Branch: We've been the underdog all year...

[PatsGirl2011]

Finally, someone said it! So true! After the Giants game all the haters were out in full force. The Pats were considered an after thought in terms of competing for the AFC let alone the SB. It was all about GB, NO, Pittsburgh and the Ravens. No way the Pats could compete with those teams right?Now everyone is on the bandwagon. Regardless if they win or lose on Sunday, I love how Deion called them out on it now!

 

[Warren1985]

Yep with this D we havent been favoured to reach this far. from critics to actual fans some people didnt see the Pats in this situation!

 

[Deus Irae]

Has there been a game this year where the Patriots weren't favored?

 

[PatsGirl2011]

Its not about Vegas but the public perception, IMO! The Pats have been favored in every game, but they were not considered legit threats in the playoff picture.

 

[Mogamedogz]

Has there been a game this year where the Patriots weren't favored?

Goodposting

 

[Laurence Maroney's Dreads]

Finally the return of "us against the world".

I, for one, missed it.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Linkopotamus.

A vintage call from past Super Bowl years, nicely played.

A reporter told Branch that the Patriots have earned the right to be favorites headed into Sunday, but Branch wouldn't have any of it, throwing the question right back and asking the reporter, "When?"

"We've been the underdog all year. Just let it stay that way, we'll be cool," he said with a grin.

When reminded that they are at home in the AFC Championship game, Branch stood firm.

"According to you guys, we're not even supposed to be here," he said. "You know, this team wasn't supposed to make it. We're cool with that. I think the only folks we worry about is the guys in the locker room. We worry about our game plan, and execution. We don't worry about the rest of the stuff.

 

[EJ Blitz]

Not really...

The Pats were practically picked to win the Superbowl with a revamped defense to compliment the offense, then we realized defense sucked, THEN they went under the radar after the back to back losses.

 

[SVN]

classic rodney harrison style self built disrespect..iam sure BB is playing all the media picks baout "physical team" and even harbaugh's postgame locker room speech

 

[TheTruth3402]

There is an important distinction that needs to be made between 'disliked' and 'disrespected'.

IMO, this team is disliked across America, but not disrespected. Fans and pundits are going to hate on us, take every opportunity to doubt us or hyperanalyze any potential flaws, but at the end of the year we are always in it to the surprise of no one.