Reasons to be cheerful this morning

[ironwasp]

Anyone looking at the last couple of games without the benefit of rose-tinted spectacles could have seen this result coming. The team is a long way off playing optimal football and there are a number of issues that need resolving if we are to have the run into 2007 we all want. Nonetheless, I am not panicking this morning and don't believe anyone else should be. There are good reasons for optimism:

1 - We are 2-1 and leading the division.
2 - The division is weak and ours for the taking.
3 - The schedule is helpful.
4 - The passing game is improving and has a lot potential.
5 - Notwithstanding yesterday's performance, the running game is a powerful weapon.
6 - Our coaching staff are adept at getting the best out of what we have got and the team should improve across the board week-on-week.
7 - We have the best QB in the NFL.

That said, things could get worse before they get better. The Bengals gave the Steelers half a dozen ways of getting back into their match but still came away with an excellent way. Next week's game will be very tough, but I expect our coaches and our team to respond to yesterday's setback with a much-improved performance, even if getting a W will be very difficult. But irrespective of the result, I expect the game in Cincinnati to be a good spring board for the rest of the season.

As I said before, there's no need to panic. We were beaten by a good team and under-performed on the night. Across a 16 game season that will happen.

Keep the faith.

 

[Murphys95]

I agree. The Patriots were beaten by a solid Denver team, arguably with one of the best defenses in the league right now.

I always consider the first 4 games of the season as a second preseason anyway. It's a time for each team to smooth out the bumps along the road to an building an identity. I honestly think it is too early to make any strong judgements on this Pats team. Sure they are struggling in multiple areas...but the season is still young and they are 2-1.

 

[sdaniels7114]

Yeah, but unlike a preseason game this loss means that should we face Denver in the Playoffs, its likely to happen at their place. I wonder just how many of those inexplicable mental lapses of last year's Divisional playoff game would have happened if our guys had been at home instead of on the road?

 

[aabtec]

Yeah, but unlike a preseason game this loss means that should we face Denver in the Playoffs, its likely to happen at their place. I wonder just how many of those inexplicable mental lapses of last year's Divisional playoff game would have happened if our guys had been at home instead of on the road?

The Pats had a chance to send a message last night..but they sent the wqrong one..the message they sent the Broncos is "we are your b1tch"....

 

[JR4]

Anyone looking at the last couple of games without the benefit of rose-tinted spectacles could have seen this result coming. The team is a long way off playing optimal football and there are a number of issues that need resolving if we are to have the run into 2007 we all want. Nonetheless, I am not panicking this morning and don't believe anyone else should be. There are good reasons for optimism:

1 - We are 2-1 and leading the division.
2 - The division is weak and ours for the taking.
3 - The schedule is helpful.
4 - The passing game is improving and has a lot potential.
5 - Notwithstanding yesterday's performance, the running game is a powerful weapon.
6 - Our coaching staff are adept at getting the best out of what we have got and the team should improve across the board week-on-week.
7 - We have the best QB in the NFL.

That said, things could get worse before they get better. The Bengals gave the Steelers half a dozen ways of getting back into their match but still came away with an excellent way. Next week's game will be very tough, but I expect our coaches and our team to respond to yesterday's setback with a much-improved performance, even if getting a W will be very difficult. But irrespective of the result, I expect the game in Cincinnati to be a good spring board for the rest of the season.

As I said before, there's no need to panic. We were beaten by a good team and under-performed on the night. Across a 16 game season that will happen.

Keep the faith.

good post ... thanks .... :agree:

 

[onegameatatime]

If the goal was to make the playoffs, I'd be with you 100%. But we're not in Detroit.

Right now, we're looking like a 4 seed that is good for maybe one playoff win depending on the opponent (which could be Denver if SD rolls).

There's a lot of football to go and many ways the offense can get better, so I'm still on the bandwagon.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

If the goal was to make the playoffs, I'd be with you 100%. But we're not in Detroit.

Right now, we're looking like a 4 seed that is good for maybe one playoff win depending on the opponent (which could be Denver if SD rolls).

There's a lot of football to go and many ways the offense can get better, so I'm still on the bandwagon.

I agree with you, but remember that the last 8 games are what will matter most. If we can go into the second half of the season with a decent record (5-3 or better) and a team that is finally hitting on all cylinders, we have a great shot at the SB.

I am more understanding about these early season issues, because I have faith that they will get them worked out and will end the season strong. Our schedule will help us stay in the race until the WRs and Brady get on the same page (or in Jackson and Gabriel's case... even on the field consistantly).

 

[Krugman]

We couldnt stop thier running game,either.They rushed for a buck thirty or so,and their defense was very good.

 

[rabthepat]

Anyone looking at the last couple of games without the benefit of rose-tinted spectacles could have seen this result coming. The team is a long way off playing optimal football and there are a number of issues that need resolving if we are to have the run into 2007 we all want. Nonetheless, I am not panicking this morning and don't believe anyone else should be. There are good reasons for optimism:

1 - We are 2-1 and leading the division.
2 - The division is weak and ours for the taking.
3 - The schedule is helpful.
4 - The passing game is improving and has a lot potential.
5 - Notwithstanding yesterday's performance, the running game is a powerful weapon.
6 - Our coaching staff are adept at getting the best out of what we have got and the team should improve across the board week-on-week.
7 - We have the best QB in the NFL.

That said, things could get worse before they get better. The Bengals gave the Steelers half a dozen ways of getting back into their match but still came away with an excellent way. Next week's game will be very tough, but I expect our coaches and our team to respond to yesterday's setback with a much-improved performance, even if getting a W will be very difficult. But irrespective of the result, I expect the game in Cincinnati to be a good spring board for the rest of the season.

As I said before, there's no need to panic. We were beaten by a good team and under-performed on the night. Across a 16 game season that will happen.

Keep the faith.

Hate to say it but we got exposed last night. Your 7 points were valid before the game not after.

1 True
2 True - but it gives a false sense of accomplishment. We would currently be one and done in the playoffs.
3 False - we could lose 7+ games at the current performance level.
4 False - passing game is lame
5 False - Running against Denver would prove the running game is powerful. No excuses. Maroney did not like taking the hits last night. At Corey's age he will miss playing time regularly.
6 False - Coaching staff is being out coached. Josh is calling terrible offensive schemes. He is no Charlie Weis. Which coach is teaching tackling? Our secondary sucks. Our Kicker sucks.
7 False - Tom Brady is not the best QB in the NFL right now. No way no how.

I apologize for raining on peoples parade but we all could use a wiff of reality. Am I saying the season is over NO. Am I saying this team is currently a Superbowl PRETENDER, YES.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Hate to say it but we got exposed last night. Your 7 points were valid before the game not after.

1 True
2 True - but it gives a false sense of accomplishment. We would currently be one and done in the playoffs.
3 False - we could lose 7+ games at the current performance level.
4 False - passing game is lame
5 False - Running against Denver would prove the running game is powerful. No excuses. Maroney did not like taking the hits last night. At Corey's age he will miss playing time regularly.
6 False - Coaching staff is being out coached. Josh is calling terrible offensive schemes. He is no Charlie Weis. Which coach is teaching tackling? Our secondary sucks. Our Kicker sucks.
7 False - Tom Brady is not the best QB in the NFL right now. No way no how.

I apologize for raining on peoples parade but we all could use a wiff of reality. Am I saying the season is over NO. Am I saying this team is currently a Superbowl PRETENDER, YES.

I think the truth lies between these two posts (the optimistic and pessimistic). I am not as down as most, but not as hopeful as some. My feelings are, last night, we would have lost to any team in the NFL, including Houston & Tennessee. To me, what was missing most was one thing, PASSION. If you don't have that, your gonna lose no matter what.

I only saw a small handful of Patriots playing with any passion at all. Most seemed to be in a fog. Not to take anything away from the Broncos, they played their typical Bronco game, excellent defense and smashmouth rushing attack, sprinkled with mistake free play from Plummer (unfortunately for us, he didn't make the mistakes he made in the first 2 games). The Broncos are a fine team, who were one win away from going to the SB. But there was no passion from anyone, even the coaches.

Even our golden boy Tom Brady looked like he didn't care anymore. The only time he showed any spark, was when we were down 17-0. The lack of passion could be coming from anywhere, but a lot of it has to do with complacency, and coaching. It looks like the players who have won it all several times, aren't putting forth the effort that they used to in big games, and are just going through the motions. The coaches really need to push the guys, though I have a feeling it's too late for some. I feel the departure of several players have hurt this team more than we know.

On the bright side, I think that even without winning it all this season, this team can, and will win it all in the very near future, and the dynasty is far from over (the 49er's won 4 in 9 years, and are considered a Dynasty). Though I don't think Chad Jackson will help us much this season (I've already written him off for this year), he will be a huge part of the offense for years to come, as will Gabriel, Watson & Maroney. That in itself is very exciting.

The defense has some great young studs as well, I'm very excited about them. We have given up 17 points in all three games, so that's the sign of a good to great defense.

The only thing I saw missing was passion, and if we can get that back, it should be a very good season, maybe not Championship quality type, but you never know, hell the Steelers of last year and the Pats of 2001 were both 11-5 when they won it all. You never know, hell the Champion Steelers are 1-2, it could be worse.

 

[Born_a_Patriot]

Copy and paste.But is not getting easier.

Bengals
Dolphins........... We always struggle against the dolls.
Bye
Bills ........... Played us tough.
Vikings ........... Not great not a push over
Colts ........... Used to be a given.
Jets........... Well you know
Packers ........... Finally
Bears ........... Who knows
Lions ........... We need more of these.
Dolphins........... .....
Texans ........... We definitely need more of these.
Jaguars........... Hmmm
Titans........... Keep them coming

 

[mdhprime]

Hate to say it but we got exposed last night. Your 7 points were valid before the game not after.

1 True
2 True - but it gives a false sense of accomplishment. We would currently be one and done in the playoffs.
3 False - we could lose 7+ games at the current performance level.
4 False - passing game is lame
5 False - Running against Denver would prove the running game is powerful. No excuses. Maroney did not like taking the hits last night. At Corey's age he will miss playing time regularly.
6 False - Coaching staff is being out coached. Josh is calling terrible offensive schemes. He is no Charlie Weis. Which coach is teaching tackling? Our secondary sucks. Our Kicker sucks.
7 False - Tom Brady is not the best QB in the NFL right now. No way no how.

I apologize for raining on peoples parade but we all could use a wiff of reality. Am I saying the season is over NO. Am I saying this team is currently a Superbowl PRETENDER, YES.

This is an inaccurate and pretty bad oversimplification of the team's performance. You are making blanket statements based on three games. Why don't you let the facts speak for themselves:

1.) The passing game improved over the first two games. You can dispute this, but you'd be wrong. In addition, the Patriots have yet to field a completely healthy corp of receivers. The talent is there, they just have to put it together.

2.) The running game is very good and shows a lot of promise. Is there room for improvement? Yes, but do not take one bad game as an indication that the Patriots do not have a good running game. The score also determines the amount of runnning production a team will get and last night the score was not in favor of the Patriots running for most of the game.

3.) You are such an expert that you can judge the offensive play calling? I guess it was just terrible on that 80 yard drive. I guess the fact the special teams unit botched another scoring drive should be blamed on the play calling. Get real.

4.) Kicker sucks?....I guess a really good kicker would have been able to disappear the penetrating blockers who have gotten through on both blocks so far this season.

5.) Tom Brady has proven that he IS one of the best QBs in the NFL. He is in a situation where he and the rest of the offense needs to develop a rhythm with all the new players. This will take a little time but they will get it done. There is too much talent and they are too well coached for them not to.

 

[ironwasp]

I can understand how some of the posters responding to this could see it as over-optimistic, so I thought I would add some context to explain my thinking.

For most of my life I have followed sporting teams that truly sucked. Utterly dreadful, perennial non-contenders fighting to stay off the bottom place of whatever league they were in. (And the Patriots are included in that until the last decade or so).

Three games into a season, you could write the whole thing off. Teams with no talent, with no prospect of gaining any talent and nothing more than a humiliating six months of defeat and disaster to come.

This team categorically does not fall into that category, nor anywhere near it. We have three Championships in the locker over five years; we were contenders throughout the season; we have a well run club and a roster that mixes first class veteran experience with exciting rookie and young player potential; we have one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game and the most successful QB of his generation.

We played a bad game last night; a really bad game. And quite honestly neither of the previous two games were all that special.

But I can see a way it can improve. I can see a way it improves enough in a week that we beat the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday (although I concede it is unlikely).

I can certainly see how we get into the play-offs. Beyond that, perhaps I can't see a fourth ring this year. Not at the moment.

But in the grand scheme of sporting disaster, and in my experience of watching dismal uninspiring teams I cry into my beer over, this needs to be kept in perspective.

It's just one defeat.

 

[gomezcat]

I can understand how some of the posters responding to this could see it as over-optimistic, so I thought I would add some context to explain my thinking.

For most of my life I have followed sporting teams that truly sucked. Utterly dreadful, perennial non-contenders fighting to stay off the bottom place of whatever league they were in. (And the Patriots are included in that until the last decade or so).

Three games into a season, you could write the whole thing off. Teams with no talent, with no prospect of gaining any talent and nothing more than a humiliating six months of defeat and disaster to come.

This team categorically does not fall into that category, nor anywhere near it. We have three Championships in the locker over five years; we were contenders throughout the season; we have a well run club and a roster that mixes first class veteran experience with exciting rookie and young player potential; we have one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game and the most successful QB of his generation.

We played a bad game last night; a really bad game. And quite honestly neither of the previous two games were all that special.

But I can see a way it can improve. I can see a way it improves enough in a week that we beat the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday (although I concede it is unlikely).

I can certainly see how we get into the play-offs. Beyond that, perhaps I can't see a fourth ring this year. Not at the moment.

But in the grand scheme of sporting disaster, and in my experience of watching dismal uninspiring teams I cry into my beer over, this needs to be kept in perspective.

It's just one defeat.

Well said. There are too many people on here who are spoiled by success. They have either not been supporting the Pats for long or forgot what utter cr*p they used to serve up in the late 80s and early 90s.

Oh, and as for your choice of teams in other sports: You should have been a Forest fan (runs away very quickly).