Felger & Mazz On: The 2nd Half Patriots
The Patriots road deficiencies have been well documented, but the 4th quarter ineffectiveness of Tom Brady and Randy Moss hadn't been apparent – until today. Felger & Mazz reviewed some discouraging statistics about Brady's decision making and overall lack of offense in the second half.
Felger: "They have the worst road record in the AFC since the start of 2009. In the last 5 road games, Tom Brady's 4th quarter passing rating is 10.5. I believe the Patriots second half problems and fourth quarter problems are very real. They've had a dip in the coaching, not necessarily Belichick, but the whole operation. I think Brady's sharpness and decision making throughout 60 minutes has not been as good as in years past. And I think that those numbers manifest themselves in the second half, and fourth quarter. Although, I think the road numbers are a bit skewed – and I'll tell you why. All of their tough games have been on the road... games like the Saints and the Colts were road games. So in 6 of the last 8 road games, Randy Moss has had one catch – or zero catches. Those are just the facts. What this comes down to are clutch and late – and this team is not. That's what those Super Bowl teams were made of."
Mazz: "I agree, but if Brady has bad numbers in the second half or the 4th quarter, then his receivers will too, and this goes for all of them, not just Moss. It's really an offensive issue more than Tom Brady issue. If this is what it comes down to – Tom Brady needs to become more disciplined. I get your point Mike about Moss, but the question is whether or not it translates to the greater issue, of their second half woes and their woes on the road…The quarterback is still the guy that has the ball in his hands, and he is the one who makes the decision to throw him the ball. So why isn't he throwing to Welker more in these games? Put all of this on the list because on the road this year – they have sucked!"
