REPORT: Pats Biggest Threat Pats

[MainePatsFan26]

I've been reading a lot about how the biggest threat to the Patriots are the Bengals. Or was it the Chiefs? Or the Texans coming to Foxboro wanting revenge? It's easy to confuse all these "biggest threats" articles when it seems apparent that the biggest obstacle to the Patriots is themselves.

Even with a banged up offensive line, the Patriots can ensure victory over any of these opponents offensively if they play more aggressively in the center of the field, get more physical on the offensive line with the run, and find a way to get James White touches throughout. On the defense and special teams, the trick is to minimize mistakes (obviously) and to regain the swagger we've lost these past two months. This team hasn't been playing confident and the result is a scared or annoyed look hanging over everyone's face - even when we win. Attitude will go a long way towards winning the game against the Bengals, Chiefs, or Texans.

The Pats have the advantage against these teams if they play with confidence. The only team that stands in the way of the Patriots in the AFC is the Patriots. If we get to the Super Bowl, though, we will need a little more magic in addition to this confidence to beat the Panthers/Cardinals.

 

[DarrylS]

"attitude" and "confidence" are difficult words to quantify..

Prefer to make it tangible, if we can get our offense working somewhat close to what it was before the rash if injuries we stand a good chance of winning.. a lot of other aspects fall into place if that happens.

 

[goheels22002]

I agree with the posters above.

Edelman, Amendola, White and Gronk all healthy and making catches makes the aggressive short passing game formidable. Steven Jackson also has good pass catching skills if the timing is there after such a short tenure in this offense. These guys can make up for the OL's deficiencies if the Patriots come out firing on all cylinders next week.

It appears the entire defense will be intact. If we see genuine pressure from Chandler Jones, Ninkovich, Sheard and the big guys inside, the back seven will be fine against any of the AFC teams. The Steelers pose a challenge, but they look one-dimensional without DeAngelo Williams. I don't think they get past the Bengals.