MNF - Pats/Bengals Predictions & Discussions (1 Viewer)

[djcolts]

so no one thinks that NE will slow it down this week and try to burn the clock on the ground, knowing that cincy has a high powered offense?

I think NE uses this game as a practice for Indy. In other words, don't play ball control and come out firing. Look to outscore them.

Indy gambles a lot less on D than Cincy. I don't think this will be as great of a simulation of the Indy game as it first appears.

 

[greenline]

... in case anyone thinks NE might be a bit unmotivated and flat ... this is the first post-CameraGate away game. Expect the team to be fired up and motivated by the hostile taunts.

I don't get this. If what you and other Pat fans repeatedly keep saying is true, then these guys are underachievers and unprofessional. Included in this statement that due to being so "motivated" they are going to play harder is the implication that they have not been playing very hard in past seasons or I suppose in Week 1 this year. It's ridiculous drivel for the media and fans and message boards, just like the Whisnehunt/Grimm/Tomlin hype. Essentially irrelevant. Also, if this is the key to success, then all the other 31 teams need to do is find some rule to break that questions their integrity and accomplishments. Then their players will be motivated to play harder.

is right. Don't listen to that crap. It's not true. I also don't believe the Patriots are going to score even 35 points this week. They don't do things in response to outside issues. They'll do whatever it takes to win the game at hand. I doubt anyone there cares about proving the league wrong. Pats 31 Bengals 21

I've followed the team my whole life. They play with a chip on their shoulder. Period. That's reality.As far as them being unprofessional by needing to be motivated blah blah, I think it's a pretty common perception (whether true or not is another matter) that teams that are just beating down the opposition can tend to put things on cruise control.That's when "trap" games occur or whatever you want to call them.My point was that given the totally hostile crowd in prime time, the team will be extra-motivated. Spin my words toward your anti-Pats agenda however you like.At the end of the day, you're right it really doesn't matter.Cincy has a horrible defense and they will get completely torched by Brady.

Well, I'm 29 and have been watching them since I was a little kid and Craig James was the RB. I don't have any anti-Pats agenda.

 

[tombonneau]

... in case anyone thinks NE might be a bit unmotivated and flat ... this is the first post-CameraGate away game. Expect the team to be fired up and motivated by the hostile taunts.

I don't get this. If what you and other Pat fans repeatedly keep saying is true, then these guys are underachievers and unprofessional. Included in this statement that due to being so "motivated" they are going to play harder is the implication that they have not been playing very hard in past seasons or I suppose in Week 1 this year. It's ridiculous drivel for the media and fans and message boards, just like the Whisnehunt/Grimm/Tomlin hype. Essentially irrelevant. Also, if this is the key to success, then all the other 31 teams need to do is find some rule to break that questions their integrity and accomplishments. Then their players will be motivated to play harder.

is right. Don't listen to that crap. It's not true. I also don't believe the Patriots are going to score even 35 points this week. They don't do things in response to outside issues. They'll do whatever it takes to win the game at hand. I doubt anyone there cares about proving the league wrong. Pats 31 Bengals 21

I've followed the team my whole life. They play with a chip on their shoulder. Period. That's reality.As far as them being unprofessional by needing to be motivated blah blah, I think it's a pretty common perception (whether true or not is another matter) that teams that are just beating down the opposition can tend to put things on cruise control.That's when "trap" games occur or whatever you want to call them.My point was that given the totally hostile crowd in prime time, the team will be extra-motivated. Spin my words toward your anti-Pats agenda however you like.At the end of the day, you're right it really doesn't matter.Cincy has a horrible defense and they will get completely torched by Brady.

Well, I'm 29 and have been watching them since I was a little kid and Craig James was the RB. I don't have any anti-Pats agenda.

Sorry I know I quoted your post, but my comment re: anti-pats agenda directed toward the poster you quoted.Though surprised as a fan you don't see them thrashing Cincy. I honestly don't see how they have a chance in this game. And I'm not a rose-colored glasses homer. Just reality.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

I think the Pats roll in this one but I stink at predicting games so I will go opposite and take the bengals +7

Pats - 35

Cin - 31

Carson Palmer will have 60 attempts and 450 yards passing.

 

[WampusCat43]

What I want the final score to be: CINCY 3 N.E. 0

This is what the number of punts will be for each team.As a season tix holder, I'm hoping for good things, but in my mind, the Patriots will score every time they get the ball.

Rudi's not that much better than Watson, though.

Pats 48-24.

 

[greenline]

... in case anyone thinks NE might be a bit unmotivated and flat ... this is the first post-CameraGate away game. Expect the team to be fired up and motivated by the hostile taunts.

I don't get this. If what you and other Pat fans repeatedly keep saying is true, then these guys are underachievers and unprofessional. Included in this statement that due to being so "motivated" they are going to play harder is the implication that they have not been playing very hard in past seasons or I suppose in Week 1 this year. It's ridiculous drivel for the media and fans and message boards, just like the Whisnehunt/Grimm/Tomlin hype. Essentially irrelevant. Also, if this is the key to success, then all the other 31 teams need to do is find some rule to break that questions their integrity and accomplishments. Then their players will be motivated to play harder.

is right. Don't listen to that crap. It's not true. I also don't believe the Patriots are going to score even 35 points this week. They don't do things in response to outside issues. They'll do whatever it takes to win the game at hand. I doubt anyone there cares about proving the league wrong. Pats 31 Bengals 21

I've followed the team my whole life. They play with a chip on their shoulder. Period. That's reality.As far as them being unprofessional by needing to be motivated blah blah, I think it's a pretty common perception (whether true or not is another matter) that teams that are just beating down the opposition can tend to put things on cruise control.That's when "trap" games occur or whatever you want to call them.My point was that given the totally hostile crowd in prime time, the team will be extra-motivated. Spin my words toward your anti-Pats agenda however you like.At the end of the day, you're right it really doesn't matter.Cincy has a horrible defense and they will get completely torched by Brady.

Well, I'm 29 and have been watching them since I was a little kid and Craig James was the RB. I don't have any anti-Pats agenda.

Sorry I know I quoted your post, but my comment re: anti-pats agenda directed toward the poster you quoted.Though surprised as a fan you don't see them thrashing Cincy. I honestly don't see how they have a chance in this game. And I'm not a rose-colored glasses homer. Just reality.

Oh, ok. That makes sense. I just think this team is so dynamic and BB likes to switch everything up just when you think you understand what/who they are. If they run for 200 yards and throw for 275, I could see it being a 4 TD effort total. Throw in a FG at some point. Maybe the Bengals don't score three TD's but I'm just giving them a little bit of consideration. If they eliminate run, then Palmer will be in trouble. I just never expect a blowout. I don't feel comfortable predicting lopsided victories. The NFL is too good. All it takes is a bad fumble or breakdown in coverage. This team is well coached and well-disciplined so it rarely happens. Regardless, I'm pumped for MNF. Thank God for no Joe Theismann!

 

[Steeler]

If Cinci holds them to less than 23 points I'd be shocked.

You mean by halftime? Or during each quarter?

 

[#1DetroitFan]

After reading this thread I am almost convinced to start Maroney. With the Cincy "D" being banged up and Maroney not scoring so far this year I have to believe that he will have the fire in his stomach. I tend to believe that BB will keep the ball on the ground once the Pats are up. This will grind out the clock and keep Palmer and CJ off the field. I see these two as the only weapons that Cincy has with Rudi out.

 

[pats3in4]

After reading this thread I am almost convinced to start Maroney. With the Cincy "D" being banged up and Maroney not scoring so far this year I have to believe that he will have the fire in his stomach. I tend to believe that BB will keep the ball on the ground once the Pats are up. This will grind out the clock and keep Palmer and CJ off the field. I see these two as the only weapons that Cincy has with Rudi out.

Maroney had 125yds w/2TDs last year in Cincy. Thought you'd like to know that.

 

[joelib77]

If there's a weakness in NE's defense, it's their secondary ATM. If there's a strength on Cinci's team, it's their passing game.This is a decent matchup for Cinci and they will do better than many of the lopsided scores I see on here. The problem for them is they don't have anyone who can stop the run. Maroney finally finds the endzone this week.New England 30 and Cincinatti 24

This sounds like wishful thinking from a Cowboy fan.The Pat's secondary is pretty strong (even without Rodney Harrison) and their pass rush has been relentless so far. Not sure if you can site too much evidence from the first three weeks to support this claim that their secondary is weak. They've been in three blowouts. D's tend to play a lot looser and thus give up more yards when up by 3 TD's, yet, no QB has put up more than 179 yards on them:Week 1: Pennington/Clemens 202Week 2: Rivers 179Week 3: Edwards/Losman 101That's a total of 481 yards on 77 pass attempts for a meager 6.2 yards per completion (current league average YPC is approx. 7.2). It's even more pittiful when you consider that a lot of the yardage came in garbage time. With Rudi hurt the Pats don't even have to respect the run and can mostly sit back in coverage and get after Palmer.The game is going to be ugly.

 

[The Jerk]

As far as them being unprofessional by needing to be motivated blah blah, I think it's a pretty common perception (whether true or not is another matter) that teams that are just beating down the opposition can tend to put things on cruise control....Spin my words toward your anti-Pats agenda however you like.

You're so predictably paranoid about any POSSIBLE anti-Patriots comments that you're completely missing the point of my original post. It was a compliment to the Patriots and actually acknowledged their professionalism and self-motivation.Since you missed it the first time, let me make my originally point painfully clear.Posters -- especially Patriot fans -- like you are suggesting that the Patriots are playing with more purpose due to the camera/signals caper and penalty with the follow-up questions on the validity of their past accomplishments and a desire to prove their greatness. That line of thinking to me is 100% absolute nonsense. If it is actually true that the Patriots are playing significantly harder now, then that means they were not playing as hard in the past, which further means that they somehow need external motivation from league investigations, penalties, and media criticism.I am not a Patriot fan, but I believe they are extremely professional and motivated, unselfish and team-focused. In fact, I attribute most of their 2001 championship to being more professional and team-oriented than the Steelers. I suspect that it is now part of the elementary education curriculum in New England to recite that the Steelers continued to think they were the better team all during the offseason up to the opening game of the 2002 season. Certainly I see references it in Dan Shaughnessy's columns virtually any time I look.So since I believe the Patriots are professional and motivated ALL of the time, then perhaps you can see how I think comments that the Patriots are now significantly more motivated are actually a slap in the face of the organization. And these comments are coming almost unanimously from Patriot fans. Pretty ironic, huh? If you can't figure out what I mean by this point, there's not much else I can say. Perhaps someone else can help you out.

 

[greenline]

As far as them being unprofessional by needing to be motivated blah blah, I think it's a pretty common perception (whether true or not is another matter) that teams that are just beating down the opposition can tend to put things on cruise control....Spin my words toward your anti-Pats agenda however you like.

You're so predictably paranoid about any POSSIBLE anti-Patriots comments that you're completely missing the point of my original post. It was a compliment to the Patriots and actually acknowledged their professionalism and self-motivation.Since you missed it the first time, let me make my originally point painfully clear.Posters -- especially Patriot fans -- like you are suggesting that the Patriots are playing with more purpose due to the camera/signals caper and penalty with the follow-up questions on the validity of their past accomplishments and a desire to prove their greatness. That line of thinking to me is 100% absolute nonsense. If it is actually true that the Patriots are playing significantly harder now, then that means they were not playing as hard in the past, which further means that they somehow need external motivation from league investigations, penalties, and media criticism.I am not a Patriot fan, but I believe they are extremely professional and motivated, unselfish and team-focused. In fact, I attribute most of their 2001 championship to being more professional and team-oriented than the Steelers. I suspect that it is now part of the elementary education curriculum in New England to recite that the Steelers continued to think they were the better team all during the offseason up to the opening game of the 2002 season. Certainly I see references it in Dan Shaughnessy's columns virtually any time I look.So since I believe the Patriots are professional and motivated ALL of the time, then perhaps you can see how I think comments that the Patriots are now significantly more motivated are actually a slap in the face of the organization. And these comments are coming almost unanimously from Patriot fans. Pretty ironic, huh? If you can't figure out what I mean by this point, there's not much else I can say. Perhaps someone else can help you out.

Good post. I went to opening night art Gillette in '02 following the SB win and the upset AFC championship game over Pitt. They showed the Kordell Stewart press conference before the game several times with him talking about just that, the Steelers are better than the Patriots despite the loss. NE kicked the Steelers butts again that night and it was euphoric pandemonium. I know outside of this area alot of people don't like Boston teams or their fans but at that time no one from my generation had experienced any sort of success with the local teams. The 1986 Celtics were the last team to do anything and I was just 7 years old. Who could really appreciate it?Once NE won the SB it was seriously euphoric. That night at Gillette is singlehandedly the best sporting even I have ever been apart of. I think Boston area fans have a complex from being awful for so long that know we have a chance to sit in the limelight and some of them just don't know how to behave. They/We get extremely defensive at times and completely irrational. If you are local, you know why. Also, I think it's a presumption that outsiders are going to try to minimlize the fans teams so it makes them a little whacko. I know sports is important in alot of areas, but in New England and Boston it's woven into the DNA. A few more trophies and maybe people will be OK with everything and start acting like they've been there. Ignoring the outside BS because it doesn't matter anyways. It sure is fun though. I've alreadty been suspended from this MB once for too much antagonzing. I don't particuarly want to stop, but I need to because this place is such a rich resource of information. Besides, who wants to be a paying subscriber who lost rights to the forums? Sorry for the diatribe.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Patriots 83

Bengals 6

 

[Tarkin]

What I think the final score will be: N.E. 44 CINCY 24

What I want the final score to be: CINCY 3 N.E. 0

I happen to be one of the unlucky souls playing against C.J. and Moss!



No Rudi = no real threat of a running game = no chance for the Bengals. New England has scored exactly 38 points in each of their first three games. I see no reason why they should score less than that on Monday night, short of a monsoon in the forecast. Can any of you honestly make a case for the Bengals winning this game? If they win, it will be by outscoring the Pats, not by stopping them. I can't see it happening.

Rudi sucks, so that can't be the reason they don't have a chance.

Amen. Bengals homer here. I am glad to see Kenny getting the start.

 

[Kirby]

What I think the final score will be: N.E. 44 CINCY 24

What I want the final score to be: CINCY 3 N.E. 0

I happen to be one of the unlucky souls playing against C.J. and Moss!



No Rudi = no real threat of a running game = no chance for the Bengals. New England has scored exactly 38 points in each of their first three games. I see no reason why they should score less than that on Monday night, short of a monsoon in the forecast. Can any of you honestly make a case for the Bengals winning this game? If they win, it will be by outscoring the Pats, not by stopping them. I can't see it happening.

Rudi sucks, so that can't be the reason they don't have a chance.

Amen. Bengals homer here. I am glad to see Kenny getting the start.

Yup... I'm sick of seeing him pretend he's a tap dancer in the backfield.

 

[pghrob]

Pats 58

Cincy 27

 

[tombonneau]

As far as them being unprofessional by needing to be motivated blah blah, I think it's a pretty common perception (whether true or not is another matter) that teams that are just beating down the opposition can tend to put things on cruise control....Spin my words toward your anti-Pats agenda however you like.

You're so predictably paranoid about any POSSIBLE anti-Patriots comments that you're completely missing the point of my original post. It was a compliment to the Patriots and actually acknowledged their professionalism and self-motivation.Since you missed it the first time, let me make my originally point painfully clear.Posters -- especially Patriot fans -- like you are suggesting that the Patriots are playing with more purpose due to the camera/signals caper and penalty with the follow-up questions on the validity of their past accomplishments and a desire to prove their greatness. That line of thinking to me is 100% absolute nonsense. If it is actually true that the Patriots are playing significantly harder now, then that means they were not playing as hard in the past, which further means that they somehow need external motivation from league investigations, penalties, and media criticism.I am not a Patriot fan, but I believe they are extremely professional and motivated, unselfish and team-focused. In fact, I attribute most of their 2001 championship to being more professional and team-oriented than the Steelers. I suspect that it is now part of the elementary education curriculum in New England to recite that the Steelers continued to think they were the better team all during the offseason up to the opening game of the 2002 season. Certainly I see references it in Dan Shaughnessy's columns virtually any time I look.So since I believe the Patriots are professional and motivated ALL of the time, then perhaps you can see how I think comments that the Patriots are now significantly more motivated are actually a slap in the face of the organization. And these comments are coming almost unanimously from Patriot fans. Pretty ironic, huh? If you can't figure out what I mean by this point, there's not much else I can say. Perhaps someone else can help you out.

Sorry I'm at work and skimmed through your OP and didn't really pay too close attention to decipher tone etc. I'm just so accustomed to the majority of poster's anti-pats opinions that I probably just assumed it was there.Anyway, it doesn't change my stance that guys like Bruschi, Brady & Harrison are going to be motivated by the cameragate firestorm. I'm not saying they are laying up at night thinking about it, but any guy who was part of any of those SB teams is going to have something in the back of their mind that's pushing them a little harder. If you don't believe me that's fine we are entitled to our opinions.But if NE wins the SB, just wait to see what Bruschi, Harrison and other vets have to say immediately afterwards. I can almost 100% guarantee there will be veiled or direct references to the "tainted" SBs, no one believed in us, blah blah, the typical stuff.

 

[The Jerk]

But if NE wins the SB, just wait to see what Bruschi, Harrison and other vets have to say immediately afterwards. I can almost 100% guarantee there will be veiled or direct references to the "tainted" SBs, no one believed in us, blah blah, the typical stuff.

If that indeed happens, I will feel extremely sorry for you and other Patriot fans.One of the lamest trends of the past decade in all sports is the no one believed in us crap.We are seeing countless posts suggesting the Pats will run the table this year. Yeah, no one believed in us. :11:

 

[The Jerk]

tombonneau,

So you don't misunderstand, I am expecting the Patriots to display more class because I believe they have that capability. (It's a compliment.)

 

[TD Ryan]

One of the lamest trends of the past decade in all sports is the no one believed in us crap.

perhaps, but it is the one that has worked for the Patriots year in and year out.Bruschi, more than any of the other players, was really bothered by all the "tainted" SuperBowl talk.I respect his honesty there. Most claim that they don't listen to the media. Bruschi came right out and said it all bothered him a lot.While I'm sure that every player has their own way to get motivated, I don't doubt for one second that the negative comments made during camera-gate are being used as fuel for some of the players (especially Bruschi).

 

[tombonneau]

But if NE wins the SB, just wait to see what Bruschi, Harrison and other vets have to say immediately afterwards. I can almost 100% guarantee there will be veiled or direct references to the "tainted" SBs, no one believed in us, blah blah, the typical stuff.

If that indeed happens, I will feel extremely sorry for you and other Patriot fans.One of the lamest trends of the past decade in all sports is the no one believed in us crap.We are seeing countless posts suggesting the Pats will run the table this year. Yeah, no one believed in us. :11:

Believe me I'm as sick of the no one believed in us schtick as the next guy, but certain players still cling to it.Anyway, I guess after all this thanks for the compliment, Jerk.

 

[The Jerk]

While I'm sure that every player has their own way to get motivated, I don't doubt for one second that the negative comments made during camera-gate are being used as fuel for some of the players (especially Bruschi).

I can see it as a minor temporary boost. They are human beings, and while my highest level of sports was D III baseball, I know that external motivation can have a small effect. In high school basketball, I once got so intense before a game against our archrival that I committed three fouls in the first two minutes of the game and was benched. After the coach reamed me out for poor leadership (I was the captain) the entire halftime, I went out and scored 13 points to win the game in the second half.Given that these guys are professionals, however, I suspect the external motivation is a very small part of the overall drive to succeed.

 

[The Jerk]

Anyway, I guess after all this thanks for the compliment, Jerk.

Despite what many Pat fans want to believe, deep down I don't really dislike you or your team.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I can see it as a minor temporary boost.

That would be true if this was all strictly professional. I would think the majority of atheletes who make it as far as the NFL are both professional and passionate.

Some, as in the cases of Harrison, Wilfork, Bruschi, and others, may border on the edge of fanatacism. The New England gig is almost a cult, and Belichick inspires loyalty that outsiders have a hard time understanding. I see guys like Bruschi re-newing their motivation to hump it 60 minutes x 19 games, to honor the name of their coach and to stick it to the haters.

 

[treat88]

I can see it as a minor temporary boost.

That would be true if this was all strictly professional. I would think the majority of atheletes who make it as far as the NFL are both professional and passionate.

Some, as in the cases of Harrison, Wilfork, Bruschi, and others, may border on the edge of fanatacism. The New England gig is almost a cult, and Belichick inspires loyalty that outsiders have a hard time understanding. I see guys like Bruschi re-newing their motivation to hump it 60 minutes x 19 games, to honor the name of their coach and to stick it to the haters.

Nobody is better at inspiring the bunker mentality than the Pats.Camera-gate will cost several teams/players dearly with pain and humiliation inflicted for retribution on the coach's behalf.

Next Jets game is in Foxboro and it's going to be fugly.

 

[greenline]

I can see it as a minor temporary boost.

That would be true if this was all strictly professional. I would think the majority of atheletes who make it as far as the NFL are both professional and passionate.

Some, as in the cases of Harrison, Wilfork, Bruschi, and others, may border on the edge of fanatacism. The New England gig is almost a cult, and Belichick inspires loyalty that outsiders have a hard time understanding. I see guys like Bruschi re-newing their motivation to hump it 60 minutes x 19 games, to honor the name of their coach and to stick it to the haters.

Nobody is better at inspiring the bunker mentality than the Pats.Camera-gate will cost several teams/players dearly with pain and humiliation inflicted for retribution on the coach's behalf.

Next Jets game is in Foxboro and it's going to be fugly.

how is it going to be "fugly?"

 

[treat88]

how is it going to be "fugly?"

Pats are going to be laying the lumber both on the scoreboard and on the field.Fans are going to be more vocal and crude than usual.Wouldn't be surprised if someone gets Wilforked.

 

[eom]

check out last year's score and add 30 to the pats.

I hope the palmer owners have another good qb on their bench.....

 

[PatsFan72]

So how'd we do?

 

[TD Ryan]

No surprises really. Pretty much what was expected last night.

MAYBE another TD out of CIN would have been expected but they did have the Red Zone INT to kill a decent drive/scoring opportunity.

NE's offense just had their way with the depleted CIN defense. Run or Pass, it didn't matter, NE was going to do whatever they wanted to.

As a non-Bengals homer... DAMN that TJ Housh is a strong, physical receiver. Reminded me of Givens when he was muscling out catches for NE.

 

[Steeler]

So how'd we do?

Tom?Teddy?Randy?Rodney?Which NE player are you?

 

[Phlash]

Rodney?

Speaking of... heeeeee's back =]

 

[porkins]

So how'd we do?

Tom?Teddy?Randy?Rodney?Which NE player are you?

Hey smart guy, I'm a season ticket holder. Every year I make a check out to the Patriots organization. They then use that money to sign players. So yes, I am part of the team. The Patriots always thank their fans right away when they win something. so yes, I am part of the team.Don't put down people for saying "we" when talking about their team.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

So how'd we do?

Tom?Teddy?Randy?Rodney?Which NE player are you?

Please. Like the most holy beloved Bruschi would ever step down from upon Mt Olympus to hang out on a message board. Go say ten hail-Teddys just for thinking such blasphemy.

 

[PatsFan72]

So how'd we do?

Tom?Teddy?

Randy?

Rodney?

Which NE player are you?

I didn't know Tom, Teddy, Randy, and Rodney posted their predictions here? Wow! This truly is the best football message board in all the land.It's OK, I understand, if I was a Steelers fan I'd be a little touchy this week too.

MY beloved Patriots kicked yet another team's [behind], covered yet another point spread, set yet another record (first team to win their first 4 games by 21 or more since the merger). I don't think anyone actually had 34-13, but a few had 21 point spread, and some good predictions on what each team would try to do, and would be able to do.