Who Can Challenge Pats in the AFC?

[SalemPats]

I said the Steelers, but the Ravens always give us a hard time too. Jumpin' Joe Flacco is still throwing up those long bombs & drawing flags. The Steelers, for all their "almost" losses, have still managed to win 8 straight, just like us. Even though we usually have their number, it would be foolish to overlook them or count them as an automatic "win" as someone said in another thread. Everyone else I am not worried about (but still wouldn't take them for granted).

I would say the Ravens as well, but losing Jimmy Smith really hurts

 

[PatsFan2]

Didn't say they'd win. Just the teams that would be the biggest challenge in a game and make life a little harder on Brady. Those two teams have the DNA on defense.

Exactly Kontra those Teams don't have to Blitz to bring it. They can generate pressure with a three man rush...I hope we have Defense like that some day.

 

[PatsFan2]

Chargers, JAX, TN, BAL and Pitt all have enough talent to give the NEP a game if they don't bring their A game.

No way on Tennessee they are horrible, If JAX's make them take that division it's on them.

 

[TomPatriot]

Ravens or Steelers.

 

[Kontradiction]

Exactly Kontra those Teams don't have to Blitz to bring it. They can generate pressure with a three man rush...I hope we have Defense like that some day.

If Lee is the real deal and this isn’t a mirage, then the Patriots basically have a defense like that when Flowers is healthy.

 

[RobertWeathers]

No way on Tennessee they are horrible, If JAX's make them take that division it's on them.

TN is not horrible. The 49ers are horrible.

 

[IllegalContact]

nobody

but if I had to pick, I'd say the steelers because in the playoffs, this is the only one that stands to be an away game

neither the ravens nor the chargers have beaten anyone worth a damned, and neither has a chance here......the ravens remind me of 2013.......they'll come here and their offense is so bad, their defense won't save them from a 41-7 type game

there's a chance that the Jags defense could give the Pats problems but I don't see an offense that can get any kind of lead on the Pats to where the offensive balance has to shirt

as for the NFC, again, nobody.....the seahawks proved wentz is pretty easily confusable ...... the vikings? the rams?

they may as well start etching the trophy now

 

[PatsFan2]

If Lee is the real deal and this isn’t a mirage, then the Patriots basically have a defense like that when Flowers is healthy.

Kontra Shhhhh! on Eric Lee I'm still trying to wake up regarding him.

 

[Kontradiction]

nobody

but if I had to pick, I'd say the steelers because in the playoffs, this is the only one that stands to be an away game

neither the ravens nor the chargers have beaten anyone worth a damned, and neither has a chance here......the ravens remind me of 2013.......they'll come here and their offense is so bad, their defense won't save them from a 41-7 type game

there's a chance that the Jags defense could give the Pats problems but I don't see an offense that can get any kind of lead on the Pats to where the offensive balance has to shirt

as for the NFC, again, nobody.....the seahawks proved wentz is pretty easily confusable ...... the vikings? the rams?

they may as well start etching the trophy now

The Ravens defense is also very hot and cold. People are picking them purely based on past history, but that’s a team with a ton of flaws.

 

[denverpatsfan]

Ravens and Chargers. Looking at playing one of them in round 2 after the BYE. Not going to be an easy out.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Who Can Challenge Pats in the AFC?

= Patriots

Followed by NFC champion

Nailed it. Every opponent is capable however the Patriots must be mindful of beating themselves.

 

[sean10mm]

The Steelers have the talent to beat the Patriots, but they're as inconsistent and streaky as a 10-2 team can be. Whether they look like world-beaters, or can barely squeak by bums, seems completely up in the air at any given time. To me that speaks to weak coaching, both in terms of lack of adjustments, and just not having a grip on their players' psychology.

If they start hot and hit on some early big plays they can get momentum and just steamroll you on offense. The Steelers winning if the Pats just come out and have a bad game would be a disappointment but hardly a shock.

But they could easily have another defensive implosion the second things start to go against them once they're playing someone better than the Bungles.

 

[maineman209]

I'd say either the Jags or Ravens, and that the Pats will likely host one or the other in the AFCCG.

 

[Pats1989]

Ravens because they've won in NE, and they have a QB who turns into Momtana once January hits. Jags are a threat, yet how much of a threat with Bortles? KC has had the Patriots #. That would be tough.

NFC? Eagles AINEC. They have great pass rushers, elite QB, good RB's. That would be a very very difficult game to win.

 

[FourierSeries]

Ravens because they've won in NE, .

They haven't beaten NE since 2012, home or away.

 

[A Defiant Goose]

Jags, Chargers, and Ravens in that order IMO.

 

[jam757]

I voted Ravens based on past history and the fact that they have a better defense than the Steelers. I think it would be a crappy divisional opponent. As hot as the Chargers are I do not see them coming into Gillette and winning. It's interesting because as much as I want the Pats to beat the Steelers I think the loser of that game will play better in the next one.

 

[FourierSeries]

I voted Ravens based on past history and the fact that they have a better defense than the Steelers. I think it would be a crappy divisional opponent. As hot as the Chargers are I do not see them coming into Gillette and winning. It's interesting because as much as I want the Pats to beat the Steelers I think the loser of that game will play better in the next one.

Pats/Ravens games have been a one sided ass whooping since Lewis and Reed retired, with the exception being the 2014 AFC Divisional round. Even in that game, it was the defense that was shaky. The offense shredded the Ravens.

 

[luuked]

Ravens because they've won in NE, and they have a QB who turns into Momtana once January hits. Jags are a threat, yet how much of a threat with Bortles? KC has had the Patriots #. That would be tough.

rofl... I swear to god this is beyond funny...

So there are people here who actually think that one of the bottom 5 QBs in the league, a defense that played the weakest schedule in ages and a historically bad offense would be an issue for this diverse Patriots team. Comedy gold...

 

[jam757]

Pats/Ravens games have been a one sided ass whooping since Lewis and Reed retired, with the exception being the 2014 AFC Divisional round. Even in that game, it was the defense that was shaky. The offense shredded the Ravens.

Absolutely true, I know. It's more one of those match-up things where some teams just seem to play better D against the Pats (Dolphins, Ravens, etc.). Possibly due to scheme or whatever. Also, then you have the Flacco really raising his level of play. I know the Ravens are extremely limited on offense so you would think the Pats would crush them. I just don't even want to see the match up. I think the Jags will not play great in cold weather and SD scares no one as they are too mistake prone.