Interception

• The Patriots are 7-2, as we all know. From here, to me it looks like we have an easier schedule than the Jets. I can see both teams losing, AT MOST, 5 of the remaining games. The difference? We play three of those games at home while they only play two of them at home. I say we win our remaining home games plus the Lions game and toss up an egg against the Packers, maybe even the Bills. But the Jets have three difficult away games: Patriots, Steelers, and the Bears. I think it's possible that they tie us, then lose on tie-breakers to us, then lose on tie-breakers to the Ravens or Steelers. Call me a homer, but it's possible.
  
• I know, I know. One game at a time. But I'm a fan, not a player, and this isn't just for us, it's for every AFC team - The road to the superbowl will go through at least one of the following teams: Steelers, Colts, Ravens, Jets. Meaning we'll have to beat face at least one of them again. I think it would be tough to face the Ravens again, but they haven't been as consistent after they lost to us. Out of all those teams, I'd rather face the Colts in the AFCCG than any other team.
  
• I expect Belichick to trade around in this years draft too. He almost never picks the big names that usually fly around this board. Everyone didn't understand why he picked a CB in the first round, but I couldn't imagine a smarter move with the way the Bodden situation and McCourty's performance turned out. Our rookies this year will be more experienced, we'll have more a dozen more rookies filling in. I can't help but be excited about next years team. Again, I'm being overly-optimistic, but I'd love a '03 season to '04 season repeat.
  
• This team will have to be more consistent. We can't play games like th ones we played against SD (even though we won) and CLE if we want to make a run in the play-offs. Pressure will be high on the rookies. For me, being consistent is just as important as winning. We need to play like we did against the Steelers.
  
• I know everyone says "this game is important" about every game but to me, the most important game is the Jets game. This division is going to be close and losing that game will give the Jets the edge they need. If we win that game, we'd have a one-game lead (assuming we're still tied at that point), plus we'd be looking good for a tie-breaker (the ravens and maybe even the steelers game). Without it, we'd be back a game and would need them to lose two games to our two wins in order to take the division. We wouldn't be able to tie it and win the division.
  
• This team is almost locked in for the play-offs, even if it's wildcard. We've got the tie-breakers on the Ravens and Steelers, as well as a decent amount of record-space on the Ravens.
  
• Out of the Steelers, Ravens, and the Jets, I'd like to see the Ravens miss the play-offs the most. I think Pittsburg's style of play can be handled by our team and I think Sanchez will collapse under pressure in a play-off game against the divisional rival. The Ravens, on the other hand, did pretty well against us last year in the playoffs and are pretty bitter about the loss this season.
  
• The Saints can do damage in the playoffs, even with their lack of consistency this season. To me, they've got more potential than the Falcons, just not the consistency. I hope the Falcons take the division.
  
• There are two pretty horrible divisons in the NFL right now. The wildcard round should be pretty easy to get through. The divisional round is looking like it'll be tough no matter who makes the play-offs.
  
• Manning against our secondary... Doesn't sound pretty, but I have a feeling our D will find a way. I hope Belichick doesn't play the prevent defense in a "he'll complete passes, lets just give him short passes and stop them on third and short" kinda way.
  
• The Lions game is scary. I don't like it. I hope our team learned their lesson from the Browns game though.
  
• We NEED to win the Jets game or we're looking at a wildcard spot.
  
• The Dolphins have no QB, we're at home. I'm not worried.
  
• The Packers game, for some reason, reminds me of the Chargers game... except the Packers won't be as dumb. If there's any more losses this season, I feel like it'll be in this game.
  
• The Bills at home. They've played us close, and they actually don't have too bad of a team... just a team that can't win. I hope that stays the case.
  
• I think we'll be fine against the Bears. No specific reason, just a homer inspired feeling.
  
• I'm wishing for 13-3, but I'm hoping for 12-4. I don't know which one it'll be, but I'm pretty confident it'll be one of the two. Has a 12-4 team ever missed the playoffs? I hope not.
  
• I know this post seems like I'm looking far ahead, but really, how many of you have honestly not thought about anything in our future other than the Colts game? Stop kidding yourselves.

My 100th post.

ctpatsfan77

Care to try that again?

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"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

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Interception

Haha. Thanks for pointing that out.
Honest typo.

Interception

58 views... one reply to correct a typo.
Thanks guys.

sbpatfan

I don't think the superbowl goes through Pittsburgh, I said Pitt / Miami were the most overrated AFC teams prior to this season and I'm sticking with that. Both will miss the playoffs (might be obvious with Miami at this point but many people had them as their favorites). Pittsburgh is way too old, and their age is showing with injuries (big time) halfway through. They'll be in a coffin by season's end.

Patjew

I like your thoughts. Very thoughtful. Good thinking.

The Jets sched, is tough down the stretch. If they get HFA they'll have reall earned it.

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2000army

Huh?

tenchar

ausbacker

You are aware that you're allowed to make your points and people don't need to validate them right? Work on the assumption that people are happy with what you've presented and the ones who aren't are usually the ones who take objection and then discuss that point with you.

RelocatedPatFan

Also, views can come from people who aren't registered on the forums.

And the Colts game can be important as it goes to conference wins. Though it is true that the point is moot if we don't take care of the Jets at home. Still, it would benefit us greatly to win all conference games as well.

Palm Beach Pats Fan

Bottom line is that the team finishing second in the division might be the second best team in the league yet will be a wildcard, have an extra game to play, and furthermore that game will be on the road to a division winner who will proably have a worse record.

That sucks, but it is what it is. We need to beat the Jets and finish at least 13-3 to have a bye and to make the road to the Super Bowl as easy as it should be for one of the top 2-3 teams in the league.

We all know the Jets have benefitted from some very good fortune in tight wins. Hopefully that evens out and they take some close losses, beginning with the Texans on Sunday. I don't expect it though, and really don't spend too much time worrying about it since first and foremost we have to take care of what's on our plate.

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