2011 Week 1 - Randy Who? Tate, Pats Destroy Colts - stp2081's Dynasty

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2011 Week 1 - Randy Who? Tate, Pats Destroy Colts

Posted on October 10, 2010 at 01:23 AM.

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2011 Week 1 Match-Up - Indianapolis at New England

The 2011 Patriots didn't change the playbook despite the absence of WR Randy Moss. So, what better AFC test for new-look New England than their week one opponent, the Indianapolis Colts? On the opening play of kickoff weekend for the Patriots, New England's upstart WR Brandon Tate immediately reminded everyone why New England was confident in dealing Moss to Minnesota, as he shrugged off an attempted Antoine Bethea tackle soon after catching a medium pass over the middle from QB Tom Brady and took it all the way to the house for a 72 yard touchdown. Tate would end the day with 196 yards and two touchdowns. Right after that play, New England was able to score on a Special Teams play when, during the ensuing kickoff, Pats TE Alge Crumpler put a hard hit on Colts WR/PR Pierre Garcon, knocking the ball loose and quick-footed CB Devin McCourty picked it up and hustled into the endzone for the quick, consecutive touchdown. Throughout the game, Brady was clearly still getting used to the timing and rhythm with a post-Moss aerial attack, which was a contributing factor in his throwing three interceptions. Colts QB Peyton Manning didn't fare much better, however, throwing 2 INTs and 0 TDs, and the Colts only scoring plays came on pick-sixes of Brady (due in part to multiple missed field goals by Adam Vinetari). Jonathan Joeckel had a stellar debut at LE recording 2 sacks of Manning as well as 2 tackles for a loss. Patriots HB Jake Carver would likely want his debut opportunity back, although he did show off his excellent route-running skills when Brady flexed him out wide for a quick, short TD pass late in the fourth.

PLAY OF THE GAME: The Patriots know that they have to play to their receivers' strengths in a post-Randy Moss offense. Once inside the redzone, Coach Belicheck calls Shotgun - Normal Flex Weak - PA FL Screen, and when (during his pre-snap read) Brady sees Welker's DB playing off, Brady fakes a handoff, throws it to Welker on a screen, and #3 WR Brandon Tate holds his block long enough for Welker to sprint into the endzone.

1 2 3 4 OT T
Colts
7 0 0 7 0 14
Patriots
14 14 0 21 0 49 Final

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

(NE) B.Tate 72 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:40

(NE) D.McCourty, returned fumble 19 Yds(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:33

(IND) J.Powers, returned interception 57 Yds(A.Vinatieri kick), 2:15

Second Quarter

(NE) R.Gronkowski 15 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 3:16

(NE) W.Welker 6 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:08

Fourth Quarter

(NE) B.Tate 15 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:55

(IND) G.Brackett, returned interception 53 Yds(A.Vinatieri kick), 4:13

(NE) R.Gronkowski 5 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 3:11

(NE) J.Carver 1 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:31

To see individual player stats, right click on the below, attached images and choose "View Image":

Attached Images