Shining in the spotlight

[Uncle Rico]

ONE of the things I've loved about the team is that, young as they are, they don't wilt under pressure. They've won so many big games against so many top opponents. And so many spotlight games. SI's Don Banks mentions this in his Power Rankings (Pats are #1):

"Not only did the Patriots just run through a pretty difficult five-game game gauntlet with remarkable precision and production, but also they seemingly only play in nationally televised games these days: The Sunday night win in Pittsburgh, the Thanksgiving Day opener in Detroit, the Monday-night showdown with the Jets, and now this week, another Sunday nighter at home against Green Bay. And that's not even including their high-profile wins over the Colts and Bears, which were shown to most of the country in the late Sunday afternoon time slot. The Pats have definitely proved ready for their close-up."

NFL Power Rankings for Week 15 has Eagles, Giants climbing - Don Banks - SI.com

To me it goes all the way back to the opener of the season, v Cinci, that it seems the Pats are always playing a nationally televised/spotlight game this year. It's a great part of this team's character and a positive sign with the high-pressure post-season approaching. Some guys can't handle pressure. These guys can.

 

[jmt57]

It's one thing for a team with a lot of older players to continue to play well; the fact that this team with so many first-year starters is off to an 11-2 record is remarkable. I know there's still a long ways to go, but as of right now it's a testament to the coaches and to the other veterans (Brady, Wilfork, Crumpler, etc.) on the team. Nice to see somebody out there is picking up on the theme.