The goals of New England (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:

1. Winning the Superbowl

2. Going 16-0

3. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.

4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.

WINNING THE SUPERBOWL

It's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.

So, two possibilities:

1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.

2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%).

So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

GOING 16-0

A lot of this depends on the home field advantage issue. So long as Indy continues to win, the pressure is on NE to do so as well. Three years ago, the Steelers finished 15-1 and the Pats 14-2 aqnd neither team could rest players until the very last game of the season. That might happen again this year with Indy and NE. If Indy falls off (loses a couple of games) but NE keeps winning and clenches early, then the question becomes how much does 16-0 mean to Belichick? I'm guessing it means a lot, but this is only surmise on my part.

Soes this schedule prevent 16-0? Very hard to predict. If history is any lesson when it comes to studying great teams, the Pats will blow out their toughest remaining opponents (Indy and Pitt) but will struggle against some easier percieved opponents. Yet, this formula suggests they should have struggled against Miami, and they were dominant. This suggests they are motivated beyond belief. Will this motivation last the rest of the way?

Given the sheer talent of players in the NFL, it seems more unlikely than likely that the Pats will go undefeated, at least on paper. Yet when I watch them, I believe it will happen. I give it 50-50.

TOM BRADY BREAKING THE SINGLE SEASON TD RECORD

There are only two things that will stop this: injury (unlikely) or cold weather. The last 6 game of the year for NE are all potentially cold weather games. Still, if Brady is close to this record by then (and it's likely that he will be, ) you have to like his chances. I give it 70%

ONE OF THE GREATEST TEAMS OF ALL TIME?

There are two ways to achieve this goal. First, if the Pats go 16-0 AND win the SB, they will be considered this no matter how close the scores are. However, if NE loses even ONE game in the regular season, then they have to blow out their playoff opponents ala the 85 Bears and the 89 49ers. If they do this, they will still be considered perhaps the greatest team of all time. If, however, they go 15-1 or 14-2 and have at least one close game in the playoffs, they will be thought of as a great team, but not the greatest team.

Given I hate the Pats and want them to lose every game, this has been a difficult post for me to write.

 

[Tommy Collins]

Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.

Colts have 0%?

 

[kutta]

Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.

Colts have 0%?

Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%,

 

[timschochet]

Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.

Colts have 0%?

I gave the Colts 35-40% (see above)

 

[dickey moe]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

 

[monkeysee]

*

 

[AussieOyOyOy]

I'm not convinced that 19-0 against the spread isn't one of the Pats' goals. Now, THAT would have to be the greatest accomplishment in the history of team sports.

 

[(unwelcomed)GUEST]

I'm not convinced that 19-0 against the spread isn't one of the Pats' goals. Now, THAT would have to be the greatest accomplishment in the history of team sports.

I'm with you on this but I can't see it on a plaque in Canton. Seriously you gambling degenerate, I don't think, generally speaking, that NFL fans are going to take the spread into consideration or how much you earn betting on the Pats this season.

 

[Jayrod]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

 

[bostonfred]

I just bumped into Belichick in the elevator, and I asked what his goals were for the season. He said they just wanted to win one game at a time. I think he realized I wasn't with the media, though, and so he leaned in real close and whispered, I just hope we can stay competitive with the NFC, this might be their year. True story.

 

[Thorpe]

I'm not convinced that 19-0 against the spread isn't one of the Pats' goals. Now, THAT would have to be the greatest accomplishment in the history of team sports.

I'm with you on this but I can't see it on a plaque in Canton. Seriously you gambling degenerate, I don't think, generally speaking, that NFL fans are going to take the spread into consideration or how much you earn betting on the Pats this season.

Texas did this their championship year. I think every game went over the number too.

 

[Sopranos]

#1 should be the only goal

Who cares about the rest

 

[The Shizzle]

I just bumped into Belichick in the elevator, and I asked what his goals were for the season. He said they just wanted to win one game at a time. I think he realized I wasn't with the media, though, and so he leaned in real close and whispered, I just hope we can stay competitive with the NFC, this might be their year. True story.

Link? - Belichick doesn't take elevators, he hovers.

 

[Routilla]

They can only be considered the best team this year(if they win the SB) since there is no way to compare them on the field with other great teams in NFL history. It would be an exercise in futility as you could argue strengths and weaknesses back and forth with other teams all day long.

 

[Assani Fisher]

#1 should be the only goalWho cares about the rest

So they should care only about being the best team this year and not the best team of all time?I've never understood that philosophy. To me thats the same as saying "This year we want to win our division, but winning the Super Bowl...who cares."You want to be the best ever, not just the best for one year or in one group of teams.

 

[Sopranos]

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

 

[-OZ-]

They can only be considered the best team this year(if they win the SB) since there is no way to compare them on the field with other great teams in NFL history. It would be an exercise in futility as you could argue strengths and weaknesses back and forth with other teams all day long.

this is the realm of the NCAA, no place for it in pro sports

 

[-OZ-]

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

They've already "been there, done that", now it's time for history.

 

[Borat]

#1 should be the only goalWho cares about the rest

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

The Super Bowl is all that matters.The rest is nice, but the championship is the one and only goal.

 

[Sopranos]

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

They've already "been there, done that", now it's time for history.

Its a new year.. Its still the goal, it doent matter if you won 10 in a row.

 

[thehornet]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

 

[Sopranos]

#1 should be the only goalWho cares about the rest

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

The Super Bowl is all that matters.The rest is nice, but the championship is the one and only goal.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm not convinced that 19-0 against the spread isn't one of the Pats' goals. Now, THAT would have to be the greatest accomplishment in the history of team sports.

I'm with you on this but I can't see it on a plaque in Canton. Seriously you gambling degenerate, I don't think, generally speaking, that NFL fans are going to take the spread into consideration or how much you earn betting on the Pats this season.

Texas did this their championship year. I think every game went over the number too.

Texas lost two games ATS that year, and went under in a third game.

 

[-OZ-]

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

They've already "been there, done that", now it's time for history.

Its a new year.. Its still the goal, it doent matter if you won 10 in a row.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's the primary goal, but from what I can tell about BB, he'll be shooting for history. Which of course, includes the Super Bowl win.

 

[eom]

I think their goal is to make every jealous pats hater cry.

 

[Sopranos]

I think their goal is to make every jealous pats hater cry.

I dont like the Pats and it doesnt bother me one bit. Im a football fan and its good stuff

 

[Routilla]

They can only be considered the best team this year(if they win the SB) since there is no way to compare them on the field with other great teams in NFL history. It would be an exercise in futility as you could argue strengths and weaknesses back and forth with other teams all day long.

this is the realm of the NCAA, no place for it in pro sports

Please clarify. I'm not talking about NCAA.

 

[timschochet]

#1 should be the only goalWho cares about the rest

You still only win the Superbowl. Its the only reason the league plays games. It wont matter. IMO the undefeated miami team isnt the greatest team ever. Its a matter of opinion. Superbowl thats it

The Super Bowl is all that matters.The rest is nice, but the championship is the one and only goal.

Please note that when I started this thread, I was referring to the "media goals" for the Pats. The question of whether the team shares these goals, particularly the 16-0 goal, is very pertinent to the question of whether or not that goal will be achieved.

 

[dickey moe]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

 

[timschochet]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

I have to challenge this statement. Who are these "several teams"? I can't think of one team.Not only are both NE and Indy clearly better than the NFC, but I would also favor Pitt or even SD in any Superbowl matchup if either of those teams were so lucky as to get there.

 

[SteveInChicago]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:

1. Winning the Superbowl

2. Going 16-0

3. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.

4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.

WINNING THE SUPERBOWL

It's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.

So, two possibilities:

1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.

2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%).

So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

I have to challenge this statement. Who are these "several teams"? I can't think of one team.Not only are both NE and Indy clearly better than the NFC, but I would also favor Pitt or even SD in any Superbowl matchup if either of those teams were so lucky as to get there.

So you gave the following 4 teams chances at home fieldatriots 60%

Colts 35-40%

Steelers 10%

Jaguars 10%

I know some coaches think you can give 110-120% in a game, but are you allowed to do it in a mathematical analysis?

 

[shredhead]

1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.

Here's my take:1. After #3 is met and #2 fails, they finally get their priorities straight and actually do accomplish this goal.2. After accomplishing #3 they relax a little and lose a game to an unsuspecting foe.3. This is their #1 gaol right now and they are doing everything possible to obtain it. It doesn't matter what is a better decision for the team or the health of the players, they are going to accomplish this goal by week 124. Beings how they fail at #2, they will not be the undisputed GOAT. There will be very strong arguments for this, but there will always be naysayers because they didn't run the table.I hate to predict injuries, but I think karma is going to bite this team in the rear end. They consistantly keep throwing the ball in situations that they should be running out the clock with 20 and 30 point leads. Someone is going to either get hurt legitamtely or someone is going to get pissed off and take a cheap shot at one of them. I really have never disliked the Patriots in the past, and I don't agree with all the posts about them being classless, but I do understand the arguments about it.

 

[dickey moe]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

I have to challenge this statement. Who are these "several teams"? I can't think of one team.Not only are both NE and Indy clearly better than the NFC, but I would also favor Pitt or even SD in any Superbowl matchup if either of those teams were so lucky as to get there.

Dallas, NYG, and Washington.

 

[Daywalker]

Would you rather go 15-1 and win the Super Bowl

or

Go 16-0 but then have an 80% of winning the Super Bowl?

I'd roll the dice and go for immortality. You've already got three rings.

 

[Daywalker]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

I have to challenge this statement. Who are these "several teams"? I can't think of one team.Not only are both NE and Indy clearly better than the NFC, but I would also favor Pitt or even SD in any Superbowl matchup if either of those teams were so lucky as to get there.

Dallas, NYG, and Washington.

The spread on a NE/Washington playoff game would be 14+. Giants close to that.

 

[-OZ-]

They can only be considered the best team this year(if they win the SB) since there is no way to compare them on the field with other great teams in NFL history. It would be an exercise in futility as you could argue strengths and weaknesses back and forth with other teams all day long.

this is the realm of the NCAA, no place for it in pro sports

Please clarify. I'm not talking about NCAA.

I'm just making a bad joke about how debate is a part of sports, more so with the BCS, but we'll always debate the "greatest" in pro sports as well, it's part of the fun.

 

[nase]

Are you Sean Salisbury?

 

[Wilbur Wood]

I believe that much more so than in other seasons, BB will go for the undeated season. His legacy will rise to a level higher than Lombardi with a 4th SB in the context of a 19-0 record. He will also continue to play all games to win by a lot. Yeah there is some risk with this strategy (i.e., an unneccessary injury to Brady), but to BB the reward is greater than the risk.

GO FOR IT!

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

There's not a single team in the NFC that would be less than a 6.5 point dog against the Colts on a neutral field.

 

[831hoops]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

He ignored the CFL too.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Indy or NE will win the SB this year. This is similar as mentioned on Monday Night Football when Dallas and the 49ers were the two best teams in the NFL and whoever made it thru between those two teams won.

That's no disrespect to any other teams, including the team I root for Dallas who could end up in the Super Bowl but if you want to look at it objectively, it's the truth.

As much hype as you want to give NE, I'm going to give the slight edge to Indianapolis because they are playing at home. Indy has won 60- out of there last 67 games and are the most dominant NFL team by far the last few years. They're undefeated and if I had to bet my life on the winner of the NE/INDY I'd take Indy.

I'm a Tom Brady fan, as he went to the University of Michigan, I loved visiting Boston the time I did and drinking many Samuel Adams in some historic pubs but my motto is You have to beat the Champ to be the Champ. Currently, Indy is the champ and playing like it, they should be getting more respect than what they are getting.

 

[dickey moe]

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

There's not a single team in the NFC that would be less than a 6.5 point dog against the Colts on a neutral field.

Note that I said "capable" of beating. I didn't say they would be favored.

 

[dickey moe]

OK since my sarcastic and angry posts regarding the Patriots have all been removed, I thought it was time for a more serious look about whether this team will truly achieve the goals that the media seems to be setting for them. There are four goals that are talked about on a regular basis in the past few weeks:1. Winning the Superbowl2. Going 16-03. Tom Brady breaking the single season TD record.4. The 2007 Patriots being considered the greatest NFL football team of all time.WINNING THE SUPERBOWLIt's reasonable to assume that the Pats will have home field advantage. Indy also has a decent chance at this, maybe 35-40%, if they continue to play on a high level. Pittsburgh with 2 losses already might have a 10% chance, and Jacksonville we'll know more about tonight, but give them a 10% chance as well. No other AFC team has even a remote chance at home field.So, two possibilities:1. NE Gets home field (60%). The way things stack up now (and I don't see it changing very much), The Pats would probably host San Diego. If so, this would be a much better Charger team than the one that faced them in September, and I anticipate a closer struggle. However, I give NEa 75% chance to win this game. Then the Pats would face the winner of Indy vs. Pitt, which is most likely Indy (60-40%). At home, the Pats should win this game. (65%). Then, in the Superbowl, NE would face the Cowboys, Giants, or Redskins (who else?) and this would not be much of a contest, IMO. If they get there, I give 80% chance to win.2. Indy gets home field. Then the Pats would most likely have to face Pittsburgh in round 1- give them a 70% chance to win, much as I wish it were not so. NE would then travel to RCA, and I eould still favor them over the Colts, but barely (55-45%). So, in conclusion, it seems more than likely the Pats WILL win the Superbowl this year, but if they don't win home field, its more problematic.

Perhaps justifiably so, but you just ignored the entire NFC in this equation.

what is funny about this? The NFC doesnt deserve to be in the equation. There isnt a team in the NFC that can beat the Pats or the Colts. The OP is being logical in not recognizing the NFC.

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

I have to challenge this statement. Who are these "several teams"? I can't think of one team.Not only are both NE and Indy clearly better than the NFC, but I would also favor Pitt or even SD in any Superbowl matchup if either of those teams were so lucky as to get there.

Dallas, NYG, and Washington.

The spread on a NE/Washington playoff game would be 14+. Giants close to that.

Please reread my post. I was referring to the Colts, not the Patriots.

 

[dickey moe]

I'm not sure there is an NFC team that could beat the Patriots, but there are several teams in the NFC capable of beating the Colts.

There's not a single team in the NFC that would be less than a 6.5 point dog against the Colts on a neutral field.

I think that would be a little high for Dallas. I'd put Dallas at +3 to +3.5.

 

[Bossman]

Would a 19-0 season make the Patriots the best team ever?

.

.

.

.

.

No, it just says the rest of the league really sucks this year.

Honesyly now, did you see those 2 TD's by Moss this week? Perfect defensive double coverage and Moss just pulled the ball away from them both times. That was some of the most pathetic DB skills that I've seen in a long time.