Playbook mailbag: Should Patriots be concerned?

Every week, our cyber sack of mail gets heavier. More questions come in, and the quality isn’t deluded one bit.
Heading into Week 4 of our WRWW (War Room Wisdom Wednesday) mailbag, we have received inquiries from coast to coast – and some from overseas.

What went wrong for the Patriots this past Sunday in Buffalo? Should the Patriots be concerned — @ gus_vaz

Nobody on the Patriots defensive line can get to the quarterback, and that exposes some of their problems in the secondary. New England’s corners cannot cover man-to-man – and not for the eons of time opposing quarterbacks have to sit in the pocket and dissect the Patriots’ secondary.

We wouldn’t be too concerned about Tom Brady, though. He isn’t going to be throwing interceptions off of defensive tackle’s helmets on a weekly basis.

What’s up with Frank Gore? He’s been less than amazing so far and now he has an ankle injury? — @redaeRS

The main issue doesn’t rest with Gore. Sure, he’s older. But it could be Grandma Gore back there and the results wouldn’t be any worse, because the offensive line isn’t blocking. It shows they have a new center (Jonathan Goodwin for David Baas) and 2010 rookies Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis haven’t taken that next step.

On top of that, the 49ers aren’t much of a threat in the pass game and opposing defenses stack the box. Last week, nine of Gore’s 17 carries were versus an eight-man front. On those nine carries, he averaged 1.3 yards per carry.

What are the Bills doing differently than last season? A lot of their pieces are still the same. — @i_klek_tik

Offensively, the pieces haven’t changed, and continuity is a positive. Last year was Chan Gailey’s first with the Bills and it takes a while to implement a system. This year, you are seeing an offensive line that works in tandem, running backs who burst through running lanes and a quarterback who understands where his wide receivers will be.

Defensively, Buffalo improved its front seven dramatically, pairing Marcell Dareus with Kyle Williams, creating a ripple effect from the front line back to the linebackers. The defensive line is eating up blocks in the run game and getting a more consistent rush versus the pass. The secondary could be a little more consistent, however.

Is Jahvid Best more suited to be a third-down running back? Is the Lion’s running game their weakest link? — @D_DreadKBM

Detroit drafted Mikel LeShoure hoping he could be a more traditional, every-down back for this offense. But he got hurt. So, yes, in an ideal world, Best is a change-of-pace back in a pass-heavy offense for the Lions. They aren’t a power running team in the first place, they don’t use a fullback, and they love to spread it out with tight ends and wide receivers and let their offensive weapons stretch the field.

It’s not that Best isn’t talented enough to be a three-down back. He can be used in a variety of ways in the run and pass game. But he isn’t built for more than 15 touches a Sunday at this level. Best isn’t a “between-the-tackles” kind of guy and that limits him a bit.

Can the Ravens overpower the Jets like they did the Rams? — @ravensNcanes96

On defense, Baltimore is more than capable of pushing around a depleted Jets offensive line. But we aren’t so sure they can have the same kind of production offensively against the Jets defense.

You never know what you are going to get week-to-week with Bryant “Mount” McKinnie (or how much he is going to weigh). The Ravens also plugged ex-Cowboy Andre Gurode at left guard. And while Torrey Smith impressed with his speed last week, let’s wait for a repeat performance before declaring him a true threat.

The Ravens wideouts will be tested by the Jets’ more athletic corners, who play a lot of man coverage, something Baltimore struggled against versus the Titans in Week 2.

The last 10 Games, is it safe to say the Raiders have had a high powered-offense? Thirty points a game. — @ _Mr_Potts

Because of Al Davis, the Raiders will always have the biggest and fastest players. And for the first time in a while, these specimens have talent. Darren McFadden is living up to his potential and Denarius Moore has made a huge impact in his rookie season.

The Raiders’ offense centers around the ground game. Their offensive line has been outstanding in opening up running lanes. And in Jason Campbell, the Raiders have a steady quarterback who consciously takes care of the ball. This Raiders offense is clicking on all cylinders.

Keep the questions coming by e-mail at playbook@nfl.com or with #askplaybook on Twitter. There is a chance they could be answered — on-air — by Joe Theismann, Sterling Sharpe, Brian Baldinger or Matt Millen. And the debate is always brewing on Twitter @NFLN_Playbook.

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‘Playbook’ mailbag: Best strategy is blitzing Brady

The questions keep rolling in heading into Week 3. After watching a couple weeks worth of coaching tape, we can declare that we might actually know something about the league this year. At least a little.

Keep the questions coming (at playbook@nfl.com or #askplaybook on Twitter), because there is a chance they could be answered on-air by Joe Theismann, Sterling Sharpe, Brian Baldinger or Matt Millen (Don’t forget to join the debate on Twitter @NFLN_Playbook).

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Why does everyone believe that the AFC South is for the Texans to win? Peyton Manning is out, not their D. — Alfred Harper, Houston, Texas

First off, the Colts defense isn’t anything to write home about. They are undersized and can easily be pushed around up front.

Houston is simply a better team than anyone else in the division. The Texans have a well-established QB in Matt Schaub, arguably the best wide receiver in the league (Andre Johnson) and a potent running attack (even without Arian Foster).

What has really held the Texans back over the last few years is their defense. But new coordinator Wade Phillips has the team playing well.  We aren’t saying the Texans are going to win the division, but without Manning in the mix, this could be their year.

The Rams WRs and RBs are decent, but not elite.  And now with their best receiver and running back banged up, why haven’t the Rams done more to surround their young and talented QB with better offensive weapons? — JoJo in Maryland

The Rams have done a lot to help out young QB Sam Bradford. They went out and drafted WRs Austin Pettis and Greg Salas and TE Lance Kendricks. They went and got WR Mike Sims-Walker and RBs Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood in free agency. And the Rams expect WRs Brandon Gibson and Danario Alexander to have break-out seasons. Considering those injuries, we think the Rams might as well let this young team develop together. As an organization, it doesn’t make sense to continually bring in a ton of new guys. They will have to learn the system. You might as well see what you have with this young talent.

Where do you see the protection weaknesses for the Eagles, as they need to better protect Vick? — @tdallday

The Eagles really aren’t doing a horrible job protecting Vick. Sometimes, Vick has trouble protecting himself.

Vick is not quick to react to blitzes, and often tries to let his athleticism take over in escaping from pressure rather than staying in the pocket and making a quick throw to counteract it. Moving around in that way can make the offensive line look silly from time to time. Vick needs to do a better job recognizing what defenders are his responsibly on overload blitzes. Obviously there isn’t an offensive line that can pick up all the blitzers. Every playbook in the NFL is set up for the QB to take someone.

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Why didn’t San Diego blitz more? They gave Tom way too much time.  I like winning but everyone knows you blitz Brady! — @superbuffundo

It’s a matter of picking your poison when you play Tom Brady and the Patriots. As it is with any great quarterback, do you blitz or not blitz?

We agree, the best approach is to blitz Brady. You need to move him off his spot; you can’t allow him to get comfortable and scan the field.

San Diego decided to blitz Brady 11 times out of his 42 passes in Week 2. How did those 11 plays pan out for the Chargers? Brady went 8-of-11 passing with 152 yards and a touchdown.

The debate continues …

Why hasn’t the revamped OL of the Cowboys taken to the ground game? How can they improve? — @feafleaker

First and foremost, the Cowboys have faced two of the toughest run defenses in the league. Both the 49ers and the Jets were top 10 run defenses in the league last year and have continued that success through the first two weeks of this season.

The Cowboys’ interior line needs to improve at winning battles at the point of attack. They have been unable to generate any movement on double teams, which has hurt their ability to get to linebackers on the second level. These issues have been a huge reason the Cowboys have been unable to generate any big running plays thus far.

What makes the Redskins running game so good? — Mike, Washington D.C.

If you remember Mike Shanahan’s teams in Denver, they ran the same zone-blocking scheme and had 1,000-yard rushers almost every season. The Redskins run the same scheme, which requires a patient running back to follow three simple step: flow, plant, go.

The system requires running backs to allow the defense to flow. Then, they must use their vision to see the field and plant their foot to drive through open running lanes. To be successful, you need a mobile offensive line, and the Redskins have that. They can combo block on down linemen and get to the next level. When all this comes together, you a have fantastic running attack.

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Rocky Long, BCS top non-AQ mailbag

We end the week with a brief mailbag. Just because the season is over doesn't mean the college football talk ends. Keep sending in your questions and comments.

Scott Butler in Bellingham, Mass., writes: Andrea, First, thanks for your coverage of SDSU and all non-AQs (I hate that label almost as much as the term "mid major"). Anyway, you left off the best quote from the Rocky Long press conference."I have a better job here at SDSU. He (Brady) has a lot of work to do there." The Aztecs are going to kill Michigan in the little house next season, and I will be there to see it.

Andrea Adelson writes: Well, I was watching on the Internet and might have missed that quote because the sound got muffled a few times. But thanks for putting it down for the record now! As for San Diego State killing Michigan, I foresee a shootout! Denard Robinson will get his yards; Ronnie Hillman will get his yards. Don't see it being a blowout either way.

Jason in Boise, Idaho, writes: Where will the one and only MWC matchup between Boise State and TCU be played?

Adelson writes: It is expected to be in Fort Worth, Texas. Boise State is essentially replacing Utah on the Mountain West schedule. Since TCU played at Utah, this season the game would be in Texas.

Jeff Proctor in Fort Worth writes: Is BYU still a non AQ team? Notre Dame isn't included with the non AQ's so shouldn't BYU be removed also?

Adelson writes: I have custody of all independents except Notre Dame. The Irish are handled by the Big East blogger and are treated independently by him as well.

Aaron in Tampa writes: Hi Andrea. Nice piece on the BCS. I agree with you that a plus-one would be a more perfect postseason, but given the commissioners' and presidents' common fear that it would quickly evolve into an expansive playoff, I think we'll have to be content with the BCS. While its overall concept hasn't changed, the BCS has come a long, long way in terms of opening its doors to the non-AQs since the early snubs of BYU, Marshall, etc. More fans of non-AQ schools need to recognize that, and stop complaining about wanting more.

Adelson writes: You are right, the BCS has opened a lot more doors and is a better system than the old one. But what's wrong with acknowledging the system is imperfect and wanting changes to make it even better than ever? I don't have a problem with the fans complaining, because there is a legitimate gripe. Right now less than half the teams in America have a chance to win a national championship. Nothing wrong with wanting everyone to get a fair shot.

Todd Parisi in St. Louis writes: As a graduate of Arkansas State, what is the real role of the Sun Belt Conference other than being guaranteed wins for teams like Auburn?

Adelson writes: Providing opportunities for student-athletes to play on the Division I level for one. Providing bowl opportunities for the student-athletes for another. The Sun Belt might be the least regarded of the 11 conferences and provide "Ws" for teams like Auburn, but these schools have joined the league willingly and believe they can sustain themselves on the FBS level.

Kenneth Daniels in Mount Dora, Fla., writes: Isn't TCU in the Big East in 2011? And is the Big East planning on adding anymore schools?

Adelson writes: TCU joins the Big East in 2012. And yes, all indications point to the Big East adding more schools. Right now the league is waiting to see if Villanova wants to move to the FBS level in football. Villanova is expected to make a decision in April.

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BYU bowl moves top Non-AQ mailbag

Happy Friday to all, and thanks for writing into the mailbag. Keep those questions and comments coming.

Matt Coss in Portland writes: Now that BYU has two bowl agreements in place, we know their fate if they have a winning record in 2012 and 2013. Were these bowl agreements necessary for the school to have a post-season in those years? Doesn't that take away some of the excitement from the regular season?

Andrea Adelson: The bowl agreements make it much easier to have a postseason, that is for sure. Without them, then BYU would have to rely on getting selected as an at-large team, and that could have put them in less desirable locations against in less desirable matchups. Navy and Army have tie-ins to games, and Notre Dame has a deal to be taken in the Champs Sports Bowl depending on other Big East selections. So yes, the agreements were all but necessary. As for taking away some of the excitement, BYU still has a chance to make it into a BCS game should it qualify. And as a member of a conference, there are only so many bowl tie-ins. Can't imagine it was terribly exciting going to Las Vegas five years in a row. Then again, it is Vegas.

Daniel Hoy in Toledo writes: How will the MAC coaching changes affect the Ohio Bobcats and Northern Illinois in the bowl games?

Adelson: No impact on Ohio. As for Northern Illinois, it could go one of two ways: The team could be flat after a crazy 72-hour period in which it lost the MAC title game and then head coach Jerry Kill. Or the players could be fired up to prove that they will be just fine without him.

Austin in Orlando writes: Do you think that the Big East is going to join UCF as an all sports member by the end of this season? It only seems practical now that the Knights are No. 25 in football, and next in line to be ranked in basketball. If the Big East does not want UCF, is UCF ready for the ACC or SEC?

Adelson: I don't think it's going to happen by the end of the season. A big wild card is Villanova, which recently announced it is not going to make a decision on whether to move up to FBS until April. It's unclear whether the Big East will wait that long to make another move. But UCF is right up there to be selected. That is UCF's only hope at this point. No shot at the ACC or SEC.

Loren Cooper in Hampton, Neb., writes: What kinds of things will need to happen in the various bowls for Boise to jump a couple spots in the final polls?

Adelson: Well, teams ahead of the Broncos are going to have to lose and Boise State is going to have to win. Losses by No. 7 Oklahoma in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, No. 8 Arkansas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl and No. 9 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl would be the best bets. Now here is something interesting to ponder -- if No. 6 Ohio State loses to Arkansas and Boise State wins -- who finishes ranked higher? E. Gordon Gee wants to know!

Kevin in Provo, Utah, asks: What do you think the chances are that Bronco Mendenhall would put Brandon Doman in as a new OC (assuming that he will get rid of Robert Anae). I've read articles where Bronco praises Doman as the best quarterbacks coach in the country, and I know Doman won't want to stick around forever if he doesn't get a promotion or raise. What would be the best move in your opinion?

Adelson: I know a lot of fans are unhappy with Anae this season, but here is something I wonder -- how much of the two QB system at the beginning of the year should be blamed on Anae, and how much should be blamed on Mendenhall? This is an offense that has been just fine until this season, and I think a lot of the troubles started with that QB rotation. Doman is a great coach, no question, but I think Anae deserves another year to call the plays. More importantly, I think Doman needs another year working with Jake Heaps full time to get him prepared to be a true leader of this offense.

Spencer in Provo, Utah, writes: What do you think about Craig Thompson's two-faced decision to add Hawaii as a football only school after he shot BYU down when the Cougars wanted to leave all their sports in the MWC and go independent in football? It seems terribly hypocritical and even though the presidents of the universities make the decision on who to add to the league he has a voice in what is happening.

Adelson: There are a lot of politics behind the scenes involving BYU and its relationship with the Mountain West. There could have been more resistance from the university presents to accept that plan than we know publicly. So I am not ready to call Thompson a hypocrite. I also think BYU preferred to take its other sports to the WAC.

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Mailbag: The next Boise State is ...

Lively banter in the mailbag today. Many thanks to all who submitted questions and comments. Shall we begin?

Brandon Kanute of Hayden, Ala., writes: What makes a non-AQ school be a non-AQ school and do they have any say-so in this? I would think that all schools such as Boise and any other non-AQ schools would want to have a better shot at a great bowl or better chance of producing a Heisman. I just can't understand why, because everyone around the nation makes it seem like they are not deserving.

Andrea Adelson writes: It is all about conference affiliation, Brandon. Sure, Boise State would love a chance to join the Pac-12 or Big 12 or Big Ten, but the leagues are the ones that do the inviting. And the leagues decide who they want based on several factors, including who expands the geographic footprint and TV landscape (i.e., TV dollars). The schools are mere pawns in all of this, because it is the leagues, commissioners and to an extent university presidents who control who is labeled what.

Dan Hunt in Seattle writes: Ouch. My alma mater, the University of Idaho, has been for years and remains an all-sports member of the WAC.

Adelson writes: My humblest apologies for my embarrassing goof in my post on the new Mountain West membership.

Eric Fry in Hattiesburg, Miss., writes: Take a gander at this: my Southern Miss Golden Eagles went 8-4 this year, handing Central Florida their lone conference loss. Our four losses came to South Carolina (of course), UAB by one point in double OT, East Carolina by 1 point, and a 6 point shoot-out loss to Tulsa; we are 3 plays away from being 11-1. How long do you think it will take Southern Miss to join the ranks of respectable non-AQ teams not named Boise State, Utah or TCU, such as Central Florida and Nevada?

Adelson writes: First off, you have to stop by saying (of course) when you mention your games against top AQ opponents. Boise State, Utah and TCU have been known to win those games. So the first step is to win those games. The second step is to win those close games. Woulda, shoulda, coulda is all well and good, but the reality is Southern Miss is 8-4. The Golden Eagles are close, and I think will be in contention for the East next season, but establishing a series of undefeated or one-loss seasons is a must.

Aaron in Tampa writes: Adding Hawaii as a football-only member was a great move for the MWC, but I think their hopes of AQ status in the BCS for 2013 are shot. Even before losing BYU and Utah the conference was likely going to have to appeal to the Presidential Oversight Committee because of the weakness of the lower half of the members. Though TCU's numbers could still get the MWC before the committee, no unbiased panel would consider TCU's performance as an appropriate basis for awarding AQ status to the conference sans TCU. Given projected membership, I give the MWC 10 years before it's knocking on the door again.

Adelson writes: I tend to agree with you. I am not confident in the MWC getting AQ status for 2013 and 2014. But after this current cycle is up past 2014, it will be interesting to see how everyone is evaluated. Given the future state of the league, even 10 years may be optimistic.

Tony Nyborg of Mannford, Okla., writes: Do you think Tulsa has a chance of beating Hawaii on Hawaii's field? Who is the underdog, and by how much?

Adelson writes: Hawaii is a 10-point favorite. And, yes, Tulsa definitely has a chance. Interestingly, the over/under for this game is 73 -- second-highest behind the national championship game between Auburn and Oregon. You will have to tune in next week for my pick to win the game.

Preston in St. Paul, Minn., writes: Who is less qualified to lead their team: Al Golden or Derek Dooley? Both came from mediocre non-automatic qualifying teams - landing a gig at one of the most sought after coaching positions in college football. Personally, I think Dooley is less qualified considering how little he did at LA Tech.

Adelson writes: The fact that you are even calling Temple mediocre means Golden is more qualified. That program was beyond bad before he took over. It was absolutely dreadful. To have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1978-79 speaks volumes to me about what he was able to do there. Don't forget, Temple beat Connecticut this year; Tennessee did not beat a team with a winning record.

Patrick in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, writes: What are Boise State's chances of another season like this one come next year? I know some key seniors are leaving, but do they have what it takes to be a BCS contender again?

Adelson writes: It's a good question, and one I have not thought too much about yet because the 2010 season is still going on. They do lose several key seniors, but several excellent players return, including Kellen Moore, and everyone on the D-line except Ryan Winterswyk. The secondary takes a hit, and so does the receiving corps. I also think playing in the Mountain West is going to be more difficult, though TCU loses a bunch of seniors as well. Let's talk in the spring.

Harrison in Orlando writes: How do you feel the recent hirings at Florida and Miami will affect UCF’s recruiting?

Adelson writes: I’m not sure if the hirings will affect UCF all that much, to be honest. I think those programs sell themselves first of all. Second, Al Golden and Will Muschamp are fantastic recruiters. UCF is just not in the same ballpark as FSU, UF and Miami right now but if the Knights continue to win and continue to be ranked in the Top 25, then perhaps they can pry away some of the best players in the state.

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TCU/Boise State overload in mailbag

Thanks to all who have sent in messages this week. Keep them coming! Shockingly, they are nearly all about Boise State and TCU. Let me address the most common one at the top.

Kevin in Boise writes: I was hoping you could elaborate on your decision to still project TCU in the national championship game. TCU only has (1-9) New Mexico remaining. By projecting the Horned Frogs ahead of the Broncos are you assuming Boise will have a close game/ scare against either Fresno or Reno?

Andrea Adelson writes: Do you remember the outcry after Boise State beat Louisiana Tech 49-20 on a Tuesday night in October, having the audacity to give up 20 points on a “really weak” WAC team? Boise State dropped the following week from No. 2 to No. 3 in the coaches’ and Harris polls, and also dropped to No. 4 in the BCS standings. So, for those who think it is an absolute given for Boise State to pass TCU if both win out, think again. Boise State is under the same microscope from human voters that just dropped TCU in the polls last week because of a close win over a very good San Diego State team (a team that at 7-2 had a better record than Fresno State (6-3) going into Friday’s game against the Broncos). The computer average of Boise State and TCU will be very close at the end of the year, but I cannot say with 100 percent certainty that the voters will keep Boise State ahead of TCU in the human polls if the Broncos win any of these games unimpressively- - especially the finale against a bad Utah State team.

I love me some sarcasm, yes I do. These two made me chuckle:

Bill in Plano, Texas, writes: Since the Boise fans want to take the 2009-10 season into account for comparison purposes, don't you think that TCU should remain ranked above LSU since we beat them in the 1936 Sugar Bowl? Or should we just really consider the 2010 season on its own merit?

A retort from John in Boise, perhaps: Three part question. What team has the highest winning percentage all time in Division I-A/FBS. What team has the highest winning percentage in Division I-A/FBS over the last 10 years. What team has never lost a regular season game against the Mountain West Conference.

Brandon Brown in Cincinnati writes: After watching Auburn in person in Lexington (against Kentucky), I have no doubt Boise State could beat them.

Adelson writes: As Pat Forde would say, "Bus."

Joe in Tulsa writes: Enough about Boise and TCU. Let’s put them both in the Big 12 and then see how they fare.

Adelson writes: I'm sure they would love that. But alas, commissioner Dan Beebe and the rest of the Big 12 don't love that.

Tim A. in East Lansing writes: I was wondering whether you thought the biggest BCS enemy of Boise/TCU is the computers or the humans? After all, the computer rankings of TCU and Boise are 2 and 5 respectively. It's not like they're 8/9 in the computers. The computers do give them some respect. However, the humans seem to continually come up with reasons why they shouldn't be in the title game. Yet everyone blames the BCS and the computers and how it excludes the Non-AQ teams. Why aren't they blaming the humans? I think the humans are the part of the BCS that works the least, the computers are as objective as you can be.

Adelson writes: First, I would not call the human voters "enemies." But the human votes do have more weight than the computers do: two-thirds to one-third. At the end of the season, TCU and Boise State will have a computer average that is pretty close, so the human vote is most likely going to determine where they end up.

Kevin in Houston writes: Although there have been some big mistakes (i.e. dual quarterback rotation) this season, would you say that the way Bronco Mendenhall has been able to help this team regain its composure and gain excitement shows the great coach that he is?

Adelson writes: Mendenhall said yesterday this would be his most gratifying season if BYU made it to a bowl game. Granted, BYU has gotten the ship righted against some of the worst teams in the Mountain West. But you are right: the dual QBs combined with a brutal start to the schedule, then switching gears to a true freshman QB in Jake Heaps really killed BYU early on. That game against Utah all of a sudden is not looking like such a sure thing for the Utes.

Joshua Persson in Sherwood, Ark., writes: If TCU, Boise State, and Oregon win out and Auburn loses at Alabama but still beats South Carolina in the SEC Championship, would a one-loss, SEC champion Auburn still go to the BCS National Championship or would Boise State or TCU?

Adelson writes: Joshua, that is one of the biggest unanswered questions looming for Boise State and TCU. Much of it would depend on the human voters and how far they drop Auburn should the Tigers lose to Alabama. That to me will be quite interesting indeed, because it is quite possible the pollsters will still keep them ranked ahead of undefeated Boise State or TCU, especially if it’s a close game on the road against a rival. I believe a one-loss Auburn team is the biggest one-loss threat to the non-AQs.

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