. He is a solid #2 guy, definitely not a "shutdown corner," but he's great against the run, disciplined, and adequate back in coverage. With his prowess in the run game, and the lack of a passing threat, you can expect a big game from Arrington. I expect to see them send him a few times on some corner blitzes, but he will have to make sure he doesn't get beat deep. If the Patriots don't allow any big plays, they will definitely be taking this one home.
-Ninkovich at SLB and Cunningham starting at LDE? This is something that was brought up by Mike Reiss, and I freaking love the idea. Any time you can get all of your best players on the field, I say go for it. Cunningham has been without a a doubt the best reserve thus far, so getting him on the field more often is something I can sign off on. However, it is not something I necessarily thing we HAVE to stick to. Ninkovich has been talking a lot this year about how he changed his mentality going from a LB to DE, so if he struggles early, I think you revert back and bring in Bobby Carpentar. He was a surprise cut this year, and should be solid in helping shore some things up.
-Alfonzo Dennard. On the subject of best reserves: if Alfonso Dennard has another week like he did last week, he could be gunning for Jermaine Cunningham's spot atop the list. He played great last week, and his natural ability to feel the ball coming, and turn his head is something this team is seriously lacking. There is already a faction of fans calling for him to be playing more, and if he continues to make the plays he did last week, I will probably be joining them. This draft pick is looking better and better by the day.
-Brandon Spikes. This is a Brandon Spikes game. Look for him to take out some frustration from the ridiculous backlash to his off-the-cuff joke on Twitter. Seattle hangs their hat on their running game, with Marshawn Lynch third in the league in rushing. Lynch is an incredibly physical back, and I can't wait to see some big time collisions between these two. If Brandon Spikes and the Patriots run D can stop the Seattle rushing attack (which I think they can), Russel Wilson is going to be in for a loooooooong day.
Prediction: I know a lot of people are thinking that this game is going to be close, but I just really do not see it. The Patriots defensive strengths thus far have been: limiting big plays in the passing game, and defending the run. That is about all Seattle has on offense. They have a Timmy Tebow type QB, and this defense feasted on him last year. I am going a little off the beaten path, and predicting a 35-10 win here. Seattle's defense is definitely solid, but I am expecting this defense to force a few turnovers and give the offense a short field to capitalize on.
-Kyle Arrington. A lot of talk this week has centered around how he is allowing perfect passer rating against (158) thus far. I have been strongly on the Arrington bandwagon this year as he has made a number of plays in the run game, and hasn't made any huge mistakes on D. So needless to say, when that stat surfaced this week, I was rather surprised. However, I remembered back to last year, and how after week 6 last year, he was ranked second in the league in passer rating against, behind only Darelle Revis. He had played okay, but the Pats were last in the league in pass defense, so it really didn't make sense. So, I guess what I am saying is, I don't really trust that statistic, and I think he is somewhere between those two realistically. He is a solid #2 guy, definitely not a "shutdown corner," but he's great against the run, disciplined, and adequate back in coverage. With his prowess in the run game, and the lack of a passing threat, you can expect a big game from Arrington. I expect to see them send him a few times on some corner blitzes, but he will have to make sure he doesn't get beat deep. If the Patriots don't allow any big plays, they will definitely be taking this one home.
-Ninkovich at SLB and Cunningham starting at LDE? This is something that was brought up by Mike Reiss, and I freaking love the idea. Any time you can get all of your best players on the field, I say go for it. Cunningham has been without a a doubt the best reserve thus far, so getting him on the field more often is something I can sign off on. However, it is not something I necessarily thing we HAVE to stick to. Ninkovich has been talking a lot this year about how he changed his mentality going from a LB to DE, so if he struggles early, I think you revert back and bring in Bobby Carpentar. He was a surprise cut this year, and should be solid in helping shore some things up.
-Alfonzo Dennard. On the subject of best reserves: if Alfonso Dennard has another week like he did last week, he could be gunning for Jermaine Cunningham's spot atop the list. He played great last week, and his natural ability to feel the ball coming, and turn his head is something this team is seriously lacking. There is already a faction of fans calling for him to be playing more, and if he continues to make the plays he did last week, I will probably be joining them. This draft pick is looking better and better by the day.
-Brandon Spikes. This is a Brandon Spikes game. Look for him to take out some frustration from the ridiculous backlash to his off-the-cuff joke on Twitter. Seattle hangs their hat on their running game, with Marshawn Lynch third in the league in rushing. Lynch is an incredibly physical back, and I can't wait to see some big time collisions between these two. If Brandon Spikes and the Patriots run D can stop the Seattle rushing attack (which I think they can), Russel Wilson is going to be in for a loooooooong day.
Prediction: I know a lot of people are thinking that this game is going to be close, but I just really do not see it. The Patriots defensive strengths thus far have been: limiting big plays in the passing game, and defending the run. That is about all Seattle has on offense. They have a Timmy Tebow type QB, and this defense feasted on him last year. I am going a little off the beaten path, and predicting a 35-10 win here. Seattle's defense is definitely solid, but I am expecting this defense to force a few turnovers and give the offense a short field to capitalize on.
