Which was your favorite NON-championship Pats season?

[oldrover]

Either during the BB-TB era or before. Not counting this year, as I wish not to jinx it.

Mine would be either 1976, the year of Grogan, the power running game, Mike Haynes, and roughing the passer... or 2006, when TB and the defense gritted it out to the AFC Championship Game with no running game and no one to throw to.

And yours?

 

[sly24]

2007, even if it still hurts when I think about it.

 

[fumbrunner]

None of them. Win or bust, baby.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Either during the BB-TB era or before. Not counting this year, as I wish not to jinx it.

Mine would be either 1976, the year of Grogan, the power running game, Mike Haynes, and roughing the passer... or 2006, when TB and the defense gritted it out to the AFC Championship Game with no running game and no one to throw to.

And yours?

I think this year is definitely one of my favorites, along with 1976 and 1985. 1976 was a magical year, the first year in the post AFL-NFL merger where we didn't suck. 1985 was magical as well, 3 road playoff games and we win them to go to the SB, the sweetest of them all, squishing the fish in Miami, after losing 18 straight games in Miami, nobody gave the Pats a chance to win that game.

And then this year, I've never seen a Pats team come back in so many games in one season, DESPITE horrific injuries to KEY players. Just amazing, they just refuse to give up. HOPEFULLY, I will have to cross 2013 from this list ;-)

 

[Kontradiction]

I have only been around long enough to follow the Bledsoe years up until now. That said, I'd have to say 2007.

 

[BradyManny]

It's 2007. Even though it legitimately set me back in the mental health department, it's 2007.

 

[Patjew]

2008. I thought that was fun.

1994 was cool too because we started being relevant again.

1985 was awesome until we got kicked in the ditka.

 

[Sicilian]

2008. After the emotionally draining 2007, where there was immense pressure and expectation to win every week, every win in 2008 felt like Gravy with Matt Cassel under center.

I know that team would never have won the Super Bowl, but I really wish they'd made the playoffs. I bet they could have squeaked out a win or two the way they were rolling.

 

[jmt57]

Tough to choose one but I would say either '76 or '85, despite the disappointing ending. Great rides both times, in part because in both cases those clubs exceeding expectations. In '76 the Pats went from 3-11 to 11-3, but in '85 the entire region had a much bigger case of Pats Fever (Squish The Fish).

Personally I wouldn't consider 2007 at all, because there was so very much background noise thanks to Senator Comcast and others.

 

[oldrover]

Another great season, for a while, was 1974. Pats started 6-1, and then injury after injury after injury slid them to 7-7. Mack Herron had a phenomenal year returning kicks. Reminds me a little of THIS season, except THIS team keeps on winning... albeit by the skin of its teeth.

 

[Zeus]

Mack Herron had a phenomenal year returning kicks.

In Section 22 of the old stadium, we used to call him "Smack Heroin."

 

[QuantumMechanic]

1985.

Sure the Bears smoked us, but:

• Going 9-2 over the final 11 games to get to the playoffs.
• First team ever to win three road games to get to the SB.
• Beating the Jets, and the Raiders, and the Fish.
• Killing the Orange Bowl jinx and making Marino cry.
• First trip ever to the SB.

 

[TruthSeeker]

2008. I thought that was fun.

1994 was cool too because we started being relevant again.

1985 was awesome until we got kicked in the ditka.

2008 after Brady was hurt ? If so, I agree, what a tough team that was. I think that year and this year have been Belichik's best coaching years (of the non champion years, 2013 is still a possibility).

 

[oldrover]

1985 was sweet... I didn't include it for ME, because due to spending my Sundays that season with a new girlfriend... who has now been Mrs. Rover for 27 years ... I really only saw the playoffs (and the regular season Bears game which was basically a Super Bowl preview).

 

[YearbookCurfew]

2007 and 2010. Beating the Jets 45-3 is still one of my favorite games.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Another great season, for a while, was 1974. Pats started 6-1, and then injury after injury after injury slid them to 7-7. Mack Herron had a phenomenal year returning kicks. Reminds me a little of THIS season, except THIS team keeps on winning... albeit by the skin of its teeth.

Mack Herron is the reason I'm a Patriot's fan. I wasn't always the biggest football player on my Pop Warner teams (they used to have to put weights in my pockets to make the team's weigh in, wish that was true today, lol) so I always used to like the smaller players in the NFL. I remember watching NFL Film's highlights with my Dad on Saturday nights, and I really loved the way Mack Herron played. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

[TruthSeeker]

2007 and 2010. Beating the Jets 45-3 is still one of my favorite games.

I was at the game where the Pats beat the Jets 56-3, on September 9th 1979. THAT was my first Pat's game ever at Foxboro. What a sick game, every time the Pats had the ball they scored a TD. Just insane. 45-3 was great too, but sickening after the rematch, losing a playoff game at home a couple weeks later to the same Jet team.

 

[A man named Brady]

2007. It was fun killing teams week in and week out

 

[Deus Irae]

'85
'07

There have been other good seasons, but no others come close for me. Those two stand alone.

 

[Ivan]

Much as it pains me to say it in all likelihood it will ultimately end up being this one. I am not writing them off because they can still get it done but it is going to take a great play-off run with a seriously depleted team. Regardless of how it turns out this has been one of the most enjoyable seasons i have every witnessed and if they come up short i will still feel good about it and i will be looking forward to next season from the moment it ends.

On the other hand if they actually win it we could be looking at another run of 2-3 Lombardi's before Brady hangs them up. I really like this team, I think that with the continued development of the young players and return of the injured vets, as well as another draft class and some free agent pick-ups they will be much better next season, and i think the character they have built will last them years. Incredible season, hopefully they won't lose again.