Bedard's Daily Briefing 12.03.18: 'New' Patriots defense dominates, offense does enough to beat Vikes

Good morning! 

A few random thoughts while I wonder who had a chillier relationship during this game, Bill Belichick and Adam Thielen or Mike Zimmer and his pass-happy OC John DeFilippo...

• Don't have a ton to add to what we saw last night. I mean, the Patriots defense expanded on what they showed (but everyone ignored) against the Jets and the offense continued to go long stretches trying to scrape out yards, but punched up big plays when they need them most.


• The defense has definitely been a recent development. We've always seen them develop and add as the season has gone along to get to a spin-the-dial place, but now the Patriots are forcing the offense to react to them. This is a huge development.


• The offense ... this might just be who they are with Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman (to a lesser extent) not being their optimal selves. I think we can all agree now — with multiple games of this gameplanning and playcalling — that Josh McDaniels is really grinding to get this offense moving on a consistent basis. At the end of the day, they're grabbing Ws, so that's all that matters.


• How long until people start showing up for games in neck rolls?


• Bertrand and Murray asked me after the game about Tom Brady sort of getting the heck out of dodge quickly after last night's game ... I'm not sure what to make of it but Brady seemed to be irked with the Vikings most of the game. Or he could have a personal situation to attend to.


• How did the Vikings not run the ball more? They rushed 13 times for 95 yards (7.3 average)


• Big news out of Green Bay that Mike McCarthy was fired. Obviously, I covered him and think a lot of him personally. While we got after each other at times, McCarthy was always a total pro and he helped me learn a ton about the game. I view Bill Belichick similarly. Sad to see it end in this fashion. Thought he deserved better but he'll land on his feet.


• I really hope McCarthy doesn't go to the Jets ... for his sake.


• I found this interesting ...

• Josh McDaniels should interview there. Will they hire him? I have my doubts.


• Steelers doing Steelers things ... lol