Good article from coldhardfootballfacts (1 Viewer)

[Baby New Year]

The truth hurts

 

[WIFANBOY]

The truth hurts

Not really, just another OPINION that agrees with you.

 

[Road Warriors]

The truth hurts

Not really, just another OPINION that agrees with you.

More interesting to me than the answers is the capturing of the innate paranoia of NE fans. CHFF got that part 100% right.

 

[Baby New Year]

The truth hurts

Not really, just another OPINION that agrees with you.

It's not coldhardfootballopinions.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Honestly, I consider the first 4 questions as somewhat valid. The way the questions are phrased though were pretty iffy (and the last "question" was understandable but not necessary).

How are the following questions "nit picky" or worrying about needless things?

1: How good do the 2007 Patriots compare to historically great teams? They did go 16-0 after all so it's a valid curiosity to ponder.

2: How do they match up to the Jaguars? It's a playoff game... so a good question in general. Is asking how the Colts match up to their opponent nit picky?

3: Can the Colts beat the Patriots? See 2.

4: If the Patriots run better (or, more accurately would be: devote themselves to the run rather than the pass) do they have a chance at winning the Super Bowl?

The Laurence Maroney question is kinda dumb but understandable given he's been injured or used sparingly throughout the regular season. I wouldn't be as comfortable if we were depending on a Kevin Faulk/Heath Evans combo to carry our rushing attack through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl victory.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

My favorite clearly unbiased football website on the internet.

 

[Itchy Amos]

The truth hurts

Not really, just another OPINION that agrees with you.

More interesting to me than the answers is the capturing of the innate paranoia of NE fans. CHFF got that part 100% right.

Unfortunately this is a I blame the Boston sports media. They are just a very unhappy bunch. The Red Sox used to dominate the sports scene and everyone got so caught up in the years of futility and the repeated horrible losses that it became that most sports coverage took on a negative slant. People were waiting for the sky to fall. Even now that things are going great, they are so used to being negative that they just cant seem to stop themselves. Perhaps being overly critical sells newspapers.

 

[WIFANBOY]

The truth hurts

Not really, just another OPINION that agrees with you.

It's not coldhardfootballopinions.

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

Question 2 While I like Merril Hoge I do not worship him like this writer.

Question 3 Sure any team can win on any day.

Question 4 True unless the weather gets real bad.

Question 5 Only if you can throw the ball, if the weather turns bad. Ouch

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Question 2 While I like Merril Hoge I do not worship him like this writer.

 

[WIFANBOY]

The truth hurts

Not really, just another OPINION that agrees with you.

It's not coldhardfootballopinions.

I do grant it is an interesting site with some interesting opinions backed up with some interesting spin on stats. Food writer becomes football fact expert

 

[Road Warriors]

...

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.

Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

I guess I leave it to you to determine which teams are good, since the term "good team" is as subjective as "quality win", but to answer this... All of them.

 

[WIFANBOY]

...

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.

Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

I guess I leave it to you to determine which teams are good, since the term "good team" is as subjective as "quality win", but to answer this... All of them.

Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.W1 @ Jets - Nope

W2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)

W3 Buffalo - Nope

W4 @Bengals - Nope

W5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)

W6 @ Dallas - YES

W7 @Miami - Nope

W8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)

W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)

W10 Bye

W11 @Bills - Nope

W12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)

W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)

W14 Steelers - Yes

W15 Miami - Nope

W16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)

So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

 

[Baby New Year]

[Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.W1 @ Jets - NopeW2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)W3 Buffalo - NopeW4 @Bengals - NopeW5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)W6 @ Dallas - YESW7 @Miami - NopeW8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)W10 ByeW11 @Bills - NopeW12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)W14 Steelers - YesW15 Miami - NopeW16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

This may be the funniest blindly Pats hating post I have ever seen. By the way, I need to correct you on week 6 -- Dallas was bad that week, as evidenced by their beating. They were just really good in the other weeks...

 

[Road Warriors]

...

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.

Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

I guess I leave it to you to determine which teams are good, since the term "good team" is as subjective as "quality win", but to answer this... All of them.

Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.W1 @ Jets - Nope

W2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)

W3 Buffalo - Nope

W4 @Bengals - Nope

W5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)

W6 @ Dallas - YES

W7 @Miami - Nope

W8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)

W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)

W10 Bye

W11 @Bills - Nope

W12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)

W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)

W14 Steelers - Yes

W15 Miami - Nope

W16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)

So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

Judge them however you want. You can only play the games on your schedule. You know what I see here? 16 Ws. No more, no less.

 

[Phlash]

...

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.

Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

I guess I leave it to you to determine which teams are good, since the term "good team" is as subjective as "quality win", but to answer this... All of them.

Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.W1 @ Jets - Nope

W2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)

W3 Buffalo - Nope

W4 @Bengals - Nope

W5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)

W6 @ Dallas - YES

W7 @Miami - Nope

W8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)

W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)

W10 Bye

W11 @Bills - Nope

W12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)

W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)

W14 Steelers - Yes

W15 Miami - Nope

W16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)

So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

I like how all these playoff teams have an off-week against the Patriots.

 

[Exile]

Question 2 While I like Merril Hoge I do not worship him like this writer.

Seriously Reading comprehension down? The writer holds Hoge up as the archetype example of bad sports "talking heads". I guess

 

[WIFANBOY]

W2 SD - SD started the season 1-3 and climbed to 4-4 with some easy matchups. Not a playoff team early in the season

W8 Washington - Were 4-2 when they played NE but were 5-7 at one time.

W9 Indy - Indy still adjusting to Harrison injury, expected larger margin of victory for NE

W12 Philly - 5-5 teams pushes NE with interesting scheme. NE does adjust and pull it out.

W13 Ravens - 4-7 teams give NE a win with bad coaching at end of game. Expected big NE win.

So great team, yes. Best team ever with the current rules, sure. Best team ever taking all offensive rule changes into account, Nope.

Based on the site you offered, I believe the 85 Bears can still claim that title. Sure they played one lousy game against Miami. Your NE offensive numbers that we hear about are greatly enhanced thanks to todays offensive friendly rules.

2007 Patriots (16-0 overall): 7-0 vs. Quality Teams, +19.3 PPG

1985 Bears (15-1): 5-1, +17.9 PPG

For the record, I hate the B ears

 

[WIFANBOY]

Question 2 While I like Merril Hoge I do not worship him like this writer.

Seriously Reading comprehension down? The writer holds Hoge up as the archetype example of bad sports "talking heads". I guess

We need COLDHARDFOOTBALLFACTS instead of mindless, factless cliché. So 'Hoge speak' means COLDHARDFOOTBALLFACTS is great as we only have cold hard football facts. I can just feel the love the writer has for this guy. Good chance he finishes Hoges sentences for him while listening unless of course he changed the channel. Isn't this fun. In a couple more weeks one side will be telling the other; I told you so.

 

[Phlash]

W2 SD - SD started the season 1-3 and climbed to 4-4 with some easy matchups. Not a playoff team early in the season

W8 Washington - Were 4-2 when they played NE but were 5-7 at one time.

W9 Indy - Indy still adjusting to Harrison injury, expected larger margin of victory for NE

W12 Philly - 5-5 teams pushes NE with interesting scheme. NE does adjust and pull it out.

W13 Ravens - 4-7 teams give NE a win with bad coaching at end of game. Expected big NE win.

So great team, yes. Best team ever with the current rules, sure. Best team ever taking all offensive rule changes into account, Nope.

Based on the site you offered, I believe the 85 Bears can still claim that title. Sure they played one lousy game against Miami. Your NE offensive numbers that we hear about are greatly enhanced thanks to todays offensive friendly rules.

2007 Patriots (16-0 overall): 7-0 vs. Quality Teams, +19.3 PPG

1985 Bears (15-1): 5-1, +17.9 PPG

For the record, I hate the B ears

Your argument is moot though because all teams benefit from rules aiding offenses. If a team wins a game by an average of 17.9 points a game, regardless of era, how can you say they produce better than a team winning by an average of 19.3 points a game, regardless or era? Just because offenses are better now does not give you a reason to demean the Patriots accomplishments - the other teams offense's are given the same exact benefits as the Patriots offense.

 

[Road Warriors]

W2 SD - SD started the season 1-3 and climbed to 4-4 with some easy matchups. Not a playoff team early in the seasonW8 Washington - Were 4-2 when they played NE but were 5-7 at one time.W9 Indy - Indy still adjusting to Harrison injury, expected larger margin of victory for NE W12 Philly - 5-5 teams pushes NE with interesting scheme. NE does adjust and pull it out.W13 Ravens - 4-7 teams give NE a win with bad coaching at end of game. Expected big NE win.So great team, yes. Best team ever with the current rules, sure. Best team ever taking all offensive rule changes into account, Nope.Based on the site you offered, I believe the 85 Bears can still claim that title. Sure they played one lousy game against Miami. Your NE offensive numbers that we hear about are greatly enhanced thanks to todays offensive friendly rules.2007 Patriots (16-0 overall): 7-0 vs. Quality Teams, +19.3 PPG 1985 Bears (15-1): 5-1, +17.9 PPG For the record, I hate the B ears

See, when you take one early season slow starter ( eventual playoff team ) and discount that W because they started slow, then take another quick starter ( eventual playoff team ) that started well, but fell of later, and discount that one, too... You start to lose credibility.And you think that going into the house of the defending SB champions and coming out with a narrow victory wasn't impressive enough of a W? You have your mind made up, thats for sure. Don't worry about trying to convince the rest of us. We can see your argument for what it is.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

The great thing about the Shark Pool, is that there's always people willing to ignore the hook and just jump right into the boat for the fisherman.

 

[jscout]

...

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.

Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

I guess I leave it to you to determine which teams are good, since the term "good team" is as subjective as "quality win", but to answer this... All of them.

Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.W1 @ Jets - Nope

W2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)

W3 Buffalo - Nope

W4 @Bengals - Nope

W5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)

W6 @ Dallas - YES

W7 @Miami - Nope

W8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)

W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)

W10 Bye

W11 @Bills - Nope

W12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)

W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)

W14 Steelers - Yes

W15 Miami - Nope

W16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)

So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

This MUST be an election year.

 

[ChromeWeasel]

...

FACTS interlaced with OPINION.

Question 1 only proves they did a better job of outscoring their opponents. It does not take into account rule changes that greatly favor the offensive or any other changes of the last 40+ years. Quality win, what is that? How about we define it as a win on the road against a good team. How many of those do you have.

I guess I leave it to you to determine which teams are good, since the term "good team" is as subjective as "quality win", but to answer this... All of them.

Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.W1 @ Jets - Nope

W2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)

W3 Buffalo - Nope

W4 @Bengals - Nope

W5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)

W6 @ Dallas - YES

W7 @Miami - Nope

W8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)

W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)

W10 Bye

W11 @Bills - Nope

W12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)

W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)

W14 Steelers - Yes

W15 Miami - Nope

W16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)

So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

lol, Your post was good for a laugh. I don't picture anyone taking you seriously though.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

The great thing about the Shark Pool, is that there's always people willing to ignore the hook and just jump right into the boat for the fisherman.

True.You have two groups of people that play into such a dynamic.The ones who think that trolling is "cool". These people are called geeks.And the ones who dont give a flip about what motivates a troll, and jump on the hook for spite. These people are called loyal fans.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

[

Okay you got me. Let me try this again. Quality team is not defined as just a team that makes the playoff. Teams like Giants, Redskins and Chargers started out year very slow so early victories mean less.

W1 @ Jets - Nope

W2 San Diego - Nope (SD was not a good team early in the season even though they make playoffs)

W3 Buffalo - Nope

W4 @Bengals - Nope

W5 Browns - Nope (just starting to put something together)

W6 @ Dallas - YES

W7 @Miami - Nope

W8 Washington - Nope (Redskins turned it around late in the season)

W9 @Indy - Maybe (They won a close game against a beat up team. Margin of victory should have been higher.)

W10 Bye

W11 @Bills - Nope

W12 @Philly - Nope (game should not have been this close)

W13 @Baltimore - Nope (game should not have been this close and coach of Ravens gives NE win)

W14 Steelers - Yes

W15 Miami - Nope

W16 Giants - Sure (injuries during game had huge impact but they did mount a good comeback)

So I see 3 - 4 quality wins and a couple of poor wins.

This may be the funniest blindly Pats hating post I have ever seen. By the way, I need to correct you on week 6 -- Dallas was bad that week, as evidenced by their beating. They were just really good in the other weeks...

My favorite response of the group; thanks.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

The great thing about the Shark Pool, is that there's always people willing to ignore the hook and just jump right into the boat for the fisherman.

True.You have two groups of people that play into such a dynamic.The ones who think that trolling is "cool". These people are called geeks.And the ones who dont give a flip about what motivates a troll, and jump on the hook for spite. These people are called loyal fans.

THAT NOT WHY WERE HERE lolz

 

[DoubleG]

W2 SD - SD started the season 1-3 and climbed to 4-4 with some easy matchups. Not a playoff team early in the season

W8 Washington - Were 4-2 when they played NE but were 5-7 at one time.

W9 Indy - Indy still adjusting to Harrison injury, expected larger margin of victory for NE

W12 Philly - 5-5 teams pushes NE with interesting scheme. NE does adjust and pull it out.

W13 Ravens - 4-7 teams give NE a win with bad coaching at end of game. Expected big NE win.

So great team, yes. Best team ever with the current rules, sure. Best team ever taking all offensive rule changes into account, Nope.

Based on the site you offered, I believe the 85 Bears can still claim that title. Sure they played one lousy game against Miami. Your NE offensive numbers that we hear about are greatly enhanced thanks to todays offensive friendly rules.

2007 Patriots (16-0 overall): 7-0 vs. Quality Teams, +19.3 PPG

1985 Bears (15-1): 5-1, +17.9 PPG

For the record, I hate the B ears

Your argument is moot though because all teams benefit from rules aiding offenses. If a team wins a game by an average of 17.9 points a game, regardless of era, how can you say they produce better than a team winning by an average of 19.3 points a game, regardless or era? Just because offenses are better now does not give you a reason to demean the Patriots accomplishments - the other teams offense's are given the same exact benefits as the Patriots offense.

Actually, while most of his opinions are laden with manure, that point is semi-valid. The reason the rule changes would benefit the Patriots is due to their overwhelming passing focus on offense. The recent rule changes encourage passing (not running) - the irony is that Patriot opponents try to run the ball MORE, to keep the Patriots offense off the field. In contrast, the '85 Bears had Walter Payton and ran an entirely different offense. The Bears completely shut out the 2 teams they faced in the playoffs - the Patriots defense will not do that, but Willie Gault won't be mistaken for Randy Moss anytime soon either.Now the real interesting point would be if we could put the 2007 Pats in a Dolorian (albiet a big one) and have them play the '85 Bears...

 

[kwantam]

Now the real interesting point would be if we could put the 2007 Pats in a Dolorian (albiet a big one) and have them play the '85 Bears...

1.21 GW eh?Lessee here:

Jimbo Covert: 6'4" 277 lbsMark Bortz: 6'6" 282 lbsJay Hilgenberg: 6'3" 259 lbsTom Thayer: 6'4" 271 lbsKeith Van Horne: 6'6" 281 lbsversusJarvis Green: 6'3" 285 lbsVince Wilfork: 6'2" 325 lbsTy Warren: 6'5" 300 lbs

or, the other way around,

Matt Light:6'4" 305 lbsLogan Mankins: 6'4" 310 lbsDan Koppen: 6'2" 296 lbsSteve Neal: 6'4" 305 lbsNick Kaczur: 6'4" 315 lbsversusDan Hampton: 6'5" 264 lbsSteve McMichael: 6'2" 270 lbsWilliam Perry: 6'2 235 lbsRichard Dent: 6'5" 265 lbs

That's why time machine battles don't work. Football play has changed drastically; almost any team nowadays would beat the snot out of teams from 20+ years ago.-=kwantam

 

[radballs]

That's why time machine battles don't work. Football play has changed drastically; almost any team nowadays would beat the snot out of teams from 20+ years ago.

-=kwantam

Not the '85 Bears.

 

[blueboys21]

Now the real interesting point would be if we could put the 2007 Pats in a Dolorian (albiet a big one) and have them play the '85 Bears...

1.21 GW eh?Lessee here:

Jimbo Covert: 6'4" 277 lbsMark Bortz: 6'6" 282 lbsJay Hilgenberg: 6'3" 259 lbsTom Thayer: 6'4" 271 lbsKeith Van Horne: 6'6" 281 lbsversusJarvis Green: 6'3" 285 lbsVince Wilfork: 6'2" 325 lbsTy Warren: 6'5" 300 lbs

or, the other way around,

Matt Light:6'4" 305 lbsLogan Mankins: 6'4" 310 lbsDan Koppen: 6'2" 296 lbsSteve Neal: 6'4" 305 lbsNick Kaczur: 6'4" 315 lbsversusDan Hampton: 6'5" 264 lbsSteve McMichael: 6'2" 270 lbs[b]William Perry: 6'2 235 lbs[/b]Richard Dent: 6'5" 265 lbs

That's why time machine battles don't work. Football play has changed drastically; almost any team nowadays would beat the snot out of teams from 20+ years ago.-=kwantam

Fridge on a diet at the time of the weigh-in??

 

[Baby New Year]

Actually, while most of his opinions are laden with manure, that point is semi-valid. The reason the rule changes would benefit the Patriots is due to their overwhelming passing focus on offense. The recent rule changes encourage passing (not running) - the irony is that Patriot opponents try to run the ball MORE,

They do?psDitka seems to think this Pats team would beat his Bears, so I'll take his word for it.