Whatever Happened to the Patriot Way - A Madden NFL 25 New England Patriots CFM

[patriotway]

A few starters will return to the active roster this week for the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and San Diego Chargers. At the moment, both the 49ers and Chargers are on the outside fighting for a wild card spot. Having these players back should help as they fight for a playoff spot.

A lot of teams are have seen many of their defensive lineman go down with injuries this season and the Atlanta Falcons are facing the same situation. While none of the Falsons' injured defensive lineman will go on injured reserve, they earliest any of them can return is if the team makes the playoffs.

Dan Connor returns to the New York Giants after he was released earlier in the year. While he won't need to start, Connor provides depth to the Giants linebacker core, especially with Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich sidelined for a few weeks.

Much like the Falcons, the Washington Redskins are extremely shorthanded on the defensive line. The signing of Damik Scafe should help plug the hole left with Stephen Bowen joining his other defensive lineman on the injury report.

It's the same story for the Minnesota Vikings, except it's been limited to their defensive ends. All but Jared Allen have fallen to injury, leaving the team in desperate need of some ends on the defensive line.

[patriotway]

Week 13 Power Rankings
RK (LW)	Team	Record	Next Game
1 (3)	Pittsburgh Steelers	9-2	@ Baltimore Ravens
2 (5)	New Orleans Saints	9-2	@ Seattle Seahawks
3 (1)	Cincinnati Bengals	9-2	@ San Diego Chargers
4 (2)	Seattle Seahawks	9-2	vs. New Orleans Saints
5 (4)	Kansas City Chiefs	8-3	vs. Denver Broncos
6 (6)	Atlanta Falcons	8-3	@ Buffalo Bills
7 (8)	Carolina Panthers	8-3	vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8 (9)	Dallas Cowboys	7-4	vs. Oakland Raiders
9 (7)	Indianapolis Colts	7-4	vs. Tennessee Titans
10 (12)	Green Bay Packers	7-4	@ Detroit Lions
11 (13)	New England Patriots	7-4	@ Houston Texans
12 (11)	Minnesota Vikings	6-5	vs. Chicago Bears
13 (15)	Buffalo Bills	6-5	vs. Atlanta Falcons
14 (20)	Washington Redskins	6-5	vs. New York Giants
15 (18)	Arizona Cardinals	6-5	@ Philadelphia Eagles
16 (10)	San Francisco 49ers	6-5	vs. St. Louis Rams
17 (19)	Houston Texans	6-5	vs. New England Patriots
18 (14)	Denver Broncos	6-5	@ Kansas City Chiefs
19 (16)	Jacksonville Jaguars	5-6	@ Cleveland Browns
20 (17)	New York Giants	5-6	@ Washington Redskins
21 (21)	Philadelphia Eagles	5-6	vs. Arizona Cardinals
22 (22)	Baltimore Ravens	4-7	vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
23 (26)	Chicago Bears	4-7	@ Minnesota Vikings
24 (26)	San Diego Chargers	4-7	vs. Cincinnati Bengals
25 (27)	Detroit Lions	4-7	vs. Green Bay Packers
26 (29)	Oakland Raiders	3-8	@ Dallas Cowboys
27 (23)	Cleveland Browns	3-8	vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
28 (24)	Tennessee Titans	3-8	@ Indianapolis Colts
29 (28)	Miami Dolphins	2-9	@ New York Jets
30 (30)	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	2-9	@ Carolina Panthers
31 (31)	St. Louis Rams	1-10	@ San Francisco 49ers
32 (32)	New York Jets	1-10	vs. Miami Dolphins

[patriotway]

Matchup Preview *|* December 1, 2013
	@
New England Patriots (7-4, 2-3 Away)		Houston Texans (6-5, 4-2 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison 4544 (1st) Total Offensive Yards 4044 (11th) 2938 (4th) Passing Yards 2342 (Tied - 15th) 1606 (5th) Rushing Yards 1702 (4th) 29.3 (2nd) Points Per Game 22.6 (14th) 20 (Tied - 3rd) Passing TD 14 (Tied - 9th) 11 (Tied - 9th) Rushing TD 13 (Tied - 5th) 231 (1st) First Downs 195 (Tied - 8th) 47 (1st) Red Zone Attempts 31 (Tied - 14th) 27-16 Red Zone TD-FG 18-4 91% (2nd) Red Zone Percentage 70% (Tied - 21st) Defensive Stats Comparison 3905 (23rd) Total Yards Allowed 3021 (2nd) 3198 (32nd) Passing Yards Allowed 2001 (3rd) 707 (1st) Rushing Yards Allowed 1020 (4th) 21 (14th) Points Per Game 16.5 (3rd) 37 (3rd) Sacks 25 (10th) 6 (Tied - 10th) Fumble Recoveries 6 (Tied - 10th) 21 (1st) Interceptions 5 (Tied - 28th) 28 (Tied - 10th) Red Zone Attempts 22 (2nd) 17-5 Red Zone TD-FG 10-5 78% (Tied - 22nd) Red Zone Percentage 68% (Tied - 6th) Injury Report NONE B. Reed/ Broken Ankle (Out 5 Weeks) B. Brooks/ Dislocated Ankle (Out 2 Weeks) A. Smith/ Broken Toe (Out 1 Week) Game Notes Despite being without two starters on defense for the past few weeks, the Houston Texans have been one of the league's top defenses. This Sunday, they'll be without starters Brooks Reed and Antonio Smith as they face the New England Patriots and that teams 1st ranked offense.

[patriotway]

New England Patriots at Houston Texans
Dec 1, 2013	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
New England Patriots (8-4)	14	10	7	9	40
Houston Texans (6-6)	0	9	0	7	16

Team Stats Comparison
	NWE	HOU
Total Offense	519	305
Rushing Yards	251	36
Passing Yards	268	269
First Downs	21	15
Punt Return Yards	47	27
Kick Return Yards	83	52
Total Yards	649	384
Turnovers	0 (+1)	1 (-1)
3rd Down Converstion	9-17 (52%)	4-12 (33%)
4th Down Conversion	2-2 (100%)	0-0 (0%)
2-Point Conversion	0-0 (0%)	0-0 (0%)
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3/3	3/3
Penalties	8-80	4-36
Posession Time	40:50	19:10

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		NWE	HOU
11:01	(NWE) S. Ridley, 6 Yd run (S. Gostkowski kick)	7	0
7:56	(NWE) S. Vereen 56 Yd pass from T. Brady (S. Gostkowski kick)	14	0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		NWE	HOU
12:58	(HOU) R. Bullock, 30 Yd FG	14	3
6:43	(NWE) R. Gronkowski 30 YD pass from T. Brady (S. Gostkowski kick)	21	3
4:25	(HOU) R. Bullock, 49 Yd FG	21	6
0:39	(NWE) S. Gostkowski, 46 Yd FG	24	6
0:00	(HOU) R. Bullock, 18 Yd FG	24	9
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		NWE	HOU
1:11	(NWE) S. Vereen, 18 Yd run (S. Gostkowski kick)	31	9
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		NWE	HOU
9:32	(NWE) S. Vereen 5 Yd pass from T. Brady	38	9
7:22	(HOU) O. Daniels 5 Yd pass from T. Yates	38	16
1:08	(HOU) Team Safety	40	16

New England Patriots PASSING C/A YDS TD INT T. Brady 22/33 (66%) 276 3 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD S. Ridley 20 134 6.7 1 L. Blount 13 48 3.6 0 S. Vereen 8 52 6.5 1 J. Develin 2 10 5.0 1 T. Brady 2 4 4.0 0 B. Bolden 1 3 3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD D. Amendola 7 85 12.1 0 S. Vereen 7 115 16.7 2 R. Gronkowski 3 35 11.6 1 A. Dobson 2 17 8.5 0 M. Hoomanawanui 2 12 6.0 0 K. Thompkins 1 10 10 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK N. Solder 8 1 L. Mankins 7 0 S. Vollmer 4 0 R. Wendell 4 0 D. Connolly 2 0 DEFENSE T-A SACK INT TD J. Mayo 11-0 0 0 0 B. Spikes 5-0 0 0 0 D. Hightower 3-0 0 0 0 R. Ninkovich 3-0 2 0 0 D. McCourty 3-0 0 0 0 S. Gregory 3-0 0 0 0 A. Talib 2-0 0 0 0 A. Dennard 1-0 0 0 0 D. Fletcher 1-0 0 0 0 J. Collins 1-0 0 0 0 M. Cole 1-0 0 0 0 K. Arrington 1-1 0 1 0 T. Kelly 1-1 0 0 0 J. Vellano 0-0 1 0 0 N. Ebner 0-1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG S. Gostkowski 1/2 5/5 8 46 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 R. Allen 3 123 41.0 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD J. Boyce 4 83 20.7 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD J. Edelman 4 47 11.7 0

Houston Texans PASSING C/A YDS TD INT T. Yates 21/35 (60%) 284 1 1 M. Schaub 0/4 (0%) 0 0 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD A. Foster 13 29 2.2 0 B. Tate 2 8 4.0 0 T. Yates 1 -1 -1.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD A. Foster 7 75 10.7 0 O. Daniels 7 74 10.2 1 A. Johnson 3 50 16.6 0 G. Graham 2 38 19.0 0 D. Hopkins 1 27 27.0 0 B. Tate 1 20 20.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK C. Myers 2 0 W. Smith 1 1 D. Newton 0 2 DEFENSE T-A SACK INT TD D. Manning 10-0 0 0 0 J. Watt 9-1 0 0 0 K. Jackson 6-0 0 0 0 W. Mercilus 5-0 1 0 0 B. Cushings 5-0 0 0 0 E. Reed 5-1 0 0 0 B. Braman 5-0 0 0 0 D. Sharpton 5-0 0 0 0 B. MCCain 4-0 0 0 0 J.Mays 4-0 0 0 0 B. Harris 3-0 0 0 0 T. Jamison 2-0 0 0 0 T. Williams 2-0 0 0 0 E. Mitchell 2-0 0 0 0 J. Joseph 1-0 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG R. Bullock 3/3 1/1 10 50 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 S. Lechler 6 264 44.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD K. Martin 2 52 26.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD K. Martin 2 27 13.5 0

What a difference a week makes. Against the Denver Broncos, Tom Brady looked out of sync with his receivers and missed badly on many of his throws. This week, Brady was precise and decisive with his throws. The only thing that didn't change from last week was New England's dominance running the football.

The Patriots haven't started games fast this season. In fact, New England has averaged just 4.1 points per game in the 1st quarter this season. Going against one of the top ranked defenses on the league, it appeared as though points would be hard to come by. New England moved the ball against the Houston Texans' defense like they had the worst defense in the league. When the dust settled at the end of the first quarter, New England had a 14-0 lead.

Just like last weeks game against Denver, New England made a bad situation worse. Rob Ninkovich sacked Texans' quarterback Matt Schaub and the play resulted in the quarterback being injured. Even without Schaub, the Texans' offense had a couple decent drives in the second quarter. While the Houston's drives ended with field goals, New England added 10 more points and went into half time with a 24-9 lead.

Though the Texans scored three times in the second quarter, they were only field goals.

The Patriots' offense slowed down a bit in the third quarter, but the defense was still stingy. Most of the third quarter featured unsuccessful drives from both teams. The Patriots managed to find the endzone on an 18 yard run by Shane Vereen that gave them a commanding 31-9 lead. Even with that lead, the Patriots continued to put pressure on the Texans' defense.

Shane Vereen had his best game of the season against the Texans with 15 touches and 162 total yards from scrimmage to go along with two receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.

The fourth quarter featured more of the same from the Patriots and the Texans. The Texans were kept out of the endzone all day until they scored on a five yard pass from T.J Yates to Owen Daniels. It was too little too late by then as the Patriots had a 38-16 lead. A play near the end of the fourth quarter encapsulated the way the game went for the Texans. With the ball on their 1 yard line, Yates took the snap from center and stepped out the back of the endzone, giving the Patriots a 40-16 victory.

With this win, the Patriots are now 8-4 and in good position to make the playoffs. Before they get that far, they'll have to win their next game against the Cleveland Browns.

Game Ball/Extra Rep

Game Ball:
Shane Vereen: With 162 total yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns, not only did Vereen earn a game ball, he also earns AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Tom Brady: This is the Brady that fans have come to love and respect. Another solid day from the quarterback.

Rob Ninkovich: Ninkovich has played on such a high level this season, adding two more sacks to his impressive totals so far.

Extra Reps
Special Teams Coverage: The special teams unit didn't perform horribly, but some smaller issues could be cleaned up.


Media Reaction
Trey Wingo @WingoZEA: Maybe the Patriots like the hotel life. they looked great this week.
Chris Mortensen @mortreportEA: No answers for T. Brady as he topples over the #Texans. He just looked determined. #Patriots

[patriotway]

Week 13 Scores
Thursday's Games	Hi Passing	Hi Rushing	Hi Receiving
Detroit 30, Green Bay 12	A. Rodgers 324	J. Bell 77	C. Johnson 132
Dallas 16, Oakland 0	T. Romo 202	D. Murray 100	D. Bryant 90
Baltimore 31, Pittsburgh 23	B. Roethlisberger 263	R. Rice 128	E. Sanders 103
Sunday's Games	Hi Passing	Hi Rushing	Hi Receiving
Denver 17, Kansas City 17	C. Daniel 261	J. Charles 99	W. Welker 122
Indianapolis 40, Tennessee 17	A. Luck 219	T. Richardson 81	R. Wayne 104
Jacksonville 29, Cleveland 7	B. Gabbert 254	M. Jones-Drew 133	C. Shorts 104
Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 21	C. Newton 230	D. Martin 110	S. Smith 71
Minnesota 26, Chicago 7	C. Ponder 172	A. Peterson 166	B. Marshall 61
Philadelphia 28, Arizona 20	C. Palmer 327	L. McCoy 111	L. Fitzgerald 166
Miami 21, NY Jets 0	R. Tannehill 161	D. Thomas 92	B. Hartline 72
Atlanta 20, Buffalo 12	M. Ryan 177	S. Jackson 120	T. Graham 85
St. Louis 23, San Francisco 17	C. McCoy 250	K. Hunter 75	C. Givens 134
New England 40, Houston 16	T. Yates 284	S. Ridley 134	S. Vereen 117
San Diego 20, Cincinnati 10	A. Dalton 184	B. Green-Ellis 77	A. Green 74
Washington 20, NY Giants 12	E. Manning 290	A. Morris 117	H. Nicks 108
Monday's Games	Hi Passing	Hi Rushing	Hi Receiving
Seattle 37, New Orleans 26	D. Brees 381	R. Turbin 84	L. Moore 119
BYE WEEKS: NONE

Media Reaction
Trey Wingo @WingoZEA: The Eagles have had a ridiculous year on the ground, racking up 2,000 yards of rushing offense.
Mark Schlereth @MarkSchlerethEA: Forcing turnovers is a mindset you have to get your team to buy into. #Seahawks
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterEA: Jets couldn't stop a nosebleed today, and no way they were stopping the Dolphins from winning.
Lavar Arrington @LArringtonEA: Home sweet home for Indianapolis -- they get the win.
Skip Bayless @SkipBaylessEA: Vest way to win over your fan base, win at home. #Bills didn't get that memo.
Matt Miller @MattMillerEA: 49ers will be dissatisfied to say the least after coming up short at home.
Robert Flores @RoFloEA: Without Adrian Peterson punishing the D, I don't think the Vikings win that game.
Susannah Collins @SCollinsEA: Sound off if you thought Shane Vereen was getting #AFCPoW honors this week.
Ross Tucker @RossTuckerEA: Great players put forth great effort, #simple #NFCPoW
Chris Mortensen @mortreportEA: The Cowboys#9th ranked offense pulls off the win vs. the Raiders.

[patriotway]

Cincinnati Bengals
D. Still (DT) - Dislocated Ankle - 7 Weeks


Buffalo Bills
T. Graham (WR) - Pulled Groin - 2 Weeks


Denver Broncos
B. Oweiler (QB) - Dislocated Ankle - 4 Weeks


Arizona Cardinals
N. Potter (T) - Pulled Groin - 3 Weeks
B. Sowell (T) - Pulled Groin - 3 Weeks


San Diego Chargers
D. Fluker (T) - Broken Thumb - 3 Weeks
K. Dunlap (T) - Upper Arm Fracture - 3 Weeks


Kansas City Chiefs
Q. Demps (S) - Dislocated Ankle - 4 Weeks


Indianapolis Colts
D. Howell (S) - Shoulder Tear - 4 Weeks


Philadelphia Eagles
R. Cooper (WR) - Dislocated Ankle - 5 Weeks
F. Cox (DE) - Upper Arm Fracture - 4 Weeks


Atlanta Falcons
L. Toilolo (TE) - Forearm Fracture - 5 Weeks


San Francisco 49ers
M. Iupati (G) - Pulled Groin - 3 Weeks


New York Giants
J. Hankins (DT) - Ruptured Disk - 7 Weeks
W. Beatty (T) - Dislocated Ankle - 3 Weeks
K. Boothe (G) - Broken Thumb - 1 Week


Jacksonville Jaguars
W. Ta'ufo'ou (RB) - Broken Thumb - 1 Week


New York Jets
R. Sapp (LB) - Broken Thumb - 3 Weeks


Green Bay Packers
J. Tretter (G) - Upper Arm Fracture - 5 Weeks
B. Jones (LB) - Abdominal Tear - 2 Weeks
D. Bakhtiari (T) - Broken Thumb - 1 Week


Carolina Panthers
F. Alexander (DE) - Partial ACL Tear - 3 Weeks


New England Patriots
R. Gronkowski (TE) - Shoulder Tear - 3 Weeks


Oakland Raiders
J. Ford (WR) - Broken Thumb - 3 Weeks


Pittsburgh Steelers
M. Gilbert (T) - Dislocated Elbow - 4 Weeks


Tennessee Titans
D. Stewart (T) - Broken Thumb - 4 Weeks

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