How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th & 2?
 

So, 50 minutes of football into our Week 10 matchup with the Colts, we were absolutely thrashing these guys. We had a 3 possession lead in spite of a goal-line fumble. Our offense was having its way and looked like vintage 2007, and our defense was keeping Manning in check.

Then, all hell broke loose and the rest is history.

I can't say I remember a season that seems to have so clearly turned on one game, or even one play. If the side judge doesn't make the false assumption that Faulk bobbled the ball all the way to the ground, and if instead, the proper call is made, we win that game, and an alternate reality for the 2009 NFL season is created (someone get the writers of Lost to get to work on that).

The 2009 Colts are a flawed team that has found a way to win games and make plays when it mattered. The 2009 Patriots were a flawed team that found a way to lose games and failed to make plays when it mattered. Would that one play have had any serious effect on that dynamic, and/or changed the outcome of either team's season?

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th&2?
 

We travel to Indy for the AFC CG.

Do we win?

Do we lose?

Is Wes Welker playing?

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th&2?
 

That's not a safe assumption - at that point, we would've been 7-2, Colts would've been 8-1. Who is to say our momentum doesn't propel us to play like that the rest of the way? And who is to say that without the perfect season momentum, the Colts don't lose one of those tight games that ensued?

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th&2?
 

When presented with a new officer or commander, Napolean was presented with the guy's qualifications and accomplishments. Afterward, Napolean was said to have always asked, "Yeah, but is he lucky?".

What I still have a problem with is the Butler PI penalty.

Maybe if Goober wins a second Super Bowl, the NFL can stop making WWE look spontaneous and not pre-determined.

Still losing Welker was really the downfall of this season. That's something that could not be overcome.

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th&2?
 

Agreed - but again, if we win that game, a completely different season unfolds, and who is to say Welker is in that spot at that time he blew out his knee. Maybe we have clinched by then, and maybe we do keep some starters out. Maybe our offense is clicking so well by then that we don't feel the need to use Week 17 as a tuneup. Who knows?

I agree, that Butler PI call was crap, but the Colts get those calls b/c they have mouthy receivers, a whiny QB, and an even whinier team Prez in Polian. Honestly, I'd like to see Welker, Moss et al start lobbying for calls. NFL referees are a weak species. They cave to peer pressure.

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th&2?
 

Actually, it was 57 minutes of domination. I agree that the season would have been different because the confidence factor would have been solid.

However, I sat through the 4th quarter thinking when the bogus call would show.

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th & 2?
 

the pats would have one more regular season. win thats it. the way tom brady, played to end the season. this team was not going to go deep in to the playoffs with a average D

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th & 2?
 

Another way to look at the close loss is that the Colts were so much better than the Pats this year that they could spot them a 17 point lead with 10 minutes to go and still win. I think this is closer to the truth than what the OP is implying.

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th & 2?
 

We win the super bowl in a 55-0 blow out of the 49ers

Re: How differently does the season unfold if we convert that 4th&2?
 

I didn't say momentum would propel us.

I'm assuming we get a bye and that we'd host the Jets at Foxboro.