Pats Bulletin Board Fodder: Jason Whitlock

Faithful reader I.P. directs us to some comments from Jason Whitlock's ESPN column. Writes Whitlock:

"Besides the New Orleans Saints, which 2-0 squad is the league's biggest fraud? The New England Patriots, of course. One-possession victories over the Bills and the Jets do little to instill confidence. The Pats are headed to 2-2. They'll lose to a mediocre Denver squad this weekend and then they'll get spanked by Cincinnati and Bill Belichick will begin to miss all of the veterans he has let go."

Now, I generally like Jason Whitlock. But he clearly did not watch the Pats-Jets game. That was neck-stomping domination for 40 minutes, followed by a few freak plays that made the game look close. As I.P. notes, NFL final scores can be hugely misleading.

As for Whitlock's predictions? The Pats will not lose this week, at home, to a Broncos squad that isn't firing on all cylinders. (Unlike Whitlock, I won't call the Broncs mediocre -- because I wouldn't be at all surprised if they win 11 games this year and cruise into the playoffs.)

Now, losing to Cincinnati on the road next week is quite possible. But would also entail zero shame. The Bengals are good, they'll be at home, and no one's demanding the Pats go 16-0. A loss in a non-division game just ain't no thang.

Finally, let's tackle Whitlock's assertion that Bill Belichick will "miss all the veterans he has let go." This statement reeks of a casual observer who hasn't followed the Pats closely. Which vets is he talking about? Adam Vinatieri, who looks to be injured right now, and has been ably replaced by a rookie kicker with an electric leg? Willie McGinest, who won't be missed thanks to a resurgent Roosevelt Colvin? What about David Givens, you say? Well, I honestly think Reche Caldwell is his clone -- a possession receiver who plays big, has good hands, and lacks speed. They even wear the same #87. Yes, Deion Branch was a loss, but not the kind of loss that submarines a season. One good wide receiver is not the difference between success and failure in the NFL.