Yep THE PATRIOTS will... (1 Viewer)

[Shark Attack]

Was at the game today and the Pats played as well as ever today. They toyed with and manhandled a very good football team today. All of a sudden this team is primed for a big playoff run. I would not want to be the team to play them come there run to the AFC championship. Only Indy who they just know how to beat in big games has any chance at all to beat them now. Please remember the Pats were not playing half as good as they are now and were hurting when the Colts beat them earlier this year. The extra playoff game will only help this team get even better for that match up weather it be playoff week one, two or three. Brady, Dillon, the Offensive line and Defense (the kid Hobbs is a player) are all in tune and they really want it this year considering all the injuries and that nobody gave them a chance to win crap recently. Right now I am telling you they are the second favorites to win it all and Vegas can stuff whatever else they may think. Bill Belichek and the Pats leaders and their are many are getting very serious about winning it all again this year and are highly motivated to do so. Watch out NFL the best team in your history is alive and kicking. Anyone (Peyton and Co.) who thinks different is just going to get there hearts broken. I hope no one thinks I am kidding or fishing because tell me right now who would you bet on right now to win it all this year considering the pressure that will be on the undefeated Colts to win the game if it comes down to it? If they don't get the Colts we might as well give the Pats the Lombardi Trophy right now because surely nobody else will beat them in the playoffs, no how no way. Not with the look of determination that was on Tom Brady's face today,not to mention..Dillon..Bruschi..Seymour..Wilfork..Mcginest..Colvin...Vrabel..Vinateri.Givens..Branch..and Belichek's. None of which have lost in the Playoffs in many years and most of the players NEVER have. I honestly am rooting for the Colts to win out until that game..please let it happen football Gods because the pressure on that team in the game against the Pats, whenever it may happen come playoff time, will be UNBEARABLE on them. Ohhh Peyton its was almost your year.Thoughts?Shark

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

This year the playoff game will be in Indy.And TB's o-line couldn't block me.

 

[Shark Attack]

This year the playoff game will be in Indy.

And TB's o-line couldn't block me.

we shall see. no fish needed for this post guy, just stating the FACTS here. Just please remember every big game these teams have played that really meant something. Who's O line stopped them then? Don't you remember the 4th and one on the goal line when Edge got stuffed by Willie and the boys..who blocked them then..that big bad Colt O line? LOL.

 

[UFFLCommish]

DT.Great game today for the Pats.If they get the Jags in the first round I'll be there.

 

[Shark Attack]

DT.

Great game today for the Pats.

If they get the Jags in the first round I'll be there.

Your coming up if so I see huh DT? Would be great to say hello..hope all is well and happy holidays. PEACE.

 

[Kai's Hero]

This year the playoff game will be in Indy.

And TB's o-line couldn't block me.

we shall see. no fish needed for this post guy, just stating the FACTS here. Just please remember every big game these teams have played that really meant something. Who's O line stopped them then? Don't you remember the 4th and one on the goal line when Edge got stuffed by Willie and the boys..who blocked them then..that big bad Colt O line? LOL.

The difference now is that the Colts have a BETTER defense than the Pats do!

 

[Shark Attack]

This year the playoff game will be in Indy.

And TB's o-line couldn't block me.

we shall see. no fish needed for this post guy, just stating the FACTS here. Just please remember every big game these teams have played that really meant something. Who's O line stopped them then? Don't you remember the 4th and one on the goal line when Edge got stuffed by Willie and the boys..who blocked them then..that big bad Colt O line? LOL.

The difference now is that the Colts have a BETTER defense than the Pats do!

Really? How many rings they own?

 

[SSOG]

Yeah, those Bucs are a really really consistant, really strong football team. Did you see how tough they hung with SanFrancisco in Tampa?Let's face it. New England is 1-4 against teams that are still in the AFC Playoff race. That includes blowout losses to Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, and Indy, and a squeaker win over Pitt (with an assist to the clock operator). Yes, they were really really good last season; the last time I checked, though, there's no point bonus for being good last season. Philadelphia was really really good last season, too. And Carolina was really really good the season before that. And Tampa Bay and Oakland were both really really good the season before that. And New England and St. Louis were both really really good the season before that. Tell me, how much noise did those clubs wind up making in the playoffs?New England is 3-5 against clubs with winning records. They are, as I mentioned, 1-4 against teams in the AFC Playoff hunt, with a scoring differential of -58 points in those 5 games. At the same time, New England is feasting on the WOEFUL AFC East, going 4-0 against the East and 5-5 against everyone else to this point. If New England and Oakland swapped divisions, New England would be in last place in the AFC West, and Oakland would have just clinched the AFC East- and both teams would still have just as much of a chance of making some noise in the playoffs.Winning the worst division in football is sort of like coming in first in the spelling bee for the mentally handicapped. It's nice and all, but it doesn't mean you're a good speller.

Really? How many rings they own?

The 2005 Colts Defense has won exactly the same number of rings as the 2005 Pats defense. Zero. Those 2004 Patriots were sure something, though.Take a great defense. Now take away Rodney Harrison and put Duane Starks at a starting CB position. What you are left with is no longer a great defense.

 

[GhostOfAnAlias]

Where was this claim 6 weeks ago?

 

[FairWarning]

The Colts will kick their asses in Indy. Has nothing with the number of rings NE has or the lack of Indy rings. Indy has a far better D, a better RB, and a better QB with better WR's THIS YEAR. Other years don't matter.

 

[SSOG]

Double post, but I spent all day driving home and listening to the radio, where they spent several hours talking about how New England was the most dangerous team in the playoffs. Not the most dangerous team this side of Indy, but the most dangerous team PERIOD. That's utter bull. Assuming Byron Leftwich is back, I suspect if you asked every AFC Playoff team which team they'd most like to face, the majority of the responses would come back "New England". I know that *I* am sure hoping that the 6th seed upsets the 3rd seed and New England holds serve at home, because I would LOVE for my Denver Broncos to get them in the second round.

 

[Judge Smails]

Double post, but I spent all day driving home and listening to the radio, where they spent several hours talking about how New England was the most dangerous team in the playoffs. Not the most dangerous team this side of Indy, but the most dangerous team PERIOD. That's utter bull. Assuming Byron Leftwich is back, I suspect if you asked every AFC Playoff team which team they'd most like to face, the majority of the responses would come back "New England". I know that *I* am sure hoping that the 6th seed upsets the 3rd seed and New England holds serve at home, because I would LOVE for my Denver Broncos to get them in the second round.

Umm, I seriously doubt that. Not many people are paying attention, but the Pats are a completely different team right now. Throw the first 12 weeks out. They are healthy, playing D, playing NE football. They aren't playing from behind because their D is a sieve like earlier in the year. If the D is tighter, and it is, it would be foolish to bet against Brady/Belichek. I don't think anybody wants a piece of NE they way they are playing right now.

 

[Shark Attack]

Yeah, those Bucs are a really really consistant, really strong football team. Did you see how tough they hung with SanFrancisco in Tampa?

Let's face it. New England is 1-4 against teams that are still in the AFC Playoff race. That includes blowout losses to Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, and Indy, and a squeaker win over Pitt (with an assist to the clock operator). Yes, they were really really good last season; the last time I checked, though, there's no point bonus for being good last season. Philadelphia was really really good last season, too. And Carolina was really really good the season before that. And Tampa Bay and Oakland were both really really good the season before that. And New England and St. Louis were both really really good the season before that. Tell me, how much noise did those clubs wind up making in the playoffs?

New England is 3-5 against clubs with winning records. They are, as I mentioned, 1-4 against teams in the AFC Playoff hunt, with a scoring differential of -58 points in those 5 games. At the same time, New England is feasting on the WOEFUL AFC East, going 4-0 against the East and 5-5 against everyone else to this point. If New England and Oakland swapped divisions, New England would be in last place in the AFC West, and Oakland would have just clinched the AFC East- and both teams would still have just as much of a chance of making some noise in the playoffs.

Winning the worst division in football is sort of like coming in first in the spelling bee for the mentally handicapped. It's nice and all, but it doesn't mean you're a good speller.

Really? How many rings they own?

The 2005 Colts Defense has won exactly the same number of rings as the 2005 Pats defense. Zero. Those 2004 Patriots were sure something, though.Take a great defense. Now take away Rodney Harrison and put Duane Starks at a starting CB position. What you are left with is no longer a great defense.

you seem to forget this team has six d backs on IR and 12 players total this year. Its been quite a process getting to this point and the defense was running around trying to find itself until about 3-4 weeks ago. Right now things are ALOT different here. Don't you think? You better believe every team with a SB hope did a big gulp and sigh today after catching the Pats performance, no matter who the team. TB was still 9-4 in what many said was the best division in the league this year.

 

[Shark Attack]

Double post, but I spent all day driving home and listening to the radio, where they spent several hours talking about how New England was the most dangerous team in the playoffs. Not the most dangerous team this side of Indy, but the most dangerous team PERIOD. That's utter bull. Assuming Byron Leftwich is back, I suspect if you asked every AFC Playoff team which team they'd most like to face, the majority of the responses would come back "New England". I know that *I* am sure hoping that the 6th seed upsets the 3rd seed and New England holds serve at home, because I would LOVE for my Denver Broncos to get them in the second round.

No way in hell! What are you smoking? Do you really think teams want the Pats now? stop no one wants this team right about now, at least not until the AFC championship game and it better be at home if the game is to be close at all. The Pats will be one tough out this year and you better get that straight right now guys.

 

[Shark Attack]

Where was this claim 6 weeks ago?

Just waiting that just this type of turn around would happen and with Belicheck, Brady and Bruschi back here to get the D right, it happened.

 

[Norseman]

NE is lucky that they are in the AFC LEast or they probably wouldn't even make the playoffs this year.

 

[4thAndForever]

I suspect if you asked every AFC Playoff team which team they'd most like to face, the majority of the responses would come back "New England".

 

[valhallan]

Yeah, those Bucs are a really really consistant, really strong football team. Did you see how tough they hung with SanFrancisco in Tampa?

when trying to pull this card, you definitely should know that it was in SF

 

[Kai's Hero]

This year the playoff game will be in Indy.

And TB's o-line couldn't block me.

we shall see. no fish needed for this post guy, just stating the FACTS here. Just please remember every big game these teams have played that really meant something. Who's O line stopped them then? Don't you remember the 4th and one on the goal line when Edge got stuffed by Willie and the boys..who blocked them then..that big bad Colt O line? LOL.

The difference now is that the Colts have a BETTER defense than the Pats do!

Really? How many rings they own?

A TRUE Pat's fan always talking about the past. The Colts owned you a few weeks ago and they will OWN you again if you get lucky enough to see them in January!

 

[mashers]

Yeah, those Bucs are a really really consistant, really strong football team. Did you see how tough they hung with SanFrancisco in Tampa?

Let's face it. New England is 1-4 against teams that are still in the AFC Playoff race. That includes blowout losses to Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, and Indy, and a squeaker win over Pitt (with an assist to the clock operator). Yes, they were really really good last season; the last time I checked, though, there's no point bonus for being good last season. Philadelphia was really really good last season, too. And Carolina was really really good the season before that. And Tampa Bay and Oakland were both really really good the season before that. And New England and St. Louis were both really really good the season before that. Tell me, how much noise did those clubs wind up making in the playoffs?

New England is 3-5 against clubs with winning records. They are, as I mentioned, 1-4 against teams in the AFC Playoff hunt, with a scoring differential of -58 points in those 5 games. At the same time, New England is feasting on the WOEFUL AFC East, going 4-0 against the East and 5-5 against everyone else to this point. If New England and Oakland swapped divisions, New England would be in last place in the AFC West, and Oakland would have just clinched the AFC East- and both teams would still have just as much of a chance of making some noise in the playoffs.

Winning the worst division in football is sort of like coming in first in the spelling bee for the mentally handicapped. It's nice and all, but it doesn't mean you're a good speller.

Really? How many rings they own?

The 2005 Colts Defense has won exactly the same number of rings as the 2005 Pats defense. Zero. Those 2004 Patriots were sure something, though.Take a great defense. Now take away Rodney Harrison and put Duane Starks at a starting CB position. What you are left with is no longer a great defense.

you seem to forget this team has six d backs on IR and 12 players total this year. Its been quite a process getting to this point and the defense was running around trying to find itself until about 3-4 weeks ago. Right now things are ALOT different here. Don't you think? You better believe every team with a SB hope did a big gulp and sigh today after catching the Pats performance, no matter who the team. TB was still 9-4 in what many said was the best division in the league this year.

What a coincidence the patriots D "found itself" in games against the jets, bills, and bucs. I guess they were in the locker room looking for "itself" a few weeks ago against the colts. I agree that once again, the patriots have a chance to beat anybody at home to advance in the playoffs. The game will be in indy so this is where homer's fantasy ends.

 

[harrycarey]

I'm a Colts fan, but even I have to admit that the Pats are getting hot at just the right time and will again win the super bowl.

 

[Gargoylez]

Yeah, those Bucs are a really really consistant, really strong football team. Did you see how tough they hung with SanFrancisco in Tampa?

Let's face it. New England is 1-4 against teams that are still in the AFC Playoff race. That includes blowout losses to Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, and Indy, and a squeaker win over Pitt (with an assist to the clock operator). Yes, they were really really good last season; the last time I checked, though, there's no point bonus for being good last season. Philadelphia was really really good last season, too. And Carolina was really really good the season before that. And Tampa Bay and Oakland were both really really good the season before that. And New England and St. Louis were both really really good the season before that. Tell me, how much noise did those clubs wind up making in the playoffs?

New England is 3-5 against clubs with winning records. They are, as I mentioned, 1-4 against teams in the AFC Playoff hunt, with a scoring differential of -58 points in those 5 games. At the same time, New England is feasting on the WOEFUL AFC East, going 4-0 against the East and 5-5 against everyone else to this point. If New England and Oakland swapped divisions, New England would be in last place in the AFC West, and Oakland would have just clinched the AFC East- and both teams would still have just as much of a chance of making some noise in the playoffs.

Winning the worst division in football is sort of like coming in first in the spelling bee for the mentally handicapped. It's nice and all, but it doesn't mean you're a good speller.

Really? How many rings they own?

The 2005 Colts Defense has won exactly the same number of rings as the 2005 Pats defense. Zero. Those 2004 Patriots were sure something, though.Take a great defense. Now take away Rodney Harrison and put Duane Starks at a starting CB position. What you are left with is no longer a great defense.

you seem to forget this team has six d backs on IR and 12 players total this year. Its been quite a process getting to this point and the defense was running around trying to find itself until about 3-4 weeks ago. Right now things are ALOT different here. Don't you think? You better believe every team with a SB hope did a big gulp and sigh today after catching the Pats performance, no matter who the team. TB was still 9-4 in what many said was the best division in the league this year.

What a coincidence the patriots D "found itself" in games against the jets, bills, and bucs. I guess they were in the locker room looking for "itself" a few weeks ago against the colts. I agree that once again, the patriots have a chance to beat anybody at home to advance in the playoffs. The game will be in indy so this is where homer's fantasy ends.

I am getting used to the Gruden way of coaching. IT is frustrating but thats Chuckie.The PAtriots beating up on an ill prepared team, from teh south in cold weather doesn't= superbowl win.

The Patriots will probably NOT make it out of the first round this year. THere defense blows and beating up against bottom 10 offenses in the NFL doesn't make them "re-found."

The person I give credit to is Brady. That ship was sinking mid year and he did EVERYTHING to keep the thing afloat. Brady might be arguably the best player in the league and I personally can't stand him or the Patriots. You can't look at this year with the Pats D sucking, no running game and NOT say, Brady is having his Career year IMO.

 

[djcolts]

I am getting used to the Gruden way of coaching. IT is frustrating but thats Chuckie.

The PAtriots beating up on an ill prepared team, from teh south in cold weather doesn't= superbowl win.

The Patriots will probably NOT make it out of the first round this year. THere defense blows and beating up against bottom 10 offenses in the NFL doesn't make them "re-found."

The person I give credit to is Brady. That ship was sinking mid year and he did EVERYTHING to keep the thing afloat. Brady might be arguably the best player in the league and I personally can't stand him or the Patriots. You can't look at this year with the Pats D sucking, no running game and NOT say, Brady is having his Career year IMO.

I don't see Jax going up to Foxboro and winning a playoff game (that is almost certainly the 1st round matchup). I just don't see that.Pats are scary right now.

 

[bostonfred]

Where was this claim 6 weeks ago?

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...dpost&p=3914771

Who knows if the personell will change between here and then but on current form it's gonna be one and out for the Pats.

The Patriots have a two game lead on the Dolphins and Bills, so there's still a real risk that they'll miss the playoffs. But if they come pretty close to running the table the rest of the way, which many expect, then they will be a more dangerous team than people are giving them credit for. If the Patriots win the division, they will get a first round home game by default. The cold weather in New England still gives them a nice home field advantage, and by then, Dillon should be back and healthy. Winning a second round game on the road against Indy, Pittsburgh or Denver would be tough, but not impossible - the Broncos have folded in the playoffs the last few seasons, and the Colts have been known to put up a stinker or two themselves no matter how good they've looked in the regular season. The Jaguars just lost their QB, the Chargers may miss the playoffs, the Patriots already beat the Steelers, and the Bengals are 0-3 against teams that were .500 or better at the time they played. None of the AFC teams seems like a safe pick this year, although I know I'll get blasted for saying not even the Colts.

The obvious argument is that the Patriots as currently constituted can't win that game, and I agree. But their secondary has completely overturned in the last couple weeks, they have a midseason free agent signing at one corner and a rookie at another who are both new to the defense, their D line is finally getting healthy, Bruschi's getting accustomed to the defense, and the defense is getting accustomed to him. And Dillon is going to be back on the team just in time to start pounding teams in the cold.

There's five more games for the Pats to get these problems under control, and we've seen them patch all kinds of holes in the past. I'm not saying I expect them to win another Superbowl, when they're still fighting for a playoff spot, but I think people are selling them short just because they're not playing well at this point in the season.

 

[DawnBTVS]

In the last 5 games, the Patriots have scored 114 points (22.8) and allowed 69 (13.8) not including this week.Indianapolis' D isn't exactly that strong either when you look at it. They've allowed 28 points to St. Louis, 20 to Houston, 21 to New England, and 37 to Cincinnati. Their defense has beaten up on poor teams (Baltimore, Cleveland, San Francisco, and Tennessee). Jacksonville and Cleveland both held the Colts O to less than 14 points and Belichek will definitely be looking at those tapes to see how they handled the Colts.

 

[djcolts]

Jacksonville and Cleveland both held the Colts O to less than 14 points and Belichek will definitely be looking at those tapes to see how they handled the Colts.

That was in weeks 2 and 3. If you are making the argument that the Pats are currently hot and you have to throw out the first half of the season when evaluating the Pats - then you have to do the same when evaluating the Colts' offense in the first few weeks of the season.

 

[bostonfred]

NE is lucky that they are in the AFC LEast or they probably wouldn't even make the playoffs this year.

They sure are. I mean, imagine if they got to face a schedule like this:9/11 @ Baltimore Ravens

9/25 CLEVELAND BROWNS

10/2 @ Tennessee Titans

10/9 @ San Francisco 49ers

10/17 ST. LOUIS RAMS

10/23 @ Houston Texans

11/13 HOUSTON TEXANS

12/4 TENNESSEE TITANS

1/1 ARIZONA CARDINALS

Of course, the Colts have seven tough games on their schedule, with two of them left to play:

9/18 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 10 - 3

11/7 @ New England Patriots 40 - 21

11/20 @ Cincinnati Bengals 45 - 37

11/28 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 26 - 7

12/11 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 26 - 18

12/18 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1:00 PM

12/24 @ Seattle Seahawks 4:15 PM

Now let's look at the cupcake schedule you accuse the Patriots of playing:

@ Panthers

@ Steelers

vs Chargers

@ Falcons

@ Broncos

vs Colts

@ Chiefs

vs Buccaneers

More games against tough opponents, and

vs Raiders

vs Bills

@ Dolphins

vs Saints

vs Jets

@ Bills

@ Jets

vs Dolphins

Tougher games against weak opponents. But if it helps you make your point, we can pretend that the Patriots are the only team in the NFL that had an easy schedule.

 

[bostonfred]

Jacksonville and Cleveland both held the Colts O to less than 14 points and Belichek will definitely be looking at those tapes to see how they handled the Colts.

That was in weeks 2 and 3. If you are making the argument that the Pats are currently hot and you have to throw out the first half of the season when evaluating the Pats - then you have to do the same when evaluating the Colts' offense in the first few weeks of the season.

Although you also have to add that the Colts D looked like it was going to allow a lot more points to the Rams than they did once Bulger went out.

 

[Ghost Rider]

As great as New England looked yesterday, I think it helps to remember that their defense has gotten stomped by almost every good offense they have played this season. Just three weeks ago, the Chiefs moved the ball on them all day, almost at will. Yes, they looked great against TB, but the Bucs offense is schizo. Good one week, horrible the next. Remember, this is the same Bucs team that lost to the Jets and 49ers, so while I can understand being a bit excited over the Patriots right now, I think some perspective is necessary when discussing their chances in the playoffs.

 

[DerangedGridironGeek]

This year the playoff game will be in Indy.

And TB's o-line couldn't block me.

we shall see. no fish needed for this post guy, just stating the FACTS here. Just please remember every big game these teams have played that really meant something. Who's O line stopped them then? Don't you remember the 4th and one on the goal line when Edge got stuffed by Willie and the boys..who blocked them then..that big bad Colt O line? LOL.

The difference now is that the Colts have a BETTER defense than the Pats do!

Really? How many rings they own?

A TRUE Pat's fan always talking about the past. The Colts owned you a few weeks ago and they will OWN you again if you get lucky enough to see them in January!

You and the rest of the guys in this thread claiming the Pats defense is awful are the ones living in the past. They WERE awful, but have vastly improved in the past few weeks and are healthy again. Colvin is becoming a monster and Seymour is healthy. Hobbs and Wilfork are getting better with each game and Bruschi seems to be playing like his old self again. This defense is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.On offense, they have Dillon, Faulk, and Givens back. Light should be back soon too. Giving this team confidence during this time of year is a dangerous thing. One of my friends said it best, there is no better football team from thanksgiving on.

Colts-NE championship game should be one for the ages....

 

[DawnBTVS]

Although it was way back in weeks 2 and 3, I'm sure there are still some things that coaches could use when studying film to spotlight some possible weakness' in the Colts offense. I'm not saying it'll gauruntee the Patriots a victory (far from it) however I wouldn't completely dismiss it either.

 

[djcolts]

Jacksonville and Cleveland both held the Colts O to less than 14 points and Belichek will definitely be looking at those tapes to see how they handled the Colts.

That was in weeks 2 and 3. If you are making the argument that the Pats are currently hot and you have to throw out the first half of the season when evaluating the Pats - then you have to do the same when evaluating the Colts' offense in the first few weeks of the season.

Although you also have to add that the Colts D looked like it was going to allow a lot more points to the Rams than they did once Bulger went out.

Yep. I've said all season the Colts D is about 8th to 12th best in the NFL - in spite of the numbers. The way the Colts offense played this season (more ball control, fewer short TD drives) have helped the D look better statistically than they really are. I'm leaning towards 8th, though, because most Ds have been exposed at some point this season as well - only the Bears have really played consistent D all season throughout the season - most others are bad or hit and miss.

 

[Ghost Rider]

To keep this in perspective, here are the offensive rankings of the three teams the Patriots have shut down the last three weeks:NY Jets: 29th in total offense, 32nd in scoringBuffalo: 30th in total offense, 28th in scoringTampa Bay: 25th in total offense, 23rd in scoringI will believe the Patriots 'D' has made significant improvement on defense when they do this to a good offense.

 

[Serenity Now]

I'm as homer as they come, and while I'm thrilled to see the surge in the Pats, I don't see them going all the way. They'll finish with a better record than any of the PTTS whiners claimed they would, what with the injuries and loss of Weis/Crennel. They make the playoffs and can beat Jax at home, IMO. They won't beat Indy in their dome though unless something surprising happens. This is Indy's year as far as that goes. Super Bowl winners' seasons are marked with both solid play and serendipity, so I suppose the Any Given Sunday rule is in play.Keys to their recent success: Colvin finally becoming the guy they paid the big bucks for, Bruschi hitting his form and the solid play of rookie DB Ellis Hobbs. Artrell Hawkins of all people has taken a leadership role with the DBs. They've stabilized the losses, it seems.

 

[PoolShark]

Thoughts?

Shark

Uhhh...

 

[bostonfred]

To keep this in perspective, here are the offensive rankings of the three teams the Patriots have shut down the last three weeks:

NY Jets: 29th in total offense, 32nd in scoring

Buffalo: 30th in total offense, 28th in scoring

Tampa Bay: 25th in total offense, 23rd in scoring

I will believe the Patriots 'D' has made significant improvement on defense when they do this to a good offense.

If you're really going to use that as an argument, let me remind you that Houston is 31st in total offense, and 29th in scoring. The Colts allowed a total of 37 points in two games against them. The Patriots have allowed a total of 10 points in their THREE games against the teams you mentioned. Or we could just throw out the stats, and notice that the Pats have a pass rush again now that Seymour and co. are healthy, and it's making the secondary look better, with a bunch of inexperienced guys back there who are finally starting to look like NFL players. Throw aside the fact that they played weak QBs, and notice that the Pats defenders are finally hitting the receivers again, something that was sorely missing once Harrison left and we had a hobbled Starks back there trying to push people out of bounds.

 

[djcolts]

To keep this in perspective, here are the offensive rankings of the three teams the Patriots have shut down the last three weeks:

NY Jets: 29th in total offense, 32nd in scoring

Buffalo: 30th in total offense, 28th in scoring

Tampa Bay: 25th in total offense, 23rd in scoring

I will believe the Patriots 'D' has made significant improvement on defense when they do this to a good offense.

They are better than they were - they stopped those teams cold and made them look awful. Maybe against the Jets you have a point (but Oakland didn't stop the Jets last week) - but Buffalo and Tampa Bay can play offense sometimes.

 

[Ghost Rider]

To keep this in perspective, here are the offensive rankings of the three teams the Patriots have shut down the last three weeks:

NY Jets: 29th in total offense, 32nd in scoring

Buffalo: 30th in total offense, 28th in scoring

Tampa Bay: 25th in total offense, 23rd in scoring

I will believe the Patriots 'D' has made significant improvement on defense when they do this to a good offense.

If you're really going to use that as an argument, let me remind you that Houston is 31st in total offense, and 29th in scoring. The Colts allowed a total of 37 points in two games against them. The Patriots have allowed a total of 10 points in their THREE games against the teams you mentioned. Or we could just throw out the stats, and notice that the Pats have a pass rush again now that Seymour and co. are healthy, and it's making the secondary look better, with a bunch of inexperienced guys back there who are finally starting to look like NFL players. Throw aside the fact that they played weak QBs, and notice that the Pats defenders are finally hitting the receivers again, something that was sorely missing once Harrison left and we had a hobbled Starks back there trying to push people out of bounds.

What does the Colts defense have to do with this? We are talking about the New England Patriots. If you think the Colts defense is overrated, that is great, but it has nothing to do with how improved NE's defense is.

To keep this in perspective, here are the offensive rankings of the three teams the Patriots have shut down the last three weeks:

NY Jets: 29th in total offense, 32nd in scoring

Buffalo: 30th in total offense, 28th in scoring

Tampa Bay: 25th in total offense, 23rd in scoring

I will believe the Patriots 'D' has made significant improvement on defense when they do this to a good offense.

They are better than they were - they stopped those teams cold and made them look awful. Maybe against the Jets you have a point (but Oakland didn't stop the Jets last week) - but Buffalo and Tampa Bay can play offense sometimes.

I know that they are better than they were, but I am reserving judgement until I see them hold down a good or even average defense since the last good offense they played was three weeks ago. And, oh yeah, that offense moved the ball all them all day.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It's December so it must be whiney tool season (myself proudly included)!I would not have predicted my Pats ABSOLUTELY ROUTING the Bucs. Beating the AFC Least competition this year is one thing; blanking a solid team is another.I'm still very fearful of the Colts and Broncos, but that's about it. What gives me hope is Manning and Plummer's lack of playoff success, combined with the brilliance of the Dark Sith Lord Belichick.I LIVE in Jacksonville so don't try to tell me that that Jagoff Del Rio has a prayer of doing anything in the playoffs. He and Tice don't have 100 IQ points between the two of them. And Leftwich? Please. Between the 6 second pass windup and the slow motion lope of a one-legged zombie, the Jags offense will get nowhere against a quality defense (see, for example, the Colts game, where the more mobile Garrard was largely ineffective until the game was out of reach.Just to remind everyone, four rings in 5 years would be better than what the Steel Curtain accomplished. You don't want to see the arrogance of Pats fans come out if this happens.

 

[SSOG]

you seem to forget this team has six d backs on IR and 12 players total this year. Its been quite a process getting to this point and the defense was running around trying to find itself until about 3-4 weeks ago. Right now things are ALOT different here. Don't you think? You better believe every team with a SB hope did a big gulp and sigh today after catching the Pats performance, no matter who the team. TB was still 9-4 in what many said was the best division in the league this year.

Oh? I forgot that the team has 6 Dbacks on IR? Well, have they gotten those DBacks BACK, or are they still on IR? Because if they're still on IR, I don't see how you're claiming that they fixed the problems in the defensive backfield. Duane Starks is still starting, right? Rodney Harrison is still gone, right? This is the same defensive backfield that every single competant QB (and no, Brooks Bollinger, J.P. Losman, and Chris Simms are not "competant QBs", they're all first-year QBs) has exploited for HUGE numbers all season. Heck, look what AARON BROOKS did to them this season.

In the last 5 games, the Patriots have scored 114 points (22.8) and allowed 69 (13.8) not including this week.

Indianapolis' D isn't exactly that strong either when you look at it. They've allowed 28 points to St. Louis, 20 to Houston, 21 to New England, and 37 to Cincinnati. Their defense has beaten up on poor teams (Baltimore, Cleveland, San Francisco, and Tennessee). Jacksonville and Cleveland both held the Colts O to less than 14 points and Belichek will definitely be looking at those tapes to see how they handled the Colts.

Indy's D has weaknesses, yes, but their O is SIGNIFICANTLY better than New England's (and I'd say their D is, too, although not as significantly). But that's just a matter of red herring. We aren't talking about the Colts, we're talking about the Patriots- who are not very good this season, unless they're facing a first-year starter (or Gus Frerotte) at QB.

To keep this in perspective, here are the offensive rankings of the three teams the Patriots have shut down the last three weeks:

NY Jets: 29th in total offense, 32nd in scoring

Buffalo: 30th in total offense, 28th in scoring

Tampa Bay: 25th in total offense, 23rd in scoring

I will believe the Patriots 'D' has made significant improvement on defense when they do this to a good offense.

Or, more importantly, when they do it to a QB with more than 16 career starts.

 

[Serenity Now]

Duane Starks is still starting, right?

Incorrect. He has been IRed.I believe that the claim to an improved secondary has to do with the play of Ellis Hobbs, a very promising rookie, along with James Sanders another rookie who missed much of the early part of the season. Surprisingly, Artrell Hawkins and Hank Poteat the journeymen are also helping to provide some stability.

 

[SSOG]

Incorrect. He has been IRed.

I believe that the claim to an improved secondary has to do with the play of Ellis Hobbs, a very promising rookie, along with James Sanders another rookie who missed much of the early part of the season. Surprisingly, Artrell Hawkins and Hank Poteat the journeymen are also helping to provide some stability.

See, that right there would scare me if I were a Pats fan. Statements like "Hank Poteat is providing stability". Again, I think the Pats are schematically sound, and can confuse the heck out of young starting QBs, but the results speak for themselves against the elite of the AFC. I think the Pats are in for trouble if they run into a Carson Palmer, Jake Plummer, Peyton Manning, or Drew Brees in the playoffs.

 

[Pat Patriot]

People (Pats fans) are getting a little ahead of themselves. The Pats are locked into a first round home game. Almost certainly against Jacksonville. The Pats will be favored in that game. I fully expect them to beat a Florida team in the cold weather. The Jags DO NOT have a dynamic offense so will not be a complete test although I believe the Jags will not be an easy game.I think the Pats offense is really clicking and very efficient. However, looking at it objectively, the AFC is loaded. It would be hard to place them above 5th in the conference (Indy, Cincy, SD, KC and maybe Denver).All I want is another shot at the Colts. Yes, the Colts have a better chance in the Dome. However, the Pats will not roll over because the game is in the Dome like the Colts have in cold weather. The Pats have won their last 3 games AT Indy.Going into the playoffs, I would still rate the teams much like they currently are in the Standings:IndyDenverCincySDNEPittJaxIndy probably does not want to see the Pats in the 2nd round but that is what they most likely will get. However, the poster that said the Pats are better off with the 1st round game because it is another chance to get better and better is kidding himself. The BYE is so important in the playoffs.The Pats will have a very TOUGH road in the playoffs no doubt.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Please, please, for all that is good and holy. I can't take another Pats SB win. The fans are incorrigible as it is...I can't take it!

 

[Serenity Now]

Incorrect. He has been IRed.

I believe that the claim to an improved secondary has to do with the play of Ellis Hobbs, a very promising rookie, along with James Sanders another rookie who missed much of the early part of the season. Surprisingly, Artrell Hawkins and Hank Poteat the journeymen are also helping to provide some stability.

See, that right there would scare me if I were a Pats fan. Statements like "Hank Poteat is providing stability". Again, I think the Pats are schematically sound, and can confuse the heck out of young starting QBs, but the results speak for themselves against the elite of the AFC. I think the Pats are in for trouble if they run into a Carson Palmer, Jake Plummer, Peyton Manning, or Drew Brees in the playoffs.

Of course it's scary. Trust me when I tell you we know that. It just goes to show you how bad it was 6 weeks ago.

 

[Serenity Now]

Please, please, for all that is good and holy. I can't take another Pats SB win. The fans are incorrigible as it is...I can't take it!

You mean the ONE fan who started the thread, or the others who realize that it's nice to see things get turned in the right direction?Leave it to stillers fans not to be able to count.

 

[PMENFAN]

Yes, Hank Poteat is providing stability, just as he did last season. No, the same 6 DB's aren't back from the IR. But, they don't have six guys that don't know the scheme. Now, they've got the scheme going, and they can be aggressive, rather than apprehensive. Yes, they are lesser opponents, but they're killing them. At one stretch NE had Starks (now on IR) hobbled at corner, and in 3 weeks 4 different starters st the safety spots. Tough to be solid. But now, with consistency, they're becoming dominant. One also has to remember that in their first SB run, these same discussions were going at this time, beating up on weaker opponents,, etc. They're in the playoffs, and they look as good as anybody. The Rams beat the Pats pretty good that season, but lost in the SB.

 

[enfuego]

This thread is hilarious, IMHO...But, I see it this way: Manning is this generation's Marino (won a lot of games, but never could nail the BIG one) and Brady is this generation's Montana (always CLUTCH and always found a way through the adversity to win the championships.As far as SBXXXX, I predict Brady again...

 

[el-gato-grande]

If the Patriots get into the Superbowl again, then I'll eat yellow snow. No way, no how.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ya heard one Pats fan youve heard 'em all.