The Worst Defense in the History of the World...

[The Dynasty]

The defense played well, Cutler looked lost out there, some had to do with the elements I am sure, but hats off to the Pats defense on another great week.

Still they have yet to be tested in a tight game throughout and have to play a full 60 minutes of critical football. Does this concern anyone besides me?

 

[mgcolby]

The defense played well, Cutler looked lost out there, some had to do with the elements I am sure, but hats off to the Pats defense on another great week.

Still they have yet to be tested in a tight game throughout and have to play a full 60 minutes of critical football. Does this concern anyone besides me?

The Baltimore game doesn't count?

 

[Ring 6]

The defense played well, Cutler looked lost out there, some had to do with the elements I am sure, but hats off to the Pats defense on another great week.

Still they have yet to be tested in a tight game throughout and have to play a full 60 minutes of critical football. Does this concern anyone besides me?

They have been tested in tight games against SD, Baltimore, Indy and won them. I dont know why its a problem that they dont let the other team get close often.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

Surprised I didn't see that over the past week.

The defense played well, Cutler looked lost out there, some had to do with the elements I am sure, but hats off to the Pats defense on another great week.

Still they have yet to be tested in a tight game throughout and have to play a full 60 minutes of critical football. Does this concern anyone besides me?

I'm beginning to think you're Felger.

No defense plays dominant football for 60 minutes at a time and still gets tested in a really close game unless the offense is awful (see Jets, Dolphins). Our guys have played really really well lately, and they've played so well they've helped blow open games for us. From the second half of the Lions game to the second half against Chicago, they went 118 minutes without giving up a TD, almost two straight games.

The defense has responded to very tough situations numerous times. That Baltimore game was tight throughout, and though they struggled early, they found a way to shut the door in the 4th quarter and throughout OT on several drives. The Colts game was also very tight throughout. Yes Manning had a big 4th quarter, but don't forget we were only up 21-14 at halftime too. The defense didn't play outstanding, but they were competitive against one of the best QBs in the league and found a way to get it done.

But even more impressive is the fact that the defense has been able to make enough big plays to ensure games are NOT close from start to finish. They make plays to blow the game up. Against the Bears, the Pats went 3 and out, the defense goes out and forces a 3 and out to get the ball back. That was a huge stop for the team and to not give momentum to the Bears. After we get the ball back, we score to go up 7-0.

Then the Bears go on a long drive but the defense finds a way to shut them down. We get the ball back, and the offense scores. Two stops, and the defense has kept momentum on our side. Now the Bears know they need to score, but the D gets a turnover, plus score a TD. They're helping put this game out of reach. Then they force another 3 and out and we score a FG. Then they force another fumble.

They shut down the Bears on their first 5 drives to win this game, and you want to complain that they haven't been tested for a whole game? If they keep playing like this, they SHOULDN'T be tested for an entire game. If they are, it means our offense isn't doing ANYTHING with the great field position our defense is producing for them.

 

[The Dynasty]

Surprised I didn't see that over the past week.

I'm beginning to think you're Felger.

No defense plays dominant football for 60 minutes at a time and still gets tested in a really close game unless the offense is awful (see Jets, Dolphins). Our guys have played really really well lately, and they've played so well they've helped blow open games for us. From the second half of the Lions game to the second half against Chicago, they went 118 minutes without giving up a TD, almost two straight games.

The defense has responded to very tough situations numerous times. That Baltimore game was tight throughout, and though they struggled early, they found a way to shut the door in the 4th quarter and throughout OT on several drives. The Colts game was also very tight throughout. Yes Manning had a big 4th quarter, but don't forget we were only up 21-14 at halftime too. The defense didn't play outstanding, but they were competitive against one of the best QBs in the league and found a way to get it done.

But even more impressive is the fact that the defense has been able to make enough big plays to ensure games are NOT close from start to finish. They make plays to blow the game up. Against the Bears, the Pats went 3 and out, the defense goes out and forces a 3 and out to get the ball back. That was a huge stop for the team and to not give momentum to the Bears. After we get the ball back, we score to go up 7-0.

Then the Bears go on a long drive but the defense finds a way to shut them down. We get the ball back, and the offense scores. Two stops, and the defense has kept momentum on our side. Now the Bears know they need to score, but the D gets a turnover, plus score a TD. They're helping put this game out of reach. Then they force another 3 and out and we score a FG. Then they force another fumble.

They shut down the Bears on their first 5 drives to win this game, and you want to complain that they haven't been tested for a whole game? If they keep playing like this, they SHOULDN'T be tested for an entire game. If they are, it means our offense isn't doing ANYTHING with the great field position our defense is producing for them.

The only real tight game throughout that the Pats have played in was the Baltimore game, the SD and Colts games the Pats had big leads, and gave them up in the 4th quarter. The Pats D in the 2nd half did not play well at all, they got bailed out by Sanders' INT of Manning. They played prevent in the 4th quarter, which is fine I understand you are going to give up yards when you play that, but they allowed the Colts to score twice on drives less than 3 minutes. Playing with big leads has allowed the Pats to play a relaxed style on defense, and when the opponent is behind they are going to force throws to try and make plays and therefore are more prone to mistakes.

The Pats D played well today, I am not denying that, but the Bears played terrible. They are one of the worst 9-3 teams in recent memory. Cutler looked like a deer in the head lights today. The elements got to the Bears and before they knew it they were down 21-0. This is a credit to BB and how he prepares his teams. The Bears play today made the Pats look a lot better than they really are.

I know I sound like Felger, but when you really think about it an INT is either a stupid decision by the QB, or a good defense play. I know I have no numbers to back this up, but based on watching all of the games I would say that the majority of the Pats INTs have come off of stupid throws/decisions by the QB. I still give credit for the Pats making the plays, but it is making them look a lot better than they really are. For example today both of Cutlers INTs were terrible throws, and last week 2 of 3 Sanchez's INTs were bad decisions. My point is that in the playoffs you are not going to face QBs making all kinds of poor decisions. I give credit to the Pats D for capitalizing on them, but what happens when they dont get them?

 

[RayClay]

My point is that in the playoffs you are not going to face QBs making all kinds of poor decisions. I give credit to the Pats D for capitalizing on them, but what happens when they dont get them?

We've faced and beat quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning of the

Colts
Bears
Jets
Steelers
Ravens
Chargers
+
Carson Palmer
Brett Favre

Now that we've eliminated all the stupid quarterbacks...

Who are the quarterbacks we can't beat in the playoffs?

YouTube - Pet Shop (Dead Parrot) - Monty Python

 

[The Dynasty]

We've faced and beat quarterbacks, including Peyton Manning of the

Colts
Bears
Jets
Steelers
Ravens
Chargers

Who are the other quarterbacks we can't beat in the playoffs?

YouTube - Pet Shop (Dead Parrot) - Monty Python

I didnt say the Pats couldnt beat them in the playoffs, I am saying that QBs in the playoffs will have the capability of not committing any turnovers, and forcing the Pats to stop offenses without causing turnovers, which they really have not proven that they can do consistently.

 

[ausbacker]

I didnt say the Pats couldnt beat them in the playoffs, I am saying that QBs in the playoffs will have the capability of not committing any turnovers, and forcing the Pats to stop offenses without causing turnovers, which they really have not proven that they can do consistently.

Quarterbacks have the ability to commit no turnovers in the regular season. You're making yourself look like a fool in this instance The Dynasty. It's probably wise to just quit now and cut your losses.

 

[The Dynasty]

Quarterbacks have the ability to commit no turnovers in the regular season. You're making yourself look like a fool in this instance The Dynasty. It's probably wise to just quit now and cut your losses.

If the Pats get knocked out in the playoffs it will be because of their young defense and their dependence on the turnover. If that happens, is all I can say is I warned you.

 

[VectorPrime]

I didnt say the Pats couldnt beat them in the playoffs, I am saying that QBs in the playoffs will have the capability of not committing any turnovers, and forcing the Pats to stop offenses without causing turnovers, which they really have not proven that they can do consistently.

We got 3 ints off Peyton Manning. And a couple off Big Ben.

Anything else?

 

[The Dynasty]

We got 3 ints off Peyton Manning. And a couple off Big Ben.

Anything else?

What is the probability of that happening in the playoffs with such a young and inexperienced defense?

 

[ATippett56]

I didnt say the Pats couldnt beat them in the playoffs, I am saying that QBs in the playoffs will have the capability of not committing any turnovers, and forcing the Pats to stop offenses without causing turnovers, which they really have not proven that they can do consistently.

The teams most likely to qualify for the AFC Playoffs are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, New York Frauds or San Diego Chargers. The New England Patriots already have beaten them all this season. In the meantime, the New England Patriots defense has only allowed ten points in the last two games. Most likely, the New England Patriots will clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

The only real tight game throughout that the Pats have played in was the Baltimore game, the SD and Colts games the Pats had big leads, and gave them up in the 4th quarter. The Pats D in the 2nd half did not play well at all, they got bailed out by Sanders' INT of Manning. They played prevent in the 4th quarter, which is fine I understand you are going to give up yards when you play that, but they allowed the Colts to score twice on drives less than 3 minutes. Playing with big leads has allowed the Pats to play a relaxed style on defense, and when the opponent is behind they are going to force throws to try and make plays and therefore are more prone to mistakes.

I think I've written this a dozen times now but for the record, against the Colts, Manning's numbers were:

1st half: 19 of 26, 221 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
2nd half: 19 of 26, 175 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

Yes, the Pats had a rough 4th quarter. But to claim they had a huge lead against Indy is misleading. Despite Peyton's first half struggles, we went into halftime only up 7. The defense came out and made some huge plays to shut out Manning in that third quarter, which is how we got that big lead in the first place.

The Pats D played well today, I am not denying that, but the Bears played terrible. They are one of the worst 9-3 teams in recent memory. Cutler looked like a deer in the head lights today. The elements got to the Bears and before they knew it they were down 21-0. This is a credit to BB and how he prepares his teams. The Bears play today made the Pats look a lot better than they really are.

I know I sound like Felger, but when you really think about it an INT is either a stupid decision by the QB, or a good defense play. I know I have no numbers to back this up, but based on watching all of the games I would say that the majority of the Pats INTs have come off of stupid throws/decisions by the QB. I still give credit for the Pats making the plays, but it is making them look a lot better than they really are. For example today both of Cutlers INTs were terrible throws, and last week 2 of 3 Sanchez's INTs were bad decisions. My point is that in the playoffs you are not going to face QBs making all kinds of poor decisions. I give credit to the Pats D for capitalizing on them, but what happens when they dont get them?

First, stupid throws/decisions are often forced by pressure in the pocket or confusion caused by the defense. They are bad decisions by the QB, but the defense deserves full credit if Cunningham pressures Manning into changing his throw or Sanchez is confused by all of the movement up front.

Secondly, all teams play bad QBs but look at the results. We forced 3 picks from Sanchez. The Dolphins only got one today despite a pretty talented secondary. The Bengals also only got one despite a pretty good secondary. We got two picks on Hill and held him to only 1 TD. It was only the second time in 9 games this season that Hill finished with more INTs than TDs.

Thirdly, we've been able to pick off even elite QBs, not just feasting on the weaklings. We intercepted Manning 3 times, starting the worst stretch of football in his career. We got a pick against Rivers and Roethlesberger and Cutler, who had been hot coming into this game.

I'm not saying we're the second coming of the Steel Curtain but you really have to give this defense some credit. They deserve it. You can't continue to harp on every minor little thing they haven't done when they are starting to do so many things really well.

 

[ausbacker]

If the Pats get knocked out in the playoffs it will be because of their young defense and their dependence on the turnover. If that happens, is all I can say is I warned you.

I sure hope the offense doesn't depend on scoring points in the post-season. That would be a terrible thing.

Seriously mate.. give up.

 

[Joker]

 

[convertedpatsfan]

If the Pats get knocked out in the playoffs it will be because of their young defense and their dependence on the turnover. If that happens, is all I can say is I warned you.

Seriously, what is this asinine nonsense?

You think we don't know we have a young defense? You think BB has no clue? That we're avoiding stopping the offense to wait for turnovers???

We are not a perfect defense. Of course we want to be better. Of course the team works on it every day. And we've made huge strides over the past month.

But do you really think your warning is the only thing keeping us from winning the Super Bowl? As if BB ignoring your "advice" is the key to championship #4???

 

[ausbacker]

 

[The Dynasty]

I think I've written this a dozen times now but for the record, against the Colts, Manning's numbers were:

1st half: 19 of 26, 221 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
2nd half: 19 of 26, 175 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

Yes, the Pats had a rough 4th quarter. But to claim they had a huge lead against Indy is misleading. Despite Peyton's first half struggles, we went into halftime only up 7. The defense came out and made some huge plays to shut out Manning in that third quarter, which is how we got that big lead in the first place.

They had a 17 point lead against the Colts, that is a fact. The defense struggled in the 4th quarter and allowed the Colts to get back in the game. The Sanders' INT bailed them out. In the playoffs they could be looking at a different result on that last drive. This is where my point comes in that they rely on the turnover too much and could come back to haunt them.

First, stupid throws/decisions are often forced by pressure in the pocket or confusion caused by the defense. They are bad decisions by the QB, but the defense deserves full credit if Cunningham pressures Manning into changing his throw or Sanchez is confused by all of the movement up front.

Secondly, all teams play bad QBs but look at the results. We forced 3 picks from Sanchez. The Dolphins only got one today despite a pretty talented secondary. The Bengals also only got one despite a pretty good secondary. We got two picks on Hill and held him to only 1 TD. It was only the second time in 9 games this season that Hill finished with more INTs than TDs.

Thirdly, we've been able to pick off even elite QBs, not just feasting on the weaklings. We intercepted Manning 3 times, starting the worst stretch of football in his career. We got a pick against Rivers and Roethlesberger and Cutler, who had been hot coming into this game.

I'm not saying we're the second coming of the Steel Curtain but you really have to give this defense some credit. They deserve it. You can't continue to harp on every minor little thing they haven't done when they are starting to do so many things really well.

I am giving the Patriots credit, they have played very well against the best teams in the AFC. In those games I just feel like the offense is playing at such a high level they are giving the defense a double digit lead to work with, which obviously makes it a lot easier. They have not been tested in a wall to wall close game where every series is critical. This isnt their fault, I am just pointing it out.

 

[ATippett56]

They have not been tested in a wall to wall close game where every series is critical. This isnt their fault, I am just pointing it out.

I guess you did not watch the Baltimore Ravens game.

 

[RayClay]

I am saying that QBs in the playoffs will have the capability of not committing any turnovers, and forcing the Pats to stop offenses without causing turnovers, which they really have not proven that they can do consistently.

So they commit turnovers on purpose during the regular season, even though they know how not to?

I mean, it will be the same quarterbacks, plus some good ones that won't make it.