Blow outs are not the norm in the playoffs and are increasingly rare as the playoffs progress. You hear quote after quote from NFL players and coaches saying how close the level of competition is in todays NFL. Gone are the blowouts of SB's in the 70 - 80's, which is why NFL today is so compelling and interesting. Half of playoff teams dont make it to playoffs the following year.
In the Pats glory years we had difference makers on defense (Willie Mac, Brushci, Rodney Harrison, Vrabel, Ty Law, etc) - who made big plays at big moments in big games.
Who on the defense now would you say are the 'difference makers' ?
Look at the SB's the last few years and see the game changing plays on defense: Tracy Porters pick 6 for the Saints, Harrisons 99 yard INT return before halftime (Pitt vs Cardinals). You ask the players and they all say that those type of plays change the outcome of games. Momentum is a powerful force.
Again that begs the question: who do the NEP have on defense the last few years that are difference makers......not just solid starters. I can name 1 maybe 2 (out of 11 starters). We have the salary cap space, we have the draft ammo - we dont need anymore capable starters (ok at Safety we do). NEP HAVE enough special teamers, veteran depth and good starters. We have a franchaise QB - but we need a championship calibre defense (1-2 more playmakers) to 'seal the deal' and put #4 Lombardi on Bradys resume. And it needs to be done sooner than later - before the ship has sailed (Brady and BB).
This is the year NEP should be moving up in the first 4 rounds and not down / out....IMHO. (only exception I would favor would be with one of the first rounders if we could get a 1st next year plus another high pick this year to continue the 'annuity')
Way to avoid the real question there, Lars.
Again
Why didn't the "difference makers" stop the opponents in SB XXXVI and XXXVIII?
In SB XXXVI, the "difference makers" blew a 14 point lead 4th quarter lead.
In SB XXXVIII, the "difference makers" could have stopped the Panthers on the last drive and got run over for a game tying TD.
That defense gave up 29 POINTS to Jake 'effin Delhomme.
Show me a game in the dynasty playoffs where the "not difference makers" on offense was turning the ball over 3 or 4 times per game.
You long for a reality that never existed. You do this because you have a deep seated belief in nonsense.
Nonsense can only seem real if you torture reality to conform to that belief.
That's how patsfans.com winds up looking at two playoff losses with 6 of 9 opponents scoring drives already start in FG range and goes effectively -7 in turnovers and........thinks the problem is defense.
Here's reality
Turn the ball over....expect to lose. Go minus 2 in turnovers, you lose over 90% of the time.
If you have the whole second half to put the game away but let the opponent hang around.....expect to lose.
If you have a play to close the game and don't...expect to lose.
Earth to Denmark.....4th quarter comebacks are not rare....like the Douche posting something intelligent.....they happen all the time.
If go give that chance to a QB like Manning who just set a record for the number of 4th qtr comebacks.....expect to lose.
It's as simple as that.