Patriots mid season review: 10 things to notice

1. Matt Cassel is slowly easing into his role as starting quarterback. Completing 67% of his passes is a great sign, even though most of them are for less than ten yards. He is trying to feel comfortable in the offense and has a reliable running game to back him up. Averaging one interception per game isn't bad, considering he will be attempting much more passes, and the Patriots rely on the running game near the goal line to help him with getting touchdown drives. Cassel is feeling more confident and brings energy to the team.

2. The Patriots are able to generate time consuming scoring drives that shorten the game. This helps Cassel by letting him throw short, comfortable passes, it allows runningbacks to get additional carries, and it provides time for the defense to rest. The Patriots will try to grind out victories and stay close in every game.

3. The rush defense has played fairly well, allowing about 100 yards per game. The defense will be placed in important, game changing situations because games will be closer and stopping the run on short yardage situations and on first down will be crucial to preventing scores.

4. Ben Jarvus Green Ellis is stepping up nicely as a runningback, with four touchdowns and an average of 60 yrads per game. With the top three backs injured, New England appears to have found a replacement and a player that could receive more carries in the future.

5. As expected, Randy Moss and Wes Welker are the leading receivers, combining for 1200 yards and 5 touchdowns. What might not have been expected is that most of the yards are coming on short completions and yards after the catch, as deep completions are not very common.

6. Stephen Gostkowski has been an excellent kicker so far, making 21 field goals and all 17 extra point attempts.

7. The lack of a consistent pass rush has been a bit of a surprise, since the defensive line led by Vince Wilfork is usually one of the more aggressive and physical units in the league. Having to stay on the field for additional plays and being in close games has made a difference, but more quarterback pressure needs to be produced.

8. New England has struggled to stop teams from completing sideline routes and has had difficulty in preventing teams from strectching the field on passing plays. Opponents are getting way more yards after rge catch than in previous seasons and are completing more third downs by passing.

9. New England is not scoring at the end of the first or second half like they did in the past. A less dangerous passing game and a conservative offense is resulting in less scores and longer scoring drives. It used to be very likely with Brady that the Patriots would get a score right before the half.

10. With a 6-3 record, the Patriots are comfortably in position for a playoff spot as long as they play well in their division and don't lose focus on their goal. After losing Brady, making the playoffs is all anyone could realistically expect, and at this point there's a good chance of it happening.

By Chad Fukuoka
ProFootball-fans.com New England Patriots Correspondent