Through 2 Weeks: 3 Points Given Up, 76 Points Scored

1. Yes not the greatest teams faced, but the point differential of +73 through 2 games rivals the 2007 team which had an avg point differential of 20 per game.

2. The defense may be Belichick's best ever and that's saying something given his Giants or 03-04 Patriot teams. The defense with two straight pick-6 TD scores, I can't remember the last time that even happened.

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The defense is fantastic. Not the best opposition to judge things by so far but they have skill at all three levels and depth across the board. The secondary is incredible.

Meanwhile the offense seems to be a work in progress but the talent is unquestionable. It could be an '07-esque offense with more talent in the backfield, what remains to be seen is how the line holds up and whether Brown and Gordon can stay on the field. If the stars align for this team it could be an all-time great season, if not it still seems like a SB contender because of the defense and Brady alone.

The sportswriters can pick from their numerous 15+ sack guys for defensive player of the year; there are so many of them, I can't even keep track.

Stephon Gilmore is the NFL's best defensive player.

hambone1818 said:

The defense is fantastic. Not the best opposition to judge things by so far but they have skill at all three levels and depth across the board. The secondary is incredible.

Meanwhile the offense seems to be a work in progress but the talent is unquestionable. It could be an '07-esque offense with more talent in the backfield, what remains to be seen is how the line holds up and whether Brown and Gordon can stay on the field. If the stars align for this team it could be an all-time great season, if not it still seems like a SB contender because of the defense and Brady alone.

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I don't expect the team to score more points than 2007 due to protecting Brady and running the ball a lot more, but can see this team surpassing in total point differential.

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1. Cool first 2 games. We, as fans, can get all high about it. Okay.
2. Players better not, or bad things happen.
3. You're never as good as your best game(s) or as bad as your worst. This is still a league of inches, even if sometimes you win by a mile. And by the way, win by a mile 15 times, and by a foot one time, and win in the playoffs... and it still ain't winning that one game that matters.
4. Even though I just did it myself, obliquely, I am going to [get tired fast/be unable to stop] comparisons with 2007. Really, I am going to get tired of them, or at least say I am, because we all should.
5. d%#*!@t, it's still football. It's not a stat contest. It's not a brag rap. It's nothing like that. It's putting up points, closing the door on the other guy, and keeping it closed... know what I mean? I guess going over the top on celebrating is fine, when it looks as good as these 2 wins have looked. But we can look very different in a week or a month, looking back.
6. That doesn't mean I'm one of the Dumases from the gdt gnashing my teeth about possible trades when we are on the way to winning 43-0. I mean, come on.

Oh yeah and....

7. Don't be surprised if AB (and out of the whole NFL, only AB) is suspended for the season for a civil suit when the suit's not even decided. Because, Patriots.

Defense hasn’t allowed a TD in its last 3 games that count. It’s allowed 10 total points in the first half of its last 7 games that count (3 against the Jete, 7 against the Chargers).

DropKickFlutie said:

1. Yes not the greatest teams faced, but the point differential of +73 through 2 games rivals the 2007 team which had an avg point differential of 20 per game.

2. The defense may be Belichick's best ever and that's saying something given his Giants or 03-04 Patriot teams. The defense with two straight pick-6 TD scores, I can't remember the last time that even happened.

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I have the offense scoring 62
The D netting -11 (+3-14)

Differential 73

OT: I think Brady had his competitive juices reinvigorated after the D scored 14 while the offense stalled in the 2nd half

I think Bill had his D attack Miami on the last play not only to preserve the shut out but to send his Defense a message to strive for greatness and be great. Never get casual

PatsFanInVa said:

Oh yeah and....

7. Don't be surprised if AB (and out of the whole NFL, only AB) is suspended for the season for a civil suit when the suit's not even decided. Because, Patriots.

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I am expecting a suspension but I can't see a full season. Roethlisberger got 6 - reduced to 4 - and he actually had some real evidence against him.

Hammer of Thor said:

Defense hasn’t allowed a TD in its last 3 games that count. It’s allowed 10 total points in the first half of its last 7 games that count (3 against the Jete, 7 against the Chargers).

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Nasty

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Ice_Ice_Brady said:

The sportswriters can pick from their numerous 15+ sack guys for defensive player of the year; there are so many of them, I can't even keep track.

Stephon Gilmore is the NFL's best defensive player.

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Gilmore is elite but still has those bizarre brain farts where he completely leaves his man. Thank god for McCourty back there too.

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Great start. It gets tougher from here on out

DropKickFlutie said:

Gilmore is elite but still has those bizarre brain farts where he completely leaves his man. Thank god for McCourty back there too.

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What’s with the


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borg said:

I have the offense scoring 62
The D netting -11 (+3-14)

Differential 73

OT: I think Brady had his competitive juices reinvigorated after the D scored 14 while the offense stalled in the 2nd half

I think Bill had his D attack Miami on the last play not only to preserve the shut out but to send his Defense a message to strive for greatness and be great. Never get casual

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After the jets game, the differential could be over 100. That would be amazing after just 3 games.

PatsFanInVa said:

Oh yeah and....

7. Don't be surprised if AB (and out of the whole NFL, only AB) is suspended for the season for a civil suit when the suit's not even decided. Because, Patriots.

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Suspension based on what? On those texts or the pressure from metoo? I will wait and see. The videos could help him out if they’re after may.

They have played well but these teams stink. I think on the road at buffalo could be tricky. They could be 3-0 heading into that game.

DropKickFlutie said:

1. Yes not the greatest teams faced, but the point differential of +73 through 2 games rivals the 2007 team which had an avg point differential of 20 per game.

2. The defense may be Belichick's best ever and that's saying something given his Giants or 03-04 Patriot teams. The defense with two straight pick-6 TD scores, I can't remember the last time that even happened.

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What's also impressive is that we won the time of possession by 13 minutes even with the two pick sixes. The combination of a stingy defense that neither bends nor breaks along with a balanced offense will be lethal for many other teams.

Even if we don't always capitalize with touchdowns, this team has the opportunity to dominate in time of possession if we stay balanced with running/passing. In 2007, we were 2nd best with time of possession with 32:27. If we can manage 33-34 minutes a game, we'll be in great shape as long as the other team isn't making quick strikes against us.

In the pass happy NFL, many bemoan the time of possession as meaningless since it doesn't account for big plays. However, when you have big play potential like the Patriots and still control the clock, it should indicate you are decimating the opponent.

NYCPATS4LIFE said:

They have played well but these teams stink. I think on the road at buffalo could be tricky. They could be 3-0 heading into that game.

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In a way, I'd be happy if they are 3-0. The Patriots need to face a quality team on the road early in the season. Lots of those in the press/on here have been talking like it is a cakewalk until week 9. The Buffalo game looks anything but easy, as that team has a quality defense and we have a fragile offensive line right now.

NYCPATS4LIFE said:

Suspension based on what? On those texts or the pressure from metoo? I will wait and see. The videos could help him out if they’re after may.

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Are you familiar with the New England Patriots?

If so, what does this phrase "based on" refer to, in terms of adverse league* actions?

XLIX said:

I am expecting a suspension but I can't see a full season. Roethlisberger got 6 - reduced to 4 - and he actually had some real evidence against him.

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See above. I'm telling you guys, the NFL* raises the bar for the Pats.