Good morning Patriots fans.
I saw a link to this discussion over at Seahawks.net and I must say I’ve really enjoyed reading this thread. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed watching “The Patriot Way” over the last 15 years and have nothing but respect for your team. I was pulling hard for the Patriots in 07, mostly because it would have shut up both 49er fans about Montana being “the greatest ever”, and we wouldn’t have had to hear about the ’72 Dolphins anymore. Jesus, watching them pop the champagne every year is obnoxious. Alas, Manning the Lesser miracle’d his way to a win and killed that dream. Bummer.
Thoughts from reading this thread:
1) I was pleasantly surprised at the number of posters here that view Russell Wilson as an elite QB. Obviously, I agree. There seems to be no shortage of people everywhere else who still thinks of Wilson as “Trent Dilfer who can run/a game manager”. I’m not really sure where that perception comes from outside his lower volume passing attempts. His passing efficiency and combined passing/rushing totals are unreal. The kids just makes plays out of nothing, and is seemingly breaking records every other week. It’s really nice to see him get a little love outside of Seahawks fandom. Kudos to you guys.
2) Of all the teams in the NFC, the team most built to give us problems in the playoffs are the Cowboys. Mostly, because if Seattle has anything resembling a weakness on defense it’s challenged depth on the defensive line, now that Mebane is out. Although they did come up to Seattle and beat us earlier in the year, I’m not sure if I like their chances of doing it twice. Certainly not now that the ‘Hawks D is peaking at the right time, and are playing better than they had all year.
3) Of all the teams in the AFC, the Patriots are the team I think is most capable of beating Seattle if our two squads both make it to the Super Bowl. While I don’t think your wide receivers match up particularly well you do have Gronk. He’s not unstoppable, but he’s about as close as it gets. The one thing that Belichick does that few other NFL coaches do, is structure an ever changing, complimentary game plan. One week you’ll see Brady throw it 50 times. The next week you’ll see him with 25 attempts while the Pats run Blount/Gray /Ridley down opposing teams throats all game. It’s very hard to predict what the Emperor will do/call.
Anyway, thanks for letting me join your discussion. I’ll keep my fingers crossed in hopeful anticipation that this is the game we get in February. The only other team I’d rather play in the ‘Bowl is Pittsburgh, for obvious reasons. **** Pittsburgh. **** them right in the ***.
