Preview: New England vs San Francisco - October 5, 2008

By Nevada Sharpshooter

The New England Patriots travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers.  The 2-2 49ers have a new look with QB JT O’Sullivan and OC Mike Martz.  In the upcoming game vs. the Patriots the 49ers need to take some lessons from the Dolphins on how to play the Pats.  One player to watch will be Frank Gore and how many touches he is given by the pass happy Martz.

The Patriots are coming off a much needed by after being humiliated by the Dolphins.  QB Cassell will have an opportunity in the passing game against a 49er secondary that was unable to stop New Orleans last week.  If the Pats can move the ball through the air in the first half, they should have success running the ball in the second.

The blueprints for beating the Patriots are now public, attack their defense with the running game and defensively take away the run and short passes, daring Cassell to go deep.  The Patriots on the other hand need to get the deep passing game going in order to free up the underneath routes and running game.  With a week to prepare I like the Patriots to have found at least a short term solution to their problems and come away with a win by at least 7.  Take the Patriots -3.5 over the 49ers.