Amazing Patriots (Packers, Dolphins) Stat (1 Viewer)

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I post a lot in Patriots and other threads, but don't start threads much, so move on if you don't care, TIA.

The DID YOU KNOW stat:

If the Bucs give up more points this weekend than the Patriots, the Patriots will finish the year with both the No. 1 scoring defense and the No. 1 scoring offense for only the third time in NFL history, joining the 96 Packers and 72 Dolphins in accomplishing such a feat.

Now I understand many will say that is just an artifact of the offensive dominance, but isn't it funny how when it comes to the most important measuring sticks (wins and losses, scoring defense) the Pats are doing alright on defense.

 

[freelander]

Go BUCS!

 

[CA_7]

sounds like another "*" for the record books

 

[Green and Gold]

sounds like another "*" for the record books

 

[SteelerMurf]

sounds like another "*" for the record books

 

[nerangers]

I checked this one out closer on NFL.COM. The Bucs and Pats are tied at 239 pts allowed. The Steelers are at 242, Colts at 246, and Seahawks at 247. This race still seems a little too close to call!

 

[Footballg]

Yeah, I knew they had a chance for least points allowed, but I didn't know about the 3rd time in history thing. It might come as a surprise to some that the Pats have the league's best defense, but not to me. I watch their games and follow the NFL.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I checked this one out closer on NFL.COM. The Bucs and Pats are tied at 239 pts allowed. The Steelers are at 242, Colts at 246, and Seahawks at 247. This race still seems a little too close to call!

 

[fred_1_15301]

Yeah, I knew they had a chance for least points allowed, but I didn't know about the 3rd time in history thing. It might come as a surprise to some that the Pats have the league's best defense, but not to me. I watch their games and follow the NFL.

Nope...you're just a homer.....

 

[Footballg]

and you're most likely just a hater....

 

[fred_1_15301]

and you're most likely just a hater....

Fair enough...then neither one of us has any credibility on the subject......

 

[Footballg]

I'm not the source of all knowledge --- the Pats defense speaks for itself. It's not like this is some ancient language which only I can interpret. Just because a few jealous haters can't stand to acknowledge it doesn't change reality.

Spend more time enjoying your own team and less fixating about whichever teams beat your ###.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I'm not the source of all knowledge --- the Pats defense speaks for itself. It's not like this is some ancient language which only I can interpret. Just because a few jealous haters can't stand to acknowledge it doesn't change reality.Spend more time enjoying your own team and less fixating about whichever teams beat your ###.

Whatever you say........

 

[yellowdog]

1969 Minnesota Vikings led NFL and AFL in each category

1967 Rams led NFL in both.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

I checked this one out closer on NFL.COM. The Bucs and Pats are tied at 239 pts allowed. The Steelers are at 242, Colts at 246, and Seahawks at 247. This race still seems a little too close to call!

With the Steelers playing the Raven's...I like their chances to end up #1 in both scoring D and #1 in yardage against D......and they'll still be the "Rodney Dangerfield" defense of the NFL this season.

 

[phthalatemagic]

sounds like another "*" for the record books

 

[freelander]

I'm not the source of all knowledge --- the Pats defense speaks for itself. It's not like this is some ancient language which only I can interpret. Just because a few jealous haters can't stand to acknowledge it doesn't change reality.

Spend more time enjoying your own team and less fixating about whichever teams beat your ###.

Boller and Feely must be idiot savants.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I'm not the source of all knowledge --- the Pats defense speaks for itself. It's not like this is some ancient language which only I can interpret. Just because a few jealous haters can't stand to acknowledge it doesn't change reality.

Spend more time enjoying your own team and less fixating about whichever teams beat your ###.

Boller and Feely must be idiot savants.

Don't rain on his parade. They're the number one defense in the NFL because "he watches them play every week"..........

 

[Footballg]

I'm not the source of all knowledge --- the Pats defense speaks for itself. It's not like this is some ancient language which only I can interpret. Just because a few jealous haters can't stand to acknowledge it doesn't change reality.

Spend more time enjoying your own team and less fixating about whichever teams beat your ###.

Boller and Feely must be idiot savants.

Yeah -- who'd they beat?

 

[cws3030]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

 

[Road Warriors]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

But what about the 1st half while that offense was putting up 20+? The D was holding teams out of the endzone then, too, before the games got out of reach. If the Pats offense was, say #7 overall, and the team was 13-2 or 12-3 right now, this D would be getting all the love. What I see is a very good NFL defense paired with an historic offense. Right now, there aren't many other team D I'd take over the Pats. Which ones would you rather have, this year?

 

[Footballg]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

 

[CA_7]

No green light in the red zone

Globe Staff / December 11, 2007

FOXBOROUGH - Rodney Harrison said the Patriots had nowhere to go but up in red zone defense. For much of the season, they've ranked last in the NFL - but not anymore.

After holding the Pittsburgh Steelers without a touchdown in three red zone trips in a 34-13 victory Sunday, the Patriots moved up to 31st in the league in red zone defense. They have allowed 20 touchdowns in 31 possessions (64.5 percent). The Dolphins are last with 28 touchdowns allowed in 43 trips (65.1 percent).

http://www.boston.com/sports/articles/2007...n_the_red_zone/

 

[freelander]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So? all teams do this throughout the year when they get up big... its a wash...besides, Brady is on record saying they want to "kill" teams... they don't call off the dogs on offense ...why not get the record for defensive scoring ?? no doubt that's on their "to do" list.

 

[Spike]

I'm not the source of all knowledge --- the Pats defense speaks for itself. It's not like this is some ancient language which only I can interpret. Just because a few jealous haters can't stand to acknowledge it doesn't change reality.Spend more time enjoying your own team and less fixating about whichever teams beat your ###.

Thanks for giving the Patriots haters more fuel to hate we Patriots fans who are not smarmy and condescending.

 

[Spike]

Here's the amazing stat to me:

The Patriots differential between points scored (551) and points allowed (239) is 312.

There are 14 teams in the league who have not scored 312 points.

 

[Finless]

These are the types of records you can expect from a team that's cheated it's way through the season.

*

 

[Footballg]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So? all teams do this throughout the year when they get up big... its a wash...

Apparently it wasn't a wash when you brought it up -- just when I corrected you.

 

[nerangers]

These are the types of records you can expect from a team that's cheated it's way through the season.*

*yawn*

 

[freelander]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So? all teams do this throughout the year when they get up big... its a wash...

Apparently it wasn't a wash when you brought it up -- just when I corrected you.

I brought what up? and where did you correct me?

 

[Chaz McNulty]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

 

[Ghost Rider]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You have to consider also that opposing offenses are often thinking "we have to score on almost every drive to keep up with the Patriots offense" or something along those lines. That kind of mentality can greatly affect how a team performs on offense, as it is almost like you are playing in panic mode. As a point of reference, the '99 Rams finished with the 6th ranked defense in the NFL, but most people who watched that team knows that the defense wasn't the 6th best in the league. Like the Patriots defense this year, that Rams defense benefited greatly by having an all-time great offense constantly putting the pressure on the offenses of their opponents.

 

[Footballg]

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I think that's the key phrase there. Don't confuse that with reality. Also, the reality is that I didn't mention them "easing up" on defense. Seriously -- we all like fantasy football, but stick to reality, you'll be better off in life.When you look at the season stats, season schedule, and watch the games, it's easy to recognize a top defense. Only a big time hater would claim otherwise.

 

[Chaz McNulty]

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I think that's the key phrase there. Don't confuse that with reality. Also, the reality is that I didn't mention them "easing up" on defense. Seriously -- we all like fantasy football, but stick to reality, you'll be better off in life.When you look at the season stats, season schedule, and watch the games, it's easy to recognize a top defense. Only a big time hater would claim otherwise.

Huh? Are you going to address the point of my post or just sit there and bleed. Here, let me spell it out for you. You claimed that the New England defense goes into "a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays". I replied with my post about how this makes no sense considering that the teams whole focus is to not let up. On offense they don't try to burn clock, so why would they try to do this on defense. The whole purpose of the prevent is to cause the other team to burn up alot of clock if they do score. It's easier to burn up clock on offense than it is on defense.Your point about New England giving up alot of garbage time TD's is incorrect. But I'm tired of wasting logic on a 16 year old homer.

 

[Raina]

Bucs and Pats happen to be my two favorite teams, too!

 

[Road Warriors]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

 

[Footballg]

Bucs and Pats happen to be my two favorite teams, too!

But I think we all know who is sexier between Brady and Garcia.ps whoeverI have asked people numerous times to make me a list of 3-5 defenses that are better than the Pats. They usually disappear after that......

 

[freelander]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

In our league scoring, Seattle was top scorer with NE second... followed closely (like < 0.6 pts per game difference) by Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers ...

 

[Road Warriors]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

In our league scoring, Seattle was top scorer with NE second... followed closely (like < 0.6 pts per game difference) by Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers ...

So, NE D, good in fantasy, good in reality.

 

[freelander]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

In our league scoring, Seattle was top scorer with NE second... followed closely (like < 0.6 pts per game difference) by Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers ...

So, NE D, good in fantasy, good in reality.

My point was more that in our league scoring, NE defense was not a standout at all and gave no advantage over teams with Seattle, Vikings, SD or Pittsburgh D.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You have to consider also that opposing offenses are often thinking "we have to score on almost every drive to keep up with the Patriots offense" or something along those lines. That kind of mentality can greatly affect how a team performs on offense, as it is almost like you are playing in panic mode.

As a point of reference, the '99 Rams finished with the 6th ranked defense in the NFL, but most people who watched that team knows that the defense wasn't the 6th best in the league. Like the Patriots defense this year, that Rams defense benefited greatly by having an all-time great offense constantly putting the pressure on the offenses of their opponents.

True. But you could also look at it like every team is doing their best to score on the Pats, because as you say they have to in order to keep up, but even with that the Pats are within a few points of allowing the least points in the NFL.Having said that, I think we can agree on a good measuring stick. Let's keep track of how many points the Pats give up to the Steelers, Colts and Packers in post-season (assuming better seeds win out, with the exception of the Cowboys who don't have a prayer with Jessica's boyfriend at QB) and then come back and re-evaluate after the post-season. If the Pats give up 30+ in each game, let's agree they're mediocre at best. If they hold 2 out of 3 teams to less than 20 points, let's acknowledge the potency of the defense as well.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Bucs and Pats happen to be my two favorite teams, too!

But I think we all know who is sexier between Brady and Garcia.ps whoeverI have asked people numerous times to make me a list of 3-5 defenses that are better than the Pats. They usually disappear after that......

You can make a pretty good case for Bucs, Steelers (with TroyP) and Colts (with Sanders) as being better. After that, I dunno.

 

[Bill Lust]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You have to consider also that opposing offenses are often thinking "we have to score on almost every drive to keep up with the Patriots offense" or something along those lines. That kind of mentality can greatly affect how a team performs on offense, as it is almost like you are playing in panic mode.

As a point of reference, the '99 Rams finished with the 6th ranked defense in the NFL, but most people who watched that team knows that the defense wasn't the 6th best in the league. Like the Patriots defense this year, that Rams defense benefited greatly by having an all-time great offense constantly putting the pressure on the offenses of their opponents.

With all due respect, I think that you are reaching. 2006

Points per game allowed: 2nd

Yards per game allowed: 6th

2007

Points per game allowed: 1st (tied)

Yards per game allowed: 4th

I think you will agree that the Pats offense in 2006 was nowhere near what it is now. Maybe the defense has benefited a little, but it is a stretch to suggest that this is coming out of nowhere. They were one of the top 3-4 defenses last year, and they are one of the top 3-4 defenses this year.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You have to consider also that opposing offenses are often thinking "we have to score on almost every drive to keep up with the Patriots offense" or something along those lines. That kind of mentality can greatly affect how a team performs on offense, as it is almost like you are playing in panic mode.

As a point of reference, the '99 Rams finished with the 6th ranked defense in the NFL, but most people who watched that team knows that the defense wasn't the 6th best in the league. Like the Patriots defense this year, that Rams defense benefited greatly by having an all-time great offense constantly putting the pressure on the offenses of their opponents.

With all due respect, I think that you are reaching. 2006

Points per game allowed: 2nd

Yards per game allowed: 6th

2007

Points per game allowed: 1st (tied)

Yards per game allowed: 4th

I think you will agree that the Pats offense in 2006 was nowhere near what it is now. Maybe the defense has benefited a little, but it is a stretch to suggest that this is coming out of nowhere. They were one of the top 3-4 defenses last year, and they are one of the top 3-4 defenses this year.

 

[Road Warriors]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

In our league scoring, Seattle was top scorer with NE second... followed closely (like < 0.6 pts per game difference) by Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers ...

So, NE D, good in fantasy, good in reality.

My point was more that in our league scoring, NE defense was not a standout at all and gave no advantage over teams with Seattle, Vikings, SD or Pittsburgh D.

And my point was that the NE D is a top tier NFL defense. Not historic, not even the best. Just one of the best. You proved my point for me. Thanks for playing!

 

[Chaz McNulty]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

I agree that the defense is very good, and I have no problem that they play hard for 60 minutes. I was just pointing out to footballg that his argument about them playing soft was rediculous. I would be willing to say they are definitely a top 10 defense and possibly top 5.

 

[freelander]

i'm going to go out on a limb here and say when you're offense puts up 20+ points in the first half and teams have to force the ball down field, the defense benefits greatly... if pats def. had the baltimore offense from 2001 there is no way they would be as good as the ravens def. was that year. i'm not saying they are rubbish but their offense has helped them greatly.

You could say that if you wanted -- but is it true?I'd say when teams get blown out at the half the Pats are more likely to give up meaningless yardage in garbage time, whether it's by putting substandard offensive packages on the field, or playing a lot of snaps in nickel, dime, prevent, etc, letting teams drive while corking big plays. When Miami is down 35, or whatever, and goes on a long 6 minute TD drive late in the 3rd, what does that get them other than burning 6 more minutes off the clock? Go back and watch the Ravens game --- check out the first 3 quarters and compare it to the type of defense they played in the 4th. Check the defense they played against Indy and Dallas in the second halves when the games were close.I think you're farther out on that limb than you planned on being.

So you're basically saying that when New England is up big they offensively keep their foot on the other teams throat, but defensively ease up a bit. It seems to me like they go for broke on both sides of the ball. Only a big time homer would claim otherwise.

I agree with you. The D does continue to play hard for 60 minutes. Is that the problem? They're at the top of the NFL in scoring Defense because they play hard the whole game? I've asked this elsewhere in the thread, but I'll pose it to you, as well. The NE team is comprised of a very good NFL defense, and a historic offense. What other NFL team D would you trade right now for the Pats D? Can you name 3? 5? that you'd rather have right now?

In our league scoring, Seattle was top scorer with NE second... followed closely (like < 0.6 pts per game difference) by Vikings, Chargers, and Steelers ...

So, NE D, good in fantasy, good in reality.

My point was more that in our league scoring, NE defense was not a standout at all and gave no advantage over teams with Seattle, Vikings, SD or Pittsburgh D.

And my point was that the NE D is a top tier NFL defense. Not historic, not even the best. Just one of the best. You proved my point for me. Thanks for playing!

..and gee, I never said differently...and agree..you guys are really sensitive...

 

[posty]

I watch their games and follow the NFL.

Congratulations... So what do you want, a medal?