*** GAME THREAD *** New England v. Philadelphia (1 Viewer)

[Johnny Ice]

the eagles wont be pushovers, our defense will help keep us in the game, and westbrook again is the key, if NE shuts him down we're done, I really think if the eagles play a nice balanced gameplan (not too much blitzing, getting pressure on brady wont affect him as much as some of these younger QBs), If i had to bet straight up Id take the Pats, even though my hearts with philly, I think they can keep it close, and have a decent shot at winning itoh ya TO WILL PLAY,

There's no way that the Patriots can shut down Westbrook and not leave someone else wide open. That's the beauty of the Eagles' offense. McNabb and the Eagles have the big play ability that the Steelers didn't have.

Who else is big play outside of Westbrook, I can only think of McNabb's ability to run.

 

[jcab2000]

the eagles wont be pushovers, our defense will help keep us in the game, and westbrook again is the key, if NE shuts him down we're done, I really think if the eagles play a nice balanced gameplan (not too much blitzing, getting pressure on brady wont affect him as much as some of these younger QBs), If i had to bet straight up Id take the Pats, even though my hearts with philly, I think they can keep it close, and have a decent shot at winning itoh ya TO WILL PLAY,

There's no way that the Patriots can shut down Westbrook and not leave someone else wide open. That's the beauty of the Eagles' offense. McNabb and the Eagles have the big play ability that the Steelers didn't have.

Who else is big play outside of Westbrook, I can only think of McNabb's ability to run.

Greg Lewis made some big plays yesterday, Pinkston has big play ability. McNabb has had great success throwing deep this year. If the Patriots are committed to stopping Westbrook by double teaming him, they are going to leave Greg Lewis or Owens or Pinkston single covered. They can and have gone deep all year whenever teams start trying to key on Westbrook.The Patriots best bet is if they get some great pressure on McNabb with their front four, which is not something that teams have had much luck with against him recently.

 

[ballpwh]

LJ Smith will make some big catches.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

the eagles wont  be pushovers, our defense will help keep us in the game, and westbrook again is the key, if NE shuts him down we're done, I really think if the eagles play a nice balanced gameplan (not too much blitzing, getting pressure on brady wont affect him as much as some of these younger QBs), If i had to bet straight up Id take the Pats, even though my hearts with philly, I think they can keep it close, and have a decent shot at winning itoh ya TO WILL PLAY,

There's no way that the Patriots can shut down Westbrook and not leave someone else wide open. That's the beauty of the Eagles' offense. McNabb and the Eagles have the big play ability that the Steelers didn't have.

With NO disrespect to the Eagles, your logic doesn't work. Tell it to Harrison, Wayne, Stokely, James and Manning. You'll need Owens to match the offensive firepower of the Colts, and look what happened to them.

 

[jcab2000]

the eagles wont be pushovers, our defense will help keep us in the game, and westbrook again is the key, if NE shuts him down we're done, I really think if the eagles play a nice balanced gameplan (not too much blitzing, getting pressure on brady wont affect him as much as some of these younger QBs), If i had to bet straight up Id take the Pats, even though my hearts with philly, I think they can keep it close, and have a decent shot at winning itoh ya TO WILL PLAY,

There's no way that the Patriots can shut down Westbrook and not leave someone else wide open. That's the beauty of the Eagles' offense. McNabb and the Eagles have the big play ability that the Steelers didn't have.

With NO disrespect to the Eagles, your logic doesn't work. Tell it to Harrison, Wayne, Stokely, James and Manning. You'll need Owens to match the offensive firepower of the Colts, and look what happened to them.

Reid isn't as big of a moron as Dungy, so the logic does work. The Patriots can't key on stopping everything. Dungy didn't or wouldn't modify the gameplan. Either that or they didn't give Manning any advice on what plays to call.

 

[The Ref]

Coaching: Slight Edge to NE

Slight? Maybe I over rate BB more then others.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

the eagles wont  be pushovers, our defense will help keep us in the game, and westbrook again is the key, if NE shuts him down we're done, I really think if the eagles play a nice balanced gameplan (not too much blitzing, getting pressure on brady wont affect him as much as some of these younger QBs), If i had to bet straight up Id take the Pats, even though my hearts with philly, I think they can keep it close, and have a decent shot at winning itoh ya TO WILL PLAY,

There's no way that the Patriots can shut down Westbrook and not leave someone else wide open. That's the beauty of the Eagles' offense. McNabb and the Eagles have the big play ability that the Steelers didn't have.

With NO disrespect to the Eagles, your logic doesn't work. Tell it to Harrison, Wayne, Stokely, James and Manning. You'll need Owens to match the offensive firepower of the Colts, and look what happened to them.

Reid isn't as big of a moron as Dungy, so the logic does work. The Patriots can't key on stopping everything. Dungy didn't or wouldn't modify the gameplan. Either that or they didn't give Manning any advice on what plays to call.

I'm a big fan of Andy Reid, but I don't think you can write off what the Pats did against the Colts as being based on Dungy's stupidity. Have we seen the Colts offense change significantly as a result of Dungy's presence? Of course not. I'm pretty confident that Eagles will score a lot more than 3 points, but I'm going to object when you start making statements about shutting down player 1 forcing the Patriots to leave player 2 wide open. It is widely acknowledged that that is exactly what the Patriots do. Just because the Falcons couldn't shutdown Westbrook doesn't mean the Patriots can't.

 

[The Ref]

Considering that the terrible Colts D (19th in points allowed, 29th in yards allowed) to just 20 points, and the average Steelers O (11th in points scored, 14th in yards) scored 27 points, New England should just be happy to be here.

:rotflmao: Good one.... I thought you were serious there for a minute....

 

[jcab2000]

the eagles wont be pushovers, our defense will help keep us in the game, and westbrook again is the key, if NE shuts him down we're done, I really think if the eagles play a nice balanced gameplan (not too much blitzing, getting pressure on brady wont affect him as much as some of these younger QBs), If i had to bet straight up Id take the Pats, even though my hearts with philly, I think they can keep it close, and have a decent shot at winning itoh ya TO WILL PLAY,

There's no way that the Patriots can shut down Westbrook and not leave someone else wide open. That's the beauty of the Eagles' offense. McNabb and the Eagles have the big play ability that the Steelers didn't have.

With NO disrespect to the Eagles, your logic doesn't work. Tell it to Harrison, Wayne, Stokely, James and Manning. You'll need Owens to match the offensive firepower of the Colts, and look what happened to them.

Reid isn't as big of a moron as Dungy, so the logic does work. The Patriots can't key on stopping everything. Dungy didn't or wouldn't modify the gameplan. Either that or they didn't give Manning any advice on what plays to call.

I'm a big fan of Andy Reid, but I don't think you can write off what the Pats did against the Colts as being based on Dungy's stupidity. Have we seen the Colts offense change significantly as a result of Dungy's presence? Of course not. I'm pretty confident that Eagles will score a lot more than 3 points, but I'm going to object when you start making statements about shutting down player 1 forcing the Patriots to leave player 2 wide open. It is widely acknowledged that that is exactly what the Patriots do. Just because the Falcons couldn't shutdown Westbrook doesn't mean the Patriots can't.

The only time Westbrook was shut down this year was when he was returning from 2 broken ribs.And my point about Dungy is that he didn't adjust whatsoever to what the Pats were doing to take away the pass. He should have leaned on James A LOT and took what the Patriots were giving to them. Dungy and Manning were just trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole because of how successful they were all year. They didn't even consider that they could be stopped.

 

[Cocky Crow]

I know this isn't huge news, but the Eagles just signed Jeff Thomason to replace the void left by Chad Lewis. I didn't realize you could still make roster moves this late, but evidentally you can.I don't have a link (yet), but it was on the local news here. Remember Thomason from two years ago, he had an incredible td/pass ratio. LJ, and possibly a little Bartrum, need to step up here (sorry Joe).One other interesting Philly news, a lot of the Eagles players (TO, McNabb, Westbrook, Pinkston, Mitchell, and more) showed up at the Sixers game tonight, and received more aplause that the Sixers did. Iverson even made comments about it after the game.

 

[jcab2000]

I know this isn't huge news, but the Eagles just signed Jeff Thomason to replace the void left by Chad Lewis. I didn't realize you could still make roster moves this late, but evidentally you can.I don't have a link (yet), but it was on the local news here. Remember Thomason from two years ago, he had an incredible td/pass ratio. LJ, and possibly a little Bartrum, need to step up here (sorry Joe).One other interesting Philly news, a lot of the Eagles players (TO, McNabb, Westbrook, Pinkston, Mitchell, and more) showed up at the Sixers game tonight, and received more aplause that the Sixers did. Iverson even made comments about it after the game.

Was he on the practice squad?

 

[Billy Bats]

Was he (Jeff Thomason) on the practice squad?

Nope, he was sitting in his house in Southern New Jersey, hopefully not eating alot of Cheetos.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

I cannot believe as much as I HATE the Iggles I will be cheering for them in the SB (Conf, underdogs, and McNabb). I'm so looking forward to this it cannot be hyped enough

 

[maddawg2020]

Discussion points:

How does this Patriots team measure up to their 2001 and 2003 clubs?

How do the 2004 Eagles measure up as an opponent compared to the 2003 Panthers and 2001 Rams?

How do the 2004 Eagles measure up compared to their previous incarnations that lost the NFC title game?

I'd like to take a stab at these but I wont go to much into detail...I think this Patriots team is hands down better than the 2001 and 2003 team. The 2001 team was not nearly as dominate on defense as this team is and last year's team was unbalanced on offense at times throughout the season. This Pats team is one of the best team EVER, in my opinion (side note: I am an Eagles' homer).

The 2004 Eagles are certainly MUCH better than any of the previous teams that came up short. There are about six or seven reason that come to mind but there's only one I need to mention. This team is going to the Super Bowl while the others didn't. I think enough is said.

How do the 2004 Eagles measure up against the 2001 Rams? Well, I want to make one statement first. Contrary to popular belief, the 1999 Rams had one of the top defenses in football as well they did in 2001. But in 2001 it was a bit inflated for a variety of reasons. The 2001 defense would NOT have been able to control this Eagles' offense at all... this Eagles' secondary is just as good if not better than the Pats 2001 secondary and they held the Rams. I think it's fair to assume that the 2004 Eagles would have been able to defeat the 2001 Rams just as convincingly or more than the 2001 Pats did in the Super Bowl.

How do the 2004 Eagles measure up against the 2003 Panthers? Well, let's make a few statements first. The Panthers had an excellent game against the Eagles in last year's NFC title game. They played great in every facet of the game, especially on defense. With that said, they only scored 14 points. The Eagles defense was FILLED with injuries. The team's defensive MVP was sidelined and SIX of the players who started on defense last season in the NFC title game were on the injury report. Let's all remember that the Eagles were injured along the O-Line, they were missing Westbrook (whom has shown why he's so valuable) and mcNabb got injured in the 2nd quarter on a CHEAP shot. The 2004 Eagles team has 3-probowlers in the secondary and Jevon Kearse added to it. mcNabb and the O-Line are playing incredible and Westbrook is AMAZING! There is NO doubt the 2004 Eagles would score 21+ points on the 2003 panthers and the panthers wouldn't even score the 14 they had. this is the easiest of them all...

RECAP:

The 2004 Patriots are better than the 2001 & 2003 Patriots.

The 2004 Eagles are better than the 2001,2002 & 2003 Eagles.

The 2004 Eagles are better than the 2001 Rams.

The 2004 Eagles are CLEARLY better than the 2003 Panthers.

More importantly, are the 2004 Eagles better than the 2004 Patriots?

This is tough. I am an Eagles' homer and I have a tough time seeing the Birds beat the pats without TO. I have 110% confident that the Birds would be here. Even after TO went down, I never faded. But all along I knew that the Patriots would be waiting for them. I certainly think it'll be a close game and I certainly think there are facets of the game where the Eagles have the advantage, but I've gotta give the edge to the Patriots but I wouldn't count the Eagles out just yet. it ought to be a good one...

 

[David Yudkin]

The 2004 Eagles are better than the 2001 Rams.

Hmmm . . . .2001 Rams: 503 points scored (#1)273 points allowed (#7)Scoring differential: 230 points2004 Eagles:386 points scored (#8)260 points allowed (Tie - #2)Scoring differential: 126 pointsI'll let people come to their own conclusions on this one . . .

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

The only time Westbrook was shut down this year was when he was returning from 2 broken ribs.And my point about Dungy is that he didn't adjust whatsoever to what the Pats were doing to take away the pass. He should have leaned on James A LOT and took what the Patriots were giving to them. Dungy and Manning were just trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole because of how successful they were all year. They didn't even consider that they could be stopped.

So to summarize your position:1. You won't consider the possibility that Westbrook can be stopped.2. Dungy and Manning were stupid to not consider the possibility that an aspect of their offense could be stopped.Have I got that right?

 

[R.P. McMurphy]

The only time Westbrook was shut down this year was when he was returning from 2 broken ribs.And my point about Dungy is that he didn't adjust whatsoever to what the Pats were doing to take away the pass. He should have leaned on James A LOT and took what the Patriots were giving to them. Dungy and Manning were just trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole because of how successful they were all year. They didn't even consider that they could be stopped.

So to summarize your position:1. You won't consider the possibility that Westbrook can be stopped.2. Dungy and Manning were stupid to not consider the possibility that an aspect of their offense could be stopped.Have I got that right?

I think that sums it up. 1. You can't cover Westbrook with a CB because then the Eagles can run up the gut where the defense is weak, plus the Pats don't have a lot of extra cover guys. You can't cover him with a LB or S because then he splits out wide and someone is in a mismatch. 2. Obviously they were too bullheaded to run and that was the main reason the Colts lost. When a team drops 8 and 9 guys into coverage and you refuse to run, I consider that stupidy. If they would have run the ball and not just kept throwing and throwing things might have been different. How else do you explain 42 pass attempts and only 14 rushing attempts?

 

[BGP]

1. You can't cover Westbrook with a CB because then the Eagles can run up the gut where the defense is weak, plus the Pats don't have a lot of extra cover guys. You can't cover him with a LB or S because then he splits out wide and someone is in a mismatch.

Sounds like the same problem the Patriots faced with Marshall Faulk in 2001.

 

[R.P. McMurphy]

1. You can't cover Westbrook with a CB because then the Eagles can run up the gut where the defense is weak, plus the Pats don't have a lot of extra cover guys. You can't cover him with a LB or S because then he splits out wide and someone is in a mismatch.

Sounds like the same problem the Patriots faced with Marshall Faulk in 2001.

Exactly, and Faulk had 130 yards. If Westbrook has 130 yards than I'll be very happy. I just hope he can find that end zone, which Faulk was unable to do.

 

[Hatchdog33]

I think the Pats will win a good hard fought game. The Eagles are a tough team and McNabb is a playmaker.Not having TO hurts them a lot. I expect the Pats to play them like they played the Colts and Rams in 01. Bump the recievers and Westbrook on the line and get them out of their pace.I think the Pats linebackers are smart and quick enough to keep McNabb from running all around and making plays all day. Offensively, the Pats are too balanced for anyone to stop. Dillon is the perfect compliment to Brady, or the other way around. Two weeks is a long time for Romeo and Bill to prepare. 30-17 New England !!!!

 

[DazYam48]

What does everyone think of the matchup of McNabb against the New England D? Looking at the QBs New England has faced, there seems like alot of slower/pocket passing guys. Manning X2, McCown, Bledsoe X2, Feeley, Rothlesburger X2, Bulger, Green, Boller, Palmer, etc. I really can't see the "rush 2, drop 9" working against McNabb. Also, which New England DBs will be covering which Philly WRs. I know New England's secondary is beat up, so I'm not sure who what the matchups will be. Thanks for the feedback in advance.

 

[Johnny Ice]

1. You can't cover Westbrook with a CB because then the Eagles can run up the gut where the defense is weak, plus the Pats don't have a lot of extra cover guys. You can't cover him with a LB or S because then he splits out wide and someone is in a mismatch.

Sounds like the same problem the Patriots faced with Marshall Faulk in 2001.

Exactly, and Faulk had 130 yards. If Westbrook has 130 yards than I'll be very happy. I just hope he can find that end zone, which Faulk was unable to do.

Faulk also had the luxury of Holt, Bruce, and Hakim to take the pressure off.

 

[BGP]

What does everyone think of the matchup of McNabb against the New England D? Looking at the QBs New England has faced, there seems like alot of slower/pocket passing guys. Manning X2, McCown, Bledsoe X2, Feeley, Rothlesburger X2, Bulger, Green, Boller, Palmer, etc. I really can't see the "rush 2, drop 9" working against McNabb. Also, which New England DBs will be covering which Philly WRs. I know New England's secondary is beat up, so I'm not sure who what the matchups will be. Thanks for the feedback in advance.

I wouldn't call Roethlisberger slow. Sure, his rushing stats were nothing special, but he likes to move around. He will take off and run for the first down. The Patriots notably kept a spy on him at times in the AFCCG.

 

[Tong Po]

Two weeks is a long time for Romeo and Bill to prepare. 30-17 New England !!!!

Isn't Andy Reid the one who is like 14-0 when he has an extra week to prepare?

 

[BGP]

What does everyone think of the matchup of McNabb against the New England D? Looking at the QBs New England has faced, there seems like alot of slower/pocket passing guys. Manning X2, McCown, Bledsoe X2, Feeley, Rothlesburger X2, Bulger, Green, Boller, Palmer, etc. I really can't see the "rush 2, drop 9" working against McNabb. Also, which New England DBs will be covering which Philly WRs. I know New England's secondary is beat up, so I'm not sure who what the matchups will be. Thanks for the feedback in advance.

I wouldn't call Roethlisberger slow. Sure, his rushing stats were nothing special, but he likes to move around. He will take off and run for the first down. The Patriots notably kept a spy on him at times in the AFCCG.

I'm not really too focused on this side of the ball right now, anyway. I'd like to know more about TO's status before mulling the Patriots stopping the Eagles' offense. I'm pondering the Eagles stopping the Patriots' offense.One stat of note here: Super Bowls where the participants have two weeks to prepare are blowouts more often than when they have one week. Could be an anomaly, but it does make fundamental sense that given more time to get ready, the superior team will exploit their opponent better.

 

[Jason Wood]

Two weeks is a long time for Romeo and Bill to prepare.

30-17 New England !!!!

Isn't Andy Reid the one who is like 14-0 when he has an extra week to prepare?

Not that this record is indicative, BUT...Andy Reid with 2 weeks to prepare

Regular Season -- 6-0 (1.000)

Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 9-0 (1.000)Bill Belichick with 2 weeks to prepare

Regular Season -- 5-6 (0.4545)
Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 8-6 (0.5714)For those that want to exclude Belichick's record in Cleveland...

Regular Season -- 3-2 (0.600)
Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 6-2 (0.750)

 

[BGP]

Oh and for the record, both of these teams beat the Browns in the regular season, so the record of the Browns losing the eventual super bowl champ every year since the expansion remains intact...

 

[BGP]

Oh and for the record, both of these teams beat the Browns in the regular season, so the record of the Browns losing the eventual super bowl champ every year since the expansion remains intact...

And next year's champ should be one of the following clubs...Browns 2005 schedule

Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville,

Tennessee, Chicago, Detroit, Miami

Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Houston,

Indianapolis, Green Bay, Minnesota, Oakland

The Steelers and Colts jump out at me there.

 

[Maggot Brain]

link

Before they became this mythical beast, the New England Patriots were just a football team. A good football team, not a great football team.This was just three years ago. The Patriots had won the AFC East title by a tiebreaker over Miami. Both had good, not great, 11-5 records. The Patriots barely squeaked by the Oakland Raiders - in overtime, in the snow - thanks to the now-infamous "tuck rule" play that turned a Tom Brady fumble into an incomplete pass.After beating Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game, as they did again Sunday, the Patriots arrived in New Orleans as deserved underdogs to the Mike Martz-coached St. Louis Rams.Bill Belichick, who was considered a good but not a great coach, was immediately confronted by the big question of the week. Would he keep improbable regular-season hero Brady at quarterback, or would he do the obvious thing and let star Drew Bledsoe take over for the biggest game of all their lives?Belichick went with Brady. Looking back, that might have been the moment he crossed over from good coach to great coach. No one knew it at the time, of course. No one knew it until Belichick's defense held the Rams' explosive offense to 17 points and Brady directed the last-minute drive that got the Patriots to 20.The mythical beast was born.In this year of quest, it is fitting that a mythical beast stands between the Eagles and their grail. As a fan, sure, you'd like to see them line up against the Cowboys or Giants again. You'd like to start the celebration a few hours before kickoff.But this is the Super Bowl. This is the event that has turned itself into a quasi-national holiday. If the Eagles are going to win their first NFL title since 1960, they should have to beat the best possible team.They beat Vince Lombardi, the man for whom the Super Bowl trophy is named, to win their last championship. Might as well face the modern-day equivalent in their quest to win this time."They have always said that in order for you to be a champion, you have to beat the champion," Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said yesterday. "This is what you play the game for. I look forward to getting out on that field and competing versus their defense and having our defense versus their offense."In a parallel universe, this thing could easily be reversed. Think about it.Three years ago, the Patriots faced St. Louis because the Rams defeated the Eagles in the NFC championship game. Belichick and his defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel, employed almost exactly the same defensive strategy that Jim Johnson's Eagles attempted in that conference title game.It's just that, with Troy Vincent limited by a hamstring injury, the Eagles secondary didn't quite have what it took to pull it off. The Patriots did.The next year, the Eagles went back to the conference championship game. Belichick's Patriots went 9-7. In creating the myth around the Pats, people tend to forget that season.Then came last year. The Eagles again provided the opponent for the Patriots. Carolina went into that Super Bowl with what seemed like no chance against Belichick and his well-oiled machine. Jake Delhomme was no match for Brady, who by then was hanging out at the White House in his spare time.Then Delhomme and the Panthers put on a fourth-quarter show, scoring 19 points - five more than they scored against the Eagles in the title game. New England survived, winning 32-29, and the myth of the beast was well on its way to being complete.It reached critical mass during the 2004 regular season, when the Patriots' winning streak reached 21 games.In that same period, the Eagles went 18-3. Since the start of the 2001 season, including the playoffs, the Patriots' record is 56-16. The Eagles' record is 54-19.That's two more wins for the Patriots: Super Bowls.That's three more losses for the Eagles: NFC championship games.It really comes down to that. In a league where sustained excellence is made as difficult as possible because of draft order, scheduling and the salary cap, the Eagles have been just one step behind the Patriots for the last four seasons.It is the one step between successful and mythical. It is the step between Andy Reid's well-respected tenure and Belichick's superlative-exhausting reign. It is the step between McNabb's stardom and Brady's mystique.That is the step the Eagles can take on Feb. 6 in Jacksonville, Fla. They can catch the Patriots, on the biggest stage the sport allows. They can slay that mythical beast.It's the only way they can fulfill their quest and become champions. That's good, because it's also the right way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz]

just a painting

 

[JAA]

McNabb vs Brady in college

 

[Mik789fl]

1. You can't cover Westbrook with a CB because then the Eagles can run up the gut where the defense is weak, plus the Pats don't have a lot of extra cover guys. You can't cover him with a LB or S because then he splits out wide and someone is in a mismatch.

Sounds like the same problem the Patriots faced with Marshall Faulk in 2001.

You hit that one right on Watch for a similiar strategy

 

[Mik789fl]

Two weeks is a long time for Romeo and Bill to prepare.

30-17 New England !!!!

Isn't Andy Reid the one who is like 14-0 when he has an extra week to prepare?

Not that this record is indicative, BUT...Andy Reid with 2 weeks to prepare

Regular Season -- 6-0 (1.000)

Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 9-0 (1.000)Bill Belichick with 2 weeks to prepare

Regular Season -- 5-6 (0.4545)
Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 8-6 (0.5714)For those that want to exclude Belichick's record in Cleveland...

Regular Season -- 3-2 (0.600)
Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 6-2 (0.750)

Bill Belichick's record with 2 weeks to prepare for a Super Bowl 2-0Andy Reid's record with 2 weeks to prepare for a Super Bowl ,oops,sorry!

 

[Mik789fl]

McNabb is a playmaker when protection breaks down and he creates on the run.Look for the Pats to hit the Eagle recievers off the line and the rush to be very similiar to what Philly did to Vick,stay in the lanes,keep the QB in the pocket while disrupting the pass paterns. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jason Wood]

McNabb is a playmaker when protection breaks down and he creates on the run.Look for the Pats to hit the Eagle recievers off the line and the rush to be very similiar to what Philly did to Vick,stay in the lanes,keep the QB in the pocket while disrupting the pass paterns. Just my 2 cents.

Have you watched how rarely McNabb looks to run? I guarantee the Patriots won't put a full time spy on McNabb they way the Eagles did to Vick, McNabb it too good a passer for that.

 

[Johnny Ice]

McNabb is a playmaker when protection breaks down and he creates on the run.Look for the Pats to hit the Eagle recievers off the line and the rush to be very similiar to what Philly did to Vick,stay in the lanes,keep the QB in the pocket while disrupting the pass paterns. Just my 2 cents.

Have you watched how rarely McNabb looks to run? I guarantee the Patriots won't put a full time spy on McNabb they way the Eagles did to Vick, McNabb it too good a passer for that.

Which is why I say McNabb should look to run more than usual this game, I think it would really put the Pats on their heels.

 

[babydemon90]

McNabb is a playmaker when protection breaks down and he creates on the run.

Look for the Pats to hit the Eagle recievers off the line and the rush to be very similiar to what Philly did to Vick,stay in the lanes,keep the QB in the pocket while disrupting the pass paterns. Just my 2 cents.

Have you watched how rarely McNabb looks to run? I guarantee the Patriots won't put a full time spy on McNabb they way the Eagles did to Vick, McNabb it too good a passer for that.

One thing I've noticed about McNabb this year....you might think he's about to run, but even when he scrambling, until the very moment until he crosses the line of scrimmage, he is still looking for a place to throw. The defense CAN'T break off their coverage until after McNabb is already gaining positive yards, or they will get beat down the field.This is what Vick cannot do yet, and what will REALLY give NE's defense fits if they cannot stop it.

 

[Maggot Brain]

Two weeks is a long time for Romeo and Bill to prepare.

30-17 New England !!!!

Isn't Andy Reid the one who is like 14-0 when he has an extra week to prepare?

Not that this record is indicative, BUT...Andy Reid with 2 weeks to prepare

Regular Season -- 6-0 (1.000)

Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 9-0 (1.000)Bill Belichick with 2 weeks to prepare

Regular Season -- 5-6 (0.4545)
Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 8-6 (0.5714)For those that want to exclude Belichick's record in Cleveland...

Regular Season -- 3-2 (0.600)
Post Season -- 3-0 (1.000)
Total -- 6-2 (0.750)

Bill Belichick's record with 2 weeks to prepare for a Super Bowl 2-0Andy Reid's record with 2 weeks to prepare for a Super Bowl ,oops,sorry!

Incorrect. When they beat the Rams there was no bye week that year. He's 1-0

 

[Maggot Brain]

Here's an interesting tidbit from this weeks TMQ by Easterbrook about the lack of penalties being called on NE during their last 4 playoff games. Definitely worth confirming.

Pittsburgh-New England Zebra Update A week ago against Indianapolis, the Patriots were never flagged for offensive holding or pass interference, usually the two most harmful penalties. This week against Pittsburgh, the Patriots were not flagged for offensive holding or pass interference. Last season in the AFC championship game against Indianapolis, the Patriots were never called for pass interference or offensive holding. Last season in the playoff game before that, Tennessee at New England, the Patriots were not flagged for offensive holding or defensive interference. Because they are well-coached, the Patriots commit fewer infractions than other teams, and there is no doubt the best team won at Heinz Field this Sunday. But are we seriously supposed to believe that in four consecutive AFC playoff games, Patriots' offensive linemen never held and Patriots' defensive backs never interfered? Rules are rules, and ought to be enforced for New England the same way they are for everyone else.

TMQ

 

[jcab2000]

It'll be interesting to see the Patriots gameplan. Will they put Harrison on someone or will he continue to play center field? I see him as the guy who will could cover Westbrook, but losing him roving the secondary is going to hurt the Patriots ability to cover the receivers deep.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It'll be interesting to see the Patriots gameplan. Will they put Harrison on someone or will he continue to play center field? I see him as the guy who will could cover Westbrook, but losing him roving the secondary is going to hurt the Patriots ability to cover the receivers deep.

Well now, let me tell you bout Rodney Harrison. He's not there as an insurance policy against the deep ball. He's relatively slow, actually. Rodney is there to hurt people. He's there to hurt them before the catch, after the catch, during the catch, and if a catch isn't even on the table. Rodney is there to get nosey on the run. He's there to keep Brian and Donovan from getting too frisky.All kidding aside, I don't think the Pats will be keeping Rodney back in centerfield to stop the dual dynamos of Pinkston and Mitchell. They'll get a lot of man opportunities.

 

[jcab2000]

It'll be interesting to see the Patriots gameplan. Will they put Harrison on someone or will he continue to play center field? I see him as the guy who will could cover Westbrook, but losing him roving the secondary is going to hurt the Patriots ability to cover the receivers deep.

Well now, let me tell you bout Rodney Harrison. He's not there as an insurance policy against the deep ball. He's relatively slow, actually. Rodney is there to hurt people. He's there to hurt them before the catch, after the catch, during the catch, and if a catch isn't even on the table. Rodney is there to get nosey on the run. He's there to keep Brian and Donovan from getting too frisky.All kidding aside, I don't think the Pats will be keeping Rodney back in centerfield to stop the dual dynamos of Pinkston and Mitchell. They'll get a lot of man opportunities.

Laugh all you want, but Pinkston is a legitimate deep threat. Check the YPC.And if there's one thing that TO will be able to do, it's run a straight line.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It'll be interesting to see the Patriots gameplan.  Will they put Harrison on someone or will he continue to play center field?  I see him as the guy who will could cover Westbrook, but losing him roving the secondary is going to hurt the Patriots ability to cover the receivers deep.

Well now, let me tell you bout Rodney Harrison. He's not there as an insurance policy against the deep ball. He's relatively slow, actually. Rodney is there to hurt people. He's there to hurt them before the catch, after the catch, during the catch, and if a catch isn't even on the table. Rodney is there to get nosey on the run. He's there to keep Brian and Donovan from getting too frisky.All kidding aside, I don't think the Pats will be keeping Rodney back in centerfield to stop the dual dynamos of Pinkston and Mitchell. They'll get a lot of man opportunities.

Laugh all you want, but Pinkston is a legitimate deep threat. Check the YPC.And if there's one thing that TO will be able to do, it's run a straight line.

I'm not laughing or making fun. I'm just expressing an opinion that double-covering Pinkston and/or Mitchell will not be on the top of the priority list of the Patriots defensive game plan. As shown in the Colts game, the Pats corners are more than capable. Peace.

 

[AB in DC]

Here's an interesting tidbit from this weeks TMQ by Easterbrook about the lack of penalties being called on NE during their last 4 playoff games. Definitely worth confirming.

Pittsburgh-New England Zebra Update A week ago against Indianapolis, the Patriots were never flagged for offensive holding or pass interference, usually the two most harmful penalties. This week against Pittsburgh, the Patriots were not flagged for offensive holding or pass interference. Last season in the AFC championship game against Indianapolis, the Patriots were never called for pass interference or offensive holding. Last season in the playoff game before that, Tennessee at New England, the Patriots were not flagged for offensive holding or defensive interference. Because they are well-coached, the Patriots commit fewer infractions than other teams, and there is no doubt the best team won at Heinz Field this Sunday. But are we seriously supposed to believe that in four consecutive AFC playoff games, Patriots' offensive linemen never held and Patriots' defensive backs never interfered? Rules are rules, and ought to be enforced for New England the same way they are for everyone else.

TMQ

How many PI and offensive holding penalties were called on their opponents?

 

[AB in DC]

Answering my own questionitt this year: 0Indy this year: 3Indy last year: 0Tenn last year: 1Now add the number in the Super Bowl last year:NE: 3Carolina: 1So over five playoff games in the past two years:NE: 3Opps: 5In other words, no big deal. And a big to Gregg Easterbrook for intellectual laziness/dishonesty.

 

[4thAndForever]

Here's an interesting tidbit from this weeks TMQ by Easterbrook about the lack of penalties being called on NE during their last 4 playoff games. Definitely worth confirming.

TMQ has had a vendetta against the Patriots all season long. No idea why.

 

[ballpwh]

I can not wait for the Brady legend to take a hit this SuperBowl. Yes, he is talented and is one of the better QB's this game has seen. But, his success is due to the players and coaches around him...the team. He's played well in the big games so he deserves some props. But, let's not put him in the HOF yet. He makes good throws and decisions, but there are many more talented QBs in the league (like McNabb) whose teams were short of what NE has had.If Brady has a great game in the face of a relentless and attacking Eagles defense I will concede. If this happens I hope the legend doesn't grow as he will only then deserve all the credit he has already been given.I trust Jim Johnson and the Eagles D will prove me right. And, when they do I will be quoting your replies. Bring it on Brady biotches.

 

[The Ref]

If Brady has a great game in the face of a relentless and attacking Eagles defense I will concede. If this happens I hope the legend doesn't grow as he will only then deserve all the credit he has already been given.I trust Jim Johnson and the Eagles D will prove me right. And, when they do I will be quoting your replies. Bring it on Brady biotches.

I wonder if there were people who said these sort of things about Montana in 1989?"I trust Dan Reeves and the Denver D will prove me right. And, when they do I will be quoting your replies. Bring it on Montana biotches."

 

[dansav]

It'll be interesting to see the Patriots gameplan.  Will they put Harrison on someone or will he continue to play center field?  I see him as the guy who will could cover Westbrook, but losing him roving the secondary is going to hurt the Patriots ability to cover the receivers deep.

Well now, let me tell you bout Rodney Harrison. He's not there as an insurance policy against the deep ball. He's relatively slow, actually. Rodney is there to hurt people. He's there to hurt them before the catch, after the catch, during the catch, and if a catch isn't even on the table. Rodney is there to get nosey on the run. He's there to keep Brian and Donovan from getting too frisky.All kidding aside, I don't think the Pats will be keeping Rodney back in centerfield to stop the dual dynamos of Pinkston and Mitchell. They'll get a lot of man opportunities.

Laugh all you want, but Pinkston is a legitimate deep threat. Check the YPC.And if there's one thing that TO will be able to do, it's run a straight line.

Pinkston is a p%$sy. He is afraid to get hit. I can recall at least 3 times this year backed off his route because the threat was there that he was gonna get laid out. That will be going through his mind all day. HARRISON!!!!!!

 

[R.P. McMurphy]

It'll be interesting to see the Patriots gameplan.  Will they put Harrison on someone or will he continue to play center field?  I see him as the guy who will could cover Westbrook, but losing him roving the secondary is going to hurt the Patriots ability to cover the receivers deep.

Well now, let me tell you bout Rodney Harrison. He's not there as an insurance policy against the deep ball. He's relatively slow, actually. Rodney is there to hurt people. He's there to hurt them before the catch, after the catch, during the catch, and if a catch isn't even on the table. Rodney is there to get nosey on the run. He's there to keep Brian and Donovan from getting too frisky.All kidding aside, I don't think the Pats will be keeping Rodney back in centerfield to stop the dual dynamos of Pinkston and Mitchell. They'll get a lot of man opportunities.

Laugh all you want, but Pinkston is a legitimate deep threat. Check the YPC.And if there's one thing that TO will be able to do, it's run a straight line.

Pinkston is a p%$sy. He is afraid to get hit. I can recall at least 3 times this year backed off his route because the threat was there that he was gonna get laid out. That will be going through his mind all day. HARRISON!!!!!!

Wouldn't it be smarter to have Harrison up in the box to cover the short passes to the TE and to help cover Westbrook? That in turn would leave Pinkston in one on one up the sidelines. I think that's better than doubling Pinkston or rolling coverage to help with a safety.