Team that plays the best - not the best team wins in the palyoffs

[cstjohn17]

The past 4-5 weeks have created some clutch situations and really helped the team gain confidence. they will need to draw from these lessons win the playoffs roll around.

On paper I think the Patriots are the strongest team in the playoff mix but all the entrants are good NFL teams and all have the potential to upset the Patriots.

I expect the Patriots to win but they will have to play 2 very good games to make it to the Superbowl. Brady, BB and homefield are huge advantages for the Patriots.

AFC Snapshot - (team with best chance of beating the Patriots at the top)
Indy

• I have a lot of respect for Indy, 12 wins for 5 years in a row is not easy. I really appreciate their schemes, both on offense and defense they have great systems.
• Pros - Manning, schemes, coaching, defense - I think their defense this year is better than last year even without Freeney.
• Cons - Defense can be run on, injuries on defense, O Line.

Chargers

• Pros - Talented team, if LT gets going they can keep it close.
• Cons - Rivers is a big question mark and so is coaching. They will also be playing wild card weekend which favors the Patriots.

Jaguars

• Pros - Very good running team, QB is playing well.
• Cons - Coaching, secondary. They will also be playing wild card weekend on the road.

Steelers

• Good matchup for the Patriots, they would have to cause a lot of turnovers to have a chance

Browns

• Pros - Offensive weapons, offensive line, QB has over performed.
• Cons - Defense, experience. They will also be playing wild card weekend on the road.

 

[xmarkd400x]

I think you are sort of right. It's clear that the best team does not always win. For example: teams that win the super bowl every year are considered the best team in the NFL, yet usually have some losses.

Where I think you are correct is that a team that is generally regarded the best, and has the better record may not win that game ('01 Super Bowl ).

Where I think you are wrong, is that the team that plays the best that day and is therefore the better team on the field that day will win.

 

[RayClay]

The team that plays the best, is the best team.

I get your point, but if I beat you, I'm the best. Period. Finis.

Bill Russell said it, "That's why they keep score".

 

[SVN]

and we were crucifying when kordell stewart said the same thing after we won the AFCCG in 2001

 

[makewayhomer]

The team that plays the best, is the best team.

I get your point, but if I beat you, I'm the best. Period. Finis.

Bill Russell said it, "That's why they keep score".

Ray who was better in 1998:

Denver, who finished 17-2 and won the Super Bowl, or the Giants, who finished 8-8?

 

[cstjohn17]

The team that plays the best, is the best team.

I get your point, but if I beat you, I'm the best. Period. Finis.

Bill Russell said it, "That's why they keep score".

I agree, if you win you are the best, end of discussion. My choice of words was poor, I hate it when other teams claim they are better even after a loss. See Steelers and others (Chargers and their whiny little b-tch LT)

My point was more of 'on any given Sunday', and that the Pats will have to play 2 very good games to make it to the Superbowl.