What's the defensive gameplan for NE?

[JWsleep]

It's a tough matchup, to say the least! One thing we've been pretty good at this year is taking away the big play. Make them drive the ball, don't let that deep one just deflate you--at least not too many times.

We must be able to stop the run and get some pressure with our down-4 linemen. We've done a nice job at this, but NE is a step above, and Brady does not get rattled and make mistakes. But at least we need to control the run. Big pressure again on Lodon Fletcher.

Here's what we'd like to do on offense to help out: keep Brady off the field with some ball control. Yes, NE can strike quick, but keeping the shots to a minimum is crucial. If we are to have any chance, IMO, we must establish the run and CP/LB must have breakout games. And we need to hit our first long bomb TD to a wideout. But ballcontroll will help our D, by limiting Brady's touches, and keeping them fresh for the late run game.

They're expecting a cakewalk--the betting line will probably be pretty brutal--plus, Indy is the next week. Maybe we'll get a little something from that, though they are so well coached it won't be much. But any little thing will help!