Colts are still biggest threat to Patriots (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

By Michael David Smith:

The Colts will be just fine.

Seventy minutes of football ago, the Colts were the best team in the NFL. With 10 minutes remaining in their Week 9 game against the Patriots, Peyton Manning scored a touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak, giving the Colts a 20-10 lead. At that moment, you would have been hard-pressed to find a football fan in America who could name a flaw with the defending Super Bowl champions.

And then they got outscored 14-0 over the rest of the game, and then they lost to the Chargers a week later, and now the flaws are as apparent as Manning's forehead.

Most of the flaws have to do with injuries: Defensive end Dwight Freeney is out for the season with a foot injury. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison has missed four games with a knee injury, and the guy who should be taking his place, rookie Anthony Gonzalez, is out with a hand injury. Tight end Dallas Clark sat out the loss to the Chargers with a concussion, and a concussion has sidelined starting outside linebacker Freddy Keiaho for five games. The other starting outside linebacker, Tyjuan Hagler, has missed the last two games with a neck injury. Just about every offensive tackle on the roster is injured to some extent.

And there are problems with the healthy guys, too: Manning threw a career-high six interceptions against the Chargers, Reggie Wayne is dropping passes, Adam Vinatieri is missing chip-shots and Tony Dungy is wasting timeouts.

So does that mean the Colts are in trouble?

No. It means the Colts are going through a rough patch of the season, just like almost every football team does at some point. It's a stretch, remember, that has seen them lose two games by a grand total of six points. That's nowhere near as bad as the bump in the road the Colts hit last year, when they went from 9-0 in mid-November to 11-4 in late December and couldn't tackle anyone to save their lives.

The only area of the team that really needs to concern the Colts is the special teams. It's hard to overstate just how bad Vinatieri has been this year — so bad that if he weren't the NFL's most famous and highest-paid kicker, they'd cut him — but he's not the only problem. For all their successes in the player personnel department, the Colts just don't put guys on their 53-man roster who know how to cover punts and kickoffs, and that means the Colts are going to lose the field position battle all season.

But they can afford to lose the field position battle because their defense — even without Freeney — is one of the best in the league. These aren't the Colts of November and December 2006. Indianapolis got better in the off-season by letting cornerbacks Jason David and Nick Harper go, getting safety Bob Sanders healthy and adding one of the surprise players of the season in undrafted rookie defensive tackle Ed Johnson. Will the Colts miss Freeney? Of course. But this defense is still in good shape, miles ahead of where it was last year.

Another area where the Colts are better now than they were a year ago is the running game. The combination of Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith this year is better than the combination of Addai and Dominic Rhodes was last year. Addai, now in his second NFL season, looks like he has a better understanding of his role in the offense. And Keith, who had never played an NFL game until this season, has great running instincts and is a better back now than Rhodes ever was. Keith averages 4.6 yards a carry this year; Rhodes averaged 3.4 last year.

It sounds crazy to say, but if there's an area of weakness on the Colts, other than the special teams, it's the passing offense. If you had asked Manning six months ago which teammates he could least afford to lose, it's entirely possible that the first three names he would have mentioned would have been Harrison, Clark and left tackle Tarik Glenn, who retired just before the season. Not only have the Colts lost all three of those players, they've also lost the two rookies they drafted to be backups to Harrison and Glenn, Gonzalez and Tony Ugoh. No passing attack, not even one as potent as the Colts', can withstand those losses without a decline in production.

But even without all those players Sunday night, Manning still managed to find a way to throw for 328 yards and drive the Colts into position to kick a game-winning field goal late in the game. Harrison, Clark, Gonzalez and Ugoh are all expected to be healthy come playoff time, and when they are, the Colts' passing attack will be back to its usual outstanding self. (The one injury they can't afford, obviously, is to Manning; it probably goes without saying that this team isn't getting to the Super Bowl with Jim Sorgi under center.

The best news for the Colts is that their schedule gets easier. They get the Chiefs at home on Sunday, and their other three home games down the stretch are against their three divisional opponents, the Jaguars, Texans and Titans, all of whom the Colts have already beaten on the road. Their three road opponents are the Falcons, Ravens and Raiders. With that schedule, there's no reason at all that the Colts can't finish the season on a seven-game winning streak, which would put them at 14-2, two games better than they were last year.

When you get right down to it, the 2007 Colts are a better team than the 2006 Colts. The only problem is that the 2007 Patriots are a better team than the 2006 Colts, too. The large presence of the Patriots looms over the entire season, but if anyone is going to beat New England, my money is still on Indianapolis.

 

[Despyzer]

If I was a Pats fan, i think this would make me feel pretty good.

 

[timschochet]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

 

[Routilla]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

 

[DropKick]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

There are a lot of snaps between now and then, teams can fade, rise or succumb to injury. I say just enjoy this week's games and don't try to speculate that far.

 

[Fantaholic]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

eriod:

 

[Whizzinator]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

Of course, the Pats beat Dallas going away by 21...on the road.They beat Indy on the road and Indy has lost their best defensive player since then---likely mooting out the return of Harrison, etc in a re-match.And the Pats still play GB and Pitt.Should be interesting, but you have to consider the Pats a big favorite at this point.

 

[boneman2]

nice read timschochet.

Bob Sanders is a little assasin with 4.3 speed, he's the reason Indy's defense is pretty good. As long as Bob stays healthy Indy's D will continue to try and match his intensity, w/o Bob they are the defense that closed out the 06' season.

 

[twitch]

How 'bout them NINERS???!

 

[Fantaholic]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

Of course, the Pats beat Dallas going away by 21...on the road.They beat Indy on the road and Indy has lost their best defensive player since then---likely mooting out the return of Harrison, etc in a re-match.

And the Pats still play GB and Pitt.

Should be interesting, but you have to consider the Pats a big favorite at this point.

really??? Do you know of any other secret games coming up besides the Pats/GB? Is it in GB or NE? I would love to get tix

 

[zoonation]

I think Dallas will give NE everything they can handle in Jan. (early Feb.) Unless IND gets healthy the Pats walk through the AFC

 

[BigSteelThrill]

If I was a Pats fan, i think this would make me feel pretty good.

The FootballOutsiders's are Pats fans. Just for the record.

 

[Routilla]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

eriod:

Good luck with that.

 

[twitch]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

 

[Perfect Tommy]

If NE manages to defeat PIT later this season, the Superbowl should be NE/GB. That way the Patriots would have an opportunity to beat all four of the other premium teams. And just imagine the hype for that game. Brett Favre against the invincible Patriots! The great team against the great player. The team of the ages against the aged superstar. In the media it would be 53 against 1. If the Patriots were to win the game, they would probably be viewed as the greatest team ever, having defeated every top team in the league. And, if Favre did somehow win that game, it would permenantly imbed him in the American psyche as the embodiment of everything that is great about football.

 

[Borat]

As a Pats fan, I agree completely that Indy is the biggest threat.

That being said, the Freeney injury was a big blow. Freeney plays very well against Matt Light.

 

[Routilla]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

 

[eom]

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs

it was 21-17 pats at the half, you idiot.maybe you'll make some progress and only get beat by 2 scores this time, but I doubt it.

 

[Routilla]

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs

it was 21-17 pats at the half, you idiot.maybe you'll make some progress and only get beat by 2 scores this time, but I doubt it.

Wrong, it was 24-21 Dallas in the 3rd and they let up. Learn some manners with the name calling, it elimintes any credibility you may think you have.

 

[twitch]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

I expect it'll be significant. That game between the 'boys and Favre and co. is gonna be a monster. I'll be looking for the progress in that one.

 

[eom]

I'm not too worried about garnering credibility w/some anonymous drunken internet troll who apparently has learning disabilities.

wtf would dallas let up?

if they did, they have about as much sense as you do.

face it, homer --- they got their asses beat by a far better team.

if anybody let up in that game, it was what saved you from a four score beating.

if you didn't see the game, it was 21-17 at the half -- look it up.

 

[Bankerguy]

Anyone who watched the Cowboys/Pats should know it was not a blow out or an easy game for NE. Not to mention Dallas was missing 3 starters. IF they meet in the SB I hope NE comes in as over confident as their fans. Dallas can ball.

 

[eom]

just hope you can get by green bay then you can start worrying about your grudge match.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Turn the tool factor way down in here.

 

[Routilla]

Turn the tool factor way down in here.

"Tool" is quite an understatement wouldn't you say?

 

[Routilla]

I'm not too worried about garnering credibility w/some anonymous drunken internet troll who apparently has learning disabilities.wtf would dallas let up?if they did, they have about as much sense as you do.face it, homer --- they got their asses beat by a far better team.if anybody let up in that game, it was what saved you from a four score beating.if you didn't see the game, it was 21-17 at the half -- look it up.

Brilliant post. Your intellectual capabilities are obvious. However, I must discard your future posts via the Ignore feature due to your classless qualities. Good luck in life though.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

just hope you can get by green bay then you can start worrying about your grudge match.

Yes, it's odd to me that everyone's taking for granted that it'll be Dallas in the Super Bowl. It would be more understandable if they had already played and beaten GB in the regular season, but even so, it's likely that they'll meet in the NFC championship (or anyway, as likely as anything one can project 2 months prior).

 

[Routilla]

just hope you can get by green bay then you can start worrying about your grudge match.

Yes, it's odd to me that everyone's taking for granted that it'll be Dallas in the Super Bowl. It would be more understandable if they had already played and beaten GB in the regular season, but even so, it's likely that they'll meet in the NFC championship (or anyway, as likely as anything one can project 2 months prior).

I'm not taking it for granted. I said "if Dallas gets to the SB" which is clearly no guarantee. I know GB is really good and in this league you just never know week in and week out.

 

[Fantaholic]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

IF girls had pee-pees, they'd be guys. IF any team out plays any given team for 4 quarters, 3 periods, nine innings, etc THEY WOULD WIN? Genious

 

[timschochet]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

IF girls had pee-pees, they'd be guys. IF any team out plays any given team for 4 quarters, 3 periods, nine innings, etc THEY WOULD WIN? Genious

That special sense of class that only certain Patriot homers seem to have is on full display in this thread.

 

[Fantaholic]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

IF girls had pee-pees, they'd be guys. IF any team out plays any given team for 4 quarters, 3 periods, nine innings, etc THEY WOULD WIN? Genious

That special sense of class that only certain Patriot homers seem to have is on full display in this thread.

You're right! In fact the only thing more obvious on a consistent basis is your dislike for anyone or anyhting New England.

 

[Routilla]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

IF girls had pee-pees, they'd be guys. IF any team out plays any given team for 4 quarters, 3 periods, nine innings, etc THEY WOULD WIN? Genious genius

Let me clarify. My claim is that DAL played good enough to win for about 2 1/2 Qs. If they had continued at that level for 4Qs then they could have won. They may not have won but they certainly could have won. If I was not clear then I apologize. I am simply stating that the same effort for 4Qs could have been good enough to win. It's not really a stretch to think this considering they showed promise for more than 1/2 the game. Again I point out that I am not dismissing GB or any other team in the NFC, and I also think there may be a team or 2 in the AFC that is not ready to just give it to NE either. Let the season play out and let's see what happens. Oh, and you don't have to call me a genius. I appreciate it though.

 

[Green and Gold]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

I completely understand the thinking that Dallas has a chance against NE, of course they do. I don't know exactly what you mean by 'beat them for 2 1/2 quarters', though. Breakdown of scoring:

1st Quarter: 14 for NE, 0 for Dallas

2nd Quarter: 17 Dallas, 7 NE

3rd Quarter: 10 NE, 7 Dallas

4th Quarter: 17 NE, 3 Dallas

I guess I don't get it.

 

[Routilla]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

I completely understand the thinking that Dallas has a chance against NE, of course they do. I don't know exactly what you mean by 'beat them for 2 1/2 quarters', though. Breakdown of scoring:

1st Quarter: 14 for NE, 0 for Dallas

2nd Quarter: 17 Dallas, 7 NE

3rd Quarter: 10 NE, 7 Dallas

4th Quarter: 17 NE, 3 Dallas

I guess I don't get it.

I didn't add up the minutes into the 3rd after Dallas took the lead 24-21. Clearly they let down after that or NE played better. Either way at that point in the 3rd Dallas was winning, or did I miss the scoring sequence there?

 

[timschochet]

look, we don't need to break down whether Dallas was competitive for 2 quarters, or whether Indy was competitive for 3 quarters. IMO it's a waste of time arguing this with certain NE fans who don't want to acknowledge that any team could ever challenge thier Patriots. Let them think that. If they want to be rude in their posts and try to shut down all discussion, that's up to them, their loss.

The point is this: the other 4 really good teams, Indy, Dallas, GB, Pittsburgh, all have certain things in common:

1. Great QB play

2. Good running attack

3. Good Oline

4. Balanced offense

5. Great defense for stopping the run

6. Good to great defense for stopping the pass.

Any of these 4 teams could challenge NE. All of them have a perfectly legitimate chance to be SB champion this year. NE will have to beat at least two of them to win out.

 

[Green and Gold]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

I completely understand the thinking that Dallas has a chance against NE, of course they do. I don't know exactly what you mean by 'beat them for 2 1/2 quarters', though. Breakdown of scoring:

1st Quarter: 14 for NE, 0 for Dallas

2nd Quarter: 17 Dallas, 7 NE

3rd Quarter: 10 NE, 7 Dallas

4th Quarter: 17 NE, 3 Dallas

I guess I don't get it.

I didn't add up the minutes into the 3rd after Dallas took the lead 24-21. Clearly they let down after that or NE played better. Either way at that point in the 3rd Dallas was winning, or did I miss the scoring sequence there?

Oh, I see what you're saying. You're saying that a team outplays another team until the last point they were ahead. Thus, since Dallas moved ahead of the Pats for a few minutes during the 3rd quarter, you contend that they outplayed the Patriots all of the quarters before that. Slightly odd way of looking at it, but I get it. To use another example, when the Titans beat the Texans 38-36, the Texans were up 36-35 with 1 minute to play. So by your contention, the Texans outplayed the Titans for 3 and 14/15ths quarters, even though the Titans were ahead 32-7 after the 3rd quarter ended.Am I on target?

 

[twitch]

The 2 1/2 quarter comment seemed a little silly, but it was a fan's opinion. And it was just an opinion. That on a day when Dallas brought a full game's effort, with some of their absent players, the results could be different. And its really indisputable. Because noone can say that it cant be done. Right now, NE owns no more of this year's Lombardi trophy than Dallas or Cleveland for that matter. Heck, New England only beat the Browns by 17 at home. Now, there's a team that brought a full effort. That was a game. And they gave Pittsburgh a game. And both were on the road. I dont have a problem with Dallas fans showing a little lack of respect toward the Patriots. We're just fans, and we're gonna be that way. But Im just gonna give a little more credit to a team like the Browns because they took the league's best 2 teams both to the 4th quarter, and gave no excuses when they fell short. Just a little more respect there.

 

[twitch]

By the way. HOW 'BOUT THEM NINERS??!

 

[Routilla]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

I completely understand the thinking that Dallas has a chance against NE, of course they do. I don't know exactly what you mean by 'beat them for 2 1/2 quarters', though. Breakdown of scoring:

1st Quarter: 14 for NE, 0 for Dallas

2nd Quarter: 17 Dallas, 7 NE

3rd Quarter: 10 NE, 7 Dallas

4th Quarter: 17 NE, 3 Dallas

I guess I don't get it.

I didn't add up the minutes into the 3rd after Dallas took the lead 24-21. Clearly they let down after that or NE played better. Either way at that point in the 3rd Dallas was winning, or did I miss the scoring sequence there?

Oh, I see what you're saying. You're saying that a team outplays another team until the last point they were ahead. Thus, since Dallas moved ahead of the Pats for a few minutes during the 3rd quarter, you contend that they outplayed the Patriots all of the quarters before that. Slightly odd way of looking at it, but I get it. To use another example, when the Titans beat the Texans 38-36, the Texans were up 36-35 with 1 minute to play. So by your contention, the Texans outplayed the Titans for 3 and 14/15ths quarters, even though the Titans were ahead 32-7 after the 3rd quarter ended.Am I on target?

No. I am simply stating that had they continued with the same effort for the rest of the game they could have won the game. They may not have but they certainly could have. NE is the favorite right now and deservedly so, but I do not think they are head and shoulders above every other team in the league based on the success that both IND and DAL have had against them. I made no mention of "outplaying" anyone. It's about the score of the game into the 3rd Q. If DAL had not been able to overcome the 14 pt deficit from the 1st Q then I would not think they were capable of beating NE.

 

[Routilla]

I dont have a problem with Dallas fans showing a little lack of respect toward the Patriots. We're just fans, and we're gonna be that way. But Im just gonna give a little more credit to a team like the Browns because they took the league's best 2 teams both to the 4th quarter, and gave no excuses when they fell short. Just a little more respect there.

I'm not sure who you are directing the "lack of respect" comment towards. I have clearly stated that NE is the favorite right now. Just because I can see them losing does not mean I don't respect them. I am not giving excuses either as NE clearly outplayed DAL from midway through the 3rd Q until the end of the game. It is your opinion that NE and PIT are the best 2 teams in the league. I may disagree but I wouldn't call it a lack of respect on your part. It and the topic of who might beat NE are debatable.

 

[Fantaholic]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

IF girls had pee-pees, they'd be guys. IF any team out plays any given team for 4 quarters, 3 periods, nine innings, etc THEY WOULD WIN? Genious genius

Let me clarify. My claim is that DAL played good enough to win for about 2 1/2 Qs. If they had continued at that level for 4Qs then they could have won. They may not have won but they certainly could have won. If I was not clear then I apologize. I am simply stating that the same effort for 4Qs could have been good enough to win. It's not really a stretch to think this considering they showed promise for more than 1/2 the game. Again I point out that I am not dismissing GB or any other team in the NFC, and I also think there may be a team or 2 in the AFC that is not ready to just give it to NE either. Let the season play out and let's see what happens. Oh, and you don't have to call me a genius. I appreciate it though.

I wasn't trying to be a ####. I just wanted to make a point. Whether you believe Dallas let up or NE picked it up for the remainder of the game is all subjective. Personally, I think it's obvious that Dallas can beat the Pats because they did outplay us in that first half. It was the only time this season that I felt uneasy about how a game was going. I think much like the Indy and Patriots game the GB/Dallas game will answer many questions. Talking about who is the best in the NFC is a matter of opinion until the two teams meet. If Dallas beats GB convincingly, then you have to say that they are the second best team in the NFL right now. Furthermore, my initial post to you was suggesting there's no way Dallas beats NE in the bowl. That, is purely subjective and simply correct

 

[Green and Gold]

Obviously I remain fascinated by this subject, which I think is the key discussion for the rest of the year. Everyone agrees that New England is the best team. But there are four other really really good teams, (Indy, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay) none of whom have very many flaws, any of whom could easily be a Superbowl Champion in any other year, and all of whom could challenge NE this year. The Pats will have to face two of these four teams to win the championship. Which two will they face?

All I know is if Dallas gets to the SB they will win it, and you can put it in 3 inch headlines!

Dallas is playing great ball, so I fully expect them to get there this year. But its a little uncertain how Romo will stand up to playoff pressure. As much as I love the kid, we just dont have much to go off of. But obviously its been done before by others. But 3 inch headlines? After getting it dropped on you in YOUR HOUSE? Cmon, now. If you only knew how funny that sounds.

We beat them for 2 1/2 Qs and expect we play 4 Qs next time if Dallas can get by GB. 4 Qs would have earned a win last time. All I am predicting is progress.

I completely understand the thinking that Dallas has a chance against NE, of course they do. I don't know exactly what you mean by 'beat them for 2 1/2 quarters', though. Breakdown of scoring:

1st Quarter: 14 for NE, 0 for Dallas

2nd Quarter: 17 Dallas, 7 NE

3rd Quarter: 10 NE, 7 Dallas

4th Quarter: 17 NE, 3 Dallas

I guess I don't get it.

I didn't add up the minutes into the 3rd after Dallas took the lead 24-21. Clearly they let down after that or NE played better. Either way at that point in the 3rd Dallas was winning, or did I miss the scoring sequence there?

Oh, I see what you're saying. You're saying that a team outplays another team until the last point they were ahead. Thus, since Dallas moved ahead of the Pats for a few minutes during the 3rd quarter, you contend that they outplayed the Patriots all of the quarters before that. Slightly odd way of looking at it, but I get it. To use another example, when the Titans beat the Texans 38-36, the Texans were up 36-35 with 1 minute to play. So by your contention, the Texans outplayed the Titans for 3 and 14/15ths quarters, even though the Titans were ahead 32-7 after the 3rd quarter ended.Am I on target?

No. I am simply stating that had they continued with the same effort for the rest of the game they could have won the game. They may not have but they certainly could have. NE is the favorite right now and deservedly so, but I do not think they are head and shoulders above every other team in the league based on the success that both IND and DAL have had against them. I made no mention of "outplaying" anyone. It's about the score of the game into the 3rd Q. If DAL had not been able to overcome the 14 pt deficit from the 1st Q then I would not think they were capable of beating NE.

Agreed, Dallas is capable of beating NE. They'll be an underdog, and deservedly so, but I don't think it would be by that much.

 

[Darth Cheney]

I'll tell you. I despise Peyton Manning and have really had no axes to grind in regards to this Patriot team but some of their fans make it really hard to appreciate the way this team plays.

 

[timschochet]

I'll tell you. I despise Peyton Manning and have really had no axes to grind in regards to this Patriot team but some of their fans make it really hard to appreciate the way this team plays.

Before I respond to your post, let me just comment that "Darth Cheney" is a hilarious name...Don't blame the team for one or two obnoxious fans who happen to post here. Of course the team itself is also obnoxious, and you can certainly blame them for that...

 

[TD Ryan]

Anyone who watched the Cowboys/Pats should know it was not a blow out or an easy game for NE. Not to mention Dallas was missing 3 starters.

I agree. It was not a blowout at all, it was a competitive game.Not to mention NE was without their best defensive player (R Seymour), Rodney Harrison, and L Maroney.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Right now the Steelers are better than the Colts. They do everything the Chargers do but much better. If they played right now I'm not sure if Peyton Manning would finish the game from getting beat so badly.

 

[Footballg]

No. I am simply stating that had they continued with the same effort for the rest of the game they could have won the game. They may not have but they certainly could have. NE is the favorite right now and deservedly so, but I do not think they are head and shoulders above every other team in the league based on the success that both IND and DAL have had against them. I made no mention of "outplaying" anyone. It's about the score of the game into the 3rd Q. If DAL had not been able to overcome the 14 pt deficit from the 1st Q then I would not think they were capable of beating NE.

By saying they dogged it in their biggest game of the season you just make them look even worse than they already do, not that it's even remotely true ---- just another excuse. I know this is actually asking the impossible from a Dallas fan, but for once in your life try to show a little class and just accept that the Cowboys were beaten by the better team. If these teams meet again in the superbowl, I make New England a 20 point favorite. All you're doing is embarrassing yourself and your team with all this nonsense about how good the Cowboys are because they only got beat by 21. Wait....this isn't Patrick Crayton, by any chance, is it....?

 

[timschochet]

This post, which is supposed to be about the Colts, seems to be hijacked by reliving Dallas vs. New England.

That's fine, I'll join in the fun. Dallas lost that game because their defense was unable to contain the Patriots potent offense. Dallas' offense was fine, but it couldn't keep up in the long run. For Dallas to win a rematch, they will have to find a way to contain the NE offense. Can they? I don't know. I do suspect that Pittsburgh, Green Bay and Indy all have a better chance of doing so. Of the 4 teams that could challenge NE's supremacy, Dallas matches up against them the worst, because of their poor secondary. That is why, IF the Patriots make it past Pitt/Indy to the SB, I would rather see them face the Packers. Green Bay may or may not be a better team than the Cowboys, but they match up better against NE. And matchups are all that matters...

 

[Routilla]

No. I am simply stating that had they continued with the same effort for the rest of the game they could have won the game. They may not have but they certainly could have. NE is the favorite right now and deservedly so, but I do not think they are head and shoulders above every other team in the league based on the success that both IND and DAL have had against them. I made no mention of "outplaying" anyone. It's about the score of the game into the 3rd Q. If DAL had not been able to overcome the 14 pt deficit from the 1st Q then I would not think they were capable of beating NE.

By saying they dogged it in their biggest game of the season you just make them look even worse than they already do, not that it's even remotely true ---- just another excuse. I know this is actually asking the impossible from a Dallas fan, but for once in your life try to show a little class and just accept that the Cowboys were beaten by the better team. If these teams meet again in the superbowl, I make New England a 20 point favorite. All you're doing is embarrassing yourself and your team with all this nonsense about how good the Cowboys are because they only got beat by 21. Wait....this isn't Patrick Crayton, by any chance, is it....?

Another brilliant post. Try again.

 

[Routilla]

This post, which is supposed to be about the Colts, seems to be hijacked by reliving Dallas vs. New England. That's fine, I'll join in the fun. Dallas lost that game because their defense was unable to contain the Patriots potent offense. Dallas' offense was fine, but it couldn't keep up in the long one. For Dallas to win a rematch, they will have to find a way to contain the NE offense. Can they? I don't know. I do suspect that Pittsburgh, Green Bay and Indy all have a better chance of doing so. Of the 4 teams that could challenge NE's supremacy, Dallas matches up against them the worst, because of their poor secondary. That is why, IF the Patriots make it past Pitt/Indy to the SB, I would rather see them face the Packers. Green Bay may or may not be a better team than the Cowboys, but they match up better against NE. And matchups are all that matters...

In the AFC I think both IND and PIT are both threats, sorry for any hi-jack. Most of my posts were in response to attacks from others.