New England Patriots 2007 (1 Viewer)

[greenline]

Lots of stuff to discuss with this team. This year they have emerged as an offensive juggernaut.

- Ben Watson has turned into a legitimate End zone threat. Good TE in TD heavy leagues.

- Maroney eclisped 100 yards in Week 3, still no TD's. No receptions either.

- Brady has looked great with all the new weapons. Could finish as QB1.

- Sammy Morris looks like a larger fantasy contributor than first imagined.

- Welker is an excellent source of production in PR/KR yardage leagues.

- The defense is looking stout and racking up turnovers and sacks.

- Stallworth has been quiet but I imagine will flash at several points in the year. Streaky WR3 in most leagues.

- Gostkowski has been inconsistent so far. Another missed FG from 35-45 yards and we may see another kicker brought in for a look.

 

[The Shizzle]

Thanks.

 

[greenline]

Thanks.

 

[greenline]

Okay, well I'll have the discussion with myself.

Me: So what's the deal with Maroney? Is he going to see any GL carries?

Greenline: He will and he has. Maroney's style is better fit however for open field. He tends to wait a second too long on short yardage and this is why Heath Evans and Sammy Morris come in.

Me: What's the deal with Junior Seau running a route in the endzone? It looked like Brady wanted to go to him and had to instead settle for a field goal.

Greenline: Yeah, I think he wanted to as well. I'm not sure why they wouldn't save that gimmick for another time in the year.

Me: What/Where is Stallworth?

Greenline: He's out there. He had a nice 28 yard reception down the left sideline where he made a route adjustment and came back on the ball. He's out on special teams as well. At some point teams are going to have to scheme Moss out of the game and they've been trying to so far. Stallworth could be a waiver gem come week 7 or 8 if owners give up on him.

Nice talking with me.

 

[Ike Turner]

Lots of stuff to discuss with this team. This year they have emerged as an offensive juggernaut. - Ben Watson has turned into a legitimate End zone threat. Good TE in TD heavy leagues. - Maroney eclisped 100 yards in Week 3, still no TD's. No receptions either. - Brady has looked great with all the new weapons. Could finish as QB1. - Sammy Morris looks like a larger fantasy contributor than first imagined. - Welker is an excellent source of production in PR/KR yardage leagues. - The defense is looking stout and racking up turnovers and sacks. - Stallworth has been quiet but I imagine will flash at several points in the year. Streaky WR3 in most leagues. - Gostkowski has been inconsistent so far. Another missed FG from 35-45 yards and we may see another kicker brought in for a look.

No mention of Moss? He's the sugar in the kool-aid for this team.

 

[thehornet]

does anything really need to be said.

He cant be covered, he cant be caught, he's taller, faster, and quicker than anyone covering him and he has brady throwing him the ball.

 

[greenline]

does anything really need to be said.He cant be covered, he cant be caught, he's taller, faster, and quicker than anyone covering him and he has brady throwing him the ball.

I'll be interested to see if anyone can get a consistent passrush on Brady. He has alot of time to throw and that allows these receivers to run complete routes.

 

[[icon]]

The reason you're having this discussion with yourself is the majority of these issues (maroney's struggles, welker's value in PPR leagues) have been covered many many many times already on this forum.

The stuff that hasn't been covered ad nauseam wasn't covered because it's just stating the obvious.

 

[weasel3515]

I think the game of the year could be in three weeks when the Pats visit Dallas. Both teams are looking equally impressive. Too close to call at this stage for me but I'm curious what everyone else thinks.

 

[PatsFan72]

does anything really need to be said.He cant be covered, he cant be caught, he's taller, faster, and quicker than anyone covering him and he has brady throwing him the ball.

He did look exhausted in the 2nd half. They even took him out for a breather on a red zone play. Sitting out practice may have cost him a little conditioning, which could raise the odds of an injury. He didn't even jump for that 45 yarder, which he normally does. He ended up not having to, but that was just an amazing catch.Not that I'm complaining, just throwing out some observations.

 

[Ike Turner]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

 

[greenline]

I think the game of the year could be in three weeks when the Pats visit Dallas. Both teams are looking equally impressive. Too close to call at this stage for me but I'm curious what everyone else thinks.

Yeah it will be interesing to see how the scheme for Romo. Romo looked pretty good against the Bears and TO is going to be tough to cover regardless.

 

[Workhorse]

Underrated defensive player so far: Junior Seau.

His steady play inside (along with Thomas) has allowed Vrabel to move back to the outside and get after the QB on passing downs. Seau looks great in the early going.

 

[[icon]]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

I'm clearly a pats homer but if forced to guess the most likely outcomes score-wise I'd lay it out like this:

4 Oct 01 NE @ CIN - 41 - 34 Pats - Zero Defense but Potent Passing Game

5 Oct 07 CLE @ NE -38 - 27 Pats - Same above

6 Oct 14 NE @ DAL - 34 - 20 Pats - Seymour/Harrison Return - Expect pats to run ball more = ball control

7 Oct 21 NE @ MIA - 27-13 Pats - Strongest Defense in weeks + Intense rivalry

8 Oct 28 WAS @ NE - 23-13 Pats - Possible let down game leading into Indy - Facing sold D

9 Nov 04 NE @ IND - 34 -30 Pats - Toughest game of year for Pats in IND.

10 Bye

11 Nov 18 NE @ BUF - 41-10 Pats - Pats light up the Bills coming off the bye week

12 Nov 25 PHI @ NE - 31-17 Pats - Pats obviously key on Westy and let the secondary do their thing. Could be a Tough game.

13 Dec 03 NE @ BAL - 34-10 Pats - Overrated Ravens Defense gets beat deep. BAL Turns ball over 2-3x

14 Dec 09 PIT @ NE - 27-20 Pats - Tough Game.. Both teams slow down offenses a bit and focus on smashmouth ball control

15 Dec 16 NYJ @ NE - 38-17 Pats - Bill & Brady rub Mangini's nose in it one more time before the playoffs.

16 Dec 23 MIA @ NE - 31-17 Pats - Miami is tough to beat twice even if they are bad this year... Can see this one getting interesting

17 Dec 29 NE @ NYG - 38- 20 Pats Giants just aren't very good and the way things are going they will be starting 3rd string by then.

NOTES:

1) I am not insisting the Pats will go undefeated... they likely will have a letdown game or two. I'd say 2 losses is likely...1 loss is possible... undefeated is quite unlikely.

2) Games in Red are going to be VERY tough... games in Orange are possible upset games

3) Scores arent' intended to be accurate predictions of final scores (would be idiotic to assert that in week 3) but more a reflection of how I could see these games playing out.

4) None of this is intended to be taken as gospel... but more of a homer's take on how the season could well play out.

5) To beat the Pats, teams will need a balanced pass/rush attack with a deep threat... and they MUST have an intelligent QB w/ above average pass protection and a disciplined Defense. Any of those factors are missing and they will need some SUBSTANTIAL luck/breaks to have a chance at staying in a game with the Pats.

 

[Ghost Rider]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

A puncher's chance? That's rich. The Colts are the defending champs, and have won the last three games vs. the Patriots (two of which were in NE). While I realize that the Patriots are much improved this season, to act like the Colts will be lucky to beat the Patriots is pretty laughable.

 

[Jous]

I think the game of the year could be in three weeks when the Pats visit Dallas. Both teams are looking equally impressive. Too close to call at this stage for me but I'm curious what everyone else thinks.

No way, Pats/Colts and Pats/Steelers will be much tougher games. Dallas is the best in the NFC, but they're a step below the elite AFC teams.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I think the game of the year could be in three weeks when the Pats visit Dallas. Both teams are looking equally impressive. Too close to call at this stage for me but I'm curious what everyone else thinks.

No way, Pats/Colts and Pats/Steelers will be much tougher games. Dallas is the best in the NFC, but they're a step below the elite AFC teams.

I think some are forgetting that Dallas gave up a combined 55 points to the Giants and Dolphins. Think of what Brady could do to that defense.

 

[Ike Turner]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

A puncher's chance? That's rich. The Colts are the defending champs, and have won the last three games vs. the Patriots (two of which were in NE). While I realize that the Patriots are much improved this season, to act like the Colts will be lucky to beat the Patriots is pretty laughable.

I'm just comparing how the Pats look this year to how the Colts look this year. Last year is last year as far as I'm concerned.This Patriots team....honestly....looks like a group that can cruise 19-0 at the rate they're playing. They are just on a different level right now.

 

[Ghost Rider]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

A puncher's chance? That's rich. The Colts are the defending champs, and have won the last three games vs. the Patriots (two of which were in NE). While I realize that the Patriots are much improved this season, to act like the Colts will be lucky to beat the Patriots is pretty laughable.

I'm just comparing how the Pats look this year to how the Colts look this year. Last year is last year as far as I'm concerned.This Patriots team....honestly....looks like a group that can cruise 19-0 at the rate they're playing. They are just on a different level right now.

Did you just start watching the NFL? No team can ever cruise to a title, much less an undefeated record. To suggest so is crazy talk.

 

[TD Ryan]

there was a time when a Richard Seymour injury meant that the young NE D-line was doomed.

And if Rodney Harrison was also injured at the same time as Seymour, NE would be the worst run defense in football.

this is no longer the case.

Can the NE D possibly get much better with the return of Seymour and Harrison?

also, to continue talking about anything but Moss, the NE O-line has been amazing. Brady has all day.

The line was considered one of the better ones at the start of the season, but they've been spectacular.

 

[Ike Turner]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

A puncher's chance? That's rich. The Colts are the defending champs, and have won the last three games vs. the Patriots (two of which were in NE). While I realize that the Patriots are much improved this season, to act like the Colts will be lucky to beat the Patriots is pretty laughable.

I'm just comparing how the Pats look this year to how the Colts look this year. Last year is last year as far as I'm concerned.This Patriots team....honestly....looks like a group that can cruise 19-0 at the rate they're playing. They are just on a different level right now.

Did you just start watching the NFL? No team can ever cruise to a title, much less an undefeated record. To suggest so is crazy talk.

Back when I was watching the NFL in 72 I saw a team do it. But anyway....I'm saying that if the Patriots continue to fire on all cylinders like they are now, it's going to take a monumental effort to stop them. Sorry if that offended your precious Colt pride.

 

[[icon]]

there was a time when a Richard Seymour injury meant that the young NE D-line was doomed.And if Rodney Harrison was also injured at the same time as Seymour, NE would be the worst run defense in football.this is no longer the case.Can the NE D possibly get much better with the return of Seymour and Harrison?

This, I think, Is what opposing fans are missing out. This Defense is the best in the NFL right now and they will be getting MUCH better in a couple weeks (just in time for the Dallas game).

 

[TD Ryan]

But anyway....I'm saying that if the Patriots continue to fire on all cylinders like they are now, it's going to take a monumental effort to stop them. Sorry if that offended your precious Colt pride.

I don't think any rational Pats fans are even thinking about it.Win the divisionGet the playoff byeWin the Superbowl.that's it.the season is too long and too many wacky things can happen. It ain't 1972 anymore.the Pats could lose to CLE in week 5 for all in know and then the over reaction threads here will claim that week 6, DAL will destroy NE.All I'm ready to say right now is that NE will win their division and get a 1st round bye.

 

[TD Ryan]

This, I think, Is what opposing fans are missing out. This Defense is the best in the NFL right now and they will be getting MUCH better in a couple weeks (just in time for the Dallas game).

All the talk now and during pre season has been MOSS, MOSS, MOSSif Randy Moss is injured, NE will barely miss a beat.Adalius Thomas is the real key to this team's success and he's been everything advertised.What the NE D line is doing is incredible. What the NE O line is doing is incredible.There needs to be more talk about Warren, Wilfork, Jarvis, Mankins, Koppen, and Light.Kyle Brady has played as many snaps as any TE on the roster, how much is he responsible for the impenetrable wall that's been around Brady?Yet all we hear about is Moss, Welker, Maroney, and Brady. Don't get me wrong, I love 'em.but it's what this team is doing in the trenches that's making all the difference. and it's an attitude that catches on... I've even seen Randy Moss blocking down field.

 

[Ghost Rider]

If Indy's D plays as inspired as it did on opening day against the Saints, they might have a punchers chance to derail this New England team in the playoffs. Other than that, it's a cake walk to a championship for Brady and co.

A puncher's chance? That's rich. The Colts are the defending champs, and have won the last three games vs. the Patriots (two of which were in NE). While I realize that the Patriots are much improved this season, to act like the Colts will be lucky to beat the Patriots is pretty laughable.

I'm just comparing how the Pats look this year to how the Colts look this year. Last year is last year as far as I'm concerned.This Patriots team....honestly....looks like a group that can cruise 19-0 at the rate they're playing. They are just on a different level right now.

Did you just start watching the NFL? No team can ever cruise to a title, much less an undefeated record. To suggest so is crazy talk.

Back when I was watching the NFL in 72 I saw a team do it. But anyway....I'm saying that if the Patriots continue to fire on all cylinders like they are now, it's going to take a monumental effort to stop them. Sorry if that offended your precious Colt pride.

I am not a Colts fan, and I never said that I was.