It's 2001 all over again . . . (1 Viewer)

[redman]

After the 2001 season, the Rams met the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The Rams had been there before, and were still featuring the Greatest Show on Turf in a 14-2 season. Nobody had been able to slow them down. The big talk aside from the team itself was about their controversial head coach, Mike Martz.

The Patriots OTOH had started the season poorly, and due to injury their young QB, Tom Brady, had gotten his legs under him after they started 5-5, and they finished strong, with Brady leading the way. The two teams met in the regular season, and the Rams won, but interestingly enough that was the last loss the Pats would suffer during their 11-5 season.

The Super Bowl matchup was mostly anticipated because people thought the heavily favored Rams would blow out the underdog, no name Patriots. Instead, the Pats played the Rams close and won the game on a last minute FG.

Here we are after the 2007 season, with the Patriots meeting the Giants in the Super Bowl.

The Patriots have been there before, and are featuring a potent offense led by Brady's outstanding passing. Their 16-0 season will be legendary. The big talk aside from the team itself was about their controversial head coach, Bill Belichick.

The Giants OTOH started the season poorly, going 0-2, but they finished strong. The two teams met in the last week of the regular season, and the Patriots won, but interestingly enough that marked a turning point in the play of the team, and especially QB Eli Manning.

The Super Bowl matchup is mostly being anticipated as a mismatch, with the heavily favored Pats expected by most to blow out the Giants.

It's amusing to me to hear Pats fans talk smugly about this matchup. How soon they forget what a motivated underdog can do against a heavily favored and very talented team that has heard nothing all year but how great they are. Will history repeat itself?

 

[Jason Wood]

After the 2001 season, the Rams met the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The Rams had been there before, and were still featuring the Greatest Show on Turf in a 14-2 season. Nobody had been able to slow them down. The big talk aside from the team itself was about their controversial head coach, Mike Martz. The Patriots OTOH had started the season poorly, and due to injury their young QB, Tom Brady, had gotten his legs under him after they started 5-5, and they finished strong, with Brady leading the way. The two teams met in the regular season, and the Rams won, but interestingly enough that was the last loss the Pats would suffer during their 11-5 season. The Super Bowl matchup was mostly anticipated because people thought the heavily favored Rams would blow out the underdog, no name Patriots. Instead, the Pats played the Rams close and won the game on a last minute FG. Here we are after the 2007 season, with the Patriots meeting the Giants in the Super Bowl. The Patriots have been there before, and are featuring a potent offense led by Brady's outstanding passing. Their 16-0 season will be legendary. The big talk aside from the team itself was about their controversial head coach, Bill Belichick. The Giants OTOH started the season poorly, going 0-2, but they finished strong. The two teams met in the last week of the regular season, and the Patriots won, but interestingly enough that marked a turning point in the play of the team, and especially QB Eli Manning. The Super Bowl matchup is mostly being anticipated as a mismatch, with the heavily favored Pats expected by most to blow out the Giants. It's amusing to me to hear Pats fans talk smugly about this matchup. How soon they forget what a motivated underdog can do against a heavily favored and very talented team that has heard nothing all year but how great they are. Will history repeat itself?

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

Give it a few days buddy.

 

[Statorama]

As I said in another thread, the difference is that the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner. It turns out Coach B really was better than Mike Martz.

Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin do not offer similar optimism.

 

[Statorama]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

I'm a Saints fan, and I'm predicting a Patriots blowout.From what I've seen, Patriot fans are being quite polite about the whole thing.

 

[redman]

As I said in another thread, the difference is that the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner. It turns out Coach B really was better than Mike Martz.Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin do not offer similar optimism.

The last four weeks have convinced me that we haven't seen the best that Eli has to offer. I wouldn't be so hasty to jump to this conclusion.

 

[Jason Wood]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

I'm a Saints fan, and I'm predicting a Patriots blowout.From what I've seen, Patriot fans are being quite polite about the whole thing.

I agree. Now over the next two weeks I'm sure the dividing lines will start forming but, objectively, there's no reason the Patriots fans would/should start talking about a blow out. They know their team will be heavy favorites, and don't want to jinx it or put themselves out to eat any more crow than would already be in place if the Giants won.

 

[Statorama]

As I said in another thread, the difference is that the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner. It turns out Coach B really was better than Mike Martz.Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin do not offer similar optimism.

The last four weeks have convinced me that we haven't seen the best that Eli has to offer. I wouldn't be so hasty to jump to this conclusion.

Fair enough. Letting the guy prove/disprove it on the field is the best way.

 

[bradyfan]

It's amusing to me to hear Pats fans talk smugly about this matchup. How soon they forget what a motivated underdog can do against a heavily favored and very talented team that has heard nothing all year but how great they are. Will history repeat itself?

Don't worry. After 2 weeks of smack talk and Eli Manning hype by the Giants fans, I wouldn't be surprise if the Pats become the underdogs.

 

[Raider Nation]

the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner.

Please don't revise history. Of course Brady is better than Warner now. He wasn't better than Warner that season, and he wasn't even better than Warner in that game. Warner threw for 365 and 1 TD, while Brady threw for 145 and 1 TD. The difference in the game was New England's defense.

 

[Statorama]

the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner.

Please don't revise history. Of course Brady is better than Warner now. He wasn't better than Warner that season, and he wasn't even better than Warner in that game. Warner threw for 365 and 1 TD, while Brady threw for 145 and 1 TD. The difference in the game was New England's defense.

Overall for their careers Tom Brady is shaping up to be much better than Kurt Warner, stats be damned.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner.

Please don't revise history. Of course Brady is better than Warner now. He wasn't better than Warner that season, and he wasn't even better than Warner in that game. Warner threw for 365 and 1 TD, while Brady threw for 145 and 1 TD. The difference in the game was New England's defense.

Overall for their careers Tom Brady is shaping up to be much better than Kurt Warner, stats be damned.

Wasn't 2002 one year or has it been made into a career now?

 

[Statorama]

the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner.

Please don't revise history. Of course Brady is better than Warner now. He wasn't better than Warner that season, and he wasn't even better than Warner in that game. Warner threw for 365 and 1 TD, while Brady threw for 145 and 1 TD. The difference in the game was New England's defense.

Overall for their careers Tom Brady is shaping up to be much better than Kurt Warner, stats be damned.

Wasn't 2002 one year or has it been made into a career now?

 

[Jason Wood]

If we're really looking back objective; it's nothing like 2001.

The Patriots were 11-5, had a +7 turnover differential and a 6.2 PPG point differential that year. The Rams (14-2) had a NEGATIVE 10 turnover differential and outscored their opponents by 14.4 PPG.

Compare that to this year's matchup:

Patriots... + 9 TO Differential, 19.7 PPG differential (best in NFL history)

Giants.... -10 TO Differential, 1.4 PPG point differential

 

[twitch]

That Rams team was a finesse team. Finesse. And we all know that about those guys. Isaac Bruce suffered a broken rib the first 5 minutes of that game. Marshall Faulk got knocked around all day like a blow up doll. New England beat the crap out of them that day, plain and simple. Anyone here wanna try and tell me this New England team is a finesse team after they ran the ball right down the throats of their last 2 opponents? Against 2 teams with such dominant running games as Jacksonville and San Diego. New England just crushed those 2 teams on the ground. Without Randy Moss. Their next game is in Arizona and Im thinking Randy Moss actually shows up in that game. And New England will still keep running the ball. Who's stopping that? This game has classic Superbowl blowout written all over it.

 

[Spartans Rule]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

Give it a few days buddy.

Or a few minutes.

That Rams team was a finesse team. Finesse. And we all know that about those guys. Isaac Bruce suffered a broken rib the first 5 minutes of that game. Marshall Faulk got knocked around all day like a blow up doll. New England beat the crap out of them that day, plain and simple. Anyone here wanna try and tell me this New England team is a finesse team after they ran the ball right down the throats of their last 2 opponents? Against 2 teams with such dominant running games as Jacksonville and San Diego. New England just crushed those 2 teams on the ground. Without Randy Moss. Their next game is in Arizona and Im thinking Randy Moss actually shows up in that game. And New England will still keep running the ball. Who's stopping that? This game has classic Superbowl blowout written all over it.

 

[twitch]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

Give it a few days buddy.

Or a few minutes.

That Rams team was a finesse team. Finesse. And we all know that about those guys. Isaac Bruce suffered a broken rib the first 5 minutes of that game. Marshall Faulk got knocked around all day like a blow up doll. New England beat the crap out of them that day, plain and simple. Anyone here wanna try and tell me this New England team is a finesse team after they ran the ball right down the throats of their last 2 opponents? Against 2 teams with such dominant running games as Jacksonville and San Diego. New England just crushed those 2 teams on the ground. Without Randy Moss. Their next game is in Arizona and Im thinking Randy Moss actually shows up in that game. And New England will still keep running the ball. Who's stopping that? This game has classic Superbowl blowout written all over it.

Atleast Im not trying to be smug about it. Just being honest, my good man. And you wont find me talking alot of smack. I'll just counter a few points from time to time to keep guys straightened out. Its my job. Its what I do.

 

[porkins]

From what I remember hearing was that the Rams looked terrible in practice that week. They definately didn't take NE seriously. There is no way the Pats now will be so arrogant.

 

[Jason Wood]

For as much as the Patriots weren't expected to give the Rams a run for their money, a Giants win would be several factors more surprising.

The Pats outscored their opponents that year 6.2 PPG, while the Rams demolished their opponents to the tune of 14.3 PPG. The delta was -8.1 in the victory. If the Giants somehow beat the Patriots this year, that same delta would be -18.3 PPG...more than 2x any other outcome in SB history.

 

[TD Ryan]

It's amusing to me to hear Pats fans talk smugly about this matchup.

as a Pats fan, I like NE's chances but the NYG gave NE a tough game at the end of the season.with so much on the line and with such a tough previous matchup, I can't imagine that any real NE fans are taking this game lightly?

 

[PsychoMan]

the talent difference between the Rams and Patriots was an illusion. It turns out Tom Brady really was better than Kurt Warner.

Please don't revise history. Of course Brady is better than Warner now. He wasn't better than Warner that season, and he wasn't even better than Warner in that game. Warner threw for 365 and 1 TD, while Brady threw for 145 and 1 TD. The difference in the game was New England's defense.

Wasn't that the game where the Patriots DEFENSE scored more points than THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF through 3 full quarters and into the 4th? I think Brady ended up with a Superbowl MVP that time too ... Wow, must be nice to be Tom Brady, "the greatest QB ever."

 

[Bossman]

what part of the week 17 matchup between the Pats and Giants would lead anyone to predict a blow out?

 

[redman]

what part of the week 17 matchup between the Pats and Giants would lead anyone to predict a blow out?

See: twitch

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

Give it a few days buddy.

This is what I like to call the self-fullfilling prophecy.Pats fans are subject to endless trolling expeditions villifying coach, players, teams, organization, fandom, place in history, etc.

Pats fans react by talking smack.

Guys like you then post endlessly about those insufferable Boston fans.

Cycle repeats.

So your prediction is likely to come true, but the key question is why?

By the way, re: the OP, the difference between the Martz-led Rams and BB-led Patriots is coaching.

 

[Jason Wood]

what part of the week 17 matchup between the Pats and Giants would lead anyone to predict a blow out?

So we base the outcome of the Super Bowl on the outcome of one game now? Q: What part of the Giants two losses to the Cowboys in the regular season would lead anyone to predict a Giants victory?Q: What part of the Giants blowout loss to the Packers in the regular season would lead anyone to predict a Giants victory?C'mon now.

 

[Jayrod]

It's amusing to me to hear Pats fans talk smugly about this matchup. How soon they forget what a motivated underdog can do against a heavily favored and very talented team that has heard nothing all year but how great they are. Will history repeat itself?

Except for from Belichick. He's been telling his team all year that they aren't good enough and that they must improve or they will get beat.That is the difference between Martz and BB and that will be the difference between winning and losing the Superbowl.

I just read the book A Season On The Brink about Bob Knight and it had a story about the Olympic team that Knight coached to a gold medal with Jordan on the team. Apparently as Knight came in to deliver the pregame speech to the team before the gold medal game, MJ had put a note in his notebook. Apparently it said something like (this is from memory), "After all the #### you put us through there is no way we lose this game." Knight didn't give a speech and the team went out a dominated the gold medal game.

I think it is pretty much the way the Pats feel. They think they have outworked and outprepared everyone else to this point and there is no way in hell they are not going to finish strong. It may be a game, but the Pats will finish because that is what they set out to do in August and have done everything and paid every price to make it happen.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

what part of the week 17 matchup between the Pats and Giants would lead anyone to predict a blow out?

So we base the outcome of the Super Bowl on the outcome of one game now? Q: What part of the Giants two losses to the Cowboys in the regular season would lead anyone to predict a Giants victory?Q: What part of the Giants blowout loss to the Packers in the regular season would lead anyone to predict a Giants victory?C'mon now.

I think it is a legitimate point. The Patriots haven't been blowing people out of late. I think the Pats have a better team but think it will be closer than many think.

 

[Bad_Mo]

I expect a game much like the one the two teams played last month. The Giants will be the underdogs for obvious reasons.

Comparing the 2007 Giants to the 2001 Patriots is a strecth though. Manning & Coughlin can't hold a candle to Brady & Belichick.

 

[The Great Snook]

As a diehard Pats fan, I can tell you I have noticed the parallels and I am noticeably concerned. However, I have faith in the Patriot players and coaches to keep there heads screwed on tightly. I don't see them overlooking the Giants as the Rams clearly overlooked them in 2001.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Mike Martz blew that game for the Rams. His assistants advised him to run more but he ignored them. He let his ego get in the way of things.

Belichick doesn't do that kind of thing. He makes adjustments all the time and throws in completely different styles of plays if necessary.

This game is more likely to resemble Bears-Pats '85-86 than that Rams-Pats game.

 

[PatsWillWin]

This game is more likely to resemble Bears-Pats '85-86 than that Rams-Pats game.

That's pretty absurd.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

If we want to talk about actual football in this thread, an interesting question is whether or not the Pats scheme to take Burress away, who has been dominant all year.

The Pats like single safety over the top and don't move Samuels and Hobbs around, but it's interesting to wonder if they would deviate from that approach to take away Burress.

 

[redman]

That Rams team was a finesse team. Finesse. And we all know that about those guys. Isaac Bruce suffered a broken rib the first 5 minutes of that game. Marshall Faulk got knocked around all day like a blow up doll. New England beat the crap out of them that day, plain and simple. Anyone here wanna try and tell me this New England team is a finesse team after they ran the ball right down the throats of their last 2 opponents? Against 2 teams with such dominant running games as Jacksonville and San Diego. New England just crushed those 2 teams on the ground. Without Randy Moss. Their next game is in Arizona and Im thinking Randy Moss actually shows up in that game. And New England will still keep running the ball. Who's stopping that? This game has classic Superbowl blowout written all over it.

Mike Martz blew that game for the Rams. His assistants advised him to run more but he ignored them. He let his ego get in the way of things.

Belichick doesn't do that kind of thing. He makes adjustments all the time and throws in completely different styles of plays if necessary.

This game is more likely to resemble Bears-Pats '85-86 than that Rams-Pats game.

People keep asking me where I'm getting the impression of Pats' fans being overconfident or smug going in. Honestly folks, you don't have to look very far.

 

[redman]

As a diehard Pats fan, I can tell you I have noticed the parallels and I am noticeably concerned. However, I have faith in the Patriot players and coaches to keep there heads screwed on tightly. I don't see them overlooking the Giants as the Rams clearly overlooked them in 2001.

on all counts.There's no doubt that the analogy I'm drawing here eventually breaks down - that's no surprise as every analogy will ultimately crack under the pressure of close comparison. I agree that Belichick >>> Martz; Martz it the Mad Hatter of NFL coaches. Nevertheless, theoretically inferior teams can sometimes elevate their games, and that seems to happen most often on big stages when they are being dismissed as having little or no chance to succeed. Much to their credit, that motivated the physically inferior 2001 Pats (who I figured were a 5-win team going into that season), and I can see it motivating the 2007 Giants.

 

[Workhorse]

This game should be close, just like the first meeting. I see things that the Giants can do on offense to give the Pats fits: The Pats DBs have been giving huge cushions in the passing game to WRs on outside routes. Burress could have a field day against that secondary. The Patriots have also been lacking in the pass rush for much of the playoffs and we've seen that when Eli gets time to throw, he doesn't make many mistakes. Also, the "speed back" Bradshaw could be a nice weapon in the Giants passing game.

The other way, the Giants can get pressure with their front four and get pressure in Brady's face, allowing them to gamble. And the NY secondary when Ross is healthy, is underrated.

One of the things I've noticed with the Pats over the past two games is they've struggled with the fast break offense (4 or 5 WR) but have just manhandled defenses with their 2 and 3 TE sets, and Maroney has become a legit option running and receiving the ball. I'd bet that the Patriots might open up in the power formations to set up some play-action deep balls later in the game. Go power run offense when the defense is preparing for a track meet and burn the secondary when they stack the box to stop the run. Get a little more conventional and go back to the old style Patriot football.

I think it will be an excellent and close game.

 

[bcr8f]

People keep asking me where I'm getting the impression of Pats' fans being overconfident or smug going in. Honestly folks, you don't have to look very far.

No you don't and I'm surprised people haven't trown Moss around like a rag doll.

 

[Phlash]

Game is gonna be close, Giants are NO slouch when it comes to playing quality football.

Eli has stepped it up. Just watching his facial expressions, he seems like he's ALIVE. If he plays with the same intensity and heart that he has the past couple weeks, they stand a very good chance of winning this game.

 

[DerangedGridironGeek]

That Rams team was a finesse team. Finesse. And we all know that about those guys. Isaac Bruce suffered a broken rib the first 5 minutes of that game. Marshall Faulk got knocked around all day like a blow up doll. New England beat the crap out of them that day, plain and simple. Anyone here wanna try and tell me this New England team is a finesse team after they ran the ball right down the throats of their last 2 opponents? Against 2 teams with such dominant running games as Jacksonville and San Diego. New England just crushed those 2 teams on the ground. Without Randy Moss. Their next game is in Arizona and Im thinking Randy Moss actually shows up in that game. And New England will still keep running the ball. Who's stopping that? This game has classic Superbowl blowout written all over it.

Mike Martz blew that game for the Rams. His assistants advised him to run more but he ignored them. He let his ego get in the way of things.

Belichick doesn't do that kind of thing. He makes adjustments all the time and throws in completely different styles of plays if necessary.

This game is more likely to resemble Bears-Pats '85-86 than that Rams-Pats game.

People keep asking me where I'm getting the impression of Pats' fans being overconfident or smug going in. Honestly folks, you don't have to look very far.

You don't have to go very far with most fan bases...so what's your point? The fact that the NE band wagons are overflowing with the casual and sometimes ignorant fans, due to their unbelievable 7 year run, overconfident fans are to be expected from ANY fan base. There are many great NE posters on this board that are REAL football fans that can "for the most part" stay objective and keep it real. If the roles were reversed and the Giants were undefeated and on the cusp of winning a 4th SB.......I would bet the farm that these boards would be full of overconfident and obnoxious fans. If you think your fan base is above that sort of thing or would react any different, if put into the same place as NE, then you need to get off your pedastal and come back to earth.

 

[redman]

That Rams team was a finesse team. Finesse. And we all know that about those guys. Isaac Bruce suffered a broken rib the first 5 minutes of that game. Marshall Faulk got knocked around all day like a blow up doll. New England beat the crap out of them that day, plain and simple. Anyone here wanna try and tell me this New England team is a finesse team after they ran the ball right down the throats of their last 2 opponents? Against 2 teams with such dominant running games as Jacksonville and San Diego. New England just crushed those 2 teams on the ground. Without Randy Moss. Their next game is in Arizona and Im thinking Randy Moss actually shows up in that game. And New England will still keep running the ball. Who's stopping that? This game has classic Superbowl blowout written all over it.

Mike Martz blew that game for the Rams. His assistants advised him to run more but he ignored them. He let his ego get in the way of things.

Belichick doesn't do that kind of thing. He makes adjustments all the time and throws in completely different styles of plays if necessary.

This game is more likely to resemble Bears-Pats '85-86 than that Rams-Pats game.

People keep asking me where I'm getting the impression of Pats' fans being overconfident or smug going in. Honestly folks, you don't have to look very far.

You don't have to go very far with most fan bases...so what's your point? The fact that the NE band wagons are overflowing with the casual and sometimes ignorant fans, due to their unbelievable 7 year run, overconfident fans are to be expected from ANY fan base. There are many great NE posters on this board that are REAL football fans that can "for the most part" stay objective and keep it real. If the roles were reversed and the Giants were undefeated and on the cusp of winning a 4th SB.......I would bet the farm that these boards would be full of overconfident and obnoxious fans. If you think your fan base is above that sort of thing or would react any different, if put into the same place as NE, then you need to get off your pedastal and come back to earth.

You might want to take up with twitch how you think he's a bandwagon fan. This will be fun.

 

[Black Box]

The factor missing from all this analysis is that the Patriots and Belichick seem to perform better when facing a team the second time around. It just makes their clear coaching edge that much better.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Whats Bellichick's record seeing a team twice in one season?

In the second game.

 

[Black]

Eli has stepped it up. Just watching his facial expressions, he seems like he's ALIVE....

I think it's just gas.

 

[redman]

Eli has stepped it up. Just watching his facial expressions, he seems like he's ALIVE....

I think it's just gas.

 

[pats3in4]

Bill Belichick != Mike Martz, so the comparison is only for amusement.

Martz was a schizophrenic that postseason. In the NFCCG, the Eagles were giving the Rams a game, taking away the deep stuff and daring the Rams to run. After halftime, Martz did exactly that. Handoff to Faulk. Handoff to Faulk. Handoff to Faulk. Martz actually adjusted and the adjustment sent his team to the Super Bowl.

A week later the Pats are daring him to run again. Yet he insists on Warner throwing to a bunch of WRs scared of their own shadow after a boatload of early hits knocked them silly. Next thing you know, Ricky Proehl's pre-game comment "Tonight a dynasty is born, baby!" is coming to fruition, just not the way he expected.

 

[freelander]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

Give it a few days buddy.

This is what I like to call the self-fullfilling prophecy.Pats fans are subject to endless trolling expeditions villifying coach, players, teams, organization, fandom, place in history, etc.

Pats fans react by talking smack.

Guys like you then post endlessly about those insufferable Boston fans.

Cycle repeats.

So your prediction is likely to come true, but the key question is why?

By the way, re: the OP, the difference between the Martz-led Rams and BB-led Patriots is coaching.

Your sequence is already off here --- please insert "Pats fan smugness" ahead of any trolling expeditions. Seriously ---

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

To be fair, I don't see too many Pats fans being smug and predicting a blow out, at least in the pinned threads on this forum. It's people that are fans of other NFL teams (myself included) that are making those kinds of predictions.

Give it a few days buddy.

This is what I like to call the self-fullfilling prophecy.Pats fans are subject to endless trolling expeditions villifying coach, players, teams, organization, fandom, place in history, etc.

Pats fans react by talking smack.

Guys like you then post endlessly about those insufferable Boston fans.

Cycle repeats.

So your prediction is likely to come true, but the key question is why?

By the way, re: the OP, the difference between the Martz-led Rams and BB-led Patriots is coaching.

Your sequence is already off here --- please insert "Pats fan smugness" ahead of any trolling expeditions. Seriously ---

Let's agree to disagree [grins smugly].

 

[nerangers]

As a Pats fan, I don't think you can pass up the Giants and the points! The Patriots have not been covering lately, and the Giants are hot.

I was commenting today to my friend that is a Giants fan how much his team reminded me of the 2001 Patriots. Like some have mentioned, you can not overlook them and how they got to the Super Bowl.

 

[encaitar]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the Patriots aren't all that more talented than the Giants. I know I'm gonna get bashed for saying it, but I hold it true. Yes, the Patriot's offense is better than the Giants, but after watching the Giants shut down Green Bay's recievers I would say their defense, with that pass rush, is better than NEs.

I really feel that Bill Belichick is much like Marty Schottenheimer in that he gets his team to play to its best given any week of the year. This is why Marty always struggled to win big games, because other teams with more talent played harder in the postseason than they did during the regular season, and unlike Belichick, he didn't use different coaching strategies and ploys in the playoffs to his team's advantage.

Now, take the Giants, who are a very talented team, but played very below that talent until the last few weeks of the year. Their play against NE in week 17 convinced them they were good enough to beat top level teams and their play in the postseason proved that. I think they go in feeling like they can beat NE in the superbowl if they play their hearts out. Will it be enough? I can't say, but it should make for a great game because you know NE will be at their best as well. Bill won't allow for anything less.

 

[rocket1012]

Judging by the rabid reaction to the Giant victory over the Packers,you can only IMAGINE the cockiness if NEW YORK had a 3-time Super Bowl champ this decade on an 18 game win streak and their Super Bowl opponent hadn't won a title in over 25 years.

When Green Bay won the OT coin toss, how many of you Giant fans actually thought you'd have a chance to see your team get the ball back,,let alone Lawrence Tynes hitting a 47-yd FG after some makeable misses. Yet we Patriot fans always hear how "lucky" N.E. was to get a victory and "if" this or that didn't happen N.E. wouldn't have won. But you can play that "card" in any NFL game,and the fact is once something happens...it's history.

N.E. is winning non-blowout games lately,..so what? Aren't playoff games supposed to be competitive? And don't forget.. that they're coming from BEHIND in some of the last 5 games,..so I guess their opponents can't hold a lead...

The reason N.E will win the Super Bowl is the same reason they've won three SB's this decade,..they will make major adjustments DURING the game. Bill Belichik doesn't necessarily sick to a master "Game Plan",..but he's the best in the league at making adjustments,"series by series" if necessary.

Brady was having a crappy game vs. S.D.,no question,....so then they run the ball with some 3 TE sets, short throws, and the med/ long range passing game gets shelved,....and on Defense they hold the Chargers to a FG on three "red zone" possessions, including a "1st and goal"at the 4 YD. LINE (with a healthy Turner and Sproules). Whatever it takes...

Maybe Eli can throw for 4 TD's again,..but it wasn't enough last time.

 

[Knight who says Ni]

I believe it's a good thing for the Giants that they didn't take week 17 off against the Patriots. Being able to hang with them - and nearly beat them - through all 4 quarters no doubt gave them a boost of confidence going into the playoffs, and I'm sure they feel pretty confident going into the Super Bowl. Imagine how different their mindset would be if they took week 17 off and let NE destroy them.

Ni