The premise: the 2nd, 3rd, 4th best teams in the league were Colts, Cowboys, Packers - Patriots played none.
Jacksonville in the 1st game represented the biggest challenge for the Patriots because of match ups. They jumped out early. Had a tie at half. Duel running back threat could have worn down the Pat LBs. Excellent game manager in Jaguar QB. Very good coach and motivator in Del Rio. Gutzy move a few days before the first game of the season. Very highly regarded team on the way up.
The Chargers in the 2nd game represented a lesser challenge for the Patriots. They have serious, serious talent at NT, LB, OL, FB, RB and TE. Injuries slighted them obviously and their lack of QB/WR tanden hurts them when falling behind.
The Giants are a 6 seed. They didn't qualify for the playoffs until week 16. They have a serious history of choking. They were on the ropes 3 weeks ago.
So does this run defy logic and do the games get easier as the playoff advance?
Jacksonville in the 1st game represented the biggest challenge for the Patriots because of match ups. They jumped out early. Had a tie at half. Duel running back threat could have worn down the Pat LBs. Excellent game manager in Jaguar QB. Very good coach and motivator in Del Rio. Gutzy move a few days before the first game of the season. Very highly regarded team on the way up.
The Chargers in the 2nd game represented a lesser challenge for the Patriots. They have serious, serious talent at NT, LB, OL, FB, RB and TE. Injuries slighted them obviously and their lack of QB/WR tanden hurts them when falling behind.
The Giants are a 6 seed. They didn't qualify for the playoffs until week 16. They have a serious history of choking. They were on the ropes 3 weeks ago.
So does this run defy logic and do the games get easier as the playoff advance?