Who's best equipped to beat us? - New England Patriots Forums

Crazy Patriot Guy · 05-03-2007, 02:18 PM

I'm not by any means suggesting we are a 16-0 team unless by some chance someone beats us. More than likely we'll lose a game that no one expects. The Colts lost to the Texans this past season when playoff seedings were still on the line.

I just wanted to look at the top teams and see who has the best chance, assuming our new additions make the team on the field as good as they look on paper.

We play Indy at the RCA Dome this season. In recent history we have scored a ton of points there and we should be able to move the ball again. Indy's offense though has owned us in recent years and even with the additions on defense and hopefully better health when we play, I don't see anything that makes me think we'll shut them down. Also consider that they did this to us last season without a true #3 WR. Gonzalez might have been a luxury pick but it certainly will make them a better team.

San Diego still has a fantastic pass rush, great young OL and the best RB in football. Rivers will be going into his second full season. Oh, and some guy named Gates. Even if people think Craig Davis was taken early, he still gives the Chargers a good, fast young WR to cover.

It's hard to guage teams in the North. Does McNair have another good season in him. How much does McGahee improve their running game? We know the defense will still be there. What about Pittsburgh? Will they return quickly to where they were or will the new system slow them down a bit at first? Can Cincy make that next step?

I look at Denver as the team most likely to beat us. They own us like we once owned the Colts. While we certainly weren't in great health at the time, our one recent win against them came with Danny Kannell as their QB, and it still took an intentional safety and great last drive by Brady to do it. They've added a lot of talent in the offseason and I look at their secondary as one they can handle our WRs.

Let's be realistic guys. We do look much improved on paper but I don't see anything that makes me think we're a lock. Look no further than the 2002 season. IIRC, 3 of the past 4 games against Buffalo at the time had gone into OT, and they had a great offseason with the big addition being Bledsoe. Bills fans kept mouthing off about how close they had played us and how much they had improved, applying that things were now going to be different. We beat the crap out of them twice.

It's never as simple as it looks. It's easy for us to look at how we scored points against certain teams with below average talent at spots, then look at our additions and assume it will be easy this time around. It's never that easy. If we shut a team down defensively last season, it doesn't guarantee we'll do it again especially now that we have Thomas and BM.

The AFC is stacked. There will be some very good teams this year not making the playoffs. Don't get caught up in thinking that we'll be coasting to anything.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 05-03-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Patriot Guy

I'm not by any means suggesting we are a 16-0 team unless by some chance someone beats us. More than likely we'll lose a game that no one expects. The Colts lost to the Texans this past season when playoff seedings were still on the line.

I just wanted to look at the top teams and see who has the best chance, assuming our new additions make the team on the field as good as they look on paper.

We play Indy at the RCA Dome this season. In recent history we have scored a ton of points there and we should be able to move the ball again. Indy's offense though has owned us in recent years and even with the additions on defense and hopefully better health when we play, I don't see anything that makes me think we'll shut them down. Also consider that they did this to us last season without a true #3 WR. Gonzalez might have been a luxury pick but it certainly will make them a better team.

San Diego still has a fantastic pass rush, great young OL and the best RB in football. Rivers will be going into his second full season. Oh, and some guy named Gates. Even if people think Craig Davis was taken early, he still gives the Chargers a good, fast young WR to cover.

It's hard to guage teams in the North. Does McNair have another good season in him. How much does McGahee improve their running game? We know the defense will still be there. What about Pittsburgh? Will they return quickly to where they were or will the new system slow them down a bit at first? Can Cincy make that next step?

I look at Denver as the team most likely to beat us. They own us like we once owned the Colts. While we certainly weren't in great health at the time, our one recent win against them came with Danny Kannell as their QB, and it still took an intentional safety and great last drive by Brady to do it. They've added a lot of talent in the offseason and I look at their secondary as one they can handle our WRs.

Let's be realistic guys. We do look much improved on paper but I don't see anything that makes me think we're a lock. Look no further than the 2002 season. IIRC, 3 of the past 4 games against Buffalo at the time had gone into OT, and they had a great offseason with the big addition being Bledsoe. Bills fans kept mouthing off about how close they had played us and how much they had improved, applying that things were now going to be different. We beat the crap out of them twice.

It's never as simple as it looks. It's easy for us to look at how we scored points against certain teams with below average talent at spots, then look at our additions and assume it will be easy this time around. It's never that easy. If we shut a team down defensively last season, it doesn't guarantee we'll do it again especially now that we have Thomas and BM.

The AFC is stacked. There will be some very good teams this year not making the playoffs. Don't get caught up in thinking that we'll be coasting to anything.

We have a LB core that has little depth and has aging slowing players evidenced as last year rolled on late.

If you or anyone here actually thinks that we will be anywhere near close to 16-0 I suggest you wake up from that dream.

This year will not be a cakewalk and the LB area IMO is definately a reason for some concern (Adalius or not) and in our losses this year will be a reason,Whether its a tight end getting open all game or a running back running roughshod over the second line of defense,it will happen a few times this year.- Bank on it

11-5 is likely -12-4 is a possibility... 16-0 is retarded

As far as losses go,I see 5 of those from these teams and all on the road - at Miami, at Indianapolis,at Cincinnati, at Jets and at Baltimore

MrTibbs · 05-03-2007, 02:40 PM

No matter who we have the Broncos and Dolphins play us tough. No need to list matchups. All that seems to go out the window.

Early on lookin at the schedule I'd guess on a 12-4 record or 11-5.

***He Ban Me*** · 05-03-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATRIOTSFANINPA

We have a LB core that has little depth and has aging slowing players evidenced as last year rolled on late.

If you or anyone here actually thinks that we will be anywhere near close to 16-0 I suggest you wake up from that dream.

This year will not be a cakewalk and the LB area IMO is definately a reason for some concern (Adalius or not) and in our losses this year will be a reason,Whether its a tight end getting open all game or a running back running roughshod over the second line of defense,it will happen a few times this year.- Bank on it

11-5 is likely -12-4 is a possibility... 16-0 is retarded

As far as losses go,I see 5 of those from these teams and all on the road - at Miami, at Indianapolis,at Cincinnati, at Jets and at Baltimore

I think you can throw the Chargers in there.

satz · 05-03-2007, 02:51 PM

This year its going to be a tough fight .We have a mid week off which is good and some how slipping a bye for the playoff we will be good.

satz

Flying Fungi · 05-03-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATRIOTSFANINPA

We have a LB core that has little depth and has aging slowing players evidenced as last year rolled on late.

If you or anyone here actually thinks that we will be anywhere near close to 16-0 I suggest you wake up from that dream.

This year will not be a cakewalk and the LB area IMO is definately a reason for some concern (Adalius or not) and in our losses this year will be a reason,Whether its a tight end getting open all game or a running back running roughshod over the second line of defense,it will happen a few times this year.- Bank on it

11-5 is likely -12-4 is a possibility... 16-0 is retarded

As far as losses go,I see 5 of those from these teams and all on the road - at Miami, at Indianapolis,at Cincinnati, at Jets and at Baltimore

I'm all for a realistic view on the upcoming season, and there is a long road ahead, but if you actually think that we beat San Diego and lose to Miami, then you're the one smoking crack.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 05-03-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by He Ban Me

I think you can throw the Chargers in there.

If it was in San Diego I would definately add them in,I just see us pulling it out at home where I think we will do better this year and possibly unbeaten a home,expect a close one with them regardless of where its at

Pat the Pats Fan · 05-03-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Patriot Guy

I'm not by any means suggesting we are a 16-0 team unless by some chance someone beats us. More than likely we'll lose a game that no one expects. The Colts lost to the Texans this past season when playoff seedings were still on the line.

I just wanted to look at the top teams and see who has the best chance, assuming our new additions make the team on the field as good as they look on paper.

We play Indy at the RCA Dome this season. In recent history we have scored a ton of points there and we should be able to move the ball again. Indy's offense though has owned us in recent years and even with the additions on defense and hopefully better health when we play, I don't see anything that makes me think we'll shut them down. Also consider that they did this to us last season without a true #3 WR. Gonzalez might have been a luxury pick but it certainly will make them a better team.

San Diego still has a fantastic pass rush, great young OL and the best RB in football. Rivers will be going into his second full season. Oh, and some guy named Gates. Even if people think Craig Davis was taken early, he still gives the Chargers a good, fast young WR to cover.

It's hard to guage teams in the North. Does McNair have another good season in him. How much does McGahee improve their running game? We know the defense will still be there. What about Pittsburgh? Will they return quickly to where they were or will the new system slow them down a bit at first? Can Cincy make that next step?

I look at Denver as the team most likely to beat us. They own us like we once owned the Colts. While we certainly weren't in great health at the time, our one recent win against them came with Danny Kannell as their QB, and it still took an intentional safety and great last drive by Brady to do it. They've added a lot of talent in the offseason and I look at their secondary as one they can handle our WRs.

Let's be realistic guys. We do look much improved on paper but I don't see anything that makes me think we're a lock. Look no further than the 2002 season. IIRC, 3 of the past 4 games against Buffalo at the time had gone into OT, and they had a great offseason with the big addition being Bledsoe. Bills fans kept mouthing off about how close they had played us and how much they had improved, applying that things were now going to be different. We beat the crap out of them twice.

It's never as simple as it looks. It's easy for us to look at how we scored points against certain teams with below average talent at spots, then look at our additions and assume it will be easy this time around. It's never that easy. If we shut a team down defensively last season, it doesn't guarantee we'll do it again especially now that we have Thomas and BM.

The AFC is stacked. There will be some very good teams this year not making the playoffs. Don't get caught up in thinking that we'll be coasting to anything.

Uh, we don't play Denver in the regular season, so at worst, losing to the powers, Colts, Chargers, and maybe one or two surprise losses, puts the Pats at 12-4.