Who should the patriots be worried about and why?

[SanAngeloState]

In the AFC, I think we can beat the ravens easily. HOpefully the Steelers too as we already did.

But what about the Jaguars and Chargers? Hmm...I know we beat the chargers but some of that seemed to be bizarre luck. Although I think we're playing better now.

Not sure about the Chiefs either.

 

[The Brandon Five]

Chargers. That was the one team we really should not have beat. Might have been a different game with Mankins, but I seem to remember that their defensive front was getting a good push, pressuring Brady and stopping runs for a loss.

 

[VectorPrime]

If we face the Chargers again we do it with a completely rejuvinated offense and a clicking defense. At HOME.

We will be fine.

 

[CheeseMonkeys]

Sure we may face some good teams, but honestly there isn't a team to worry about. We are the better team no matter what.

 

[ausbacker]

Right now the Patriots should worry about themselves. They're playing the best football in the NFL.

Control what you can control and have faith that you can beat whoever you face every week.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

With the way this team is playing, the only thing I'm really concerned about right now is injuries

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

It's not WHO or WHICH team the Pats should be worried about

The biggest factor come playoff time is turnovers and INTs..that is something no guide,media or fan can predict

You lose the turnover battle in most playoff games and you get out the golf clubs and head to Florida the next weekend

 

[patchick]

If we face the Chargers again we do it with a completely rejuvinated offense and a clicking defense. At HOME.

We will be fine.

No question, the Patriots are dramatically improved from 7 games ago. I'd still put the Chargers near the top of my "dangerous" list, though.

The other contenders for that crown are the Ravens -- remember Wilfork referring to their last meeting as the most physical game he'd ever played? Are there any stats available on how many injuries occur on teams playing against team X?

 

[HomerSchooled]

Hmm... I think in Foxborough, we should be comfortably favored against anyone. But the teams most likely to make me nervous would be Baltimore, San Diego, and Indianapolis. But I think that's all pretty irrational. Baltimore couldn't beat us at our absolute most vulnerable, San Diego is a warm weather team that would travel all the way across the country and play in the dead of winter, and we all know how Manning plays in inclement weather.

 

[The_Chuck_Rule]

Who? = Themselves.

Why? = cause "Bill" says So!

 

[hallfamebrady]

The Pats should worry about whoever their next opponent. As we have seen so many times, anybody can beat anybody in the NFL.

Two examples involving the Pats:

1. Giants in Super Bowl XLII - did anyone give the Giants even so much as a shot at making the playoffs with four weeks to go in the 2007 season nevermind beat the undefeated Pats.

2. Browns this year - the Pats were throughly dominated by a 5 - 8 team that lost to Buffalo today. Although the Pats and the Browns individual bodies of work this year clearly show the Pats are the better team, the Browns were able to win big over the Pats.

One point we need to keep in mind is that the Bills or the Fins are not going to roll over in weeks 16 and 17. Although the AFC number 1 seed is looking good, we should not over look any team. I think this is especially true for Buffalo who has been the Pats whipping boy for several years now.

 

[fair catch fryar]

Themselves...........and maybe the Colts. If they get in.

 

[coolguy]

No question, the Patriots are dramatically improved from 7 games ago. I'd still put the Chargers near the top of my "dangerous" list, though.

The other contenders for that crown are the Ravens -- remember Wilfork referring to their last meeting as the most physical game he'd ever played? Are there any stats available on how many injuries occur on teams playing against team X?

Dude, the bolts have been a "dangerous" team for over a decade and still haven't got them anywhere. Chargers and ravens will beat the hell out of each other in the first round. The real threat is still the steelers imo

Don't underestimate them just because of the past.

The bears and a falcon team needs to worried about.

 

[fair catch fryar]

Dude, the bolts have been a "dangerous" team for over a decade and still haven't got them anywhere. Chargers and ravens will beat the hell out of each other in the first round. The real threat is still the steelers imo

Don't underestimate them just because of the past.

The bears and a falcon team needs to worried about.

Actually they're all a threat. The Steelers may scare everyone else, but for more than one reason, a Ben Rothliesberger-led offense against a Bellichick-led defense doesn't worry me as much as Rivers or Manning would.

 

[NYCPatsFan]

I am worried about the injuries.

 

[jbb9s]

The Saints/Falcons on turf in Dallas.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

Falcons...... They are a pretty complete team. There is only one way we face them though. :rocker:

 

[coolguy]

Falcons...... They are a pretty complete team. There is only one way we face them though. :rocker:

Have ryan ever won a playoff game?

 

[Pessimistic Pete]

After 2007, you should ALWAYS be worried. We really beat EVERYONE who had a threat to beat us in the SB after going 18-0

Cowboys (13-3) *NFC #1 Seed*
Colts (13-3) *AFC #2 Seed*
Chargers (11-5) *AFC #3 Seed* x2
Steelers (10-6) *AFC #4 Seed*
Giants (10-6) *NFC Wild Card*
Jaguars (10-6) *AFC Wild Card*
Browns (10-6)
Redskins (9-7) *NFC Wild Card*

..yet eventually still lost. Here's who I'm worried about in the AFC the most, in order..

1. Ravens (Had 10pt lead going into 4th quarter, elite defense, LOTS of threats on offense, though I don't think Flacco is special)
2. Colts (Only QB who could single handily win a game at Foxboro)
3. Chargers (Rivers is elite, defense is good)
4. Steelers (Great defense, Ben could extend plays)
5. Chiefs (Haven't faced yet)
6. Jaguars (Haven't faced yet)
7. Jets (45-3)

 

[rivers983]

I would be nervous going into Pittsburgh again if they grab the #1 seed.

Atlanta is a damn good football team. I would also be nervous about them and their power offense, especially in a dome on turf...they also have a good defense.

I am somewhat nervous about New Orleans, but I think we could rip apart their defense easily.