Is Sunday A Must Win?

[Nunchucks]

I don't know it would test the loyalty of the fans. If you've been a fan since before 2001, you saw a lot of crap football and stayed with the team. I know I did, being a NY resident, I remember being excited to see to see the Pats on TV twice a year, even during 2-14 and 1-15 seasons.

That being said, if you've been a fan since 2001, they've had 2 non playoff seasons, and the fans came back strong after those seasons. So I'd say those who watch the games, care about the team and know the players will be loyal. The casual fan may get upset and their loyalty would be tested.

I remember watching the Patriots and being happy that they got a first down.

 

[PatsDeb]

It's not a must win but it would suck to be 0-2 all the same.

 

[Brewskies]

Not a must win but losing to NO unlike KC will have a greater negative effect on the team; 0-2 probably followed with a 0-3 but a 1-1 would result in a 2-1.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

It's not a must win but it would suck to be 0-2 all the same.

Yeah... I think of this game more as a litmus test to see how this team responds to failure, and whether they can play to their potential.

Playing against Drew Brees in a dome is tough - but I'm expecting our secondary to do well if they can sort out their mistakes from Thursday. The talent is definitely there!

The Saints also have a weakened O-line due to a rash of injuries, so Wise, Flower, Branch, Guy, and Brown should have a big game.

The middle and front edges of our defense is a bigger concern, especially with Hightower out. But I'm hoping for contributions from Van Noy (the coaches obviously sees something in him to offer an extension) and Harvery Langi. David Harris and Elandon Roberts will hopefully see more snaps.

Personally, I have more questions about the Patriots offense. I don't know what their identity is. And this will be their first time playing on the road. And it remains to be seen how the coaches will gameplan without Amendola. But if Sam Bradford can tear apart the Saints defense, then Tom Brady - with the weapons that he has - should have a better performance than the Thursday night opener.

I'm still expecting a lot of this team. They're already Super Bowl contenders. But they have the potential to be great, if they can sort things out.

 

[obgod3]

In a weird way I think it is a must win. But not for Brady alone but the team as a whole. Only because there are no easy opponents in the beginning of the season, I agree with others that an 0-2 start will likely mean not getting a bye int he playoffs. Thats a tough road to follow. 0-2 likely means a 12-4 season at best which is a respectable but puts them in a tough spot for the playoffs.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Where's my Jim Mora "#1 seed" meme when I need it?

They'd have to win 10/14 just to finish 10-6 and likely push for the #3 seed. In the end, seeding may not matter, as they should win the division barring catastrophe, but a first round bye may be difficult with an 0-2 start and games against the Broncos, Raiders, Falcons, Steelers, etc., with only one of those coming at Gillette.

That's why falling 0-2 would defiantly hurt more than people think...as far as seeing goes

 

[mgteich]

Oh, how we are spoiled.

12-4 does NOT put us in a tough spot for the playoffs. Perhaps, we need a list of wild cards that have won a conference championship. With 12-4, we would have at least on home game (we would even have that at 9-7).

In a weird way I think it is a must win. But not for Brady alone but the team as a whole. Only because there are no easy opponents in the beginning of the season, I agree with others that an 0-2 start will likely mean not getting a bye int he playoffs. Thats a tough road to follow. 0-2 likely means a 12-4 season at best which is a respectable but puts them in a tough spot for the playoffs.

 

[mgteich]

David Harris and Elandon Roberts will hopefully see more snaps.

I suppose so.

However, if they weren't trusted in coverage against KC, why would they be trusted against Brees?

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

I suppose so.

However, if they weren't trusted in coverage against KC, why would they be trusted against Brees?

to play against the run. Should've specified that

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I suppose so.

However, if they weren't trusted in coverage against KC, why would they be trusted against Brees?

I think KC has more speed no? With Cooks gone that hurt their speed

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Oh, how we are spoiled.

12-4 does NOT put us in a tough spot for the playoffs. Perhaps, we need a list of wild cards that have won a conference championship. With 12-4, we would have at least on home game (we would even have that at 9-7).

We all here can agree...home field advantage is the goal here...the's why 0-2 to start hurts that if say Pitt wins and stays healthy.

Not saying we won't get HF if we start 0-2...but yeah let's not have to deal with that extra L this early

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Where's my Jim Mora "#1 seed" meme when I need it?

They'd have to win 10/14 just to finish 10-6 and likely push for the #3 seed. In the end, seeding may not matter, as they should win the division barring catastrophe, but a first round bye may be difficult with an 0-2 start and games against the Broncos, Raiders, Falcons, Steelers, etc., with only one of those coming at Gillette.

 

[fnordcircle]

Does anyone have a link to cheap Packers jerseys? Just getting ready so I can jump ship ASAP on Monday morning if they lose.

 

[Thelonious]

Obviously it's not a " Must win" in the literal sense. But do you fear the season could be in jeopardy with a loss @ NO?

Keep in mind that Hou, TB, Carolina are up next. They'd have to go on a big win streak.

I don't put any stock into what happened in 01,03,2014. That said, I also don't put any stock into what occured in 09 @ NO.

Oh, for goodness' sake. Of course not.

I think we've gotten a little spoiled around here: We get miffed and breathless when they lose a game.

Its downright unmanly. (Tips hat to ladies present.)

 

[PatsWSB47]

In a weird way I think it is a must win. But not for Brady alone but the team as a whole. Only because there are no easy opponents in the beginning of the season, I agree with others that an 0-2 start will likely mean not getting a bye int he playoffs. Thats a tough road to follow. 0-2 likely means a 12-4 season at best which is a respectable but puts them in a tough spot for the playoffs.

I guess in that case we'll be adding a "4 Games to Glory" to our collection.