Pats can still win the Super Bowl

[PonyExpress]

This team has tremendous talent surrounding the Qb position. From Moss, to Welker to Maroney to L. Jordan to D. Thomas to K. Faulk this is a Qb's dream. The defense is filled with young developing talent.

Cassel will struggle early and gradually develop as he gains experience. The Pats will just have to win in different ways than last year. The veterans on this team will have to extend Cassel their full support [I'm talking to you Moss!] and understand there will be growing pains. The veterans will have to show the character to believe in Cassel even when their eyes tell them not to. This season will be an act of faith for fans and vets and a test of character for everyone.

From this point on, Cassel has my complete support as the standard bearer of our franchise.

Scanning the league, I believe this is a down season for the AFC. SD is weakened on several levels. Indy could be due for a down year. Pittsburgh has holes on the O and D lines which will take their toll as the season wears on. Buffalo looks very strong. But the pats, even with the G.O.A.T gone, are still in it, and can win it.

As far as Brady's injury is concerned... Pats fans don't need to stoop to the level of our enemies, and wish injury on our opponents just because their fans wish them on our players.

For example, it's not Jets players' fault their fans are monsters.

IMO the unprecedented smear job directed at our franchise from the media over the trumped up Spygate "scandal" set the stage for this injury. It became chic to hate the Pats, to vilify them, to make them "less human" than other teams, like some WW II propaganda cartoon. Wilbon encouraged players to take out Brady's knee. The Giant "Bootprint" trumpeted with glee in the press called for "roughing up" Brady by any means necessary.

I also believe Brady's pocket awareness and timing were off due to the lack of preseason play. He did not seem to sense the field as well as he has in the past due to rust.

 

[dtbrks]

I wish I could believe, I REALLY DO..

But i don't. They couldn't win it last year with the MVP as QB.

I will still watch, root and LOVE the pats, but I don't think a super bowl win is in the cards for this year.

Just my opinion

 

[BadMoFo]

I thought all the homerism ended today. I was wrong.

 

[SmokeShowin]

I'm not going to give up hope.

 

[PonyExpress]

Belichick has done this TWICE already.

He did it when Simms went down with a nobody named Hostetler.

He did it when Bledsoe went down with a nobody named Brady.

He can do it again. It's going to be rough along the way. But it is nowhere near as bleak as it seems.

The Veteran Leadership on this team MUST believe. If they can believe, even through an abysmal loss or two, and stay positive, they can do it. If they waver, they will fail.

This is why Bruschi is on this team.

I was wrong in my evaluation of Cassel. He can play in the NFL, especially surrounded with this weaponry. He may be able to grow much more than we expect with a little seasoning.

 

[Triumph]

Pony Express is right.

All this team needs to do is make the post season. I'm guessing 10 - 6 will do it. If Eli Manning and the 10 - 6 Giants can do it, then so can NE. Its going to take outstanding coaching/gameplanning and every player giving a little more.

I'm not concerned. The defense needed to improve anyway. This only excelerates the process. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

 

[Rob0729]

If Cassel or someone else can manage the offense and not make costly mistakes, the Pats still have a slight shot. I think the defense and running game will be solid. The Pats will have to win it all 2001 style though. They gotta be smarter, hungerier, tougher, and less mistake prone than the competition.

I don't know if there is going to be a dominant team in the AFC. I don't think the Colts are going to be that good (and I felt that before tonight). The Chargers losing to a Steve Smith-less Panther means they might be vunerable. That could definitely help the Pats.

I still think the odds aren't great, but I think a Belichick led team is more likely to overcome this than most teams.

 

[dhamz]

Admire the optimism. Don't share it but I admire it.

Could this team scrap and claw its way to the division title or a wild card? I think that is possible. But to then beat 4 good teams in a row with Cassel at QB? I can't see it.

 

[patriotspride]

This team has tremendous talent surrounding the Qb position. From Moss, to Welker to Maroney to L. Jordan to D. Thomas to K. Faulk this is a Qb's dream. The defense is filled with young developing talent.

Cassel will struggle early and gradually develop as he gains experience. The Pats will just have to win in different ways than last year. The veterans on this team will have to extend Cassel their full support [I'm talking to you Moss!] and understand there will be growing pains. The veterans will have to show the character to believe in Cassel even when their eyes tell them not to. This season will be an act of faith for fans and vets and a test of character for everyone.

From this point on, Cassel has my complete support as the standard bearer of our franchise.

Scanning the league, I believe this is a down season for the AFC. SD is weakened on several levels. Indy could be due for a down year. Pittsburgh has holes on the O and D lines which will take their toll as the season wears on. Buffalo looks very strong. But the pats, even with the G.O.A.T gone, are still in it, and can win it.

As far as Brady's injury is concerned... Pats fans don't need to stoop to the level of our enemies, and wish injury on our opponents just because their fans wish them on our players.

For example, it's not Jets players' fault their fans are monsters.

IMO the unprecedented smear job directed at our franchise from the media over the trumped up Spygate "scandal" set the stage for this injury. It became chic to hate the Pats, to vilify them, to make them "less human" than other teams, like some WW II propaganda cartoon. Wilbon encouraged players to take out Brady's knee. The Giant "Bootprint" trumpeted with glee in the press called for "roughing up" Brady by any means necessary.

I also believe Brady's pocket awareness and timing were off due to the lack of preseason play. He did not seem to sense the field as well as he has in the past due to rust.

cassel has my full support for whats that's worth. but your dreaming if you think the pats are going to win the SB with him at QB. brady getting hurt had zero to do with him not playing the pre season. it was just bad luck. brady was in the game for what? three series? two maybe? how the hell can you tell his timing was off ? or he lacked pockett awareness. that ridiculous.

 

[Triumph]

I thought all the homerism ended today. I was wrong.

Do you believe Belichick is sitting at his desk thinking the season is lost?

Hell NO. Belichick is an optomist.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Admire the optimism. Don't share it but I admire it.

Could this team scrap and claw its way to the division title or a wild card? I think that is possible. But to then beat 4 good teams in a row with Cassel at QB? I can't see it.

Good point. Unless Cassel has some hidden abilities that have been overlooked for a few years 10-6 will be a bonus.

 

[eom]

think I'll wait for tomorrow before I start spreading brady's ashes, but even if it's the worst I'm not giving up on **** and neither are the pats.

this is a team sport.

frontrunners feel free to hop off the bandwagon.

 

[PatsWorldChamps]

Do you believe Belichick is sitting at his desk thinking the season is lost?

Hell NO. Belichick is an optomist.

says the guy who cant spell optimist

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

First of all this would be the greatest stick it to the media if he fed misinformation. But it's probably not the case, but it would be awesome.

If you watch the 2001 steelers game, brady grabs his shin the same way he did today, but that means nothing.

I think they will still compete this year. The good thing is it's week 1 and the team can grow together. as long as they progress each week and be able able to win it will bring the fans out of their abyss.

they ahve the easiest schedule.

this could result in the entire team elevating their play.

anything is possible

 

[emoney_33]

I am 100% with you and all these "NO CHANCE" posters have no idea what makes a championship-calibur team. This team is a lot better than the 2001 team and BB coached that one to a SB.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

This team has tremendous talent surrounding the Qb position. From Moss, to Welker to Maroney to L. Jordan to D. Thomas to K. Faulk this is a Qb's dream. The defense is filled with young developing talent.

Cassel will struggle early and gradually develop as he gains experience. The Pats will just have to win in different ways than last year. The veterans on this team will have to extend Cassel their full support [I'm talking to you Moss!] and understand there will be growing pains. The veterans will have to show the character to believe in Cassel even when their eyes tell them not to. This season will be an act of faith for fans and vets and a test of character for everyone.

From this point on, Cassel has my complete support as the standard bearer of our franchise.

Scanning the league, I believe this is a down season for the AFC. SD is weakened on several levels. Indy could be due for a down year. Pittsburgh has holes on the O and D lines which will take their toll as the season wears on. Buffalo looks very strong. But the pats, even with the G.O.A.T gone, are still in it, and can win it.

As far as Brady's injury is concerned... Pats fans don't need to stoop to the level of our enemies, and wish injury on our opponents just because their fans wish them on our players.

For example, it's not Jets players' fault their fans are monsters.

IMO the unprecedented smear job directed at our franchise from the media over the trumped up Spygate "scandal" set the stage for this injury. It became chic to hate the Pats, to vilify them, to make them "less human" than other teams, like some WW II propaganda cartoon. Wilbon encouraged players to take out Brady's knee. The Giant "Bootprint" trumpeted with glee in the press called for "roughing up" Brady by any means necessary.

I also believe Brady's pocket awareness and timing were off due to the lack of preseason play. He did not seem to sense the field as well as he has in the past due to rust.

Nice overall sentiment in the post Pony. Just don't blame the victim, please... In case you hadn't noticed, Manning's timing looks rusty tonight. Tom looked supurb by comparison.

Fans are freaks, this place proves that. Favre looked close to tears talking about Brady tonight - QB's are a tight fraternity. That said, all the pressure will be on the opponents going forward. And we can use that to advantage. Just do your job as Bill says...

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Good point. Unless Cassel has some hidden abilities that have been overlooked for a few years 10-6 will be a bonus.

he's never had the opportunity to pay in games other than preseason.

he could blossom. today he showed alot. I was surprised and impressed.

 

[ausbacker]

Through great adversity great triumphs are born. Although shocked and disappointed with TB's loss for the season, this team can rally together.

The first 5 games appear to be on the easier side of the schedule. Just the nice learning environment for Cassel to prove himself and the D to step up in a physical smash everyone mentality.

 

[emoney_33]

Good point. Unless Cassel has some hidden abilities that have been overlooked for a few years 10-6 will be a bonus.

You mean abilities that haven't been seen by fans because today was his first meaningful game ever? Oh yea, he must have some of those since BB kept him as the backup. Unless BB is a moron?

 

[D-cleater]

Ofcourse they can. Any team can win the super bowl. Except for the Jets. And St louis. And oh yeah, KC, who came one play from tying the game in the 4th Qtr.

If we have no more season ending injuries to starters and the team plays REALLY inspired football, we could claw our way back to the playoffs. SB ? The odds are against it. There are just too many teams that are hungrier and they will be playing with confidence.

I think this season will be fun to watch, in a way much different than last year, but lets not set unrealistic expectations. If this team falls in behind Cassel and plays its best football, they will be competitive.