All the pundits laying out this message of extra, extra pressure on the Pats are writing as if the Pats are just another NFL team, which they clearly are not.
THis team doesn't really care about 16-0 any more. Why? Because the Tom Brady led Pats are all about winning Super Bowls. Every NFL teams says this same thing BUT only the Pats have been able to win multiple SB's and also be one play away from another since the Broncos of the late 90's. In other words, it's different for the Pats.
The thing that is driving them right now is the bile flavored taste in their mouth from losing in Indy last year when the chance for a trip to the SB was right there before them. The Pats have no intention of keeping down another bitter grease for the next 12 months - it's not what they do. The Pats win in the post season; and nabbing the Lombardi is the only thing that gives them a sense of accomplishment. Not putting another trophy in the case after getting this far again is what these guys dread because they know how hard it is be one of the best teams every year because the Pats do it while every other team in the league (but maybe the Colts, but barely them) talk the game but can't play it.
I believe the Pats when they say the 16-0 thing is a thing of the past. They've left behind so-so, good, and great regular season before to focus on the ultimate prize. Analyzing them like they were the typical NFL team would be a mistake...
