What is the biggest obstacle to SB win #4 for the Pats?

Bobs My Uncle said:

I worry most about the OL and whether it can protect Brady.

Next I worry about facing a defense that can contain Gronk and Jules because I am not confident in the rest of the skill players being able to step up and produce enough.

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I don't think it's going to be a popular comment, but I'd like to see one more improvement in the receiving options as well, and hope that it may be addressed in the offseason whether that's through the draft or via free agency again.

One more weapon and the team would be unstoppable. Of course the issue is the financial aspect, which is exactly why seeing a rookie or draft pick like Dobson step up would be key. Otherwise, it just doesn't make good financial sense since all options would see less production. A middle tiered signed like LaFell would also be great to see.

Injuries are the biggest obstacle.

supafly said:

I don't think it's going to be a popular comment, but I'd like to see one more improvement in the receiving options as well, and hope that it may be addressed in the offseason whether that's through the draft or via free agency again.

One more weapon and the team would be unstoppable. Of course the issue is the financial aspect, which is exactly why seeing a rookie or draft pick like Dobson step up would be key. Otherwise, it just doesn't make good financial sense since all options would see less production. A middle tiered signed like LaFell would also be great to see.

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I doubt anyone would disagree with that sentiment, but where it falls in priorities is the question. And much as I would love another serious threat out wide I really like the idea of continuing to turn this into the best defensive unit in football. And another top of the line front 7 defender could do just that.

I actually have a lot of faith in the defense. I think even if Gronk were to go down they might be able to squeak out enough points to get a win.

KamikazeKnight said:

I actually have a lot of faith in the defense. I think even if Gronk were to go down they might be able to squeak out enough points to get a win.

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This ain't the 2011 defense (with Sterling Moore and Kyle Arrington starting at CB).

The Brandon Five said:

This ain't the 2011 defense (with Sterling Moore and Kyle Arrington starting at CB).

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Believe it or not, your boy Sterling Moore has been quite a blessing for the Dallas Cowboys this year.

He's defended 11 passes, forced a fumble, and recovered 2 more--all while playing in every game this season and starting in 7.

That said, they need to tear their secondary down and completely rebuild it in the offseason, aside from maybe a player or two. Guys like Mo Claiborne and Brandon Carr have been very expensive (whether it's cap hits or precious resources from the draft) and have not come anything close to living up to their expectations.

Ivan said:

I doubt anyone would disagree with that sentiment, but where it falls in priorities is the question. And much as I would love another serious threat out wide I really like the idea of continuing to turn this into the best defensive unit in football. And another top of the line front 7 defender could do just that.

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I'd love to address the DL within the top 2 rounds again---definitely.

I would still place the WR issue within the top few areas that I'd like to see tinkered with though, particularly if Amendola is going to be leaving. Like I said, no big money signings, but a middle tiered signing + a couple of lower tiered signings would be appropriate.

As of this point, the 3 rookies from last year have certainly been a failure. How much potential Belichick may see in either one of Dobson/Boyce's ability to contribute on a regular basis will go a long way in determining how much of our resources he spends on the situation.

SVN said:

Iam probably in the minority but I think dallas is a good team at least offensively. They have just a bad rap for justifiable reasons over the years that people think they are going to fold. Defense , I dont know . In the end its all about matchups as always.

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Lock up Dez with Revis and throw eight/nine in the box. Offense destroyed. Next?

Oswlek said:

Dallas is a very good team and has a solid chance of being of being the top seed if they win out. They just don't match up well against NE.

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That offense is about two people. Murray, and Dez. Stop one, limit the other and they go nowhere.

AndyJohnson said:

Wright has a small role that he has done well in. I'm not sure why people think that means he would do well in a larger role.

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Because he can get open, unlike, say amendola or hooman. I think it is more people see far more natural receiving ability in him than the aforementioned st Louis butt boys.

AndyJohnson said:

We are 19th in rushing yards and 11th in sacks.
While you are correct that there are games when we don't run well, and games when the pass rush is not great, that is the NFL, and every team in the league fits that description.

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Would be curious to see where we rank on attempts. Would also want any Vereen inside runs removed for comparison sake.

sevengables_2207 said:

I have little doubt of the veracity of the bolded portion of your post. However, I may add that IMO the Seahawks pass defense is built to stop passing offenses that channel production through wide receivers.

I do not think they can be as successful against teams that channel production through an all world tight end. If the Patriots decide are confident enough to utilize the two tight end package with Gronk and Wright, it could give the Seahawks defense some problems.

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I agree, but it will never happen. Hooman before Wright, because he blocks better, even though Josh runs far too little. Not to mention Develin is a better blocker than Hooman, and more of a threat to run someone over and break one a bit.

supafly said:

I'd love to address the DL within the top 2 rounds again---definitely.

I would still place the WR issue within the top few areas that I'd like to see tinkered with though, particularly if Amendola is going to be leaving. Like I said, no big money signings, but a middle tiered signing + a couple of lower tiered signings would be appropriate.

As of this point, the 3 rookies from last year have certainly been a failure. How much potential Belichick may see in either one of Dobson/Boyce's ability to contribute on a regular basis will go a long way in determining how much of our resources he spends on the situation.

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I pray Amendola is given his walking papers. Then go ol/dl in no particular order on day one and two. A couple stabs at skill positions, and maybe bring in a fa wide receiver. Which, if I'm not mistaken, is a relatively talented FA class this year.

supafly said:

Believe it or not, your boy Sterling Moore has been quite a blessing for the Dallas Cowboys this year.

He's defended 11 passes, forced a fumble, and recovered 2 more--all while playing in every game this season and starting in 7.

That said, they need to tear their secondary down and completely rebuild it in the offseason, aside from maybe a player or two. Guys like Mo Claiborne and Brandon Carr have been very expensive (whether it's cap hits or precious resources from the draft) and have not come anything close to living up to their expectations.

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Fair enough. He is no Darrelle Revis.

Revis >>> Moore

Browner > Arrington (on the outside)

1. Stay Healthy
2. Stay focused
3. Execute

That's all there is to it. If they keep homefield advantage, I see them running all the way to the Superbowl where they could face the Seahawks or the Packers. It will be interesting to see who makes it to the big dance, but our team has as a good of a chance to win it all as anybody this year.

woolster22 said:

I pray Amendola is given his walking papers. Then go ol/dl in no particular order on day one and two. A couple stabs at skill positions, and maybe bring in a fa wide receiver. Which, if I'm not mistaken, is a relatively talented FA class this year.

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How he went from a good WR with ST skills to just a KR is still a mystery to me. Not sure if he just never recovered from the injury?

My biggest fear heading into the playoffs is our coordinators outsmarting themselves.

The 2 main problems the last seven years. Pass rush and the ability to protect Tom

supafly said:

Believe it or not, your boy Sterling Moore has been quite a blessing for the Dallas Cowboys this year.

He's defended 11 passes, forced a fumble, and recovered 2 more--all while playing in every game this season and starting in 7.

.

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He's also been beaten 100 or so times.

AndyJohnson said:

Wright has a small role that he has done well in. I'm not sure why people think that means he would do well in a larger role.

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Why wouldn't it? If he excels at what he does now, why can't he take on a little more? Your argument makes no sense. If he succeeds at what he does now, why can't he succeed with a larger role? If anything he has shown he can take on more