MainePatsFan26
Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2011
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It is rough news hearing about Brady being suspended again for the first four games this season. What I'm wondering about, in all honesty, is if this suspension might actually help the Patriots long term. While this is all speculation, here are a few reasons to see the silver lining.
First of all, one of the Patriots major troubles in years past with taking superb teams into the playoffs has been them being too effective early in the season and running out of gas. Many of the teams, in particular 2007s, have been 14-2 to 16-0 at the end of the year and seem to lack a chip on their shoulders heading into the playoffs. Without Brady for these first four games, the Pats will have bumps and bruises from a likely 1-3 or 2-2 start. In 2014, the 2-2 start and the Kansas City loss, in particular, lit a fire under the team and coupled with Brady's return could signal a renewed sense of urgency.
Second, I can only see division mates earning a 2-2, or 3-1 at best in the first four games. If the Pats can go 1-3 or 2-2 the division will be within their grasp within a couple of games after Brady returns.
Third, Tom Brady is getting up there in the years and sitting out will keep him rested and -- knock on wood -- away from injuries for 1/4 the season. As long as the Patriots can make the playoffs, they've got a shot. Heck, with how weak Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City are looking as conference front-runners for home-field, the Patriots might even get the #2 seed or higher this year despite missing Brady for this initial stretch.
Lastly, this suspension will keep alive the tradition of "us vs. the world" that led to the Patriots beating the Seahawks in 2014. In the first four games, the message will be "win for Brady" and when Brady comes back, it will be all about getting revenge on the league.
I hate Goodell and overall the reinstatement of the suspension is a disappointment. But there are some upsides that could motivate the Pats more than other teams. Here's hoping.
First of all, one of the Patriots major troubles in years past with taking superb teams into the playoffs has been them being too effective early in the season and running out of gas. Many of the teams, in particular 2007s, have been 14-2 to 16-0 at the end of the year and seem to lack a chip on their shoulders heading into the playoffs. Without Brady for these first four games, the Pats will have bumps and bruises from a likely 1-3 or 2-2 start. In 2014, the 2-2 start and the Kansas City loss, in particular, lit a fire under the team and coupled with Brady's return could signal a renewed sense of urgency.
Second, I can only see division mates earning a 2-2, or 3-1 at best in the first four games. If the Pats can go 1-3 or 2-2 the division will be within their grasp within a couple of games after Brady returns.
Third, Tom Brady is getting up there in the years and sitting out will keep him rested and -- knock on wood -- away from injuries for 1/4 the season. As long as the Patriots can make the playoffs, they've got a shot. Heck, with how weak Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City are looking as conference front-runners for home-field, the Patriots might even get the #2 seed or higher this year despite missing Brady for this initial stretch.
Lastly, this suspension will keep alive the tradition of "us vs. the world" that led to the Patriots beating the Seahawks in 2014. In the first four games, the message will be "win for Brady" and when Brady comes back, it will be all about getting revenge on the league.
I hate Goodell and overall the reinstatement of the suspension is a disappointment. But there are some upsides that could motivate the Pats more than other teams. Here's hoping.
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