Why do I keep thinking the Pats win big?

[cstjohn17]

Maybe it because in the past whenever the 'experts' predicated a loss the Patriots always rose up. I think this team plays like champions and wins by 10-14.

The Steelers are a good team and this will serve as a statement game. I also expect a big letdown against the jets and Miami, luckily they are so bad it won't even matter.

 

[Armen Da Pats Fan]

Maybe it because in the past whenever the 'experts' predicated a loss the Patriots always rose up. I think this team plays like champions and wins by 10-14.

The Steelers are a good team and this will serve as a statement game. I also expect a big letdown against the jets and Miami, luckily they are so bad it won't even matter.

Because you're smart!

New England 31, Pittsburgh 10

 

[desi-patsfan]

After two close games and people starting to predict against us, it all sets up for an offensive explosion for the Pats.



Having said that watch us win with a Gost FG kick in OT.

 

[BelichickFan]

I hope you're right - I'm laying off the "big win" predictions until next week. Short week, Steelers have a tough defense, good enough offense; I know they've been mediocre, or worse, on the road but they aren't the type of team I expect an easy win against.

 

[Pats Fan in Indy]

Does anyone else realize that we own the Steelers?

 

[RhodyPatriot]

Maybe it because in the past whenever the 'experts' predicated a loss the Patriots always rose up. I think this team plays like champions and wins by 10-14.

The Steelers are a good team and this will serve as a statement game. I also expect a big letdown against the jets and Miami, luckily they are so bad it won't even matter.

Agree completely about the Steelers game. Do think they'll be very motivated for the Jets for a half and they'll be flat as a pancake for Miami.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Probably because 7 of the last 8 times they've played, the Pats have won, and it hasn't always even been particularly close.

 

[cstjohn17]

Agree completely about the Steelers game. Do think they'll be very motivated for the Jets for a half and they'll be flat as a pancake for Miami.

I don't think they will ever say it but I think they will try like heck to get a big lead against both Miami and NY Jets so the players can get a little rest. Against the Giants if they are 15-0 they go balls out and the use the bye week to recover.

 

[Metaphors]

Because this is the last opportunity to really fine-tune the troops before the playoffs. After Sunday, there will essentially be 5 weeks of practices until the next meaningful game. I expect more of a focus on execution and less on exotic gameplans.

I think the 16-0, revenge against the Jets, killing the winless Fins, etc. are all more important to the media than to the Pats. You obviously want to win every battle, but only within the context of maximizing your chances for winning the war.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Conventional wisdom says that this Pats team is tired and can get pushed around by this particular Steelers team. Conventional wisdom says that Roethlisberger is having a good year and will be able to throw on the Pats, considering Willie Parker will keep the D honest. Conventional wisdom says that teams are starting to "figure out" the Pats, based on 3 of the last 4 games being close and that the Steelers will be the team to make the leap from close loss to close win.

Honestly, it all makes sense. That's when the Pats decide to toss conventional wisdom on its head and win going away, kind of like they did up in Buffalo against a team that was 3-2 at home and lost those two games by last-second FGs.

Regards,
Chris

P.S. My weekly guess the score entry predicts the Pats do win a close one and have trouble on D. I do buy into the short week issue and that this team is tired to some degree, a huge equalizer vs. a team like Pittsburgh. The Pats D didn't look sharp against Cleveland on short rest. I'm hoping I'm very wrong...and I usually am as my predictions have been awful.

 

[GameDay]

Conventional wisdom says that this Pats team is tired and can get pushed around by this particular Steelers team. Conventional wisdom says that Roethlisberger is having a good year and will be able to throw on the Pats, considering Willie Parker will keep the D honest. Conventional wisdom says that teams are starting to "figure out" the Pats, based on 3 of the last 4 games being close and that the Steelers will be the team to make the leap from close loss to close win.

...

... I'm hoping I'm very wrong...and I usually am as my predictions have been awful.

I got an earful of stuffs like this last night (even when I didn't care).

Extrapolation is dangerous when the curve is steep. The Pats just got beat up a little. They can respond with ferocious fight back, or get an even worse beat down.

Having seen this teams for so long, I choose the former response. It's the Steelers who may be surprised. No blowout but no push around.

 

[NYCPatsFan]

...It's the Steelers who may be surprised. No blowout but no push around.

Well said. I am among those who feel that we will win big this weekend. Steelers might have seen enough of the Eagles and Ravens game to convince themselves that we were just lucky and that they can dominate us.

I hope our guys are feeling a bit humilated by the last two games and want to make this a statement game. Plus, throw in Mr. Ward's amazing comments right after spygate and the recent mouthings of a second-year player....hmmmm...I am convinced. Let me now start praying that it works out.

 

[thechris]

I've been telling everybody at work that the Patriots are going to beat the crap out of the Steelers but they won't listen to me. I absolutely certain that Big Ben is going to have a very rough game.

I also had a dream that the Patriots went 15-1, losing to the NY Giants because BB rested everybody. But that's for a different topic.

 

[Fencer]

I think they win big because the coaches will come up with a great game plan. Nothing held back for the playoffs; they're a bit worried by the run of squeakers.

As for subsequent letdowns -- the Pats probably won't clinch HFA until after Week 14. Hopefully that's enough motivation for one more week. And after that the record may be close enough to taste.

 

[PatsFaninAZ]

I guess a big win is possible, but sometimes things actually just are what they seem.

The Patriots look to me like a team that's been worn down by the season and needs a moment to get their bearings. I think that will happen after this week, but they are pretty beat up, playing on a short week, against a very good football team.

Past history between the teams means zilch to me. So does the theory of defying expectations. I just think this is what it appears to be -- a game that looks extremely losable. Playing at home is big. Having had two scares in a row helps focus. The Patriots should be favored. I'm not saying a big win would completely shock me, but I don't think that's how it will play out.

I'm also not entirely sure that a loss would be a big deal, or even a negative at all. Then again, 16-0 is so negligible to me as to barely be a blip on the radar screen. Could hardly care less. But that's probably for another thread.

 

[BadMoFo]

I think because you and the rest of us want to see a convincing, relax in the second half, type of game. After a full season of almost blowing everyone out, we've suddenly had to worry about victories. Plus, we want the best team ever talks to continue.

 

[Steel74]

All this undefeated yap is as far from Belichek's mind as Charlie Weiss. Belichek is concerned about the physical condition of his defense, and cognizant that if he drops two games, he might not have the luxury of resting his squad against the Gs, because in order to edge the Colts for HFA, New England can't lose 3 if Indy runs the table.