It's just so damned weird not playing this time of year

[Tunescribe]

Thus aptly named

Don't get me wrong, I agree with the sentiment of your OP. The thread just took an odd left turn after that.

 

[Froob]

Reminds me of the times when we didn't make it this far all the time but at least had great uniforms.

 

[tasmlab]

80. Troy Brown's number was 80.

 

[Triumph]

Poor drafts have led the Pats here.

When you pick good young players you have them on the cheap for a few years. They can be the players you build upon instead of drafting the same position year after year.

Harry ?
Harris ?
Sony ?
Wynn ?
Rivers ?

 

[TinhWoodhead]

Gonna be a very loooooong off season.

thanks to a couple of boneheaded coaching decisions

 

[tasmlab]

My circle of friends are all fans of other teams and even they were a bit confused and disappointed that the Pats didn't go further this season. They all saw the lack of an offense, but wanted to see how BB/TB would pull a rabbit out of their hat again.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Yes but Belichick would say after Superbowls how far behind in time he was preparing for the next season. Not this year....how's that for a glass half full approach?

Tampa Here We Come!

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

I'm getting a real Sidney Wicks vibe out of that...

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

80. Troy Brown's number was 80.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

I’ll take responsibility for the early exit. In the 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons I lived in Mass. During 2015 and 2019 I’ve lived in two other New England states. Anyone in Mass want to welcome me into their home for next season to continue the Pats streak of making the Super Bowl every season I live there?

Yes.

Heck, just cross the border and we'll meet up and check you into a B&B.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Reminds me of the times when we didn't make it this far all the time but at least had great uniforms.

People like to talk about our en"title"ment this century, but let me tell you something.

I was a young tyke Patriots fan, because they were OUR Boston team and yes we had super uniforms...like the other three local pro teams did.

But in 1974, that team which started 5-0 and 6-1 was legit, the real deal. That was no fluke.

If you asked me at mid season if I thought Jim Plunkett was good for two Super Bowls, I'd have said, "Absolutely". A lot of other older, more knowledgeable football people agreed, as the 49ers' king's ransom will attest. Later, when Jim did indeed win it twice, I was gratified and happy for him, but in no way surprised, whatsoever.

Since 1974, my Patriots expectations have always meant Super Bowl or bust. Just because we did not begin to reach those standards until this century does not mean they were ever any lower.

 

[Biffins]

Shouldn’t have released AB.....

 

[Hyped]

Yeah, it's weird....but I have been having a lot fun playing DFS and gambling during these playoffs for the first time in years.

And YES, letting James Posey walk was a mistake!

 

[jmt57]

The last time we weren't in the AFCCG was NINE years ago.

More perspective:

In NFL history 34 games have been played in the month of February.

The Patriots rank first, having played in nine of those games.

That total is more than the combined number for the next three teams.

 

[scott99]

We truly are blessed (and spoiled). EIGHT straight AFC Championship games, winning FIVE of them. That is insane. It may never be repeated, but, the streak had to end sometime.

That being said, it's insane to note, it didn't HAVE to end. If Belichick had drafted a decent pass catching TE or 2, and added some speed at the WR position in the draft, they might have kept winning. It's amazing to know he's a major reason FOR the streak, AND a major reason why it ended. Weird.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'm enjoying the break.

8 straight AFCCGs and 5 SBs has worn me out.

Tired of paying $50 bucks for parking in Govt Center Garage and sit outside in the cold for those damn parades.

 

[Tunescribe]

I'm enjoying the break.

8 straight AFCCGs and 5 SBs has worn me out.

Tired of paying $50 bucks for parking in Govt Center Garage and sit outside in the cold for those damn parades.

I really hope that's sarcasm.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I really hope that's sarcasm.

Forgot to add the

 

[SammyBlueCat]

It just may time be for most of us to take a nap

 

[Soliel]

I wasn’t real surprised. Hard to be great every year. We were due