Nervous about the game? Read this.

[n6249c]

Got blown out twice this year by marginal teams. In terms of playoffs, go back to the last time they were in the playoffs with a record worse than 12-4. [...] in 2009 [!]

think about that. Almost ten years. Not just making the playoffs, but 12-4 or better.

No wonder Roger Goodall cries himself to sleep every night with dreams of parity turning into nightmares that even his deflated balls can’t banish.

 

[edkk323]

I made the mistake of turning on my radio as I went out for lunch today.

I then tuned in to Colin Cowherd (second mistake).

I then didn't change the channel when he brought on his guest, Rob Parker (3rd mistake).

What I learned from that sage (Rob Parker) is that the Patriots are the 8th best of the 8 remaining playoff teams, that LA is a lock. However, he does not rule out the chance that somehow, some way, the Patriots might win if Tom Brady continues to be the luckiest player on Earth, a guy who just happens to stumble upon success over and over again.

My blood pressure rose more than it ought to. Man, I hate Rob Parker. He assured us in 2013 that Brady was done and he'd never sniff another Super Bowl, and yet he is all over the airwaves. Why? I guess hating the Patriots, irrationally, is good for ratings.

I blame you for listening to Rob Parker. . The difference between him and Max Kellerman are that he is black and he does not have obvious herpes on his face.

 

[Tony2046]

I blame you for listening to Rob Parker. . The difference between him and Max Kellerman are that he is black and he does not have obvious herpes on his face.

Too funny.. hahaha

 

[supafly]

It is true how the stadium seemingly appears out of nowhere.

Is this somehow true no matter what direction you’re coming from, or is this following a specific route? I’ve never seen the stadium in person and would love this experience if I eventually make the long trek, someday.

 

[edkk323]

Too funny.. hahaha

Nah. If Rob Parker and Max Kellerman are both trapped in a sinking car, who would u save? That is funny cuz Ray Lewis killed two guys.

 

[QB12]

Oh, you're well within your rights to feel nervous. The Patriots this year were all over the place. BUT, and this is a big thing for me at least, they tended to play well, very good even, against good teams. They're 4-0 against the playoff teams they played this year. Good news is, the bad teams get nowhere near the playoffs haha. All jokes aside though, I think they'll be ready. If their best isn't good enough, so be it, but I'm pretty sure that we'll play well on Sunday and that we'll come out on top!

This is true. We’ve come up big all season when we really needed to.

 

[PikesPeakPatsFan]

I know we're a great team sometimes. But if they show up flat for this game like they tend to do after playoff bye weeks, we are absolutely screwed. This isn't the Texans or Colts from a few years ago, this Chargers team is damn good.

Not sure the historical evidence suggests that they show up flat for games after playoff bye weeks.

Since 2001, the Patriots are 11-1 in the postseason after receiving a first round bye, and 7-0 since the one loss in 2010.

They have outscored their opponent in those 11 wins by a score of 344 to 191.

Only three of those eleven opponents had fewer than 10 wins (the 2011 Broncos, 2016 Texans and 2017 Titans) and six of those eleven opponents had 11 or more wins. Combined record of those eleven opponents was 115-61

The only loss in twelve tries after a postseason first round bye was to the Jets in January of 2011.

Conversely, in the three playoff games they have played since 2001 in the wild card round, they are 2-1, the only defeat being that ugly loss to the Ravens in January 2010.

Brady has been historically good after a playoff bye week. 3,117 passing yards in those eleven wins, with 24 TDs against only 4 INTs.

After a regular season bye, maybe they come out flat. I'm not entirely sure that is the case but it feels that way without looking up the data. But in the postseason with a bye, they are pretty dominant.

 

[Nunchucks]

Not sure the historical evidence suggests that they show up flat for games after playoff bye weeks.

Since 2001, the Patriots are 11-1 in the postseason after receiving a first round bye, and 7-0 since the one loss in 2010.

They have outscored their opponent in those 11 wins by a score of 344 to 191.

Only three of those eleven opponents had fewer than 10 wins (the 2011 Broncos, 2016 Texans and 2017 Titans) and six of those eleven opponents had 11 or more wins. Combined record of those eleven opponents was 115-61

The only loss in twelve tries after a postseason first round bye was to the Jets in January of 2011.

Conversely, in the three playoff games they have played since 2001 in the wild card round, they are 2-1, the only defeat being that ugly loss to the Ravens in January 2010.

Brady has been historically good after a playoff bye week. 3,117 passing yards in those eleven wins, with 24 TDs against only 4 INTs.

After a regular season bye, maybe they come out flat. I'm not entirely sure that is the case but it feels that way without looking up the data. But in the postseason with a bye, they are pretty dominant.

This is not like most Patriots teams that make it to the playoffs.

 

[PikesPeakPatsFan]

This is not like most Patriots teams that make it to the playoffs.

Maybe not, but aside from a few notable exceptions, some of those teams had glaring weaknesses as well.

Any historical comparison can be argued to be irrelevant. Just ask Belichick. I was just pointing out what they've done historically to offer a counter argument to the statement by the poster that I quoted that the Patriots come out flat after playoff bye weeks. They most certainly do not based on the historical evidence. Might they come out flat this postseason after the bye? We'll know early Sunday afternoon.

And yes I know the defense has holes, Gronk isn't Gronk, no deep threat receiver to speak of, Brady might be hurt, and all the other factors that give one pause for concern for these playoffs. Heck, I'm not saying they will win in a blowout this week or even win at all. But I do believe the odds are that they will come to play. Might they still be outplayed? Absolutely. I do expect them to put up a fight though. Proud franchise, GOAT QB, GOAT coach and all that.

 

[Darrone]

Is this somehow true no matter what direction you’re coming from, or is this following a specific route? I’ve never seen the stadium in person and would love this experience if I eventually make the long trek, someday.

Accurate from both sides. Coming from the south, there are trees/buildings along route 1, then it suddenly breaks as you get to Bass Pro shops on your right with all the lots for Gillette. It happens as your on a slight incline, so it slowly reveals itself as you climb the road.

Coming from the north, you get to lot 33 and the stadium just kinda "appears" on your left out of nowhere. It's pretty awesome

However, it's becoming less and less true as they build up Patriot Place in front of Gillette. The outdoor mall, the medical center, the hotels, the retail shops, etc. It takes away from the aesthetic a bit.

 

[Mack Herron]

Well, for balance there's this.

 

[PikesPeakPatsFan]

I was thinking the Chargers were 8-1 away from home so far but forgot they also played a "home" game in Wembley Stadium so they are indeed 9-1 away from home.

That's a pretty interesting stat of teams winning 9+ on the road all winning the SB.

 

[Mack Herron]

I was thinking the Chargers were 8-1 away from home so far but forgot they also played a "home" game in Wembley Stadium so they are indeed 9-1 away from home.

That's a pretty interesting stat of teams winning 9+ on the road all winning the SB.

Right--London.

 

[BobDigital]

What stuck in my head in all these post was the word predictable used about the Chargers defense. If that is going to be the case it's hard to imagine Brady not finding holes unless the OL fails to block.

 

[BobDigital]

I'm not nervous in large part because the Pats aren't the best team or even 2nd best this year. It doesn't mean they can't win it all but it would be an aberration more than the rule.

As far as the Chargers I expect to get past them but I won't be surprised if we don't.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Why? Are they out of shape?

Yeah, they haven't done so well in the conditioning tests. They are also looking a little frail, could add some size.

 

[libra957]

Nah. If Rob Parker and Max Kellerman are both trapped in a sinking car, who would u save? That is funny cuz Ray Lewis killed two guys.

In the heat of the moment, I would decide after a lengthy debate.

 

[Kontradiction]

I was thinking the Chargers were 8-1 away from home so far but forgot they also played a "home" game in Wembley Stadium so they are indeed 9-1 away from home.

That's a pretty interesting stat of teams winning 9+ on the road all winning the SB.

It shows a mentally tough team. Mentally tough teams that have talent usually go on to do very well in the postseason.

 

[IllegalContact]

Not nervous at all........I think the pats take a dump on the chargers

 

[TheRainMaker]

Not nervous at all........I think the pats take a dump on the chargers

And then they win the game.