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[QUOTE="Scooch, post: 1294857, member: 628"]
I try not to compare the NFL, and certainly not the Pats, to college because generally speaking both the quality of player and quality of coach are so markedly better it's unrealistic to hold college teams to a pro expectation.

That being said, you got it.  Even putting aside that specific scenario... a former Pats OLman was on the radio last week talking about how crazed the team was at preparation during his time there.  He said during practices BB would stop everyone, and say something along the lines of "It's 2nd and 9 from the 43, we just called {X} play, what are you doing?"  He said the players would think it was completely random and bizarre... until 2 months later they were in a game and that exact situation came up, and they all knew exactly what they needed to do.  Said he never played for another team that was remotely as fanatic about preparation as the Pats.

Hell, on that 2nd and goal play it's now well-known that Butler knew exactly where that pass was going, and the proof is the break he makes towards that spot, beating the receiver there.  That wasn't instinct, that was preparation.

Marrone and his staff were clearly excellent at preparation.  Shafer... not so good so far.
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