How many here are only focused on winning one game?

[RayClay]

As a fan of 50+ years, I'm used to following teams with lots of distractions. Some were very talented teams, especially the two Hannah eras, but there were always distractions and off field situations and doubts, justifiable doubts.

I never in my life followed a sports team in the playoffs wondering about statistics, or what would happen if we would lose, even though that's what Patriots fans were conditioned to expect. Bad call, the coach leaving (twice) you name it, it just didn't seem in the cards.

I can honestly say I only thought how we could beat the Bears in the Super Bowl, even to the end (just numb by then) If Morgan caught that ball, if Lin Dawson continued with the short game instead of breaking his leg...anyway, that's the only way watching is fun for me, if I'm invested in winning that game and it hurts to lose.

Then lo and behold, we got a coach with no distractions who said he only cared about one game at a time and meant it. They don't think about losing ever and hate it the rare times it happens.

That's why we have this team some take for granted and this game, because our team plays one game at a time, and only considers what it will take to win, never the opposite.

 

[Kontradiction]

I mean, this is getting to epic levels of ridiculous now. Here's how it breaks down...

1. They play for the team.

2. We don't.

So what harm is it for us to look ahead to any game? We are not players. We are not taking the field on Sunday. We aren't day dreaming of Super Bowl glory while coach is breaking down film. We're envisioning Super Bowl scenarios while at work, home, on a plane/train/car/whatever. We have nothing to do with what takes place on the field on Sunday. PLAYERS need to take it one game at a time. A fan does not. If you want to take it one game at a time, feel free to do so. It's absolutely ridiculous that you feel the need to behave or think like that, but feel free.

 

[SebertJr]

never look ahead...one at a time

 

[1960Pats]

As a fan of 50+ years, I'm used to following teams with lots of distractions. Some were very talented teams, especially the two Hannah eras, but there were always distractions and off field situations and doubts, justifiable doubts.

I never in my life followed a sports team in the playoffs wondering about statistics, or what would happen if we would lose, even though that's what Patriots fans were conditioned to expect. Bad call, the coach leaving (twice) you name it, it just didn't seem in the cards.

I can honestly say I only thought how we could beat the Bears in the Super Bowl, even to the end (just numb by then) If Morgan caught that ball, if Lin Dawson continued with the short game instead of breaking his leg...anyway, that's the only way watching is fun for me, if I'm invested in winning that game and it hurts to lose.

Then lo and behold, we got a coach with no distractions who said he only cared about one game at a time and meant it. They don't think about losing ever and hate it the rare times it happens.

That's why we have this team some take for granted and this game, because our team plays one game at a time, and only considers what it will take to win, never the opposite.

All the bad luck we had has been wiped out by two men who just happened to arrive here together 13 years ago. The rest is NFL history that's still in the making.

Maybe there are Pats fans who take them for granted, but I don't see many, especially among those of us who've been around since the beginning.

Right now in Patriots year AB14, I feel like the snail riding on the turtle's back yelling WEEEEEEEE. I'm enjoying the ride baby.

 

[RayClay]

There is or was a poster over at Patriots Planet who did an excellent bit where he would find a reason to look past the next game, no matter how crucial, assuming we'd win easily. He eve overlooked the easy win we'd have in the Super Bowl to concentrate on the first game next year.

It wouldn't even be a joke anymore, people would go huh?

 

[1960Pats]

I mean, this is getting to epic levels of ridiculous now. Here's how it breaks down...

1. They play for the team.

2. We don't.

So what harm is it for us to look ahead to any game? We are not players. We are not taking the field on Sunday. We aren't day dreaming of Super Bowl glory while coach is breaking down film. We're envisioning Super Bowl scenarios while at work, home, on a plane/train/car/whatever. We have nothing to do with what takes place on the field on Sunday. PLAYERS need to take it one game at a time. A fan does not. If you want to take it one game at a time, feel free to do so. It's absolutely ridiculous that you feel the need to behave or think like that, but feel free.

Here is where one of Belichick's finest coaching techniques comes into play, and it's kind of comical when you think about it. Our players are being paid not to listen to us.

 

[Kontradiction]

There is or was a poster over at Patriots Planet who did an excellent bit where he would find a reason to look past the next game, no matter how crucial, assuming we'd win easily. He eve overlooked the easy win we'd have in the Super Bowl to concentrate on the first game next year.

It wouldn't even be a joke anymore, people would go huh?

That's called a gimmick poster...

 

[PatriotSeven]

I mean, this is getting to epic levels of ridiculous now. Here's how it breaks down...

1. They play for the team.

2. We don't.

So what harm is it for us to look ahead to any game? We are not players. We are not taking the field on Sunday. We aren't day dreaming of Super Bowl glory while coach is breaking down film. We're envisioning Super Bowl scenarios while at work, home, on a plane/train/car/whatever. We have nothing to do with what takes place on the field on Sunday. PLAYERS need to take it one game at a time. A fan does not. If you want to take it one game at a time, feel free to do so. It's absolutely ridiculous that you feel the need to behave or think like that, but feel free.

True. All I care about is getting past the Broncos, but.... I'd be a hypocrite to say I don't think at all about the Superbowl opponent...especially considering that I feel it might not even matter who wins the AFC.

I feel a lot more confident going against the Donkyes than against Seattle or the 49ers.

So yeah, great post. They're the ones who need to worry about the next game. We can talk about anything we want, even if it's dumb.

 

[Patsrock]

I have never understood when someone tells a fan to not look ahead and only worry about next game. It only matters to coaches and players too not look ahead. Fans can look ahead all they want if wont affect the outcome at all.

 

[RayClay]

That's called a gimmick poster...

No, it's an actual poster. It's called sarcasm. Sarcasm only works when it's an exaggeration of the truth.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

we don't play for the team.......

 

[Brady6]

As a fan of 50+ years, I'm used to following teams with lots of distractions. Some were very talented teams, especially the two Hannah eras, but there were always distractions and off field situations and doubts, justifiable doubts.

I never in my life followed a sports team in the playoffs wondering about statistics, or what would happen if we would lose, even though that's what Patriots fans were conditioned to expect. Bad call, the coach leaving (twice) you name it, it just didn't seem in the cards.

I can honestly say I only thought how we could beat the Bears in the Super Bowl, even to the end (just numb by then) If Morgan caught that ball, if Lin Dawson continued with the short game instead of breaking his leg...anyway, that's the only way watching is fun for me, if I'm invested in winning that game and it hurts to lose.

Then lo and behold, we got a coach with no distractions who said he only cared about one game at a time and meant it. They don't think about losing ever and hate it the rare times it happens.

That's why we have this team some take for granted and this game, because our team plays one game at a time, and only considers what it will take to win, never the opposite.

I am not playing the game so I focus on winning it, the super bowl, free agency, the draft and going 19-0 in 2014. Perks of being a fan I guess.

 

[jmt57]

As a fan I tend to look ahead, which is no big deal; I'm a fan, not a player.

However, this thread is the first I have even thought beyond Sunday's game to make me think who the next opponent would be - and I would be surprised if I think of it again until the NFCCG next Sunday.

Personally I'm more focused on this one upcoming game than for any other single (non-SB) game that I can ever recall, relative to the 'next' game. I don't anticipate that changing over the course of the week.

 

[Fencer]

There's a pretty big game this week.

There will be at least two weeks before anything else happens. Plenty of time to focus on that after Sunday.

Exception: Diagnosing the recent past, e.g. Spikes to IR.

 

[Nunchucks]

I mean, this is getting to epic levels of ridiculous now. Here's how it breaks down...

1. They play for the team.

2. We don't.

So what harm is it for us to look ahead to any game? We are not players. We are not taking the field on Sunday. We aren't day dreaming of Super Bowl glory while coach is breaking down film. We're envisioning Super Bowl scenarios while at work, home, on a plane/train/car/whatever. We have nothing to do with what takes place on the field on Sunday. PLAYERS need to take it one game at a time. A fan does not. If you want to take it one game at a time, feel free to do so. It's absolutely ridiculous that you feel the need to behave or think like that, but feel free.

I focus on one game at a time because it helps me savior the season. Why look ahead to another opponent? You can do that the following week.

One game at a time is a way to manage how you invest your time.

 

[DarrylS]

I rival Ray Clay's tenure, but I did not hop on the train until the 70's as I was brought up a Cleveland fan...

I agree the one game at a time mantra, perhaps it is a function of age and my demographic...

 

[RayClay]

Of course I've thought about the NFC winner, they were on TV. Have I thought about losing scenarios? No. Maybe it's just me.

Of course I post at a site where some posters (not present company) say season's over, even in the first half of the first game and they make the game threads miserable.

So, sorry if i appreciate we're where we are and hate the blase attitude.

I think some take this team for granted, just my opinion.

 

[RayClay]

I focus on one game at a time because it helps me savior the season. Why look ahead to another opponent? You can do that the following week.

One game at a time is a way to manage how you invest your time.

If you meant savor (lol), I agree. Most teams aren't in contention every year. I'd say 0% of teams could consistently win looking bad, having horrendous losses and end up with a damn good chance to win it all.

You could be a Detroit or Cleveland fan...

 

[dales804]

I haven't thought about the SB yet, really. I do look ahead to games and potential matchups all the time. Last time I "wanted" a certain SB matchup, I got it (XLVI) and it didn't work out so well so I just enjoy these playoff games.

 

[Nunchucks]

If you meant savor (lol), I agree. Most teams aren't in contention every year. I'd say 0% of teams could consistently win looking bad, having horrendous losses and end up with a damn good chance to win it all.

You could be a Detroit or Cleveland fan...

HA! Spellcheck FTW! yes savor each game of the season. really, when you look ahead you are not respecting the team in front of you, example like the Miami Dolphins. Everybody was talking about the Ravens and what that game would mean, yet the Patriots went out and lost to the Dolphins...so, that whole discussion became moot.

There is plenty of time to talk about EVERYTHING else in the off-season, I do not see why I should expend the effort of thinking about stuff that is not currently relevant until I am way out of relevant things to talk about.