A Hypothesis...

[AzPatsFan]

It is my considered opinion after much thought and analysis that:

The upcoming edition of the 2006 Patriots is the Deepest, Strongest, most talented, and Best Team from top to bottom, on Offense and Defense, all the way through the Practice Squad, of any Patriots Team in history.

I consider it better it most respects to the Team that won twenty-one straight and established the all time NFL record for most consecutive victories.

I would not be surprised if this edition duplicated or exceeded that feat over the next two years.

Why do I offer such an egregious opinion?

There just are no, even non-glaring, weaknessess. The one we all perceive is Willie McG's position, but TBC has claimed it apparently; and BB is signing vet LBs to compete with Izzo and Davis for ST positions, rather than addressing it, so he is sanquine about it to all appearances. Kickers come and go. We signed a former NFL star to replace an NFL star, and also college's best, too, for good measure. So do WRs, and we have upgraded that position even without Jackson, IMO. look at the TEs and how many teams have two franchise backs. There is gravy to go artound.

Except for grevous injury, to Tom Brady, I really expect no losses, and more than one loss is improbable given thier schedule. They have eight games against teams competing for the 2007 first draft pick. The other half season? Since they play only two real winning clubs on the road, and a good team plays .500 ball in such circumstances, is the reason I say that.

I do not respect either Jax or Cincy, the two road games that are in question, so I really expect a sweep. Neither club is complete. Cincy's defense is suspect and Jax needs another year of building. Other "'winning opponents" are even more flawed or outright flukes. Chicago and Minnesota come to mind. The strongest of the AFC flawed teams, we face in Foxboro. Indy's time has come... and gone; and Denver's has never arrived except at Mile High.

The Pats will have HFA throughout the playoffs with such a record, so I anticipate a Superbowl invitation after getting by the Steelers.

The NFC just does not have any really good clubs. Its best would not be in the top half dozen of the AFC's strongest Teams. Another victory.

Any questions?

 

[pats1]

Nice to see my good 'ol optimism wearing off on somebody!

While such a statement is a bit premature, I do agree.

I believe we all just need to close our eyes, and try (shouldn't be too hard!) to remember these moments...

...Rodney showing blitz on the edge, ready to send the QB home with nightmares of a cold, flurry-filled Razor...

...Brady tearing apart a defense with potential receiving targets coming from every which direction, then celebrating in the endzone with a jump and hug or casual high-five...

...Peyton Manning, well, being Peyton Manning...

...Deion Branch tumbling into the endzone of a dead-quiet Hienz Field...

...Bethel Johnson (gasp!) darting through Colts before breaking for the daylight of the endzone carpet of the RCA Dome...

...Corey Dillon stiff-arming linebacker after linebacker after safety on his way to the corner of the endzone...

...Peyton Manning, well, being Peyton Manning...

...Rosevelt Colvin spinning and twisting a QB to the turf during their dreadful visit to the Razor...

...Tedy Bruschi reading the QB like a book to pick off the pass and slide into the snowy endzone, with a typical Bru celebration...

...Mike Vrabel strip-sacking Jake Delhomme under the Reliant Stadium roof...

...Geno and 'Sante lowering the shoulder to smash footstep-hearing receivers to the cold turf...

...Peyton Manning, well, being Peyton Manning...

...Troy Brown being dragged while crossing into the endzone with BB flinging his headset towards the heavens in celebration...


Guys, the team is still here. Let's not forget how some players are needed to complete the puzzle and create this championship mystique.

 

[zippo59]

I'm not sure that we can really call the LB and DB areas none issues until we see them as such on the field.

 

[Kdo5]

I completely agree. Just by looking at the schedule, just by looking at our roster, looking at who's coming back, looking at who's coming in and who will have break out seasons, the Lombardi Trophy of 2006 simply has the Pats name all over it. All these analysts can say what they want. Denver? Yes they can win at home, they "destroyed the dynasty" as their fans keep saying, and it really isnt true considering if we win our fourth SB in six years we are still a dynasty. Denver will not win the Superbowl or get to it. Indianapolis? Ok, the Pats did get ragged on for losing three good players, but we also have been harassed by analysts that we arent picking anybody up. We resigned Stephen Neal which is big for our offensive line, and we actually got a solid group of players, not big names, but good enough to give us depth and an excellent special teams. Now back to Indy, who have they signed off the free agents list?? Adam Vinataeri...and ??? Yep thats right they havent signed anyone else. Anybody who wants to give the Pats crap because they havent made a splash in free agency, ought to look at the Colts. They signed a great kicker, a kicker ageing, a kicker who will not guarentee to hit non clutch 40 yard field goals. They are just trying to hold together their 05 team. The Pats have rebuilt the team in many aspects, with all the DB's we signed. Re signing Chad Scott, getting Tebucky Jones and Eric Warfield. Put it this way if we arent devastated by injuries yet again, we will win the Super Bowl.

We've got Brady, the best Quarterback in the league, no doubt in my mind.

Dillon had a rough season last year but he will be determined to prove everybody wrong. He has been training very hard supposedly out in California, he hopefully will not be bugged by nagging injuries, and have a very good offensive line not being constantly flip flopped, he can get 1000 yards this year. Maroney, Faulk, Pass. None of them are bad to go to if Dillon needs a rest.

Branch, Caldwell, Troy Brown, Bethel? Ok that group doesnt sound too great put aside Deion, but we have just got Chad Jackson and who says we dont get a few more wide recievers? Not superstars just solid players to give us more depth. At tight end we just got our third guy, David Thomas is an awesome pass catcher. Watson I definitley believe is going to have a huge season, even a pro bowl season.

Defensively I believe our front seven for this year at least, is AWESOME. We are just looking for one more guy to settle in as Middle Linebacker with Bruschi, maybe at training camp we will find the guy for that spot. Beisel maybe, we'll see. Vrabel and Colvin on the outside?! Seymour, Wilfork and Warren in front of them, man that sounds good!

Defensive backs, lets not complain about it anymore, its looking good as of now. We have depth and I dont believe its possible for us to be devastated by injuries like last year again. I expect Samuel and Hobbs to start at Cornerback. Hobbs looked almost flawless when he started, Samuel improved, and I was glad to see him making big plays towards the end of the season, finally he got it together, made 3 picks in the second half of the season and picked off a pass in both of their playoff games. The pass interference call on him was BS, but there is nothing to do about it now. Ofcourse, I like Randall Gay at nickle back. And having veterans like Chad Scott and Eric Warfield is a nice plus. If anything bad happens, like injuries, I guess Hawkins can step in to help. Safety wise I like what I'm seeing. Rodney returning is a HUGE boost to that secondary, who were so inexperienced last year. Poole, Scott and Starks just got injured so quickly. So a no named Safety went along with Eugene Wilson and Samuel was starting? His safety to help him was changed like four times, Sanders, Stone, Scott, Hawkins. Having Rodney back, just man, it'll hopefully bring Wilson back to how he played in 2004, and helps Samuel as well.

Pats are gun win SB 41. :singing:

 

[RayClay]

Well that settles that. Undefeated for the rest of the decade.

TBC now the clone of McGinest. Okaaaaay..

 

[Brady-To-Branch]

AzPatsFan,

I looked at our schedule and came to the same conclsuion. At the absolute very worst, I see the '06 Pats finishing at 12-4. That schedule is the easiest I've seen for the Pats in a while.

2006 Schedule
Date	Opponent	Time/Result
Sep 10	Buffalo	1:00pm
Sep 17	@N.Y. Jets	4:15pm
Sep 24	Denver	8:15pm
Oct 1	@Cincinnati	4:15pm
Oct 8	Miami	1:00pm
Week 6	BYE	
Oct 22	@Buffalo	1:00pm
Oct 30	@Minnesota	8:30pm
Nov 5	Indianapolis	8:15pm
Nov 12	N.Y. Jets	1:00pm
Nov 19	@Green Bay	1:00pm
Nov 26	Chicago	1:00pm
Dec 3	Detroit	1:00pm
Dec 10	@Miami	1:00pm
Dec 17	Houston	1:00pm
Dec 24	@Jacksonville	1:00pm
Dec 31	@Tennessee	1:00pm

 

[shakadave]

The fact that we look so strong on paper convinces me that we'll be ravaged by injuries to 8 or 9 starters. It happens every year. I will never again count on a healthy season. Surely we've learned this by now.

Hence we may go only 14-2.

I do think our special teams will really be something this year. Can't remember so many quality STers being added in any offseason.

 

[363839]

Well that settles that. Undefeated for the rest of the decade.

TBC now the clone of McGinest. Okaaaaay..

Ahh. Some reason here. Thanks RayClay.

I love the optimism going on here, though.

 

[363839]

Cincinnati is going to be a tough game. Don't kid yourselves.

The last time Denver came to Foxboro they kicked our ass.

We can can count on our division rivals to give us some hard
fought games, too. It won't always be a cruise.

But yes.

The Pats are looking to be fielding another
championship calabre team that is capable of winning each
of these games.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Cincinnati is going to be a tough game. Don't kid yourselves.

The last time Denver came to Foxboro they kicked our ass.

We can can count on our division rivals to give us some hard
fought games, too. It won't always be a cruise.

But yes.

The Pats are looking to be fielding another
championship calabre team that is capable of winning each
of these games.

Yes, but that team that Denver played against couldn't stop the run and was not a good as this team will be. Brady, Dillon, Branch, Watson, Jackson, Maroney. This offense will be in top 3! Write that down! I can't wait for Denver to come to town.

 

[Miguel]

Any questions?

At the same time last year what was your opinion of the 2005 Patriots???

 

[Bostonian1962]

It is my considered opinion after much thought and analysis that:

The upcoming edition of the 2006 Patriots is the Deepest, Strongest, most talented, and Best Team from top to bottom, on Offense and Defense, all the way through the Practice Squad, of any Patriots Team in history.

I consider it better it most respects to the Team that won twenty-one straight and established the all time NFL record for most consecutive victories.

I would not be surprised if this edition duplicated or exceeded that feat over the next two years.

Why do I offer such an egregious opinion?

There just are no, even non-glaring, weaknessess. The one we all perceive is Willie McG's position, but TBC has claimed it apparently; and BB is signing vet LBs to compete with Izzo and Davis for ST positions, rather than addressing it, so he is sanquine about it to all appearances. Kickers come and go. We signed a former NFL star to replace an NFL star, and also college's best, too, for good measure. So do WRs, and we have upgraded that position even without Jackson, IMO. look at the TEs and how many teams have two franchise backs. There is gravy to go artound.

Except for grevous injury, to Tom Brady, I really expect no losses, and more than one loss is improbable given thier schedule. They have eight games against teams competing for the 2007 first draft pick. The other half season? Since they play only two real winning clubs on the road, and a good team plays .500 ball in such circumstances, is the reason I say that.

I do not respect either Jax or Cincy, the two road games that are in question, so I really expect a sweep. Neither club is complete. Cincy's defense is suspect and Jax needs another year of building. Other "'winning opponents" are even more flawed or outright flukes. Chicago and Minnesota come to mind. The strongest of the AFC flawed teams, we face in Foxboro. Indy's time has come... and gone; and Denver's has never arrived except at Mile High.

The Pats will have HFA throughout the playoffs with such a record, so I anticipate a Superbowl invitation after getting by the Steelers.

The NFC just does not have any really good clubs. Its best would not be in the top half dozen of the AFC's strongest Teams. Another victory.

Any questions?

That is very gutsy, and I applaud you for coming out and saying what you think. I'm not far off from your line of thinking, but I would like to see how things go in camp, and whether we even need to add somebody elses training camp cut(s).

I love our lines, both offensive and defensive. They could be our best in a long time. I love our RB situation, and our TE situation. Very talented. Very deep. If Rodney is back and is Rodney, then I feel good about the DBs. There does seem to be some capable players there as well, but can they stay healthy?

The WRs could be fine, but I have to see more. Ditto linebackers. It's going to be a great year!

 

[Keegs]

The only games i can see that will be real tough are @cinci, @miami, and home against Indy.

We dominated Denver in the playoffs with a mangled roster. I think if we are healthy it should not be a problem. And Chicago is a joke they won't give us trouble their offense is horrendous. Our second game in NY might be tough too, but other than those 4, theres no problems. Unless all our DBs go on th e IR again.

 

[BelichickFan]

The only games i can see that will be real tough are @cinci, @miami, and home against Indy.

And the @Cincy game could change if Palmer isn't playing. He seems to be coming along well but they have their bye week the week after they play us so it wouldn't be shocking if they end up keeping him out until Week 6 (after their bye week).

I'm still ticked off that we have to play Indy after a road Monday Night game.

 

[BelichickFan]

Except for grevous injury, to Tom Brady, I really expect no losses

Az, now that it's the next day can you let us know if you were drinking last night ?

I would never go as far as to say that I expect no losses. But I agree with your concept that if we can have a league average number of injuries then we should be scary good.

Having Caldwell or Jackson be a good #2 WR is a key for me. I don't know if any of us realize how much pressure will be taken off Brady this year with Dillon and Maroney in the backfield.

Just stay healthy, Tommy.

 

[Brady-To-Branch]

Cincinnati is going to be a tough game. Don't kid yourselves.

Palmer will be no better than questionable by WK# 4.

The last time Denver came to Foxboro they kicked our ass.

That was in 2002, when the Pats had holes at NT, DB, WR, and RB and finished 9-7.

We can can count on our division rivals to give us some hard fought games, too. It won't always be a cruise.

A win's a win. At worst, we'll split with the Jets and Miami and sweep Buffalo (4-2). As for Miami, they are one of the more overrated teams in the current NFL's offseason. Culpepper has a terrible record against teams with winning records and is likely to wind up on the PUP list to start the season. Two of their long time pillars on "D", Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, are old. Miami pulled an unlikely upset at SD and beat the Pats in a meaningless W# 17 game, which gave the illusion of a 9-7 record. IMO, the Phins will take a step back in 2006.

But yes. The Pats are looking to be fielding another championship calabre team that is capable of winning each of these games.

I have no problem with optimism (or pessimism, for that matter) if it's supported by reason and logic. If the Colts had beaten SD, they would have entered the following game at Seattle with a purpose and very likely would have finished 16-0.

Based on several factors that others have posted on this thread, the notion of the 2006 Pats becoming the latest team to challenge the '72 Dolphins isn't far-fetched.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Pats1

You've forgotten:

Tedy Bruschi ripping the ball right out of the hands of a surprised Dominic Rhodes

Dan Graham catching the ball for a first down with Colts defenders climbing all over him!

Now is the time of year for a bit of irrational optimism. Thanks, AZ.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Confident but aprehensive in 2005...

At the same time last year what was your opinion of the 2005 Patriots???

I was a hopeful but I could see potential problems. We had no depth at RB but our front-liners were solid. The Linebackers were solid through 5, (the rest were ST and only nominal LBs) but Bruschi 's loss would hurt. I didn't anticipate TJ never putting on a helmet again; (and neither did BB).

I wondered about a backup to Wilfork. I wondered if Willie would go "Over the Hill" just like Phife had done the year earlier.

The schedule looked intimidating.

But I was confident they would get to the playoffs.

 

[Patsbacker]

I'm really worried about the WR position and Rodney's health.

 

[BelichickFan]

I was a hopeful but I could see potential problems. We had no depth at RB but our front-liners were solid. The Linebackers were solid through 5, (the rest were ST and only nominal LBs) but Bruschi 's loss would hurt. I didn't anticipate TJ never putting on a helmet again; (and neither did BB).

It also has to be noted that the Patriots may well have been the best team in the NFL at the end of last year. Now, they played a bad game and lost - so be it. But it's not like those who were confident 12 months ago were way off. Additionally, it was unreasonable to think we would lose Light, TJ, Harrison, Graham, Gay, Koppen and Dillon for most of the season. Some injuries, sure, but total decimation - no.

Honestly, just getting those guys back (of course Harrison is still highly quesionable) and then assuming a normal amount of injuries makes up for the losses IMO.