The Bright Side: Time to Look at the Silver Lining

[aluminum seats]

I've been wallowing, as we all have, and that will continue for some time. But I had a thought before of something that's actually kind of positive, so I'm thinking we could maybe generate a list of good things that could come out of this horror.........

The first two I have are sort of related. One, this game will provide me with some armour when it comes to my reaction to future losses. In the past, any tough/close loss I'd feel like it was a heartbreaker (granted, the Pats haven't had many of those--or ANY losses--for some time, but still). Now, a tough loss in, say, game #6 of the regular season? HA! Will roll right off me.

On the flip side of that, ultimate victory, when it comes--and it will--will feel again like it did back when the Pats upset the Rams for the first SB title. I know all championships are great, but wasn't the feeling when we beat the Eagles for the third title a pale copy of that first one? The next time around won't be the first, but it will be SO sweet to be back on top.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

As someone said, Hell is an absolute, while Heaven is relative. That's why the 2004 Sox pennant meant so much to so many. . . . and why the next ring will mean a lot to the Pats and their fans.

 

[BadMoFo]

The good thing is that we will probably make the playoffs for the next five years in a row, the bad thing is that I think we lost some of the big game edge. Some may even want to label us a bunch of chokers until we win another Super Bowl.

 

[shmessy]

The good thing is that we will probably make the playoffs for the next five years in a row, the bad thing is that I think we lost some of the big game edge. Some may even want to label us a bunch of chokers until we win another Super Bowl.

Oh no! Not a label. That will change everything for the Pats' chances.

 

[rockthecasbah]

Oh no! Not a label. That will change everything for the Pats' chances.

If anything, it might light a fire under the guys. Who knows. I don't think they'll really care that someone like Easterbrook, for example, may call them chokers.

 

[Tommysgirl]

Oh no! Not a label. That will change everything for the Pats' chances.

I want the label. I want to lose the opening day game. I want the pressure off. I want everyone to dismiss us and think our time has passed. Course, we've already opened at 3-1 to win the Super Bowl next year so it may be wishful thinking.

 

[BadMoFo]

Oh no! Not a label. That will change everything for the Pats' chances.

So are you trying to use comedy as a way to make it hurt less. We choked last year and we choked this year. To me that equals a choke job. Manning was called a choker for just as much.

 

[#12]

I've been wallowing, as we all have, and that will continue for some time. But I had a thought before of something that's actually kind of positive, so I'm thinking we could maybe generate a list of good things that could come out of this horror.........

The first two I have are sort of related. One, this game will provide me with some armour when it comes to my reaction to future losses. In the past, any tough/close loss I'd feel like it was a heartbreaker (granted, the Pats haven't had many of those--or ANY losses--for some time, but still). Now, a tough loss in, say, game #6 of the regular season? HA! Will roll right off me.

On the flip side of that, ultimate victory, when it comes--and it will--will feel again like it did back when the Pats upset the Rams for the first SB title. I know all championships are great, but wasn't the feeling when we beat the Eagles for the third title a pale copy of that first one? The next time around won't be the first, but it will be SO sweet to be back on top.

Great post! I agree with your two points and I'd like to add that we won't be called bandwagonners anymore (at least not until they kick ass next season which i know they will). I'm proud to be a fan of this team, and I will still rep hard in the midwest through thick and thin...**** the haters!

 

[karran_s]

People were comparing us to Goliath, juggernaut, machine, perfection etc... all labels that were probably appropriate for 18-0 but of little importance come game time on the biggest day of the season !!

I'm happy all this perfection and other BS spun out by the media is finally over.. The players will now relax, regroup and start enjoying football again. Sometimes a loss can also be good - not only for the players but also its fans.

Of course, been hurting the past couple of days but it's getting better.. I'm putting all the could have, should have, would have stuff behind.

I think the Pats need to make a few key changes and also decide what to do about the numerous free agents on the team.

I think Junior and Tedy will be back. Moss will be franchised (I think he likes and respects Bob Kraft and will stay without "breaking the bank" - his words)

Asante is gone (there's no way he's going to command the money he's expecting).... Hopefully, we can get a good CB by way of trade or draft.

Anyway, I think this team will be back and this time, they'll be out to prove something when they go back to the SB (I think they have a good chance to be back next year - Peyton will be in the way this time but the Pats will triumph)

 

[shmessy]

So are you trying to use comedy as a way to make it hurt less. We choked last year and we choked this year. To me that equals a choke job. Manning was called a choker for just as much.

....and he laughed all the way to winning the Super Bowl.

Your point?

Look, if you're going to go through life worried about what label people put on you, I can't help you.

Both Mannings had "labels". They didn't melt from it. Brady had a label - - The 199th Pick - - he didn't melt from it.

Please, cut the Woody Allen neurotic act.

 

[aluminum seats]

....and he laughed all the way to winning the Super Bowl.

Your point?

Look, if you're going to go through life worried about what label people put on you, I can't help you.

Both Mannings had "labels". They didn't melt from it. Brady had a label - - The 199th Pick - - he didn't melt from it.

Please, cut the Woody Allen neurotic act.

Exactly, and let's not so reflexively say "choke" after a loss. I think there were coaching issues, and execution issues. Choke? Not so much. But agreed, who cares what people might label your team?

 

[Disco Volante]

I don't care what the media/other teams think about us.

I want to win every game, ever year. I have never not felt that way. Strategic losing does not exist to me, and is downright ridiculous. Resting your guys in the finals weeks when you already have a loss or more and nothing to play for? That's fine. Saying "Oh, let's lose in say, week 4 to take the pressure off!" Disgusting.

Anyone who wants to lose a few games next year, is slapping BB in the face. You want to lose because you don't think he can handle they pressure again? You want to lose to take the target even more so off our back, as if we can't play with it? I for one will not be underestimating my coach.

True repentance for this season is 19-0. Anything less will never truly heal the wounds from this season.

 

[aluminum seats]

I don't care what the media/other teams think about us.

I want to win every game, ever year. I have never not felt that way. Strategic losing does not exist to me, and is downright ridiculous. Resting your guys in the finals weeks when you already have a loss or more and nothing to play for? That's fine. Saying "Oh, let's lose in say, week 4 to take the pressure off!" Disgusting.

Anyone who wants to lose a few games next year, is slapping BB in the face. You want to lose because you don't think he can handle they pressure again? You want to lose to take the target even more so off our back, as if we can't play with it? I for one will not be underestimating my coach.

True repentance for this season is 19-0. Anything less will never truly heal the wounds from this season.

I agree, although the prospect is daunting. Although, it happens one game at a time, doesn't it? I'm never going to root for the Pats to lose a game, that's for sure.

 

[Patrick]

Next years schedule is a piece of cake..... we will be in the superbowl again . we have gone to 4 SB in 7 years and WON 3... any team would take those results in a heartbeat... Pats are still number 1

 

[eom]

the ******* silver lining??

**** you.

 

[Rocky]

I want the label. I want to lose the opening day game. I want the pressure off. I want everyone to dismiss us and think our time has passed. Course, we've already opened at 3-1 to win the Super Bowl next year so it may be wishful thinking.

I would never root for a loss, but having a 13-3 record next season may not be the worst thing in the world. The pressure of 19-0 seemed to wear on the team halfway through the year. They got beat up in some of those games and took every team's best shot for the past 7-8 games.