Real concerns about emotional hangover next season

[RhodyPatriot]

This veteran team has suffered two crushing defeats over the last two playoff years. I'm really concerned about an emotional hangover with this team next year. No doubt roster wise and organization wise this team will be contenders for years to come. However I really do think they need an injection of youthful attitude and spunk particularly on defense. This team is going to need a jolt of youthful exhuberance and enthusiasm to energize it next season. Don't underestimate how emotionally crushing yesterday was for the team. The upcoming draft is a critical one in my view as much for the type of player we draft as the position we draft. We needs some high energy athletic kids on this defense and BB needs to let them play.

 

[Rocky]

This veteran team has suffered two crushing defeats over the last two playoff years. I'm really concerned about an emotional hangover with this team next year. No doubt roster wise and organization wise this team will be contenders for years to come.

Also my concern for a few reasons:
1)Clearly, attempting to go 19-0 negatively affected this team, physically and emotionally. Every team brought its A+ game for the past 7-8 games. The Pats had a bullseye on their chest for the better part of the year. In many of those games, the Pats got a little beat up, but still managed a win. I hope the short offseason is enough time to recover.
2)What will the further investigation into SpyGate bring? If further evidence is found, I have to believe it will have a negative effect on the team. In the beginning of the year, the SpyGate seemed to fuel the team, however, a long offseason of investigation/speculation can't be good for the team and Belichick. Will Kraft become fed up with Belichick if further evidence is found (Rams superbowl)?
3)I don't know that it's a given that the Pats will be "contenders for years to come." I hope I am wrong, but at some point, this streak of dominance has to slow down. Sustained dominance is so difficult and it is incredible that they've dominted for seven years. The loss is all the more frustrating because it was a golden opportunity that may never come around again.

I think we all need to realize how lucky we were to see three super bowl wins over the past seven years. I hope I am wrong and the Pats are back in the big game next year, this time winning it!

 

[RhodyPatriot]

I say they're contenders because # 12 is in his prime and if healthy can play for several more years and at a top level. We're solid and pretty young at O-line (despite yesterdays disaster) we're set at RB and we can always find wideouts. The defense is where we need youth and explosive athleticism.
Concerning spygate, if BB gets suspended because something was proven with this Rams allegation I honestly believe the Kraft's will think long and hard about moving on. Remember the Patriots have denied anything went on. If something is PROVEN (the key word here) to have gone on IMO there's a good chance BB will be gone. But in a way that doesn't panic me because Bob amd Jonathan Kraft know what they're doing and know how to build and run winning companies and organizations. They do it by hiring the right people for the right jobs at the right time.
This is a great organization and will weather any storm IMO. That's why we'll be contenders for years to come.

 

[MRBLAZE]

If something is PROVEN (the key word here) to have gone on IMO there's a good chance BB will be gone. But in a way that doesn't panic me because Bob amd Jonathan Kraft know what they're doing and know how to build and run winning companies and organizations. They do it by hiring the right people for the right jobs at the right time.
This is a great organization and will weather any storm IMO. That's why we'll be contenders for years to come.

I could not disagree more if I tried.

You wouldn't be panicked if we LOST OUR HEAD COACH? When his name is Bill Belichick? Wow.

If that happens, I can guarantee you that Brady will not take another hometown discount and cost himself $30M if Belichick were to hypothetically be fired. You're crazy if you think we'd get to a Super Bowl in the next 5-10 years without Belichick.

 

[Gunnails]

I hope the short offseason is enough time to recover.

=====================================
Here is where I have to totaly disagree with you Rocky.
The off season is hella long.

 

[DonBlackmon55]

I say they're contenders because # 12 is in his prime and if healthy can play for several more years and at a top level. We're solid and pretty young at O-line (despite yesterdays disaster) we're set at RB and we can always find wideouts. The defense is where we need youth and explosive athleticism.
Concerning spygate, if BB gets suspended because something was proven with this Rams allegation I honestly believe the Kraft's will think long and hard about moving on. Remember the Patriots have denied anything went on. If something is PROVEN (the key word here) to have gone on IMO there's a good chance BB will be gone. But in a way that doesn't panic me because Bob amd Jonathan Kraft know what they're doing and know how to build and run winning companies and organizations. They do it by hiring the right people for the right jobs at the right time.
This is a great organization and will weather any storm IMO. That's why we'll be contenders for years to come.

injuries, FA, luck, karma, fluke plays all play a role in reaching the summit. So, every opportunity lost is one less gained.

Furthermore, the Pats have played "1 additional Season" worth of games over last 6 years.....That wear and tear adds up, especially as we've seen the D meltdowns 2 yrs in a row

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

I could not disagree more if I tried.

You wouldn't be panicked if we LOST OUR HEAD COACH? When his name is Bill Belichick? Wow.

If that happens, I can guarantee you that Brady will not take another hometown discount and cost himself $30M if Belichick were to hypothetically be fired. You're crazy if you think we'd get to a Super Bowl in the next 5-10 years without Belichick.

I dunno, if Ernie stays we might be able survive. The more I read about this Ernie guy the more I start to wonder if BB is just the front man who job is to interact with players, media etc. And Erine is the real brains.

If all BB does is relay what Erine whispers in his ear, Kraft can find someone else to say nothing to the media.

 

[RhodyPatriot]

Give me a Jeff Fisher and I'll win a Superbowl with the Patriots.
Look I love what BB has done for this team as much as anyone but don't kid yourself. If something comes down with these allegations about taping the Ram walkthrough (TOTALLY A HYPOTHETICAL ON MY PART - DON'T GO CRAZY) and the league suspended BB (ANOTHER HYPOTHETICAL - JUST POSING IT AS CONVERSATION RE: PAT'S FUTURE PLANS) I honestly think the Kraft's will think long and hard about the direction of the team with BB. Just my opinion. Hoping and praying it never comes to that but if it does......

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

There is lots to be concerned about , and a hangover is a real concern...This loss stings.. I know last offseason was put into winning it this yr, but next yr is so long away yet, and I cant get over yesterday at all...

 

[Satchboogie3]

Well, if last year's losing the AFCCG inspired the team to get better and get to the SB, why wouldn't the team being even MORE hungry for wins after coming within a win of Perfection and the Trophy?

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Well, if last year's losing the AFCCG inspired the team to get better and get to the SB, why wouldn't the team being even MORE hungry for wins after coming within a win of Perfection and the Trophy?

that is because how close they were to doing something no one has ever done before...

 

[DonBlackmon55]

Well, if last year's losing the AFCCG inspired the team to get better and get to the SB, why wouldn't the team being even MORE hungry for wins after coming within a win of Perfection and the Trophy?

because the core on the D is 2 more years older. 2 blown chances 2 yrs in a row. Did not learn from AFCCG last year

 

[Satchboogie3]

The D (LB) will need to get younger; thats what the offseason is for. BB and Pioli will do what ever is necessary to fill the holes on this team. Remember, it isn't the defense that lost us this game, it was the O-line.

 

[MRBLAZE]

I can assure you that if we get to a Super Bowl next year, and McDaniels stays on board, Belichick will not have his back turned for a majority of the game coaching the defense. He did a great job obviously in whatever adjustments he made with them , allowing 3 pts in 3 quarters, BUT COME ON WE WERE STUCK IN THE MUD ALL GAME LONG OFFENSIVELY HOW DID HE NOT ******* NOTICE?

 

[Rob0729]

The Pats are all about one game at a time. They followed up an emotional loss to the Colts with a perfect regular season.

I am concerned about certain holes on this team, but the Pats are a team that doesn't look back or too far ahead. I don't think from a psychological standpoint I am all that concerned.

 

[Lansdowne]

The Pats are all about one game at a time. They followed up an emotional loss to the Colts with a perfect regular season.

I am concerned about certain holes on this team, but the Pats are a team that doesn't look back or too far ahead. I don't think from a psychological standpoint I am all that concerned.

Ditto. I think they can make another run at 19-0. They should be more focused.

Look at it this way....they made it to the divisional round and lost to Denver....then made it to the conference championship and lost to Indianapolis....then made it to the Super Bowl and lost to New York.....at this rate they should definitely win next year!

 

[SeymourTrophies]

I disagree. They could have been crushed by the game agains the colts but they weren't. They will make a point to bring in some help on D which will make us younger in key spots. There are a few interesting free agent choices, and if you consider that we have a pretty weak schedule next year one would think we'll be alright.

 

[WIPatriots]

Perhaps I am just still ticked off, but I happen to agree with you. These guys got worn down from the pressure (which is natural); would not be shocked to see them claw their way into the playoffs.

This veteran team has suffered two crushing defeats over the last two playoff years. I'm really concerned about an emotional hangover with this team next year. No doubt roster wise and organization wise this team will be contenders for years to come. However I really do think they need an injection of youthful attitude and spunk particularly on defense. This team is going to need a jolt of youthful exhuberance and enthusiasm to energize it next season. Don't underestimate how emotionally crushing yesterday was for the team. The upcoming draft is a critical one in my view as much for the type of player we draft as the position we draft. We needs some high energy athletic kids on this defense and BB needs to let them play.

 

[SoonerPatriot]

I don't think any of these guys will get over it, no matter if they get back 3 more times and win all three.

However, I don't buy into the "emotional hangover" crap.

Time heals all wounds and in between now and late July these guys will relax, re-connect with their family and friends and be ready to go when training camp starts.

Look at the 2003 Red Sox. They lose a tough series with their most hated rival, then get back the next year and win it. Look at all those Bills SB teams. There were guys on that team that lost THREE consecutive Super Bowls, yet still managed to muster enough to get back to a fourth.

 

[MRBLAZE]

Perhaps I am just still ticked off, but I happen to agree with you. These guys got worn down from the pressure (which is natural); would not be shocked to see them claw their way into the playoffs.

Well I wouldn't go that far, but unfortunately I wouldn't be shocked to see them lose in the divisional or conference round. And that really sucks.