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How to beat the Patriots

How to beat the Patriots

By Thurman Thomas

Questions or comments for Thurman? Send him a note at Thurman@nflcanada.com

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much from the Eagles in their game against New England last Sunday.

However they played an inspired and hard fought game. They pressured Tom Brady throughout the game and made him look human. Jay Feely played great except for the last interception, which was a curious play call. I thought that once they were in field goal range, that they would have played a little closer to the vest and chewed up more clock. It was still an excellent game. Look for the Patriots future opponents to employ the Eagles strategy of taking away Randy Moss as a deep threat and bringing max pressure on Brady. Of course that’s much easier said then done.

Jacksonville’s dismantling of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and the stellar play of David Garrard, who has ZERO interceptions for the season, certainly proves that Jack Del Rio’s decision to release Byron Leftwich was the correct one. Garrard looks poised and confident as the Jag’s Q.B.

Eli Manning continues to be hot and cold as the Giants start their usual second half slide. Eli was drafted the same year as the Bill’s J.P. Losman, both players are at a cross roads, although Losman’s position is more dire, he has been benched for the second time this year. Look for Eli to make a strong push over the last five games. He looks indecisive in the pocket and somewhat shaky. If he can’t turn things around, it will get very nasty for him in New York. I’m sure he will have a much longer rope that Losman had. It will be interesting to see how Manning performs and reacts to the pressure.

The Arizona Cardinals lost a heartbreaker on Sunday. The rejuvenated Kurt Warner threw for over 400 yards and two touchdowns only for the Card’s to miss a field goal (previously made) after a penalty and lose on a fumble recovery by the Forty-niners in the Cardinals end zone in overtime. I don’t think that could happen to anyone else besides Arizona.

The tragic shooting death of Washington Redskin Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor leaves the Redskins and the rest of the NFL community in shock. It was a senseless crime. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family and friends.

The Green Bay Packers Dallas Cowboys game this Thursday is a real gem. These two teams are the best the NFC has to offer. In fact, this game is probably the NFC championship preview. I look for Dallas to prevail in a close game. Texas Stadium has been a house of horrors for Bret Favre. I expect him to play well, however Green Bay has some key injuries, especially to corner Charles Woodson. Without Woodson to help with Terrell Owens, it could be a long day for Green Bay’s defense. Of course the Packers other corner, Mike McKenzie could come up big against T.O. Like I said, it’s a gem, can’t wait to see it.

Thurman Thomas

Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas rushed for 1,000 yards in eight consecutive seasons, was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, and was named NFL MVP in 1991. Thomas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and is now an NFL ambassador in Canada and will be making community and charitable appearances on behalf of the league north of the border.