Patriots' Report Card: More work ahead

YOUR COMMENTS

Bottom line we've been so spoiled lately, as N.E. sports fans that were unappreciative of what we've still got? What we still have is a winning record, a future hall fame coach, a better chance than some more talented teams(in other divisions) to make the playoffs, some great talent on the team etc, etc! The team is just going through a rough patch/adjustment period. It's way too early to give up on Cassel & the two horrible outtings (Mia& S.D.) are not even close to all his fault! Wheres the rest of the team been-as a team they all need to come together and step it up period(coaches incld)! As N.E. fans, if we should know anything it's to never give up-NEVER! 04 SOX, down 0-3 to the Yanks!! Come on, have a lil faith people, stop acting like spolied lil rich kids, be greatful we don't live in Ohio, or any other # of states who haven't had anything to cheer about in a long time! Those days have been over for 10 plus years for us N.E. fans- we compete/or are elite in all of our sports-Even the 'CELTS' are back as force! We'll be alright, and if you can't hang in there through a rough spot, move or at least jump the band wagon to the cowboys, Giants, or any other team you'd rather be a fan of currently-for me, NEVER, we could go through 25 yrs w/out a playoff apperance in any major sport and I'd still be representing the N.E./Boston colors all over this country of ours! I prefer not being a "franchise elite teams" fan, give me the underdog anyday! My Dad died in 1997, his whole life a die hard Pats/Sox fan & never got see a championship from either!Grow up, stay loyal, stop complaining,& be grateful-'nough said!
- Brandon B, Leominster, MA

Yes, that is true, Cassel era is in the end, because he really holds th ball to long, he makes a bad decision, but may he made this mistakes because he does not have a enough experiences .... but they are still patriots they will be better.
- Martin Tomanik, Lebamon

Paul, would you call watching every weekend- jumping off or giving up? I'm confused. I'm not reading the scores in the paper the next morning. That is why I'm able to identify problems and areas of improvement. And I think we could improve a lot on our defense. Our team is not one step ahead of their offense like we use to be. Our team does not have a seasoned starting quarterback who is able to make big plays. Am I going to fault Gostowski for missing one field goal? No. But week after week, we are letting these teams (not even good teams) make these HUGE plays. We aren't going to win every Super Bowl.. We proved that last season with a very disappointing loss after a perfect regular season. Watching football is a family tradition for me. If I'm critical, it is because I am invested in the game. Should Grady Little have left Pedro in the game? Should Belichick/ Kraft have found a seasoned STARTING quarterback to fill in for Brady? These are things that FANS think about because they want THEIR team to win. Sorry, my rose- colored classes broke!
- Beth, Raymond

Well Beth,we might as well all jump off also. Why not throw in the freakin towel right now, the heck with the rest of the season. Hey, how are the Giants doing? Perhaps there's still seats Available on that band wagon. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! I know the Pats suck, but don't just give up on them
- Paul, Milford

Right, Paul. I'm what you call a REALIST. I haven't missed a Sunday since I was a child. And not just the Pats. I even still considered myself a Red Sox FAN despite my anticipated disappointment in August (pre-2004).

The Pats are playing with a doughnut and not a full spare right now. Yes, the team consists of more than the quarterback, and there is problems on both sides. But on offense, it takes a great leader to make great plays happen. That 1st down on the 1 yard line should have resulted in a touch down. The greatest part of Brady is that he is able to make plays when given the opportunity. He has that. Cassel does not. And neither did Bledsoe. I would prefer something better than 8-8. Any FAN would. I want to be proven wrong. But they'd have to step it up. The need to seize opportunities when the arise. And that is something they haven't done the past 6 weeks. Not to mention, there is already some injuries and don't have the benefit of a late- season bye week.

Last time I checked, Paul, the definition of a FAN did not mean "one who lives in a fantasy world."
- Beth, Raymond

Beth, I agree with Paul from Milford. You were driving the bus when they were winning. Now you're the one trying to crash it. COME ON! Give me a break!
- Dave, Franklin

Beth, Raymond come back out off that limb! 8-8, and you call yourself a FAN. You're what Im talking about. Just freakin Beautiful!!
- Paul, Milford

Undoubtedly the offense has its problems but there is no one called "quarterback" on defense.
- Walter, Pembroke

Paul. I think there is a difference between jumping off the Patriots band wagon and NOT GETTING ON the Cassel band wagon! I have said from day one (since Brady got hurt) that I don't have any faith in the world in Cassel, but also said that I hoped he proved me wrong. This has been a bad season (ALREADY) for the whole team. Last year, we were solid all around, offense and defense. It stinks that we can't stop the big plays the other teams are making, but we need to be able to make some big plays ourselves. I've seen Gutierrez play and I think he is pretty good. I'd like to see him get some playing time, but then again, I'm not wearing the gray cut-off hoody and must trust in Belichick's decision. If we are lucky, I predict a 8-8 season. PLEASE! Prove me wrong!
- Beth, Raymond

Yeah the fans haven't been very supportive of Cassel, but to be fair he does suck. A vetern QB would be nice and the Pats would have a much better chance of having a good season.
- Scott, Lebanon

Ian, I'll grade the fans for you. GRADE: F. They are already jumping off the band wagon. Screaming about Cassell's lack of play. How we need a vetern QB. Complaining about the coaching. Beautiful people, just beautiful
- Paul, Milford