>
> [RM: This was posted to another forum, though without a link. It's a
> good read.]
>
>
> Ron Borges Patriots chat transcript
> Thursday Jan. 11, 2007
>
> Chris Ron -- With regards to game planning for Tomlinson: a lot of
> references have been made to employing a defense similar to that
> employed against Marshall Faulk in SBXXXVI. Belichick also had a similar
> task as Defensive Coordinator for the Giants containing Thurman Thomas
> in SBXXV. I think Tomlinson is closer in style to Thomas than Faulk
> (power back than can catch). Were both of these game plans similar or
> different? Do you see the Pats employing a variation of one or the other
> against San Diego?
>
> Ron_Borges Good question Chris. Faulk was primarily taken out of the
> passing game by Willie McGinest, who possessed unique size-speed ratios.
> They could perhaps do that with Rosevelt Colvin but it would take one of
> their best pass rushers out of the mix. Mike Vrabel would have been
> useful in that role but with him inside and Tully Banta-Cain at outside
> linebacker in limits what New England can do. I think they'll set their
> defensive ends wider than normal to protect the edge of their defense,
> where Banta-Cain is a liability in run defense and hope to funnel
> tomlinson inside the tackles. he can do damage there as well but not as
> much as when he gets to the edge of the defense.
>
>
> Marty5and12 We all know LT will be tough to stop but what about Antonio
> Gates finding those pockets in the Zone D? Is this a pick your poison
> type of scenario?
>
> Ron_Borges You are exactly right. I spoke with a half dozen defensive
> coaches, head coaches and/or advance scouts this week who faced the
> Chargers this year and all spoke of the problems caused by Gates. None
> felt you could play eight men in the box to stop the run because it
> would leave you too vulnerable to being hit in the middle of the field
> by Gates. The good news is that even though he is San Diego's leading
> receiver many coaches felt he was underused by their young quarterback,
> Philip Rivers. The Patriots would like to see that continue on Sunday
> but your point is well taken. It's a slow death or a quick one and
> neither is all that enjoyable to face.
>
>
> Batesie52 What do you think of the Pats switching to the 4-3 in an
> attempt to briefly confuse SD? With the injuries to the linebackers, I
> think the greatest area of strength is the D-line. A defense of Wilfork,
> Wright, Seymour, and Warren with Green rotating in and Bruschi with
> Vrabel and Colvin playing their better respective sides with Banta Cain
> rotating in seems more imposing than their current 3-4 look. I think a
> switch may be in order like Stallone's hat in Over the Top.
>
> Ron_Borges Well, the 3-4 was created to stop a running team like the
> Chargers so you'd be going away from the strength of your defensive
> alignment in switching to the 4-3. You're right about having better
> linemen these days than linebackers but the 3-4 was created to contend
> with strong running games because it allows you to protect your flanks
> while at the same time being stronger in the middle if the nose tackle
> can hold his ground. That's why Vince Wilfork is a key player in this
> game. I think they'll stick with the 3-4 but flex their ends to the
> outside shoulder of the offensive tackles, thus forcing Tomlinson to run
> inside.
>
>
> Nickname Who are going to cover Gates? That guys is a beast, Baker had a
> field day against the Pats in the second half last week and Gates is
> much better.
>
> Ron_Borges You're right. Baker's production was alarming and one can
> only imagine what Gates would do facing the same scenario. But in
> defense of the Patriots they probably neither feared Baker nor put a
> defensive emphasis on him. That will not be the case with Gates, who
> will very likely be hit by a linebacker on every play before safeties
> James Sanders and Artrell Hawkins take him on. The other possibility is
> to start Chad Scott if he's healthy at safety. He's got great size and
> is a natural corner so it would put a guy with more cover skills on him
> downfield.
>
>
> Nickname The Oline did a tremendous job holding Brady vertical for the
> most part last week, are they up to it with the Bolts super 7 Def up

>
> Ron_Borges You're talking about an entirely different type of defensive
> problem this week. The line did do a good job and has continued to
> perform well since the debacle against Miami. It is a prideful group and
> will battle anyone but this appears to be a bad style matchup and styles
> make fights. They can use Daniel Graham to help Matt Light on Shawne
> Merriman on one side but who helps Nick Kaczur on the other with Shaun
> Phillips, who is even quicker than Merriman although not as strong. I'm
> not as concerned in the middle although Dan Koppen and the guards have
> to hold up against the league's best nose tackle in Jamal Williams.
> Together I think they will but the edge rushers scare me.
>
>
> beacon-hill-pats Can you analyze Richard Seymour's matchup? It seems
> crucial.
>
> Ron_Borges Seymour is feeling the healthiest he has since last April.
> His knee is not bothering him and his quad has healed. The elbow is
> still not 100 per cent but he has a lot more strength now than even a
> month ago so that's a plus. he destroyed rookie LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson
> last Sunday. Now he's facing a better rookie in LT Marcus McNeill. If
> they try to let McNeill play Seymour one-on-one it will be interesting.
> McNeill has allowed only two sacks all year. Seymour left 1-on-1 could
> get that many in this game, which is why McNeill will get help. He'll
> need it.
>
>
> sam_shah Is the loss of Rodney Harrison further magnified this weekend
> in view of his superior skills in run defense (given LT's gigantic
> stats)? If so, what is the best way to compensate?
>
> Ron_Borges Actually I've been impressed by the play of Hawkins and
> Sanders since Harrison first went down with injuries this year. But
> you're right, if ever there was a game where you needed his tackling
> ability and aggressiveness near the line of scrimmage, this is it. How
> do you compensate? You hope Sanders comes up big, which he might because
> he has the size and the mindset to make tackles, because there's nothing
> else you can do.
>
>
> redsox4sho How much do you think Martyball will factor in this game?
> Will he let Rivers air it out early?
>
> Ron_Borges I've attended many of Schottenheimer's playoff missteps and
> feel he's been unfairly blamed to some degree. Having said that, he does
> have a tendency to become more conservative than Barry Goldwater in the
> playoffs. That would be a huge mistake against New England because to
> beat them you have to be bold. What would mitigate against Martyball
> this time is that the Chargers are a coordinator driven team. Cam
> Cameron and Wade Phillips call the plays and Schottenheimer no longer
> interferes. As long as that is the case Sunday he won't shoot himself in
> the clipboard.
>
>
> Tom_From_Hooksett_NH Hello Ron. A San Diego newspaper stated this AM
> that Rodney's knee will keep him out of the playoffs. Are you able to
> confirm this?
>
> Ron_Borges Yes. I told the Globe last night he had an MRI which showed a
> slight tear in the ACL not the MCL. Why that was not in the paper is
> beyond me but I'm only a foot soldier.
>
>
> RobRuss What measure do you think Belichick will employ to mitigate the
> pressure applied by Merriman?
>
> Ron_Borges I would think the usual. he'll chip him with tight end Daniel
> Graham to help Matt Light. i also expect to see more of a running game
> and also Brady in the shotgun, but not the spread, more often so he can
> get rid of the ball on underneath routes quickly.
>
>
> Chris_2 Seems bizarre to say, but I think the linebackers might be the
> weakness of the team right now--the Jets tight end got 70 yards! Your
> take on that?
>
> Ron_Borges It seems to me like Tedy Bruschi has lost some quickness,
> which is understandable with all he's been through, and Banta-Cain is
> pretty much exclusively a guy who makes plays pass rushing not in
> coverage or against the run. It's still a good group but with Vrabel
> playing out of position not one that makes quite as many plays as it
> used to.
>
>
> Leroy Do you find Lights Out Merriman, entertaining our annoying?
>
> Ron_Borges A little of both. He is a great player but a little humility
> wouldn't hurt.
>
>
> Chris_2 Let's hear the prediction!
>
> Ron_Borges I see many ways New England could win the game but they all
> involve Tom Brady. he has to play spectacularly to negate the physical
> advantages San Diego seems to have across the board. In the end I think
> the Chargers will prevail. they're six points off of a 16-0 record for a
> reason and that reason is an abundance of talent. Having said that, it's
> not hopeless for the Pats and even if they lose I think they'll play
> solidly.
>
>
> sdjr I think Rivers is more vulnerable to the rush and getting rattled
> than most people believe....your thoughts?
>
> Ron_Borges I wondered about that myself. Certainly he seems to have had
> some struggles late in the year when teams began to come after him more
> than they had earlier. At times he seemed frustrated and confused. But
> one opposing coach reminded me on Tuesday that this kid has been the MVP
> of every All-Star game and Bowl game he ever played in, including the
> Senior Bowl. He could become confused by Belichick's schemes but I don't
> think a pass rush alone will do it. Getting hit a half dozen times would
> though.
>
>
> Grogansheroes Ron , I know we have a team in the playoffs, but you
> always said, If Andre Tippet gets to the final 15 he has a great chance
> to make the HOF, well he is there, does have a chance today..
>
> Ron_Borges I think he does have a good chance but it's a difficult group
> with 17 guys (2 from the veterans committee) and only six openings at
> best. He has to overcome the apparent bias against players who did not
> play on championship winning teams, which has hurt the candidacy of a
> lot of players unfairly. hopefully it won't mitigate against him. I know
> this. If he had played in new York instead of Foxborough all those years
> he'd already be in the Hall of Fame.
>
>
> yoyoma Pitt and Balt both slowed the SD Offense by focusing on LT...but
> only Balt Offense came through. I think we can do the same thing by not
> letting them hit the big play early and getting the QB frustrated...your
> thoughts? and I think Maroney will have a BIG game.
>
> Ron_Borges I agree about Maroney. I think he and the running game are a
> key element in how this game is decided. The Chargers are allowing 4.2
> yards per rush. That tells me plays can be made against them. If they
> are, the ability to run LT all the time is reduced and that's the best
> way to stop him. Only problem there is even when teams have slowed him
> down the Chargers won most of the time. SF held him to 71 yards and he
> still scored 4 TD's on them. But you're right about Maroney, I think.
>
>
> kk I have heard enough about Tomlinson and Gates. What about our Running
> game? No one talks about it. We got dynamic trio in Dillion, Maroney and
> Faulk on our side. In the excitement of LT, every one forgets about
> them. How can we effectively use them to negate their pass rush?
>
> Ron_Borges I think you're hearing so much about LT because he's one of
> the greatest runners to come into the NFL in years. Having said that,
> you're right about NE's running game. I think they may throw short early
> to try and loosen up the defense and then hit them with Maroney, whose
> ability and willingness to make one cut and go could result in some big
> plays because SD defense is aggressive and at times over runs the play.
> If you're lucky, San Diego won't be thinking about the Patriots running
> game until it's too late.
>
>
> cogz Any possibility that we catch San Diego a little over confident?
>
> Ron_Borges Schottenheimer is 5-12 in the playoffs so I would think not.
>
>
> adp Who do see maybe having a big impact on this game that we may not
> all be talking about, besides the obvious, Brady, Seymour, Wilfork?
>
> Ron_Borges Dan Koppen and Vince Wilfork. If Koppen can control the best
> NT in football, Jamal Williams, it will give Brady room to step into his
> throws and the backs room to run inside. Wilfork must hold his ground
> and not allow SD's guards to get off to second level blocks because if
> they do and LT hits a seam it's a touchdown.
>
>
> Gregg Do you anticipate they will come out with the spread offense ala
> Indy in 04 in an attempt to get a quick 7? For all the talk of stopping
> Tomlinson...if they don't score early I don't see them having much of a
> chance to win.
>
> Ron_Borges They might but I would doubt it only because the spread can
> really leave your QB vulnerable. If you remember, in that Indy game
> Robert Mathis was hurt so they did not have their usual two-sided pass
> rush. Merriman and Shaun Phillips (28.5 sacks between) them a re both
> healthy. To keep Brady that way, I'd stay away from the spread.
>
>
> BBTL As good a season as Rivers has had, he's still a potential
> vulnerability in this game (young, lack of playoff experience, etc.).
> I'm curious how you think we'd viewing this game were Brees still the
> Chargers QB. A.J. Smith's done a phenomenal job with the San Diego
> personnel, especially the draft, but I wonder if letting an MVP
> candidate go for nothing is going to come back to haunt the Chargers in
> this game.
>
> Ron_Borges Time will tell on that. Certainly Brees' experience would be
> a plus in a game like this but thus far Rivers has played well. could he
> crack on Sunday? Sure if the Patriots get to him with the rush or
> confusing coverage schemes but if they could do that to Manning they
> could do it to Brees too.
>
>
> Craig I feel like a good way to beat the outside rush from Merriman and
> Phillips is running draw plays and delayed handoffs up the middle along
> with screen plays. Do you think those types of plays could be emphasized
> this week?
>
> Ron_Borges I think you're exactly right. Draws and screens with Maroney
> in particular would be a good way to go and I would expect to see that
> at some point during the game.
>
>
> canada Many people seem to focus on how the players perform or under
> perform. My question is how has the new coaching staff performed this
> year in comparison to past and more important are they up to the task
> for this years playoffs?
>
> Ron_Borges I think they've done a good job. Dean Pees has had to deal
> with a ton of injuries on defense to key performers like Seymour and
> Harrison and Josh McDaniel seems to be growing into his job as well.
> Would they benefit by having Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel on Sunday?
> Sure but they'll be watching on TV.
>
>
> ub-patsfan Is this the game we regret not having Adam? I just feel it
> will be that close.
>
> Ron_Borges It may be and I've said for some time that I still don't
> trust a rookie kicker. Vinatieri had his own struggles as a rookie and
> Gostkowski has missed enough kicks (not to mention that out of bounds
> kickoff vs. Jacksonville late in the game) to make me sweat him if it
> comes down to his foot. Schottenheimer had the same situation two years
> ago vs. Jets and his rookie missed a 40-yard kick at home in overtime
> and they lost so I understand your concerns.
>
>
> jj Where is the soft spot in the Chargers' defense?
>
> Ron_Borges The secondary. Problem is you have to figure out a way to
> have enough time to attack it.
>
>
> John_S_ Has Banta Cain been up to the challenge of replacing McGinest
> and how important is it for him to have a good game?
>
> Ron_Borges It's important he play better against the run than he has. I
> would expect San Diego will challenge his side early, although it helps
> him greatly that Seymour is in front of him. as of yet, he's no Willie
> McGinest but he's shown playmaking ability in the passing game. Question
> is can he hold his ground vs. the San Diego run?
>
>
> Gregg Who do you expect to get the bulk of the carries this week? I have
> seen one too many Dillon fumbles in big situations this year.
>
> Ron_Borges Maroney because of his explosiveness and cutback ability (one
> cut and go). SD is not a defense that fits Dillon's straight-ahead
> power. It plays to their strengths.
>
>
> Paulo Do you believe that San Diego is being a bit overrated?
>
> Ron_Borges No
>
>
> kerby Hey Ron, If the pats keep LT to around 100 yards rushing well
> below his average - do you think that will be key to a patriots victory?
>
> Ron_Borges Certainly it's important but he's had 6 games under 100 and
> San Diego won 4 of them. He's also dangerous catching and throwing but
> limiting him on the ground is a major factor.
>
>
> Ty_and_Lawyer Do you think they will go with the no huddle like they did
> vs. the Jets?
>
> Ron_Borges They very well might for a while tire out the SD defense and
> thus slow their pass rushers. It's about the offensive line and Laurence
> Maroney, I think, but you've got the right idea.
>
>
> Ty_and_Lawyer Is it me or does San Diego not seem like a tough place to
> play? I have visited there and most of the fans there aren't originally
> from San Diego. I feel like the passion isn't really there for them.
> Also, its 70 and sunny everyday. I think the home field advantage is
> being a little overplayed. Not to mention, that I expect a lot of Pats
> fans to be there regardless of the Southern California zip rule. Thoughts?
>
> Ron_Borges Actually, a lot of players tell me it's very noisy and hard
> to play there. I know when I was covering the Raiders they hated to go
> to San Diego.
>
>
> long_time_fan Ben Watson has really struggled in my opinion upon return
> from injury, can't catch a cold. Do you think he'll pick it up this week?
>
> Ron_Borges Not very likely. He's still not 100 per cent and doesn't seem
> to respond well when he's not.
>
>
> MattyP Who has the edge at the Defensive Line position, the Pats or the
> Chargers?
>
> Ron_Borges Patriots unless you factor in Merriman and Philips as pass
> rushers which I do not because they're LB's by trade.
>
>
> greyhound Do you think all four home teams will hold serve this weekend?
>
> Ron_Borges No, I'm looking for the Colts to upset the Ravens if the
> Ravens don't upset Manning with their pass rush.
>
>
> Katzenmoyer Ron, outside of the coordinators, how would you rate
> Belichick's year?
>
> Ron_Borges I think he's done a good job. They had to come over age,
> nagging injuries and the problems at WR and still went 12-4.
>
>
> TruePatriot Ron, should I plan on doubling up on my blood pressure meds
> this Sunday?
>
> Ron_Borges I would.
>
>
> Dave_K Hi Ron, I was watching Chad Jackson a lot and it seems he is
> being utilized as a go route guy other than a few dumps in the slot.
> When I see him on the deep routes, it seems he is having to slow down to
> come back to the ball. Do you think he is outrunning Brady's arm?
>
> Ron_Borges Maybe but I don't think it's an arm issue. I think he
> practices so infrequently it's been difficult for Brady to judge his
> speed. I know this, when he's hit him deep Jackson has dropped the ball
> more often than he caught it.
>
>
> jarjar Thinking ahead, assuming the Patriots make it past the Chargers,
> who would you rather see them face?
>
> Ron_Borges Indianapolis
>
>
> TD_Ryan Ron, with Gates and LT demanding so much attention, will the NE
> cornerbacks be in single coverage all day? and if so, can they handle it?
>
> Ron_Borges They should be able to because San Diego's WR aren't much
> better than New England's
>
>
> patsphan This shutting-out of Pats fans in San Diego by the Chargers
> front office is bad karma for them. Have the Patriots used this as
> motivational fodder (not that they need it)?
>
> Ron_Borges Probably not but in California it's all about karma and that
> ain't good for the Chargers.
>
>
> BigTim_e_ Belichick has succeeded by taking away the other team's
> strength. Do you think he will try to take LT out of the game or will he
> attack another area as the No. 1 priority?
>
> Ron_Borges I think he'll attack Gates and hope the front seven hold up
> against LT.
>
>
> Ron_Mexico How would the Pats of 2-3 years ago fare against this SD team?
>
> Ron_Borges Probably beat them.
>
>
> r2angels What role will special teams have in this game?
>
> Ron_Borges I think this could be close long enough that the kickers come
> into play. In that area, San Diego has the edge in both positions.
>
>
> norm What chance do we have against the chargers--in percentage?
>
> Ron_Borges I'd say 35 to 40 per cent.
>
>
> Spud Can Chad Jackson be a factor Sunday?
>
> Ron_Borges Not for the Patriots.
>
>
> drow Both teams feature young kickers. As Pats fans know a field goal
> can often be the difference between a Super bowl victory and a loss. How
> big an impact will the kickers play in Sunday's game, and who has the
> advantage? Also, who do you like in April, Manfredo or Calzaghe?
>
> Ron_Borges I think we addressed the kicking game but as for the other
> question I like Calzaghe. Too much experience and too many boxing skills.

>
>
> bud Does the shotgun help with Merriman?
>
> Ron_Borges Yes, especially if Matt Light comes out of the huddle with one.
>
> [RM: that's funny.]
>
>
> DangerousDan Is there any possible Super Bowl matchup that the NFC could
> win?
>
> Ron_Borges Sure, the Bears defense could shut out anyone and the Saints
> are explosive enough to win, although i would be less saecure picking
> them than Chicago.
>
>
> long_time_fan Do you think Asante will continue his hot streak and get
> at least one pick this week?
>
> Ron_Borges If they have him in a zone and he's free to jump a route,
> yes. He knows every week his price is going up so he's pretty alert.
>
>
> jtchowdah If you had to start a franchise today and select one player,
> would it be LT or Tom Brady?
>
> Ron_Borges Brady, although not for much longer as he'll be 30 next year.
>
>
> gc22 Is Samuel a top corner guy or over-rated (at least in his mind)?
>
> Ron_Borges If you make 10 picks it's hard to be overrated but he's not
> quite as good in man coverage as you might think.
>