Put on a Manning Face

By Stephen on November 22, 2010

It was the biggest win of the season with the shortest amount of time to enjoy it. The Patriots started out strong, scoring on nearly every possession for the first three quarters. When all was said and done, they had nearly as many rushing yards as passing years (168 to 186), including an electrifying run by Woodhead in which he hid behind the offensive line, shot into the secondary, made the safety miss, stumbled for a few yards, and then sprinted to the corner of the endzone. Law Firm contributed 96 rushing yards. Branch, Welker, and Woodhead chipped in with some big receptions.

Of course, everybody wants to pit Brady vs. Manning whenever these two teams face each other. While Brady’s stats weren’t gaudy, he was very efficient and got the win. Manning had the big numbers, but that includes his three interceptions. On Sunday, you had to give the edge to Brady.

The defense came up big when it had to. They let a lead slip away, giving up a few big drives in the fourth quarter. That’s going to happen against Manning, but James Sanders came up with the big interception to end the game. No one defensive player stood out, although McCourtey, Merriweather, Sanders, and Guyton played well. It was a total team effort.

We’re figuring out life after 47. Since Zoltan Mesko is the punter and holder on field goals and extra points, he is the key to the special teams chant. So let’s get on board with the “Zoltan!” chant, people.

In just a few days the Patriots take on the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Have a great holiday, everybody.