Devonte Freeman Challenges Patriots Defense

[BigKen]

Some people just don't know when it's best to say nothing at all.

Devonte Freeman openly challenged the Patriots defense on Friday while speaking the media after a no pads practice.

"We'll do anything we want to do against the Patriots." was the quote from Freeman. Of course with all of his years of experience in the NFL Playoffs and his multiple Super Bowl Rings it's very hard not to take him seriously.

I wonder if Belichick will have the quote made into a banner for the locker room?

 

[NEhomer]

Hey listen, if rmilia Freeman says it, it's fact!

 

[PatsFan2003]

I think it's nice statement that will find itself on some bulletin board somewhere.

I can hear Belichick right now.

"Christ 'Patriot player here' that was terrible. No wonder Freeman thinks we defend like crap"

 

[SDGuy73]

“We can do whatever we want,” Freeman said, adding that the Patriots like any other defense facing the Falcons will have to “pick your poison.”

“It’s on us to execute,” Freeman admitted, expressing confidence that both he and his teammates will be properly focused on doing just that.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

No big deal, they can do whatever they want....doesn't mean it's going to work. You want to rush the ball 25 times for 50 yards, go right ahead. You want Julio to get 100 an 2 and lose by 14 pts, go right ahead...Do what you want...

 

[cdumler7]

No big deal, they can do whatever they want....doesn't mean it's going to work. You want to rush the ball 25 times for 50 yards, go right ahead. You want Julio to get 100 an 2 and lose by 14 pts, go right ahead...Do what you want...

I think what he is trying to say is they have probably the most diverse offense in all of football. Now some might say that is him bragging but the numbers back it up. They have a very dynamic run game with a 1-2 punch that is tough to stop. They can win with power running and have the speed to beat teams to the edge.

They have a great WR core that can win over the top, as possession WR's, quick routes...really whatever you need.
OL wise they have been a very good unit. Not top-5 by any means but they can get it done.

Then of course QB wise they have the MVP of the league.

That doesn't mean they will have success but if there is a team that can really push the boundaries of this Patriots defense this would be the unit. Should be a fun battle to watch.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

I think what he is trying to say is they have probably the most diverse offense in all of football. Now some might say that is him bragging but the numbers back it up. They have a very dynamic run game with a 1-2 punch that is tough to stop. They can win with power running and have the speed to beat teams to the edge.

They have a great WR core that can win over the top, as possession WR's, quick routes...really whatever you need.
OL wise they have been a very good unit. Not top-5 by any means but they can get it done.

Then of course QB wise they have the MVP of the league.

That doesn't mean they will have success but if there is a team that can really push the boundaries of this Patriots defense this would be the unit. Should be a fun battle to watch.

I agree with you 100%. BB will take away one of those and my guess is the running game. That's they key. You can't hope to slow both down, you have to stop one of them. I thought Pitt had a good RB, who was putting up duplicate numbers those 2 are doing combined. He got hurt, I get it, but they controlled him before that. Williams came in and had a great series, then NE adjusted to him. NE was not supposed to beat Pitt, who I think is pretty comparable (not better or even on the same level) to Atl offense (stud WR, good poss WR, Throwing QB, great RB) everyone raved about Pitt's offense and what they were going to do to this defense. OK, I'm getting of track...LOL....my point was; off course they can do what ever they want. If there game plan in to run the ball, then so be it. Like I said, if they want to run if 25x for 50 yards, great they can do that. NE can't have them go off for 100+, control the clock and let Julio eat them up too. I took nothing what Freeman said as "bulletin board" material or any type of jab at NE defense. Agree, it will be fun game....

 

[cdumler7]

I agree with you 100%. BB will take away one of those and my guess is the running game. That's they key. You can't hope to slow both down, you have to stop one of them. I thought Pitt had a good RB, who was putting up duplicate numbers those 2 are doing combined. He got hurt, I get it, but they controlled him before that. Williams came in and had a great series, then NE adjusted to him. NE was not supposed to beat Pitt, who I think is pretty comparable (not better or even on the same level) to Atl offense (stud WR, good poss WR, Throwing QB, great RB) everyone raved about Pitt's offense and what they were going to do to this defense. OK, I'm getting of track...LOL....my point was; off course they can do what ever they want. If there game plan in to run the ball, then so be it. Like I said, if they want to run if 25x for 50 yards, great they can do that. NE can't have them go off for 100+, control the clock and let Julio eat them up too. I took nothing what Freeman said as "bulletin board" material or any type of jab at NE defense. Agree, it will be fun game....

Oh I'm excited to see how BB decides to game plan this game. He is the master of trying to force teams to do what they don't want to do. I agree I think they try to take away the run game. Atlanta will want to control the clock some to help out their defense and hopefully throw NE off their game a bit.

I will say for Atlanta there are a few things they have to do to stand a chance in this one. I do think they need at least 1 turnover and for them to play a clean game.

They have to get off to a good start. The teams that have beat the Patriots are the ones that can get up early in the game and force the Patriots a bit of their own game plan. That is what helped the Broncos so much last year when they beat them in the playoffs was 2 early touchdowns that really forced the ball even more into the hands of Brady and allowed the pass rushers just to go crazy. The strength of the Atlanta defense in my opinion is the ability to get after the QB so an early lead lets them play to their strength.

finally cannot settle for field goals. That was Houston's problem in the divisional round. They had this incredible opportunity to capitalize on a day where the Pats were not playing like the Pats. The defense had Brady rattled early on in the game. The problem was they didn't have the offense that could really keep the momentum. A couple of nice early touchdowns and it really starts adding the pressure on the Patriots.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Oh I'm excited to see how BB decides to game plan this game. He is the master of trying to force teams to do what they don't want to do. I agree I think they try to take away the run game. Atlanta will want to control the clock some to help out their defense and hopefully throw NE off their game a bit.

I will say for Atlanta there are a few things they have to do to stand a chance in this one. I do think they need at least 1 turnover and for them to play a clean game.

They have to get off to a good start. The teams that have beat the Patriots are the ones that can get up early in the game and force the Patriots a bit of their own game plan. That is what helped the Broncos so much last year when they beat them in the playoffs was 2 early touchdowns that really forced the ball even more into the hands of Brady and allowed the pass rushers just to go crazy. The strength of the Atlanta defense in my opinion is the ability to get after the QB so an early lead lets them play to their strength.

finally cannot settle for field goals. That was Houston's problem in the divisional round. They had this incredible opportunity to capitalize on a day where the Pats were not playing like the Pats. The defense had Brady rattled early on in the game. The problem was they didn't have the offense that could really keep the momentum. A couple of nice early touchdowns and it really starts adding the pressure on the Patriots.

I am with you on this. Was thinking that NE could have the advantage when it comes to not playing "nervous" in the first few drives. Sometimes being over pumped up is a bad thing, or over thinking. I know as fans we think of this, but I wonder if players are the same way.

The best way for Atl to win the TO battle is to get pressure on Brady and force him to make a bad pass. We have seen it before in the SB, esp vs Sea. If he can sit back there and wait, forget it. NE will score at will.

Atl can't settle for FG's, but that is what NE wants. They have given up yards, but not points. I thought I read where Ryan #s have gone down in the RZ, but that might be because Atl can run the ball with both guys down there, so it might be misleading.

Look its going to be a great game. I thought all season that the NFC was stronger this yr, but I didn't think Atl was one of the stronger teams, but they have proven otherwise, gotta tip the hat to them. I mean is out of the question if we see a game like we did 2 yrs ago vs Sea?? I don't...

 

[cdumler7]

I am with you on this. Was thinking that NE could have the advantage when it comes to not playing "nervous" in the first few drives. Sometimes being over pumped up is a bad thing, or over thinking. I know as fans we think of this, but I wonder if players are the same way.

The best way for Atl to win the TO battle is to get pressure on Brady and force him to make a bad pass. We have seen it before in the SB, esp vs Sea. If he can sit back there and wait, forget it. NE will score at will.

Atl can't settle for FG's, but that is what NE wants. They have given up yards, but not points. I thought I read where Ryan #s have gone down in the RZ, but that might be because Atl can run the ball with both guys down there, so it might be misleading.

Look its going to be a great game. I thought all season that the NFC was stronger this yr, but I didn't think Atl was one of the stronger teams, but they have proven otherwise, gotta tip the hat to them. I mean is out of the question if we see a game like we did 2 yrs ago vs Sea?? I don't...

Agree I thought the NFC was the stronger conference but still operated with the thought that NE was/is the best team in the NFL. One of the few teams that has a great offense and defense.

I will say this about Atlanta. Offensively they have been explosive all season. What has impressed me is the improvement on the defensive side of the ball. They are extremely young on that side but they have shown as the season has progressed that they do have more talent than some thought early on. They do have the pieces in place to be able to get after Brady. I"m not sure the secondary is quite good enough to shut down all the weapons the Pats have though. They are going to need some mistakes by the Pats of dropped balls or tipped passes that just happen to find their way into the hands of the Falcons.

New England is definitely the more talented team. We have seen though in the Super Bowl plenty of times the most talented team doesn't always win. Heck I have no problem admitting that I do think the Panthers last year were a more talented all around team than the Broncos. We got some turnovers and got an early lead and completely took them by surprise. They were not ready to get punched in the mouth like they did. I'm sure you Pats fans think that your team was much more talented than the Giants teams that you played. Unfortunately you caught them at just the wrong time.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Agree I thought the NFC was the stronger conference but still operated with the thought that NE was/is the best team in the NFL. One of the few teams that has a great offense and defense.

I will say this about Atlanta. Offensively they have been explosive all season. What has impressed me is the improvement on the defensive side of the ball. They are extremely young on that side but they have shown as the season has progressed that they do have more talent than some thought early on. They do have the pieces in place to be able to get after Brady. I"m not sure the secondary is quite good enough to shut down all the weapons the Pats have though. They are going to need some mistakes by the Pats of dropped balls or tipped passes that just happen to find their way into the hands of the Falcons.

New England is definitely the more talented team. We have seen though in the Super Bowl plenty of times the most talented team doesn't always win. Heck I have no problem admitting that I do think the Panthers last year were a more talented all around team than the Broncos. We got some turnovers and got an early lead and completely took them by surprise. They were not ready to get punched in the mouth like they did. I'm sure you Pats fans think that your team was much more talented than the Giants teams that you played. Unfortunately you caught them at just the wrong time.

Exactly...High powered offense, perfect season, supposed to win it all....Nope. Same can be said about NE vs Stl, no one gave them a shot. God I don't even want to talk about it...lol.

 

[cdumler7]

Exactly...High powered offense, perfect season, supposed to win it all....Nope. Same can be said about NE vs Stl, no one gave them a shot. God I don't even want to talk about it...lol.

Haha yeah I understand not wanting to talk about it. Anyway very much looking forward to the game. I'll be honest I'm probably cheering for the Falcons as nice to see a team get their first plus hate to have the Pats expand the lead of Championships over the Broncos. Have a ton of respect for the Pats as truly the class of the NFL for a very long time.

 

[NEhomer]

I think what he is trying to say is they have probably the most diverse offense in all of football. Now some might say that is him bragging but the numbers back it up. They have a very dynamic run game with a 1-2 punch that is tough to stop. They can win with power running and have the speed to beat teams to the edge.

They have a great WR core that can win over the top, as possession WR's, quick routes...really whatever you need.
OL wise they have been a very good unit. Not top-5 by any means but they can get it done.

Then of course QB wise they have the MVP of the league.

That doesn't mean they will have success but if there is a team that can really push the boundaries of this Patriots defense this would be the unit. Should be a fun battle to watch.

The same question comes back to me. How did they lose 5 games?

 

[SteelersPride]

i've never been a freeman fan, now i'm def not, cocky sob

 

[BigKen]

I think BB just might pull a quickie on Ryan on the Falcons' first possession. Maybe blitz 7 and punch him in straight in the mouth. That will totally take the Falcons out of their "we'll do whatever we want" mentality. For the next few series, Ryan will be looking very carefully at the defense when he gets under center and be just a bit hesitant. BB will line up the D the same way and not blitz again for the entire game.

 

[cdumler7]

The same question comes back to me. How did they lose 5 games?

Well let's just look at the losses...

1) Week 1--We have seen in the NFL week 1 produces a lot of surprise wins. The young defense struggled with communication and Winston lit them up for 4 touchdowns.

2) Week 6--Seattle beat them by 2 in Seattle. You guys lost to Seattle as well. They are a tough team especially in Seattle and Atlanta lost on a very controversial no call at the end of the game.

3) Week 7--San Diego. This is that game you look at and say they didn't take care of business. Had a 27-10 lead at one point and made a ton of mistakes in the 2nd half that cost them this game. No excuses for this loss at all.

4) Against the Eagles--This one comes down to they didn't finish off drives. They had lots of opportunities in this one but kept settling for field goals. Again why I say the offense for the Falcons has to score touchdowns early in this one. If they settle for Field Goals early on that should be a huge win for the Pats.

5) Against the Chiefs--Close game that came down to a 2-point conversion. A theme I have seen in these 5 games is that Atlanta turned the ball over. IF they want to stand a chance against the Pats it will take them having a clean game. When they are able to do that this offense is almost impossible to stop. When things don't stay on script though they can struggle.

 

[BigKen]

Early in the season the Patriots defense was very bad at getting turnovers. After the Bye they started doing better. In the final 5 games of the season they cranked it up and had 14 take aways. They had 5 in the playoffs.

The Patriots have to continue to force turnovers.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Haha yeah I understand not wanting to talk about it. Anyway very much looking forward to the game. I'll be honest I'm probably cheering for the Falcons as nice to see a team get their first plus hate to have the Pats expand the lead of Championships over the Broncos. Have a ton of respect for the Pats as truly the class of the NFL for a very long time.

Fair enough...I was rooting for Car last yr...but good to see PM go out the way he did...

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Big Ken...not sure BB will do what you want him to do...check out this break down..Might be seeing the 3 man rush again..

 

[redseat]

I think what he is trying to say is they have probably the most diverse offense in all of football. Now some might say that is him bragging but the numbers back it up. They have a very dynamic run game with a 1-2 punch that is tough to stop. They can win with power running and have the speed to beat teams to the edge.

They have a great WR core that can win over the top, as possession WR's, quick routes...really whatever you need.
OL wise they have been a very good unit. Not top-5 by any means but they can get it done.

Then of course QB wise they have the MVP of the league.

That doesn't mean they will have success but if there is a team that can really push the boundaries of this Patriots defense this would be the unit. Should be a fun battle to watch.

I believe this is truly what was going on. I think his words probably got twisted a little bit to make it seem like he was taking a shot at the Patriots. He was asked about the offense and he was right in saying, "we can do anything we want." Because they actually have proven they can so far. But if the Pats want to use it as Bulletin Board material then so be it and use it!