A must win for Patriots in Jacksonville

[VJCPatriot]

I agree that this is a critical game for the Pats. And it's not going to be easy either. The key I think will start with stopping the Jags run game. We all know they have a good defense too so Brady and co. must execute a mistake free offensive game to stand a chance. Let the chips fall where they may. This is going to be one of those games that test a team's character and intestinal fortitude. Come on Pats. Show us that you want it. Beat Jacksonville!!

PS For some reason the Pats are a better road team than home team this year so that might actually be in our favor.

 

[Fogbuster]

This certainly *is* a must game for Patriots. And I confess that my anxiety level is high. The Jags are a big, tough, physical team. They are coming on, have exceeded their expectations and are hungry for more.

I agree with those who say that this game will go a long way to saying where the Pats will end up this year. Funny how one game can be so important psychologically. But that's the NFL.


//

 

[frankiesfly]

I think the term "must-win" is cliche, and not necessarily the appropriate term for this game, but I agree that it's pretty damn important. Let's face it, to achieve our ultimate goal, we're going to have to beat good teams on the road. At this point in the season, it's important for a team to develop a swagger, and establish confidence from beating good teams. We have a great opportunity to close with a bang by making statements in beating the Jaguars, and a red-hot Tennessee team. These games are what an inconsistent team can use to propel themselves into a long playoff run. While technically not a "must-win", this game should tell us a lot about the make-up of our squad.

That said, I think we take it to the Jags, something to the tune of 27-10.

I like the use of the word propel. Though mathamatically not a must win, but a must win in that most teams that win the superbowl go into the playoffs hot, and confident, which the patriots lack. Yes winning this game, and then then the titans game would help propel the pats going into the playoffs, beating a solid team on the road and then capping off the titans.

 

[frankiesfly]

oh yeah i like the pats in a close game 24-21, gostkowski saves the day.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

A lack of confidence from Pats fans? Actually, these are some of the better posts that I've seen- realistic. The Jags have played very well at home this year. Our #2 ranked D is closer to #1 than #3 & we play much better at home. If Taylor is able to play, it could be a long day for Pats fans in Jacksonville. Someone pegged it in this thread when they noted that Jacksonville can beat themselves. We have marginal receivers that are not on the same page as Garrard (our #2 QB) most of the time.

That said- this is Jacksonville's first playoff game...it's single elimination for the Jags. This should be a very good football game!

http://www.jagnation.com/

I don't think I lack confidence as much as I just know we have 2 more opportunities to build on whatever chemistry,identity,(name that quality),which has finally started to take root. I think a win this week will go a long way towards achieving that. I want to see them play consistently for 2-3 late-season games in a row heading into January.
This has been a tough year for us, yet we sit at 10-4 which tells me this team has something good going on-we just need to make it continue and build up so that when we get to the playoffs we are stronger and have the hunger and the fire which,in it's best form, only comes with confidence. Confidence doesn't come from inconsistency. Anyway that's why I think the Jax game is huge.
Agreed,the game should be a good one-Jags are doing very well at home and have a lot on the line too. Big games-edge, Pats
Let's all hope for NO serious injuries.

 

[Patriotic Fervor]

We didn't beat Jax last year, they beat themselves. Leftwich and Gerrard both threw picks and although they have the tallest receivers in the league, not one pass by either QB was thrown over shoulder high, except to Jones in the end zone, defensed by Poteat. Jax matches up against us even better than the Bears, if this is a must win, we're in big trouble. Better save the bullets for Tenn. We won't beat Jax, but they might beat themselves once again.

That's not the game I saw. The one I saw was a public pants-down spanking. A most methodical demolition of a Super Bowl pretender.

And from the original poster:

"The patriots haven't prepared well for any big match ups yet this year, and the bear game was just a sad example of football on both sides to call that a big win."

WTF? That was one helluva football game. Yes, there were a lot of turnovers, but reputations preceeded both those hard-nosed defenses.

Sad example of football? No, this is a sad example of football "analysis" and "observational skills".

As for this year's edition of the Jaguars, they're a classic Jekyll-Hyde team. They could win the game, but only in the sense of "on any given Sunday".

I respect the Jags, but given the Pats' pedigree and December history, I respect them more.

 

[QB12]

What the man said.

QB12

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

I like the use of the word propel. Though mathamatically not a must win, but a must win in that most teams that win the superbowl go into the playoffs hot, and confident, which the patriots lack. Yes winning this game, and then then the titans game would help propel the pats going into the playoffs, beating a solid team on the road and then capping off the titans.

Yes,exactly. I'm nervous about this game too and not because I don't think we have the talent.I think this team is at a critical point in it's development,especially offensively. We also have injuries(though I believe BB is one of the best if not THE best in managing those) but put it this way-what if we lose? Sure we can still make the playoffs but we have a better chance of going deeper if Austin finds his mojo beforehand.

 

[Lansdowne]

It's a 'hat & t-shirt' game as Bruschi would say - they don't lose 'hat & t-shirt' games

This is true!

2001, Week 17

Patriots win at Carolina, clinch division title

2001, AFC Championship Game

Patriots win at Pittsburgh

2001, Super Bowl

Patriots win against St. Louis

2002, Week 17

Patriots win against Miami (no hats and shirts though because Jets won the division later that afternoon)

2003, Week 14

Patriots win against Miami, clinch division title

2003, AFC Championship Game

Patriots win against Indianapolis

2003, Super Bowl

Patriots win against Carolina

2004, Week 14

Patriots win against Cincinnati, clinch division title

2004, AFC Championship Game

Patriots win at Pittsburgh

2004, Super Bowl

Patriots win vs. Philadelphia

2005, Week 14

Patriots win at Buffalo, clinch division title with Miami loss later that day

2006, Week 16?

11-0 in hat & t-shirt games, hopefully 12-0 after Sunday!

 

[jczxohn1]

That's not the game I saw. The one I saw was a public pants-down spanking. A most methodical demolition of a Super Bowl pretender.

And from the original poster:

"The patriots haven't prepared well for any big match ups yet this year, and the bear game was just a sad example of football on both sides to call that a big win."

WTF? That was one helluva football game. Yes, there were a lot of turnovers, but reputations preceeded both those hard-nosed defenses.

Sad example of football? No, this is a sad example of football "analysis" and "observational skills".

As for this year's edition of the Jaguars, they're a classic Jekyll-Hyde team. They could win the game, but only in the sense of "on any given Sunday".

I respect the Jags, but given the Pats' pedigree and December history, I respect them more.

The Bears game was a hard fought game. The only time I've ever agreed with Borges. Last years Jax game was pretty close through the 3rd qtr, IIRC. Jax this year has only lost one game at home; the rest of their losses have been on the road. Their inconsistency is not unpredictable. IMO, our main advantage will be in coaching.

 

[denverpatsfan]

TIMO, our main advantage will be in coaching.

Couldn't agree more. Del Rio is a terrible game day coach. I have watched him coach his team out of wins more than once. This aspect of the game hasn't been stressed enough.

 

[frankiesfly]

While I think that BB tries to win every game, realistically there are strategic considerations at play here. Is it better to allow the wounded another week to fully heal, and be sure to have them for the playoffs? Or is it better to go for it, and perhaps wins or possibly lose to a winning club at their home field, and not have the banged up players for the playoffs?

A win would allow them to rest against the Titans, but a loss would still require a Titans all out game; no rest, and perhaps reveal too much game planning to Jax who they would probably face again in the playoffs. Playin gthe wounded too soon in an attempt to win might make thenm unavailable should the be needed at Tennessee, as well.

Which is the more prudent course?

The objective after all, is to get to the playoffs and then win four games there.

I think he tries to win every game too, but i can never tell what bb is thinking. Resting his wounded another week, sounds like something bb might do, but i think in a different situation. Possibly sitting players this week, and losing, and putting it all on the titans game, sounds too risky to me.

 

[mgteich]

A win means the wounded can rest NEXT week. We do NOT want to face the Titans with the playoffs on the line.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

A win means the wounded can rest NEXT week. We do NOT want to face the Titans with the playoffs on the line.

Agreed. Call me crazy but I'd like to get that pesky little division thing out of the way first before I revel in the luxury of resting for the playoffs.

 

[jct]

OK, The truth is we really expose the jaguars as pretenders...(AGAIN)
Our defense is much better and with F. Taylor out they should get about 60 yds on the ground all day.... plus harrison and maroney come back....and didn't we just pick up Denvers steroid crazed Punter from last year who FFed faulk?....we win by 14. (I predicted the destruction of Washington in the preseason!!!)

But, it may be even better Draft wise to loose this game. Face it, we will still make the playoffs 99%.

Expect Seattle to be decimated by San Diego.

No one in the NFC is even very good.

So all we have to do this year is win the AFC and show up at the Super Bowl IMO. Seriously we played the Colts even earlier (but now they are damaged goods on D) so really we need to win 1 big game against San Diego and we get the Trophy.

 

[BlitzFritz]

Agreed. Call me crazy but I'd like to get that pesky little division thing out of the way first before I revel in the luxury of resting for the playoffs.

absolutely. this is almost a playoff game in that regard. i dont see BB resting anyone who can really play tomorrow.

 

[Patti37]

It may not be a must win for the Patriots but it is a must win for my sanity. I hate going down to the wire without having clinched a playoff spot.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

It may not be a must win for the Patriots but it is a must win for my sanity.

LOL seriously. Earlier I commented that this situation has me way out of my comfort zone and Pat's issues aside, the division itself seems to be getting tougher. Is this the beginning of the end of the "gimme" days? Go Pats!!:rocker:

 

[zoostation]

Literally this is obviously not a must win game, however in the mindset of this team it is. They have to win....this Sunday....in Jacksonville.

Period.

No doubt about it...............

 

[frankiesfly]

LOL seriously. Earlier I commented that this situation has me way out of my comfort zone and Pat's issues aside, the division itself seems to be getting tougher. Is this the beginning of the end of the "gimme" days? Go Pats!!:rocker:

I agree it is the end of the "gimme" days. The division is getting more competative and patriots are becoming less dominate. This game is way out of my comfort zone and this week seemed like a month to me.We are finally 1 hour from kick off, and the anxiety of this game is killing me, seriously. Jax are 6-1 at home...........................Go pats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!