I still think it would have still been called just because it was so obvious. Probably not catchable but close enough to still get the call. If he had just let Gronkowski alone I think it would have been an incomplete. The skinny on the Patriots D that week was how horrible the pass defense was so I think the Jets wanted to exploit that... And failed. This game, we all know they have to establish the run and get some nice 8-10 minute drives going. I think it has too. McCourty has just blossomed in front of everyones eyes to the point where we all feel comfortable on his side of the field. He can still be beat but overall he's solid and reliable. Teams often bounce back big from a whipping so that is definitely in the Jets favor. UNLESS the Pats can get something of a 2 score lead on them (10-14 pts) and that might take at least some air out of the Jet confidence.
For the record, Smith running through the receiver forced the zebra to throw the flag. I have no issue with that. I merely meant if Smith had turned to the ball, there was no way the receiver was going to catch it. Like you said probably not ( would say was not) catchable, but too close for the zebra not to say it was no foul. Smith's position is what made it uncatchable, and he misplayed his position by running through Gronkowski. On the Pats pass D, I happen to think ypa is the best stat, rather than total yards, with which to gauge effectiveness. But it's not the only stat. ypa can be tilted to make the D look worse if the team is usually ahead and opponents have to throw it downfield to try and get back in the game. Whether or not that D is intentionally in a prevent, ypa is likely to go up somewhat. When the opponent is ahead, short possession receptions that go with the running game will also predominate, as part of the larger object of keeping the ball away from the other team. Add on that the Pats' D's league leading interceptions, and I get it - they do not have near as bad a pass D as I thought before.
This. The Shonn Greene avoidance in last year's playoffs is just the most obvious example. That was likely the final straw for SD that landed him with the Jets. Guy's physical play doesn't match up well with his tough words.
