The 2011 New England Patriots as usual did what they always do during the season; rack up wins, win the AFC east, and secure home field in the playoffs with a 1st round bye. But in recent years New England has struggled getting a win in January. Long gone are the days of Teddy Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Ty Law, Richard Seymour, and Mike Vrabel on defense, which was the staple of the 3 championships that New England won in the early 2000's. Since 2007, New England has transformed into a offensive aerial attack under QB Tom Brady. Since the 2007 Super Bowl, the Patriots are 0-3 in the playoffs. Those losses coming in the '07 Super bowl against the New York Giants, '09 wild card round game at home against the Baltimore Ravens, and last years divisional round game at home against the New York Jets. All of these losses were very similar in that all 3 teams pressured and hit Tom Brady, not allowing him to get comfortable early in the game and forcing him to make errant throws. Brady is most likely one of the most mechanically sound throwers of all time, so this is one of the big reasons they have not won in January. Also as of late the Patriots offense has been starting slow then getting into its usual groove after the first quarter when they go to no-huddle. I think for the Patriots to win on January 14th, they need to keep Brady comfortable early by using short quick passes to WR Wes Welker and TE/H-back Aaron Hernandez and also establishing the running game with rookie RB Stevan Ridley to set up the play-action for vertical passing. The Patriots should also go into their No- Huddle offense early and often to tire out whomever's pass rush. With a early lead, the defense which has though been bad at times can create turnovers. The Defense lead by DT Vince Wilfork has caused 23 interceptions and 9 forced fumbles on the year.
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