PatsFanInVa

On one thread, I see talk of how we went very vanilla on both sides of the ball against Jacksonville... then on another thread I see "Play Mallett..." But Denver will not have played by the time we're playing, so we can't know that we don't have a shot at a bye yet, even if Houston wins. So you've got to win to carve one more game off the odds.

That said, I think we'll see just enough to win (against a reasonably talented "b-level" team). I think we'll see vanilla but with plenty of horses in reserve if things slip. Nobody's looking to get to #2 on the all-time offense list, unless the Fins just fold up tents. The goal is to win the game. It's possible we'll bury them quick, but it won't be because we're looking for a record or a statement.

The optimal outcome would be to win with a reasonable margin without showing a lot of additional cards. You know... "Just win baby," as the late Al Davis would say (Our old West Coast personnel guy.)

Now watch 'em hang 62 on Miami...

MoLewisrocks

Or 26... Starting strong, consistency, strong finish is what BB is looking for. Have only achieved that trifecta a couple of times this season. Gronk struggled early this season coming back from an off season injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see him struggle coming back from an in season one. Next week begins the round of win or go home. Lets hope they are about to round into shape and hit their stride. Hernandez looks aweful but says he's OK so we shall see. Lloyd has looked better of late but he has to deliver consistently. The OL is struggling in all phases and that won't fly. Need to keep Brady upright and need to open some holes so play action will work.

This team could use some rest, but they haven't earned it. That is the conundrum. Maybe they can back into some, but to do so they have to play a division game to win. Miami is no contender, but they have the potential to be dangerous playing for pride and for jobs next just like the Jaguars.

PatsFanInVa

Agree on several counts. Would love to establish a run game not just for the play action pass sake, but for the "save some Brady" factor. All the people who whine that he's "lost the magic" have to realize that for the most part by the time we want "The Comeback," it's like telling a pitcher to strike out the side though the 9th even though he's been throwing high heat all game (to mix sports metaphors.) Yes, it's 35 year old Brady vs. 24 year old Brady too... but it's worth considering (especially since that's the case,) that moving the ball on the ground gives you balance in many ways, including having that big fresh arm to come back when someone traps a ball on his helmet (or whatevah.)

Okay I wandered a little and got ahead of myself. Chances are we don't get the bye, so we'll need that little bit more toughness. Would love to see the O line pull it together more. But then again, we've all watched the most "perfect" team in recent memory... This team's good enough to win it this year, and that's what matters.

fxkane

Since we defeated both of the teams above us, how can it be said that "we are backing in" If anything, we really deserve for one of Texas or Denver to lose tomorrow. That would be justice done.

Doubt it will happen tho because the BYE IS GOLD to every team in the NFL

Go Indy Go Indy