What is left to say about the New England Patriots? (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

Statistically the worst defense in football. No names all over the field. Undrafted, smallish running backs. Unheralded receivers.

First they go into Pittsburgh and kicked my team's ###. Then they dismantled a 9 and 2 Jets team. Now they go into Chicago, arguably the best team in the NFC, and take them apart in the snow.

The Pats have a great history in the last 10 years, but I don't ever remember them playing this well. Tom Brady has been sensational in the past, especially in 2007, but I don't ever remember him looking this good. I've never hid my dislike for this team or its coach, but if they continue to play like this all the way to a championship, we are witnessing one of the greatest runs ever.

 

[Raider Nation]

 

[Jeromen]

Hey look, Tim is using hyperbole.

 

[fred_1_15301]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

 

[timschochet]

Hey look, Tim is using hyperbole.

Is it?

 

[timschochet]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

I don't think they are, either. I think they're more remarkable than that team. They're accomplishing as much, with less talent. And though the 2007 Pats were dominant during the first half of the year, they were not as dominant down the stretch (though they didn't lose.) This team has been every bit as dominant in the last few weeks, and down the stretch when it counts.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So it isn't just in the FFA that he starts useless threads. LHUCKS level stuff here.

 

[Pope Benedict XVI Fan]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

Yeah, that 2008 team with Cassell at QB was really something.

 

[tdmills]

The most alarming part is they are getting better....lots of young players or inexperienced players on that team, they will only get better with time.

Then add in the draft picks for next year. Watch out NFL.

 

[fred_1_15301]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

I don't think they are, either. I think they're more remarkable than that team. They're accomplishing as much, with less talent. And though the 2007 Pats were dominant during the first half of the year, they were not as dominant down the stretch (though they didn't lose.) This team has been every bit as dominant in the last few weeks, and down the stretch when it counts.

So whats your point? They're accomplishing more with less talent? That doesn't make them a better team than the team from 2 years ago. The team from 2 years ago was undefeated and blowing out just about every opponent. This team has had an impressive stretch but nothing even close to what they accomplished 2 years ago. Also, the Steelers, Bears and Jets are extremely overrated in my opinion. A depleted Colts team gave the Pats all they could handle............

 

[Neofight]

Dear Tim,

I like you. You're a sweet fella and very thoughtful. For you this post isn't even particularly over the top. But you will get panned for it, and rightfully so.

Your friend in Cyberspace,

Neo

P.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

 

[timschochet]

So it isn't just in the FFA that he starts useless threads. LHUCKS level stuff here.

I don't know why this is useless. I think the Pats are having an amazing run, worthy of discussion. How are they accomplishing this? I think Dungy may have just given one clue- he notes that the Steelers, Jets, and Bears play a similar zone defense, and that Brady is picking it apart. That to beat this team you've got to switch to man to man. Seems simplistic, but...

 

[timschochet]

Dear Tim, I like you. You're a sweet fella and very thoughtful. For you this post isn't even particularly over the top. But you will get panned for it, and rightfully so. Your friend in Cyberspace,NeoP.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

I get panned all the time. If I cared, I wouldn't start any threads. Whatever. I'm amazed by what I'm seeing, expressing my amazement, and trying to figure out why they're playing so well. If people want to contribute to that and offer some insight, that would be terrific. If they want to rip me, oh well.

 

[simmonjm]

Kiss of death for the Patriots from Timschochet his college football pick this year was Florida Gators

 

[timschochet]

Kiss of death for the Patriots from Timschochet his college football pick this year was Florida Gators

Well, I DID pick the Saints last year to win it all after week 1.But I am not picking New England to win it all. I picked a Chargers/Cowboys SB at the begininng of the season, so I have to live with that. And I am also not saying that this the best team ever, or even the best New England team ever. I agree with Fred that the 2007 version was a much better, much more talented collection of players. That's what makes this year even more remarkable.

 

[Ghost Rider]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

I don't think they are, either. I think they're more remarkable than that team. They're accomplishing as much, with less talent. And though the 2007 Pats were dominant during the first half of the year, they were not as dominant down the stretch (though they didn't lose.) This team has been every bit as dominant in the last few weeks, and down the stretch when it counts.

So whats your point? They're accomplishing more with less talent? That doesn't make them a better team than the team from 2 years ago. The team from 2 years ago was undefeated and blowing out just about every opponent. This team has had an impressive stretch but nothing even close to what they accomplished 2 years ago. Also, the Steelers, Bears and Jets are extremely overrated in my opinion. A depleted Colts team gave the Pats all they could handle............

It helps to get the years correct when making such a strong argument. Two years ago, they went 11-5 and missed the playoffs.

 

[Raider Nation]

So it isn't just in the FFA that he starts useless threads. LHUCKS level stuff here.

As if you knew the Patriots were good.

 

[pghrob]

Sadly, I have to agree with Tim. I was just watching the recap on NBC's SNF pregame show, and I told my wife that I hate to admit it, but the Pats are an awesome team, awesome organization. They are annhilating their competition. As a Steeler fan, I hope we make it to the big game, but if we do, I have no delusions that we will have to battle the Pats and win, which is no small task. When I think of the Pats, I think of a methodical, ruthless, antisocial assassin - almost like the terminator...they will stop at nothing to destroy their competition. I loathe them and yet find myself admiring their excellence. Freakin' Pats. They are so good.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So it isn't just in the FFA that he starts useless threads. LHUCKS level stuff here.

As if you knew the Patriots were good.

This info is going to help me dominate my FF playoffs. Thanks Timscohucks.

 

[Raider Nation]

Vote for tim's next thread:

a) Jessica Alba is somewhat fetching.

b) I was in Alaska once -- it was cold.

c) Has anyone noticed gas prices are rising?

 

[fred_1_15301]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

I don't think they are, either. I think they're more remarkable than that team. They're accomplishing as much, with less talent. And though the 2007 Pats were dominant during the first half of the year, they were not as dominant down the stretch (though they didn't lose.) This team has been every bit as dominant in the last few weeks, and down the stretch when it counts.

So whats your point? They're accomplishing more with less talent? That doesn't make them a better team than the team from 2 years ago. The team from 2 years ago was undefeated and blowing out just about every opponent. This team has had an impressive stretch but nothing even close to what they accomplished 2 years ago. Also, the Steelers, Bears and Jets are extremely overrated in my opinion. A depleted Colts team gave the Pats all they could handle............

It helps to get the years correct when making such a strong argument. Two years ago, they went 11-5 and missed the playoffs.

My apologies for mixing up the years. I think it's pretty obvious which year I was referring to.........

 

[Sammy Traveller]

This team is good but they're not even close to the team from 2 years ago.

oh, the 18-1 team? guess that means they lose the Super Bowl again.

 

[Neofight]

Dear Tim, I like you. You're a sweet fella and very thoughtful. For you this post isn't even particularly over the top. But you will get panned for it, and rightfully so. Your friend in Cyberspace,NeoP.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

I get panned all the time. If I cared, I wouldn't start any threads. Whatever. I'm amazed by what I'm seeing, expressing my amazement, and trying to figure out why they're playing so well. If people want to contribute to that and offer some insight, that would be terrific. If they want to rip me, oh well.

I actually admire and respect your wide-eyed wonder. You're like a new born babe, taking in the spectacle that is the NFL like it was the first time, every time.I also think this team is playing very well right now and for me it comes down to two things: coaching and Tom Brady. Their line play is also very good, but not clearly better than every other team in the league. But the coaching and Brady's leadership first, then his play have been head and shoulder's above any other team this year. I haven't seen Brady play with this much fire ever; and quite frankly very few QB's have ever played with this much passion. Dude is on fire right now. Belichick is doing what he always does, which means roughly half of interested parties will marvel at it and/or pay respects (perhaps even mythologize, misinterpret his intentions [demagogue], etc.) while the other half thinks up some half baked reasons why he clearly must be cheating. But give the vast majority of coaches a defense that young and you will not have a team playing this well and mistake free at this time of year.Still though, for someone who is "trying to figure out" why this is, you do not seem to offer much analysis or insight.

 

[bulger2holt]

This is a down year in the NFL. Not many elite teams. Actually, nobody is elite. Parity at its best. Great QB's like Brady make the difference. The Pats vs Saints is my SB prediction. The two best QB's from each conference.

 

[Novice2]

Have they officially replaced the Falcon as the best team in the NFL?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Next up in the Baseball forum: Timschochet declares the Yankees good.

 

[tombonneau]

This is a down year in the NFL. Not many elite teams. Actually, nobody is elite. Parity at its best. Great QB's like Brady make the difference. The Pats vs Saints is my SB prediction. The two best QB's from each conference.

Watching the Saints game today I agree. Both teams peaking at the right time. Obviously NO will be in much better shape if they can make a move and win the South, but I think they can go anywhere in the NFC and win. As far as the Pats, the 2007 team at its peak was better than this one, but it's all about timing, as this team is peaking in time for the playoffs while 2007 peaked in November. What's actually more impressive is the D is young and improving, and the 2010 draft will be a boon with the Raiders first (teens) and Panthers second (#33). If they nail 2/3 of those picks, the team is well set for the tail end of Brady's career and should be a playoff team for the next 4-5 years. But really the Pats aren't alone as Eagles, Steelers, Colts and to lesser extent Chargers have all remained consistently competitive throughout the decade and none show serious signs of falling off any time soon.

 

[ScottyFargo]

Wait till you see what they do next week. It's going to be bonkers. Have to figure that if Drew Stanton can embarrass the Packers like he did today, that Brady is just going to have his way with that Packer D.

 

[Jeromen]

Wait till you see what they do next week. It's going to be bonkers. Have to figure that if Drew Stanton can embarrass the Packers like he did today, that Brady is just going to have his way with that Packer D.

Huh?

 

[fred_1_15301]

Wait till you see what they do next week. It's going to be bonkers. Have to figure that if Drew Stanton can embarrass the Packers like he did today, that Brady is just going to have his way with that Packer D.

They scored 7 points, he had 113 yards passing, 2 ints and a 45% completion percentage. I would hardly call that embarrassing them.

 

[ScottyFargo]

Wait till you see what they do next week. It's going to be bonkers. Have to figure that if Drew Stanton can embarrass the Packers like he did today, that Brady is just going to have his way with that Packer D.

They scored 7 points, he had 113 yards passing, 2 ints and a 45% completion percentage. I would hardly call that embarrassing them.

You can't measure Drew Stanton's intangibles with those statistics. He embarrassed that D with his heart.

 

[Raider Nation]

Wait till you see what they do next week. It's going to be bonkers. Have to figure that if Drew Stanton can embarrass the Packers like he did today, that Brady is just going to have his way with that Packer D.

They scored 7 points, he had 113 yards passing, 2 ints and a 45% completion percentage. I would hardly call that embarrassing them.

You can't measure Drew Stanton's intangibles with those statistics. He embarrassed that D with his heart.

Nobody understands your brilliance, Scotty.

 

[mad sweeney]

I think Assange's big leaked documents that they are threatening to release are either positive proof that Cheney, Bush, Rumsfield etc knew all their WMD and AQ in Iraq rhetoric was false or internal memos/emails between Belicheck, Brady, Adams and possibly Goodell (and of course the payments made to him) confirming rampant institutional cheating during their dominant period.

 

[mad sweeney]

I think Assange's big leaked documents that they are threatening to release are either positive proof that Cheney, Bush, Rumsfield etc knew all their WMD and AQ in Iraq rhetoric was false or internal memos/emails between Belicheck, Brady, Adams and possibly Goodell (and of course the payments made to him) confirming rampant institutional cheating during their dominant period.

 

[switz]

P.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

Why, I've never questioned that the Pats are a great team with probably the smartest coach in the game.

 

[ScottyFargo]

Wait till you see what they do next week. It's going to be bonkers. Have to figure that if Drew Stanton can embarrass the Packers like he did today, that Brady is just going to have his way with that Packer D.

They scored 7 points, he had 113 yards passing, 2 ints and a 45% completion percentage. I would hardly call that embarrassing them.

You can't measure Drew Stanton's intangibles with those statistics. He embarrassed that D with his heart.

Nobody understands your brilliance, Scotty.

Andy Kaufman was misunderstood, too.

On Topic: The Pats can do no wrong and they use the public hatred to fuel their fire like some kind of immortal force of nature. They are humbling to behold.

 

[Dez]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

 

[DropKick]

Dear Tim,

I like you. You're a sweet fella and very thoughtful. For you this post isn't even particularly over the top. But you will get panned for it, and rightfully so.

Your friend in Cyberspace,

Neo

P.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

Switz is too busy trashing Choice and pimping Jones.

 

[dickey moe]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

Hard to believe, but they're a better team without Moss.

 

[ScottyFargo]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

Hard to believe, but they're a better team without Moss.

How does Deon Branch become such a factor again? It's very impressive.

 

[Raider Nation]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

Hard to believe, but they're a better team without Moss.

I'm not sure if the "hard to believe" part is sarcasm or not, but in retrospect it's pretty clear that Brady is one of the few NFL QBs who can make Moss look not washed up.

 

[mad sweeney]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

Hard to believe, but they're a better team without Moss.

How does Deon Branch become such a factor again? It's very impressive.

Thanks for showing up in Seattle games, D0oshon Branch.

 

[Neofight]

Dear Tim,

I like you. You're a sweet fella and very thoughtful. For you this post isn't even particularly over the top. But you will get panned for it, and rightfully so.

Your friend in Cyberspace,

Neo

P.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

Switz is too busy trashing Choice and pimping Jones.

He already took his shot. Look up.

 

[TWP]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

Hard to believe, but they're a better team without Moss.

I'm not sure if the "hard to believe" part is sarcasm or not, but in retrospect it's pretty clear that Brady is one of the few NFL QBs who can make Moss look not washed up.

You crazy. Moss's mind is making Moss' body look washed up. Not his body. And there are a lot of good QBs in the NFL who throw the deep ball well.

 

[switz]

Dear Tim,

I like you. You're a sweet fella and very thoughtful. For you this post isn't even particularly over the top. But you will get panned for it, and rightfully so.

Your friend in Cyberspace,

Neo

P.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

Switz is too busy trashing Choice and pimping Jones.

Switz had already replied in this thread, shortbus.

 

[Irish Chaos]

Randy Moss has to be kicking himself.

Hard to believe, but they're a better team without Moss.

How does Deon Branch become such a factor again? It's very impressive.

so happy that hes good again, i hated seeing him rot away in Seattle..

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Statistically the worst defense in football. No names all over the field. Undrafted, smallish running backs. Unheralded receivers. First they go into Pittsburgh and kicked my team's ###. Then they dismantled a 9 and 2 Jets team. Now they go into Chicago, arguably the best team in the NFC, and take them apart in the snow. The Pats have a great history in the last 10 years, but I don't ever remember them playing this well. Tom Brady has been sensational in the past, especially in 2007, but I don't ever remember him looking this good. I've never hid my dislike for this team or its coach, but if they continue to play like this all the way to a championship, we are witnessing one of the greatest runs ever.

I read the thread topic first and then guessed who wrote it and I was right.

 

[Road Warriors]

P.S. Wait till Switz reads this...

Why, I've never questioned that the Pats are a great team with probably the smartest coach in the game.

Yeah, if they only had a good QB, they'd probably win a title or 3.

 

[Bri]

I really enjoyed that punt return that was called back today. It had such a playground feel with the snow and... I loved it.

 

[[icon]]

What makes the Pats run that much more impressive is when you look at their run through the upper echelon of the power rankings:

Top 10 Power Rankings (not including this week's games)

1) Falcons (Should fall to #2 this week - DNP)

2) Patriots

3) @ Bears (Pats beat 36-7)

4) @ Steelers (Pats beat 39-26)

5) Jets (Pats beat 45-3)

6) Eagles (DNP)

7) Saints (DNP)

8) Packers (Pats Play Next Week)

9) Ravens (Pats Beat 23-20)

10) Chiefs (DNP)

Also of note:

15) @ Chargers (Pats Beat 23-20)

16) Colts (Pats Beat 31-20)

17) @ Dolphins (Pats Beat 41-14)

---

Looking at the Falcons... their big wins are vs:

7) New Orleans (27-24 OT In NOLA)

8) Green Bay (20-17 in Atlanta)

9) Baltimore (26-21 in Atlanta)

13) Tampa Bay (28-24 in Tampa // 27-21 in Atlanta)

Obviously you have to consider the Pats with the bigger wins, but Atlanta has certainly beaten some quality competition. IMO Next week (@ Seattle) could prove to be interesting with a risk for them to be looking ahead to hosting the Saints in week 16.

Pats vs Green Bay is rough and you can NEVER look past Miami as a Pats fan... they've played spoiler too many times to count.