DisgruntledTunaFan

In this NEW NFL, especially in recent years, alot of these games have become unpredictable not necessarily b/c of parody and "On any given Sunday", but alot of intangibles like emotion, the 24/7 stress of game planning play a big factor, which doesn't make it all surprising when alot of upsets happen week to week.

However-it seems like the Pats, amazingly, just take care of everything in a business-like manner week in and week out. How does this team manage fill their emotions tank immediately every week, when they go empty? How does the coaching staff game manage to whether the stresses of 24/7 game planning every week as well?(It's not surprise why alot of good teams come out with poor game plans once in awhile, as sometimes alot flies over their coaching staffs' heads from time to time)

The game you guys played against us was a classic example-The Cowboys were a big underdog, the coaches, players, and fans were angry over the 24/7 love the Pats got from the media(but not the Boys). And you'd think the TX Stadium crowd would be VERY hostile to the Pats during the game, to the point where the Pats' O, Brady, and the players would get distracted, right? And you'd think the Boys' players would play with alot of anger to the point where they would punch the Pats in the mouth, right? Wow-it was impressive how the PATS were the ones coming out doing the punching.(I'll admit, if Matt Light had started the game, that fumbled TD probably wouldn't have happened).

And I'll admit too, when I saw interviews of Pats' players before the game, just judging by their demeanor-I kinda felt we had the game lost from there.

And take the Bills game too-you would think Buffalo's hugely emotional crowd would trickle down to the players, right? Wow-the Pats, yet again, put it away early.

Anyhow-what is the secret to their success?

PatsFan#37

veteran players who have been on this team through 3 wining super bowls, and know what it takes to go the distance, and trust in their coach

PatsSteve1

I don't think it's any one thing. BB's leadership and humble pie, veterans who've won SB's, chip on thier shoulders being called cheaters and running up the score. It's still possible there'll be a letdown after they've clinched home field advantage. But I AM NOT predicting that. If they have a trap game this season, it'll probably be the Pro Bowl -

GameDay

Not ever being a player, nor someone with access to this group of players, I would not even pretend to have an opinion. But I can make an analogy on something I know: it's like a tight-knit group of people in a start-up company that are always in the fighting-for-survival mode. They are very focused and mission-oriented. Eventually, it becomes a good habit and set the culture for the company. They don't easily turn into fat cats and bureaucratic even when they are successful. Google isn't run like GM.

I think the Pats have built a culture of winning and good work ethics from their humble background in 2001 (It was the Rams who had the star power, it was the Colts and Chargers with probowlers, etc.). Only this years that they become the stars, all of a sudden. They have not been corrupted yet, but who knows. They will eventually read their own clippings, but given the Pats' current leadership, they will probably fare well to continue their dynasty.

Bella*chick

I think it all starts with BB. I remember in the early days of the season, when Spygate was heating up, there were some people here who thought BB should go. It was just ridiculous, to the point where I am still infuriated when I think about it. I think we've seen in SD what can happen when you rip up a coaching staff that your players believe in and respond to.

However, it's not just BB....there are veterans on this team who have a work ethic and attitude that just trickles down to the less experienced players. But again, the types of players we have here....you have to credit BB/Pioli with a shared vision of just what type of player the Patriots want here.

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GameDay

This is a very interesting observation. I strongly believe in the mental aspect of the game. Preparedness means everything. As you might know, one of BB's favourite quotes is "Sometimes, a battle can be won before it is fought" [SunTzu]. It's well documented how mentally prepared the Pats are before every game. They are taught what may happen, what they can do, so they probably feel very confident and in control. That's why they rarely lose composure and let their opponents blink first.

Bobs My Uncle

How do the Pats stay focused?

My guess is BB has instilled in them the #1 goal of getting better each week. That's why you see guys like Gay picking off errant throws for TD's in the 2nd half of games and it's why you see this Pats offense actually trying to score points as late as the 3rd quarter in games this season, with the goal of improving

SVN

i remember in 2002 when BB called out a player for saying we didnt have swagger. That kinda sums it up. BB really doesnt believe in emotionally getting angry and wants the players to concentrate on the practice and playbook at hand and to make adjustments. The players motivate themselves with comments by the opponents but its the preparation and the feeling that you and your coach knows what to do which make them play at a confident and high level.As brady said yesterday , this team has won 21 games in a row so 10 in a row is really no big deal.

fleabassist1

its the hoodie

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Tunescribe

Another factor not publicized much is that Brady has taken on the role of assistant coach, more or less. He studies film exhaustively and then schedules his own meetings with receivers before every game to go over opponents' tendencies.

I also found it interesting that BB rode the team hard after they came in from the bye week, Monday through Saturday before the Bills game. Moss mentioned that a couple times in interviews, shaking his head over how hard BB worked them physically and mentally. It's a combination of BB's determination and the veteran leadership, guys like Seau and Moss who want a ring.