Congratulations to the NE Patriots on yet.....

[stcjones]

ANOTHER AFC EAST CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!! Although I may have suffered yet another heart attack in watching today's game, and despite the fact that the Pats have had a roller coaster season in many ways, AND with having to deal with another season of frequent injuries, they deserve tremendous credit for winning today's game and bringing yet another AFCE title to New England!!!!! Way to go PATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That all having been said, I think that may be where the story ends.....The Pats will obviously be in the playoffs but to be honest, I personally don't see them going far. I really wish that were not the case. But looking at the team as a whole, and having to focus on their weaknesses first.....Here's what I see.........

Offensive line....although occasionally brilliant today.....is weak........we will not win another SB with the inconsistent play of our OL........

Defensive backfield...we DO NOT have the talent or depth to go far into the playoffs or win the BIG game with our current patchwork secondary.......That play today to Jones to bring the game close again for a TD.....was abysmal and a further reminder of how weak we can be in the secondary....not a comforting feeling going into the playoffs......

Running game (see OL) has been pretty flat. Makes it hard to work play action when you don't have a running game....

WR corps.........Brady has not established any real pattern or familiarity with his receivers (SEE OL again for additional info as to why passing game not as good as could be).......yes, he seems to have some connection with Caldwell.......Brown is still there......but that is where it seems to end.....will be a HUGE factor when it comes to the playoffs.......

Kicker......Gost has been great from the 30 yrd and in range.....and hit one big 50+ yrd kick......but is anyone here missing Adam yet....when it comes to making the clutch BIG kick to win a game or extend a playoff run????......I hate adam for what he did, but let's face it....overall the guy was AUTOMATIC in most cases from 40+ yards in......and in the most HIGH pressure situations (Where I expect Gost to fail overall)......Adam is going to make those kicks.......No offense to Gost....experience in the NFL will breed success....and I think he will be a good kicker in the league......But going into the playoffs without Adam...scares me.....

Brady....has been mostly off his game all year (see Bad OL play unfamiliarity/timing with his receivers for one cause) combined with dealing with some type of injury that would explain his "high" and innacurate throws this year. In short, overall Brady is not Brady this year.........can't have that situation existing going into the playoffs.......

I hope I am wrong....but realistically.....I am thrilled that this team WON YET ANOTHER AFC EAST CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!......but realistically, just don't see the Pats going much further than that this year....hope I am wrong....

GO PATS..................................................either way, I am happy for what they have given me this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What do you all think?

 

[carolinatony]

If we have no turnovers we can beat anyone. That's a big IF but that's what I believe.

 

[stcjones]

If we have no turnovers we can beat anyone. That's a big IF but that's what I believe.

TO's are just part of the equation IMHO Tony.....I just look at the "tightness" or complete package of San Diego and the close to complete package of Baltimore....and don't see us matching up all that well overall......Primarily our offense just doesn't have that "gel" going on...and is so damned inconsistent. Not sure how far we will go.....but once again I am ready for the ride and happy as he## that we won yet another AFC East championship...that is always impressive considering the AFC east has become the toughest division in the NFL in the past few years.......happy holidays and GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!