Patriots will come out flat. Will the Jags take advantage?

[upstater1]

I think the Patriots will win the game handily, but a lot depends on what the Jags do in the first quarter.

The bye week coupled with that big exhale of breath after completing the undefeated regular season will almost certainly mean the Patriots will take 8 to 15 minutes to get adjusted to the intensity of playoff football.

This is a battle-tested veteran team, that's very true. But every summer when I take my first dip into the water off the North Shore, that cold water is a shock to my system. They will be pumped, of course, they will be ready, and hopefully the bulletin board material will compensate for the natural letdown post regular season and the by week.

But I firmly expect the Patriots to come out a bit flat.

The Jaguars better score 10 points in that first quarter if they want to keep their hopes alive.

 

[Tunescribe]

The bye week coupled with that big exhale of breath after completing the undefeated regular season will almost certainly mean the Patriots will take 8 to 15 minutes to get adjusted to the intensity of playoff football.But I firmly expect the Patriots to come out a bit flat.

What? How do you know they won't come out rested, energetic and crisp from two weeks of well-paced preparation?

 

[tedylb]

I think the Patriots will win the game handily, but a lot depends on what the Jags do in the first quarter.

The bye week coupled with that big exhale of breath after completing the undefeated regular season will almost certainly mean the Patriots will take 8 to 15 minutes to get adjusted to the intensity of playoff football.

This is a battle-tested veteran team, that's very true. But every summer when I take my first dip into the water off the North Shore, that cold water is a shock to my system. They will be pumped, of course, they will be ready, and hopefully the bulletin board material will compensate for the natural letdown post regular season and the by week.

But I firmly expect the Patriots to come out a bit flat.

The Jaguars better score 10 points in that first quarter if they want to keep their hopes alive.

Disagree. I think both teams will be pumped, but the Pats will have a better game plan. I expect something close to the 28-0 first half in the second Miami game. Who do you want with the pressure on, Garrard or Brady?

 

[PatsRI]

Sort of like how they came out flat after the bye during the regular season? Now that was Buffalo and we know JAX is alot better but Moss had 4 TDs by halftime.

 

[MTaylorJ1]

I would actually argue the exact opposite. The Patriots, with the exception of maybe the Miami game, have been playing playoff type football games since they played the Colts. Every team they've played since that game has come out trying to knock off the undefeated Patriots, so every game they've played has had some significance to both teams. Its really hard to argue that for anyone else remaining in the playoffs.

 

[Wildo7]

I think the Patriots will win the game handily, but a lot depends on what the Jags do in the first quarter.

The bye week coupled with that big exhale of breath after completing the undefeated regular season will almost certainly mean the Patriots will take 8 to 15 minutes to get adjusted to the intensity of playoff football.

This is a battle-tested veteran team, that's very true. But every summer when I take my first dip into the water off the North Shore, that cold water is a shock to my system. They will be pumped, of course, they will be ready, and hopefully the bulletin board material will compensate for the natural letdown post regular season and the by week.

But I firmly expect the Patriots to come out a bit flat.

The Jaguars better score 10 points in that first quarter if they want to keep their hopes alive.

Have you actually watched the Pats before this season?

 

[MTaylorJ1]

I would have actually felt better about Jacksonville's chances if they were playing the Patriots next week. Then the power running, etc. would have had a better chance to succeed. Catching aging LBs after a bye week for them is a worst case scenario. The weather didn't work out for them either. Clear and cold with little win is pretty much exactly what the Patriots want against a Southern team.

 

[RayClay]

The Patriots have some ridiculous record of scoring in their first possession, also of scoring first.

I don't know why you expect them to come out flat.

Youare right that Jax needs to get ahead, I would say by two TDs. I think we prevent the big play and force them to patiently move down the field.

Working their running game without a lead just wastes time. We outscore them.

They have to gamble downfield early IMO.

 

[RayClay]

Have you actually watched the Pats before this season?

My thoughts too.

 

[JaxPats]

I think the Patriots will win the game handily, but a lot depends on what the Jags do in the first quarter.

The bye week coupled with that big exhale of breath after completing the undefeated regular season will almost certainly mean the Patriots will take 8 to 15 minutes to get adjusted to the intensity of playoff football.

This is a battle-tested veteran team, that's very true. But every summer when I take my first dip into the water off the North Shore, that cold water is a shock to my system. They will be pumped, of course, they will be ready, and hopefully the bulletin board material will compensate for the natural letdown post regular season and the by week.

But I firmly expect the Patriots to come out a bit flat.

The Jaguars better score 10 points in that first quarter if they want to keep their hopes alive.

No way. They will score coming out of the tunnel. They will hit right off the first play and set the tone. Their already chomping at the goal post! The PLACE WILL BE ROCKIN!

 

[ALP]

u call the pats soft (which has been happening this whole week) they are NOT coming out flat

 

[upstater1]

What? How do you know they won't come out rested, energetic and crisp from two weeks of well-paced preparation?

I don't KNOW anything for sure. Obviously.

 

[upstater1]

Have you actually watched the Pats before this season?

Longer than you, probably. I'm in my 40s.

You're saying the Patriots haven't come out flat in the playoffs before?

 

[upstater1]

u call the pats soft (which has been happening this whole week) they are NOT coming out flat

I did? Where did I do that?

 

[ALP]

I did? Where did I do that?

no, the "you" in my statement was regarding the general public...thats who im calling "you"....

 

[aluminum seats]

I think people--even here--due to the fact that the Pats played a couple of close games down the stretch have lost sight of how great this team is. I know what seems ridiculous with all the hype and 16-0, etc., but I think it's true.

The Pats will remind everyone by halftime of this game what kind of team they are. They'll be the opposite of flat.

 

[Tunescribe]

I don't KNOW anything for sure. Obviously.

So why do you anticipate them coming out flat? I don't get why anyone would assume that, especially with THIS team composed of veterans led by the best coach in the history of the game. Having a bye week only helps ensure they won't come out tired and "flat" from a very demanding regular season.

 

[Patriot Power]

Have you actually watched the Pats before this season?

Exactly... I don't think I've ever seen them "flat" for a playoff game.

What's this based on ?

 

[upstater1]

I think people--even here--due to the fact that the Pats played a couple of close games down the stretch have lost sight of how great this team is. I know what seems ridiculous with all the hype and 16-0, etc., but I think it's true.

The Pats will remind everyone by halftime of this game what kind of team they are. They'll be the opposite of flat.

Mind you, I wrote the first 8-15 minutes.

In my opening post on this thread, I wrote the Patriots win handily.

How am I diminishing the Patriots?

 

[Tommysgirl]

I think people--even here--due to the fact that the Pats played a couple of close games down the stretch have lost sight of how great this team is. I know what seems ridiculous with all the hype and 16-0, etc., but I think it's true.

The Pats will remind everyone by halftime of this game what kind of team they are. They'll be the opposite of flat.

I could not agree with you more. I think they're going to explode. I don't know why people say the pressure is higher, I think the pressure is off. The perfect season is done, they have a new season now. I think we are going to see the same Pats team we saw the 1st half of the season.