ESPN (<---yes , I know) Comments on lack of big game experience - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

patsox23 · 10-13-2007, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboysFan

Every week since week one our defense has been improving, holding opposing offenses to less and less points. Also defensively we have only given up 3 point in the last 2 weeks. All other points were scored on the offense and special teams, a trend we will look to decrease this Sunday. I'm sure that stat won't last against you, but its fun to tout.

The Patriots have held opponents to 14 (jets), 14 (chargers), 7 (Bills), 13 (Cincy) and 17 (Cleveland).

The Cowboys have allowed 35 (35!), 20 (dolphins), 10 (Bears), 7 (Rams) and 24 (but really 3, against a rookie QB and Buffalo).

The Chargers, Cleveland and Cincy are all potentially POWERFUL offenses. You have faced 4 of the most feeble, anemic offenses in the NFL, and the Patriots are STILL better defensively than Dallas. In no way whatsoever can any sentient being suggest that the Cowboys defense is anything LIKE "better," let alone "light years" or whatever you said.

An amusing few threads, though. Thanks!

FarScapeR · 10-13-2007, 01:35 AM

Remember also, that Harrison just returned last week and while Sanders is no slouch, he ain't no Harrison either.

I really think Dallas needs to focus on not turning the ball over. Belichick knows the key to stopping Romo is to pressure him constantly until he becomes an interception machine.

primetime · 10-13-2007, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patsox23

The Cowboys have allowed 35 (35!)

To Eli Manning, no less.

Fencer · 10-13-2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenix111

It's beyond laughable. Yeah, these guys have never sniffed a big/close game. Just that most of the defense has played in 3 Super Bowls that were each decided by three points.

In which sense of the word do Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, and Larry Izzo amount to "most" of the defense?

Fencer · 10-13-2007, 07:49 AM

C'mon. Let's be fair about the defensive comparison.

The Patriots and Cowboys have had one common opponent -- the Bills. The Cowboys held the Bills' offense to a mere 3 points. The Patriots, however, gave up a huge 7. That's a whopping difference!! (Pay no attention to the missed Bills FG vs. Dallas.)

</sarcasm>

***NEPatriot*** · 10-13-2007, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboysFan

Yes, because 5-1 is weak... What will you do next call Romo a Homo? How bout try smart things like those bears fans, "Only things in Texas are steers and queers."

Looking for intellectual challenging football conversation. I respect the patriots, and its likely Cowboys can end up losing, but I don't see it as a blowout like the media does. Its also very likely the Cowboys might not even win their division its not as clear cut yet, but I don't think its plausible to say the Cowboys are a weak team.

I agree with you. The Cowboys have a very good team and will present a big challenge. I personally see a close game and a Dallas win wouln't surprise me. That said, I do still see the Pats as slight favorites especially as it's in Dallas.

Patriot_in_NY · 10-13-2007, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fencer

In which sense of the word do Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, and Larry Izzo amount to "most" of the defense?

What, do we not include Include Rosie, Green, Warren, Wilfork, Gay, Samuel & Wilson as part of our Defense now???? I'm pretty sure they all played in a Super Bowl or another big game or two

And that is JUST the defense.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this isn't AD first year in pads either, and he may have played a big game or two in Baltimore.

What a dumb argument.

smg93 · 10-13-2007, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboysFan

Plaschke statement rang such truth that I didn't feel it needed justification.

Is it not true? I'm not a huge patriots fan as yourself, but how often has your team rallied from behind this year? When was the last time the patriots faced adversity? Was it the AFC Championship game where the colts rallied from a 21-6 deficit and ended up 32 points up in the 2nd half? I'm sorry if I don't recall the patriots glory days from 2 years ago.

wahahahahahaha. You sound so insecure! Why is that? It's not because deep down you know that we are a better team hands down is it?

***TruthSeeker*** · 10-13-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboysFan

Plaschke statement rang such truth that I didn't feel it needed justification.

Is it not true? I'm not a huge patriots fan as yourself, but how often has your team rallied from behind this year? When was the last time the patriots faced adversity? Was it the AFC Championship game where the colts rallied from a 21-6 deficit and ended up 32 points up in the 2nd half? I'm sorry if I don't recall the patriots glory days from 2 years ago.

No, it's not true. A great number of the starters have proven time and time again that they perform extremely well under pressure. How many times in the Brady era have the Patriots been behind in the 4th quarter by 7 points or less and actually lost compared to their wins in this same situation? I'll give you a clue - it's far and away the best percentage in the NFL.

The comment was ridiculously stupid. You haven't done yourself any favors by believing it, either. At least you have the excuse that you don't follow the Patriots and so just might have been unaware how well these Patriot players have done in pressure situations over the past years - although most of the world does seem to know.

And if Plaschke is justifying his claim because the Patriots have had 5 blowouts this year, it's still an equally stupid statement. Past history with these players shows exactly the opposite of what the statement claims and he wants to go on record that the Patriots will do badly in these situations based totally on a lack of evidence? Give me a break.

***TruthSeeker*** · 10-13-2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboysFan

The Patriots have only punted 11 times, but in those punts they are ranked #30 in Net punting, 31.6, the Cowboys are 18th in Net punting, 36.9. AVG punting is a different story the Cowboys are #3 and the Patriots are #32, poor punting coverage explains this huge difference for the Cowboys.

I admit it - and I think the rest of the board will as well. The Cowboys (and just about every other NFL team) has the Patriots totally outclassed in the area of punters. You hit the nail on the head - this is truly a weakness of the Patriots. I don't understand why BB hasn't spent time addressing this during the past week, but maybe he will next week. Until then, we'll just have to hope as Patriot fans that punts will be few and far between (like they were the first 4 games of the year).