Patriots winning the SB (1 Viewer)

[pollardsvision]

It feels like people are starting to write them off, but it's looking to me like they've got another one in them.

They've been pretty good this season, other than the Saints embarrassment. They did go into Indy and outplay the Colts.

The real question is, if not the Pats, who?

The Colts will either crumble from the pressure of trying to go undefeated or (much more likely) be destroyed by NOT trying to.

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

The Vikings? They are coached by Childress and have a 40 year-old QB that has 3 playoff wins over the past 12 years.

The Saints? Only knock on them is the Saints winning would be just too perfect. It would be awesome to see Brees and the Saints get a ring, thus it can't happen.

The Bengals? See Saints.

The Packers? I'd love to see that too, but their signature wins are the Cowboys and Ravens. 9 wins isn't that impressive when 6 of them came against Detroit, Cleveland, STL, Chicago.

I like the Ravens and Broncos, but neither has the look of a legit contender.

Strangely, the only 2 teams I can't completely write off are the Eagles and Cowboys. One's headed by an inaccurate QB that threw up in the SB and the other is coached by Wade Phillips (Can't write them off b/c I'm not sure Wade doesn't have a "Coughlin" in him).

Given the landscape, I think the Pats' chances look pretty good.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

The Patriots don't have a good enough D. They aren't playing well enough going into the playoffs to win it. The Patriots wouldn't be in my top 3.

No.1 would have to be the Colts, they've beaten everyone, they get a bye and they play at home.

No.2 would be the Chargers. They are peaking at the right time, they have beaten the Colts in the playoffs the last two times they've played. I'd be very surprised if one of these two teams aren't representing the AFC in the SB this year.

No.3 would be the Saints. They lost a game to a pretty good Dallas team, big deal. They too get a bye, play at home and will be extremely tough to beat in the playoffs in that place. I've already seen the Saints play the Pats, it wasn't a contest.

I wouldn't have the Pats in my top 5 actually, but after the top 3 it's pretty muddy and anyone's game.

 

[Serenity Now]

As a lifelong Pats fan, I can tell you with near certainty that they don't have it in them this year. Something drastic would have to happen for this to fall into place. Their offense has sputtered all year long, for a wide variety of reasons. Prior to the season beginning, I think a lot of people thought that with Brady back, it would be 2007 again. Not so. His accuracy is not what it was. Is it his ribs? His finger injury on his throwing hand?

The defense was said to be in horrible shape and for the first half of the year they seemed to play over their heads. The poor defensive line has exposed the weak secondary though. The line couldn't generate a rush if there was a chest with $10 million sitting there for the taking.

They were at a point where they woulda, shoulda beat the Colts earlier this season, but now I'd be surprised if they can win more than 1 playoff game.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

These are not your fathers pats, they are not that good. I dont think they win both @SD and @Indy. but playoffs are funny who knows how it will break out.

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Nope. Their defense is mediocre at best and I still think while Moss is an extreme talent, something about him make me think he'll never be on a Super Bowl winning team.

 

[djcolts]

I think they can, but it is nowhere near a certainty.

 

[Sammy Traveller]

the Patriots haven't locked up a playoff berth. Yet.

 

[knowledge dropper]

With Brady you can never count them out, but every game they win in the playoffs will have to be a shootout and Brady will need to be perfect 4x to do it.

 

[pollardsvision]

Oh, forgot to mention. I do completely agree that the Pats have been a bit "off" this year. They need something to happen to get back on track and get a nice momentum boost.

Fortunately (for them), I think that's what's about to happen. They get to get a taste of blood today by ruthlessly putting the dagger in the Jags. They have a similar opportunity next week against the Texans.

I get this feeling the Jags-Texans combo will awaken the beast.

The point, in general, though is that even if this isn't our fathers' Pats, I'll still take Brady, Belichick, and some momentum over the field this year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

Great analysis here.

 

[pollardsvision]

the Patriots haven't locked up a playoff berth. Yet.

That gives them something in common with many of the recent SB champions. Actually, pretty much all of them (except themselves). It's been a decade since a team (besides NE themselves) has both won more than 12 games and won the SB.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

i think its feasible. I really like san diego. I truly think Indy will fold in the post season yet again. The only year they won the superbowl, peyton played awful and should have lost their first round matchup to KC, but their 31st ranked defense saved them. Peyton proceeded to play awful the next week against Baltimore but again was saved by their D. I dont think their D will save them this time. Peyton will lose his first game throwing 2-3ints. I could def see them losing to Pittsburgh or NE first round.

If i had to pick a team right now, i would pick san diego. but i wouldnt rule out Cincinnati from possibly getting hot and having a good post season. And of course NE is always a threat.

 

[pollardsvision]

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

Great analysis here.

The Chargers probably have the best shot making me look like an idiot here. I think Norv's unfairly criticized and I root for the guy. I just haven't been able to wrap my mind around him ripping of 14 straight and hoisting the Lombardi.That is terrible analysis though. On paper, there's absolutely no reason to doubt the Chargers SB chances. They are a great team that's on fire.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

Great analysis here.

The Chargers probably have the best shot making me look like an idiot here. I think Norv's unfairly criticized and I root for the guy. I just haven't been able to wrap my mind around him ripping of 14 straight and hoisting the Lombardi.That is terrible analysis though. On paper, there's absolutely no reason to doubt the Chargers SB chances. They are a great team that's on fire.

dont worry about 14 in a row, they are going t osit everyone vs. Washington next week. Only gotta win 3 in a row

 

[Ghost Rider]

Are we talking about the same Patriots who didn't win a road game until last week, that being against the Buffalo Bills? Not saying I am counting them out, but a lot will have to change quickly for them to make a Super Bowl run. They just don't look like that good of a team this year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

Great analysis here.

The Chargers probably have the best shot making me look like an idiot here. I think Norv's unfairly criticized and I root for the guy. I just haven't been able to wrap my mind around him ripping of 14 straight and hoisting the Lombardi.That is terrible analysis though. On paper, there's absolutely no reason to doubt the Chargers SB chances. They are a great team that's on fire.

Norv's now the winningest reg season AND playoff coach on a percentage basis in SD history. People can pile on b/c of his record with that terrible Oakland team, or the Heath Shuler years in Washington, but the guy is doing a very good job in SD.

 

[pollardsvision]

Are we talking about the same Patriots who didn't win a road game until last week, that being against the Buffalo Bills? Not saying I am counting them out, but a lot will have to change quickly for them to make a Super Bowl run. They just don't look like that good of a team this year.

Not that it detracts at all from your point, but they did beat TB on the road.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Are we talking about the same Patriots who didn't win a road game until last week, that being against the Buffalo Bills? Not saying I am counting them out, but a lot will have to change quickly for them to make a Super Bowl run. They just don't look like that good of a team this year.

Not that it detracts at all from your point, but they did beat TB on the road.

That was a neutral site game in England. That was only a road game in the technical sense that they called NE the road team and TB the home team.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

let's just worry about beating jax for now.

 

[massraider]

They don't have the pass rush, the running game, or the videotaped hand signals from years past.

 

[Ack88]

I live in New England and I can't stand the Pats...but... it seems recently that home field advantage and bye weeks do not carry the same advantage they once did. There is precedent for a team who has played good, but not exceptional, football to get hot late in the year and ride that momentum to a title (Think Pittsburgh and NYG of recent vintage)

The Colts, for their gaudy record are vulnerable and San Diego (like my Cowboys) seems to spit the bit come playoff time. It would not surprise me in the last to see the Pats beat one or both squads and make it to the Super Bowl. I'm not saying it's likely, but it is possible.

Until the final nail is in the Pats coffin, they are simply to proven in big games to count out.

 

[pollardsvision]

They don't have the pass rush, the running game, or the videotaped hand signals from years past.

I don't disagree that they need a better pass rush to win a SB, but they only have 2 fewer sacks than the Saints and 4 fewer than the Colts.

 

[GiantsRule]

Glad I'm not the only one paranoid that the Pats are going to win it all despite looking like arguably the worst playoff squad of the field.

They'll likely end the season on a four-game winning streak and get one playoff game at home to build some confidence before heading to SD or Indy. I actually think the Pats are better off in SD as they just seem to have the Chargers' number the way the Chargers have the Colts' number. But for all their poor performances and missteps this season, this team still has the most clutch QB in the game (note: clutch doesn't necessarily mean the best) and the best, most ruthless coach of this generation.

Pats over Eagles - 31 to 20.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

i think its feasible. I really like san diego. I truly think Indy will fold in the post season yet again. The only year they won the superbowl, peyton played awful and should have lost their first round matchup to KC, but their 31st ranked defense saved them. Peyton proceeded to play awful the next week against Baltimore but again was saved by their D. I dont think their D will save them this time. Peyton will lose 1st round throwing 2-3ints. I could def see them losing to Pittsburgh or NE first round. If i had to pick a team right now, i would pick san diego. but i wouldnt rule out Cincinnati from possibly getting hot and having a good post season. And of course NE is always a threat.

be an amazing feat if either team beat the colts first round

 

[PinkydaPimp]

i think its feasible. I really like san diego. I truly think Indy will fold in the post season yet again. The only year they won the superbowl, peyton played awful and should have lost their first round matchup to KC, but their 31st ranked defense saved them. Peyton proceeded to play awful the next week against Baltimore but again was saved by their D. I dont think their D will save them this time. Peyton will lose 1st round throwing 2-3ints. I could def see them losing to Pittsburgh or NE first round. If i had to pick a team right now, i would pick san diego. but i wouldnt rule out Cincinnati from possibly getting hot and having a good post season. And of course NE is always a threat.

be an amazing feat if either team beat the colts first round

pardon me... what i meant was their first game.

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

It feels like people are starting to write them off, but it's looking to me like they've got another one in them. They've been pretty good this season, other than the Saints embarrassment. They did go into Indy and outplay the Colts.The real question is, if not the Pats, who?The Colts will either crumble from the pressure of trying to go undefeated or (much more likely) be destroyed by NOT trying to.The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.The Vikings? They are coached by Childress and have a 40 year-old QB that has 3 playoff wins over the past 12 years. The Saints? Only knock on them is the Saints winning would be just too perfect. It would be awesome to see Brees and the Saints get a ring, thus it can't happen.The Bengals? See Saints.The Packers? I'd love to see that too, but their signature wins are the Cowboys and Ravens. 9 wins isn't that impressive when 6 of them came against Detroit, Cleveland, STL, Chicago.I like the Ravens and Broncos, but neither has the look of a legit contender.Strangely, the only 2 teams I can't completely write off are the Eagles and Cowboys. One's headed by an inaccurate QB that threw up in the SB and the other is coached by Wade Phillips (Can't write them off b/c I'm not sure Wade doesn't have a "Coughlin" in him).Given the landscape, I think the Pats' chances look pretty good.

You've just analyzed the entire NFL using nothing more substantive than voodoo. Good work.

 

[Validation]

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

They can't seem to win on the road, and they'll probably have one home game max in the playoffs (assuming they make it). I don't see them defeating San Diego or Indy on the road at this stage of the season with their confidence not what it usually is in December/January.

In fact, if they play Baltimore at home I'm not sure they win. If they play Pittsburgh at home I'm not sure they win. This is a pretty good team in a conference of titans (not including the Titans).

 

[Bri]

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

Great analysis here.

The Chargers probably have the best shot making me look like an idiot here. I think Norv's unfairly criticized and I root for the guy. I just haven't been able to wrap my mind around him ripping of 14 straight and hoisting the Lombardi.That is terrible analysis though. On paper, there's absolutely no reason to doubt the Chargers SB chances. They are a great team that's on fire.

Norv's now the winningest reg season AND playoff coach on a percentage basis in SD history. People can pile on b/c of his record with that terrible Oakland team, or the Heath Shuler years in Washington, but the guy is doing a very good job in SD.

They had Marty Schottenheimer who always did well in reg season and crumbled in the playoffs. Maybe moreso than in another situation, Norv will be judged by how he does in the playoffs.

 

[Bri]

Really think Vikings playoff chances hinge on whether Favre and All Day get some rest before

 

[ThunderDragon]

The Patriots are my favorite AFC team. So I wouldn't mind seeing this come to pass. As the old cliche goes....one game at a time. The Jaguars will prove to be a worthy adversary this week.

 

[pollardsvision]

It feels like people are starting to write them off, but it's looking to me like they've got another one in them. They've been pretty good this season, other than the Saints embarrassment. They did go into Indy and outplay the Colts.The real question is, if not the Pats, who?The Colts will either crumble from the pressure of trying to go undefeated or (much more likely) be destroyed by NOT trying to.The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.The Vikings? They are coached by Childress and have a 40 year-old QB that has 3 playoff wins over the past 12 years. The Saints? Only knock on them is the Saints winning would be just too perfect. It would be awesome to see Brees and the Saints get a ring, thus it can't happen.The Bengals? See Saints.The Packers? I'd love to see that too, but their signature wins are the Cowboys and Ravens. 9 wins isn't that impressive when 6 of them came against Detroit, Cleveland, STL, Chicago.I like the Ravens and Broncos, but neither has the look of a legit contender.Strangely, the only 2 teams I can't completely write off are the Eagles and Cowboys. One's headed by an inaccurate QB that threw up in the SB and the other is coached by Wade Phillips (Can't write them off b/c I'm not sure Wade doesn't have a "Coughlin" in him).Given the landscape, I think the Pats' chances look pretty good.

You've just analyzed the entire NFL using nothing more substantive than voodoo. Good work.

Thank you.

 

[kaa]

1. I suspect Tom Brady is dealing with some significant injury, probably something that gets revealed when their season is over. So, I am a bit pessimistic on them this year. On the other hand, its week 16 and maybe he is much more healthy come playoff time. Their defense has only given up 10 points in each of the last two games as well.

2. Norv Turner has never had a QB like Philip Rivers before. Its a reason to forget Norv's past history.

A lot of what you posted was mostly media narratives though. Dismissing the Saints simply because "it would be too perfect of a narrative" for them to win sounds like something a "respected" sports columnist would write.

 

[Clifton]

I think the Patriots are better than most people think they are. Football Outsiders has them as the #3 team in the league according to their weighted DVOA metric.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-rati...15-dvoa-ratings

Finally someone brings some sanity to this thread.

Pats aren't a lock but I think they'll win it all.

 

[Clifton]

Its a near certainty that they wil not win the super bowl.

Why? Brady has always been the catalyst.

He would need a major change in his performance as compared to how he is playing.

Its possible that he could "flick the switch", but as it stands its easy to answer>no.

Update?

 

[Ghost Rider]

I think the Patriots are better than most people think they are. Football Outsiders has them as the #3 team in the league according to their weighted DVOA metric.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-rati...15-dvoa-ratings

That same ranking has Baltimore, an 8-6 team, number 2.

 

[Scruff Mcgruff]

I don't think the problem is Brady or Moss's attitude. That defense is not half as good as it was in their superbowl years. I think the Super Bowl will be Colts-Vikings.

Favre vs Manning will be a good matchup that the media will overanalyze to the point of no return.

 

[TWP]

There have been a ton of things 'off' about the Pats this year. Just about the only thing that has been firing on all cylinders is Welker once he got on the field. Brady has certainly been off in his mechanics, off mentally, etc. Moss hasn't been the killer we're all used to (although he's having a fine statistical year). The RBs have all been beaten up. BUT...

...we all know Brady/Moss can snap back at any moment. The RBs are getting healthier and they have actually all looked pretty good when they have been healthy. Taylor, Maroney, Morris have all been effective. And Faulk on third downs has been pretty much as good as usual. And the secondary has been surprisingly good, I'd say. So it's really if the linebackers are healthy and clicking and then the O-line and D-line. But I seriously think that things can click for this team and we can be pretty nasty in the playoffs.

Obviously very far from a lock, though. I'd say more like a solid long shot.

 

[Polar Dude]

The Chargers? Last I checked, they are still coached by Norv Turner.

You mean the Norv Turner who has coached the Chargers to 31 wins and only 16 losses with a winning record in the playoffs? That guy sucks.

 

[Clifton]

I don't think the problem is Brady or Moss's attitude. That defense is not half as good as it was in their superbowl years. I think the Super Bowl will be Colts-Vikings.Favre vs Manning will be a good matchup that the media will overanalyze to the point of no return.

One of the strange things about the defense in those Superbowl years is that it just developed into a good defense. If you remember the first win against the Rams they were heavy dogs. Even with a mediocre offense and a Superbowl caliber defense no team would ever be a 14 point dog. That D just seemed to rise to the occasion, develop swagger and the rest is history.

 

[Polar Dude]

Its a near certainty that they wil not win the super bowl.

Why? Brady has always been the catalyst.

He would need a major change in his performance as compared to how he is playing.

Its possible that he could "flick the switch", but as it stands its easy to answer>no.

Update?

Aren't you the guy who prefers Sanchez over Brady?

 

[Clifton]

Its a near certainty that they wil not win the super bowl.

Why? Brady has always been the catalyst.

He would need a major change in his performance as compared to how he is playing.

Its possible that he could "flick the switch", but as it stands its easy to answer>no.

Update?

Aren't you the guy who prefers Sanchez over Brady?

Link?

 

[pollardsvision]

Yep. That Tom Brady fellow just doesn't have it. I certainly don't think he's got it in him to lead his team to some playoff wins.

Tell me the Pats can't win b/c of their D and I can't argue (though I disagree), but please don't try to convince me that the Pats can't win b/c their QB isn't good enough this year.

 

[Clifton]

Yep. That Tom Brady fellow just doesn't have it. I certainly don't think he's got it in him to lead his team to some playoff wins.

He looks scared and apprehensive out there. Favoring his knee and scared to stay in the pocket.

 

[TWP]

Yep. That Tom Brady fellow just doesn't have it. I certainly don't think he's got it in him to lead his team to some playoff wins.

He looks scared and apprehensive out there. Favoring his knee and scared to stay in the pocket.

Not nearly as much today as in earlier games. He's actually looking pretty comfortable in the pocket (although they haven't been getting all that much pressure).

 

[Clifton]

Yep. That Tom Brady fellow just doesn't have it. I certainly don't think he's got it in him to lead his team to some playoff wins.

He looks scared and apprehensive out there. Favoring his knee and scared to stay in the pocket.

Not nearly as much today as in earlier games. He's actually looking pretty comfortable in the pocket (although they haven't been getting all that much pressure).

I was being sarcastic. He looks like a killer today.

 

[pollardsvision]

Yep. That Tom Brady fellow just doesn't have it. I certainly don't think he's got it in him to lead his team to some playoff wins.

He looks scared and apprehensive out there. Favoring his knee and scared to stay in the pocket.

Not nearly as much today as in earlier games. He's actually looking pretty comfortable in the pocket (although they haven't been getting all that much pressure).

Yeah, the Jags aren't really a fan of that whole "putting pressure on the QB" gimmick. It could be easy to chalk today up to the team they are playing, but he looks great and I think it's days like today that can get a QB/team heading in the right direction.

 

[Workhorse]

This is a big game for the Pats. Next week, they'll rest a lot of guys and gear up for the playoffs. There are still a lot of question marks heading to the postseason but they are making a pretty loud statement so far today.

 

[TWP]

Yep. That Tom Brady fellow just doesn't have it. I certainly don't think he's got it in him to lead his team to some playoff wins.

He looks scared and apprehensive out there. Favoring his knee and scared to stay in the pocket.

Not nearly as much today as in earlier games. He's actually looking pretty comfortable in the pocket (although they haven't been getting all that much pressure).

I was being sarcastic. He looks like a killer today.

Sorry, when some people get the game and others dont it's hard to know who's being sarcastic and whos trying to provide actual commentary. I'm usually good at detecting that, too...

 

[TWP]

Defense looked pretty impressive right there...