My impression from watching a bit of Dallas this year, is that their Oline is a bit overrated (they seem to have taken a step back relative to the incredible performance from last year), but that their defense is underrated. They were frequently getting pressure on some good Olines, and had some pretty good coverage.
Also, imo, the Pats have an underrated D and and overrated O. Yes yes, lots of points, Brady/Gronk/Edelman/ etc. But it seems at times that its mostly been a lot about the opponents mistakes, and not just sheer dominance like in 07/10/11. Don't get me wrong, we're still completely elite there, but we won't be throwing 50 points a game like some think we will and our oline rooks will hit the proverbial wall at some point.
Meanwhile our D has gotten a lot of flak from people on this board, but it looks much more fundamentally sound than is given credit for (a little like how last year through 4 games people were moaning about our D).
One area the Pats are not given enough credit for is our special teams. Imo we have the best overall s.t unit in the NFL.
Also, imo, the Pats have an underrated D and and overrated O. Yes yes, lots of points, Brady/Gronk/Edelman/ etc. But it seems at times that its mostly been a lot about the opponents mistakes, and not just sheer dominance like in 07/10/11. Don't get me wrong, we're still completely elite there, but we won't be throwing 50 points a game like some think we will and our oline rooks will hit the proverbial wall at some point.
Meanwhile our D has gotten a lot of flak from people on this board, but it looks much more fundamentally sound than is given credit for (a little like how last year through 4 games people were moaning about our D).
One area the Pats are not given enough credit for is our special teams. Imo we have the best overall s.t unit in the NFL.