Then vs. Now: The Ring Years vs. 2005 and Beyond

Re: Then vs Now: The Ring Years vs 2005 and Beyond

My God, guys. Why are we writing the epithet already? This is a team that went 18-1 two years ago. They went 11-5 with an unproven QB last year. People on this board are acting like we're about to go 8-8.

We lost by one point to an undefeated team on the road due to a bunch of atypical happenings. Is our defense worse than 2004? Yes. Is our offense better than 2004? Absolutely. I mean, this team is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the '06 squad, IMHO. There is no way I'm going to expect mediocrity because we lost by 1 point in Indy.

The Patriots are a very good football team that proved they can go into a hostile environment and play competitively. There isn't much more you can ask for.

Re: Then vs Now: The Ring Years vs 2005 and Beyond

great thread and I think the difference has to do with the defense as well. I don't think our pass rush was great in the championship years but we had great ball hawkers.

Another element might be that the NFL has caught up to BB and the confusion he used to create with his defensive schemes are no longer creating the same confusion. Exhibit A would be Manning.

Re: Then vs Now: The Ring Years vs 2005 and Beyond

So just how many of you would be calling BB a great HC today if they marked the ball 1 yard further and a 1st down?

Believe me, I went to bed with the same pit in my stomach as the rest of you. But football is a game if inches and stuff happens. Hopefully the Pats had the same pit after the game and use it to motivate the rest of the year.

Re: Then vs Now: The Ring Years vs 2005 and Beyond

I think that a productive question to ask is how many of the positive characteristics of the SB Juggernaught era does the 2009 team have? Don't need all or the exact same mix to win another SB, but more is better. And yes, the 2009 squad is STILL a work in progress, just like the 2001 team was.

Re: Then vs Now: The Ring Years vs 2005 and Beyond

Two words, Pass rush.