Pessimistic Pete
In the Starting Line-Up
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Great to see such awesome improvement, but is their jump here a result of everyone else having played an extra game?
I thought we were 9th or something when the weekend started. Of course, it wouldn’t matter either way if they hold Miami to 18 or less.
Maybe we'll get to jump the Vikings after Monday's game1. Jaguars (15.5)
2. Chargers (17.3)
3. Vikings (18.1)
4. Patriots (18.6)
5. Ravens (18.9)
On a serious note, I'm starting to wonder if Belichick's salary cap philosophy is tied to red zone defense. I've noted that he's paid big contracts to players like Wilfork, Mayo, Hightower, and Gilmore. All of these guys are very physical and would tend to be better players on a shorter field, the first three being able to own the middle of the field and stop the run. In addition, the decision to break the bank for Gilmore over Butler comes to mind, as Butler is a less physical defender who can be boxed out in the endzone. Belichick didn't even try to resign Chandler Jones and traded away Jamie Collins. I wonder if much of that has to do with their talents being better realized on a long field with more space and passing plays taking longer to develop. Edge rushers are certainly less valuable as you get closer to defending your own goal line, whereas NTs and MLBs become much more valued. Year after year, the Yards Per Game vs Points Per Game confirm the Patriots personnel is best at minimizing points, not yards. With the salary cap, you can't have it all, so perhaps this is Belichick's strategy and why he we rarely understand his decision to spend on certain players but not others.
Maybe we'll get to jump the Vikings after Monday's game
It's been a great turnaround and progression, particularly given the loss of Hightower and the disappointing play of Branch.
Do we think there are NFC teams a cut above Pitt?I think I wrote this after he got put on IR: I think we wont feel the absence of Hightower until the SB (if we get there). I dont see a team in the AFC that is complete enough on both sides and can exploit our weak LB crew. In the NFC there are bigger fish to fry though..
Do we think there are NFC teams a cut above Pitt?
Philly is done. Lambs are young. Vikes have. JAG at QB. Nawlins? Brees and Payton did not distinguish themselves on Thurs night. SEA?ATL?GB w AR? I don't think so.
1. Jaguars (15.5)
2. Chargers (17.3)
3. Vikings (18.1)
4. Patriots (18.6)
5. Ravens (18.9)
Carolina's defense is real. I now think Atlanta, NO or Carolina will come out of the NFC.
But they are ranked 32nd from the eye tests of multiple forum posters.
Do we think there are NFC teams a cut above Pitt?
Nawlins? Brees and Payton did not distinguish themselves on Thurs night.