2006 Dallas Cowboys = 2001 New England Patriots? (1 Viewer)

[doughboydeluxe]

Some similarities between the 2001 New England Patriots and the 2006 Dallas Cowboys...

In the second game of 2001, second year QB Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe mid-game. The Patriots lost that game.

In the sixth game of 2006, fourth year QB Tony Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe mid-game. The Cowboys lost that game.

In his first start, Tom Brady was 13-23 for 168 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs as the Patriots beat the Colts 44-13.

In his first start, Tony Romo was 24-36 for 270 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT as the Cowboys beat the Panthers 35-14.

After six games, the 2001 Patriots were 3-3, one game behind the division leader.

After six games, the 2006 Cowboys were 3-3, one game behind the division leader.

The 2001 Patriots were 1-2 in their first three division games.

The 2006 Cowboys were 1-2 in their first three division games.

In 2001, many observers questioned how Drew Bledsoe would fare behind an offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 48 times the previous year.

In 2006, many observers questioned how Drew Bledsoe would fare behind an offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 49 times the previous year.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Some similarities between the 2001 New England Patriots and the 2006 Dallas Cowboys...

In the second game of 2001, second year QB Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe mid-game. The Patriots lost that game.

In the sixth game of 2006, fourth year QB Tony Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe mid-game. The Cowboys lost that game.

Brady didn't take over mid-game; he took over for the last series of the game.

In his first start, Tom Brady was 13-23 for 168 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs as the Patriots beat the Colts 44-13.

In his first start, Tony Romo was 24-36 for 270 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT as the Cowboys beat the Panthers 35-14.

I don't see how those games are similar, and a QB's first start is meaningless for purposes of future evaluation.

After six games, the 2001 Patriots were 3-3, one game behind the division leader.

After six games, the 2006 Cowboys were 3-3, one game behind the division leader.

Agreed. Of course, I don't think that's very spooky. Of course what is spooky is that both teams were one game behind the division leader, who was coached by a guy who won a SB as an assistant in the 90s and was currently in his 8th year as an NFL head coach.

The 2001 Patriots were 1-2 in their first three division games.

The 2006 Cowboys were 1-2 in their first three division games.

What's really spooky is that the Patriots went L-W-L while the Cowboys went W-L-L. Actually, I guess that's not very spooky.

In 2001, many observers questioned how Drew Bledsoe would fare behind an offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 48 times the previous year.

In 2006, many observers questioned how Drew Bledsoe would fare behind an offensive line that allowed him to be sacked 49 times the previous year.

Actually, many observers thought Drew Bledsoe was going to have a huge year this year, quite different from the scenario entering 2001. Low on spooky but high on the accuracy: Bledsoe's ADP was QB21 entering 2001, compared to QB14 this year.I agree with your premise though: I'm not saying the Cowboys will win the Super Bowl either, unless they are the luckiest team in league history.