The Bigger Threat

[Haterproof]

Denver, but there's one other team I want no part of in the playoffs, due to past experiences in playing them.

Baltimore.

If they sneak in at 9-7 this year and match up with us in the divisional like they did in 14.. not saying that they'd beat us, but it just seems like that game is a heart attack and a half every time we play them in January. No matter who they have going out there.

I just definitely would prefer that we don't play them again.

I'll take Denver all day every day in Foxboro in January! I think the AFC West 3 horse race bloodbath between Oakland Denver and KC will prevent the winner of the division from getting the top seed! As for Pittsburgh I voted for them because I thought they were our biggest competition last season. Just imagine both teams being at full strength going up against each other! That will be some epic showdowns! I know it's early but my money is on a Steelers vs Pats AFCCG!

 

[PatriotsReign]

For the first four weeks this season, we've been assuming that the Broncos are the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC. This felt especially true after Philadelphia destroyed Pittsburgh. Now, however, Pittsburgh is starting to look like a real contender and the Broncos laid an egg.

With the first five weeks complete, do you think the Broncos or Steelers -- when both are healthy -- are the bigger threats to the Patriots in the AFC? The Bills are also lurking in the division, but let's keep this about top dogs in the respective divisional races.

People may not agree, but the Broncos ARE a bigger threat. Even if the Steelers and Broncos are even, the Broncos are and will be a bigger threat.

Time will tell, so we'll find out

 

[venecol]

For the first four weeks this season, we've been assuming that the Broncos are the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC. This felt especially true after Philadelphia destroyed Pittsburgh. Now, however, Pittsburgh is starting to look like a real contender and the Broncos laid an egg.

With the first five weeks complete, do you think the Broncos or Steelers -- when both are healthy -- are the bigger threats to the Patriots in the AFC? The Bills are also lurking in the division, but let's keep this about top dogs in the respective divisional races.

Pats have to play both of these teams in their stadiums but given that the question says "when both are healthy," then if the Pats are also healthy they can beat either team. If Pats stay healthy they should get #1 seed. So all being equal (health wise) then the wildcard are the Refs, so they are the bigger threat.

 

[MainePatsFan26]

Pats have to play both of these teams in their stadiums but given that the question says "when both are healthy," then if the Pats are also healthy they can beat either team. If Pats stay healthy they should get #1 seed. So all being equal (health wise) then the wildcard are the Refs, so they are the bigger threat.

Refs, Goodell, freak plays, and the injury bug are the biggest threats to the Pats - that's my take away from this thread. And I agree 100%. In terms of raw talent, I'd say we easily have the best roster in the league right now. Much better than the Broncos or Steelers. So it is external forces and injuries that can derail us, but if we play our game we've got a good shot.

What I'm curious about is how good the Vikings are. At 5-0, most polls have them as #1. Are they a Super Bowl roster? If so, we might have our final showdown against them this season if we play our cards right.

 

[MainePatsFan26]

Denver because they get preferential treatment by the referees, and doubly so at home.

Threat? Threat?

The refs are Denver's lobster.

 

[Haterproof]

Refs, Goodell, freak plays, and the injury bug are the biggest threats to the Pats - that's my take away from this thread. And I agree 100%. In terms of raw talent, I'd say we easily have the best roster in the league right now. Much better than the Broncos or Steelers. So it is external forces and injuries that can derail us, but if we play our game we've got a good shot.

What I'm curious about is how good the Vikings are. At 5-0, most polls have them as #1. Are they a Super Bowl roster? If so, we might have our final showdown against them this season if we play our cards right.

The Vikings are very good! Bradford's balling this season and not to mention they have a great defense! BTW imagine if AP didn't hurt get injured

 

[PF_SU]

Did the Broncos lose, or did the Falcons win?

The Falcons won that game fair and square. Key was on offense Denver's inability to stop Coleman and Freeman, especially in the passing game. On defense the Falcons just obliterated the Broncos' offensive line. True, Lynch looked bad, but with that kind of pressure I don't think Siemian would've guide the Broncos to a win. The score looks closer than the game actually was. Before the Falcons switched to prevent midway through the fourth quarter the score was 23-6 with one of the two Broncos FGs coming off a short field after a Sanu fumble.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Right now I would say Pittsburg and that is based on the QB situation for Denver. It's a long season to go yet.

Looking like us, Curtains for Steelers

 

[Patjew]

I'll take Denver all day every day in Foxboro in January! I think the AFC West 3 horse race bloodbath between Oakland Denver and KC will prevent the winner of the division from getting the top seed! As for Pittsburgh I voted for them because I thought they were our biggest competition last season. Just imagine both teams being at full strength going up against each other! That will be some epic showdowns! I know it's early but my money is on a Steelers vs Pats AFCCG!

Good thoughts!!!!

!!!!!!!!

 

[MainePatsFan26]

I wouldn't have thought K.C. or Oakland had a shot over Denver until this past week. I'm still worried about the Broncos going 14-2 or 13-3, but maybe I was drinking the koolaid from those first few weeks.

 

[TB12TheGoat]

Tom Brady vs Steelers (keep in mind most of these were when they had a good defense, not the ****ty one they have now)


6-2
22 TD's
3 INT's
219/316 69.30%
2604 yards
113.4 passer rating
8.24 yards per attempt
325 yards per game

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

Well, at this point their biggest threat may be getting ready for haters to somehow put an * on a 5th ring.

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

So will horse teeth trade for a QB now?

 

[HeadHunter]

After tonight's result. I will say Steelers.

 

[supafly]

So will horse teeth trade for a QB now?

Just don't give him or Jerry Jones any ideas. I'd prefer to see Siemian or Lynch over Tony Romo.

 

[FourierSeries]

Just don't give him or Jerry Jones any ideas. I'd prefer to see Siemian or Lynch over Tony Romo.

Tony Romo wouldn't last behind that OL.

 

[supafly]

After tonight's result. I will say Steelers.

This reminds me of the recent SB win over SEA, when I preferred to face a tougher defense as opposed to the more high powered Green Bay offense. To say that I was in the minority would be an understatement.

For me, the same logic applies (right or wrong). I'd rather face the tougher defense with Denver than Pittsburgh's high powered offense. Just my humble opinion. Many will disagree.

 

[BobDigital]

Denver in Denver the scariest match ups the Pats can face in the AFC imo.

Assuming the Pats finish ahead I am not worried about it nearly as much.

#1 Denver in Denver
#2 Pitt in Pitt
#3 Pitt at home
#4 Baltimore in Baltimore
#5 Oakland in Oakland
#6 Baltimore at home
#7 Denver at home*

Denver to me though they have a good D in our house I think the offense will be able to communicate really well and neutralize it with good pass protection calls by Brady if healthy.

 

[supafly]

Tony Romo wouldn't last behind that OL.

Probably not--but I'd prefer to keep things the way they are right now.

 

[BobDigital]

Tom Brady vs Steelers (keep in mind most of these were when they had a good defense, not the ****ty one they have now)


6-2
22 TD's
3 INT's
219/316 69.30%
2604 yards
113.4 passer rating
8.24 yards per attempt
325 yards per game

Their D isn't bad. Pretty good actually but I think the Pats if they protect well like they have been doing can pick it apart. The issue is Pitt is not good at getting pressure. 8 sacks in 5 games when you get up and force teams to pass is not good at all.