AndyJohnson

Pittsburgh looks like the biggest challenger for a #1 seed and homefield throughout that we will have. If we win this game, we not only have a 1 game lead over them, but also the tiebreaker.
We would also have the tiebreaker over Baltimore, and next week can earn it over Indy.
If the Jets lose, we are playing for the sole best record in the conference. And even if the Jets win, we are tied with them with a win, and still have the advantage of a game left at home vs them.
Homefield in the playoffs may be as important to this Pats team as to any other because of the youth on the squad.
Winning this one, then coming home to beat the Colts will set the rest of the season up very well. In terms of long term prospects for the season this is one of the biggest games the Pats have had in a long time.

102 Pat

I really think the Pats are gonna win on sunday. At the start of the week, I didn't think they would have a chance. No doubt that thought was highly influenced by the Browns blowout loss but as this week has gone on, my confidence has increased. I don't think it's lost on the players either the importance of the game. Don't get me wrong, EVERY game is important.

Before the game started last night, there was a graphic on if the playoffs started today, the Pats would only be a wildcard. I'd hate to have another 2008 season where 11-5 doesn't get them into the playoffs.

Too think how great things would be if the Pats win sunday. It would be even better if the Lions didn't implode last week versus the Jets.

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This offseason, it's almost like Belichick is saying, "I'm never going to let that happen again."

Mike Reiss 7/19/12

SanAngeloState

Yep, it's a big game. Biggest of the year so far. If they get blown out, then it's ominous, IMO. Maybe cleveland did have an edge in knowing what we were doing because of their coaches history with the pats.

I am excited. I hope I am not disappointed.

zimmy

I wouldn't say its a critical game. We can lose this game and still make the playoffs. It would be nice to have the tie breaker but the real critical game will be the Jets where a loss could mean giving up on winning the division and solely battling for a wildcard. Getting a game back on them and giving them a loss in the division would give us a decent chance of winning the East.

aluminum seats

Would be a great game to win, no doubt, but I wouldn't call it critical. The key to playoff success isn't getting the number one seed, it's getting either the one or two seeds. You gotta get that bye....two weeks to prepare for a home game and BAM you're in the AFC championship game. If the Pats get that, I can live with them travelling to Pittsburgh again or wherever and taking their best shot.

So it's important, but not as important as the Jets or the Colts.

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"So I'm going to throw myself against the wall...
'Cause I'd rather feel bad than not feel anything at all."

BradyManny

I agree completely. I hate that people are saying we oughta just split these two games and call it a victory.

The Patriots of old don't split these games - they win them both. In terms of making the playoffs and setting ourselves up, maybe a split suffices.

But in terms of building a team that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl the way the teams of 2001-2004 did, I think we have to win both games.

TommyBrady12

pitt is definitely or biggest challenge this year. however, i can see a scenario where we lose to pitt and still run the table or lose 1 more game. we can definitely beat indy at home, green bay at home, jets at home. the other games should not be too much of a concern. 12-4 could still get us the division and perhaps a bye.

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"He’s the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. He goes from being a rookie that nobody is expecting anything from, to taking over with people saying he can’t do it, to winning three Super Bowls....It should already be obvious he’s the greatest quarterback to ever have played. "

- Steelers S Troy Polamalu on Tom Brady

Halifax_Pats_Fan

It's that urgency I keep wanting to see out of this team.

We need a sense of urgency. If I don't see that then I would be very concerned from here on out.

I have faith the boys will be a different team this week as oposed to last. Don't know what Chung's status is but would love to see him out there Sunday. This team needs a spark to get it going.

aluminum seats

I think it's less a matter of "calling it a victory" than being realistic about where this team is. Would be great if they won both, but the fact is these aren't the "Patriots of old" just yet.

__________________
"So I'm going to throw myself against the wall...
'Cause I'd rather feel bad than not feel anything at all."

BradyManny

And maybe that might be good enough this year - a year in which no elite team has emerged. But there's no reason why this team can't bring its A game when it matters and beat any team in the NFL.