NFL The Official New England Patriots Thread [Archive]

malakim2099

11/19/2007, 00:09

Well, that was just a superb game, wasn't it?

Made all the better by the fact that I'm near Buffalo and HATE all the rabid Bills fans. :p

Much as I dislike the Bills... (How exactly does Dick Jauron still have work?), man... more running up the score*, and frankly I never thought I'd see the day where I'd go "ho hum boring" and change the channel during an insanely good offensive display.

I think about the only chances that the Pats have of being stopped are against Pittsburgh or the Giants. Though there could be an "echoes of 85" weird karma angle and Miami somehow beats them for a 15-1 / 1-15 (respectively) seasons. And then New England gets mad, goes into Beast Mode, and annihilates all future opponents by at least 80 points. Per game. :p

* Look, you're up 35-7 in the 3rd, they still can't do anything and it's 4th and 1. Instead of maybe throwing for the touchdown, just kick the FG. You're going to get the records either way, you're going to win the game... just put in your backups at that point. I realize that I'm not going to convince Pats fans otherwise, much as they can't convince me that they aren't. This is NOT saying the Pats aren't good. Obviously, they are, dur. But this is seriously boring already, not to mention somewhat pathetic.

turdburglar47

11/19/2007, 00:13

My brother thinks they're still cheating, because any team that plays them close gets blown away after halftime, where they'd have the chance to review the tapes they make of opposing signals.

NeoShazam

11/19/2007, 00:19

My brother thinks they're still cheating, because any team that plays them close gets blown away after halftime, where they'd have the chance to review the tapes they make of opposing signals.

Yeah but the Dallas Cowboys score the most points in the 2nd half of any team I believe, in particular the 2nd quarter. So they might be the cheaters ;)

Go Patriots ! Though it was kinda boring watching this game. All I could think about was how I messed up on my Fantasy Football lineup. Gostkowski gets me a lot of XPs and now that Watson is back he'll have to be in the lineup the rest of the way.

Steelers and Giants might be biggest roadbumps. Dolphins are theoretically a problem as well. That'll be the Dolphins Superbowl, and they got trounced the first time around...but I still don't think they have the talent.

StormX

11/19/2007, 00:25

Much as I dislike the Bills... (How exactly does Dick Jauron still have work?), man... more running up the score*, and frankly I never thought I'd see the day where I'd go "ho hum boring" and change the channel during an insanely good offensive display.

I thought the game was hilarious to watch.

I love seeing a team get crushed. Though I am kinda a jerk like that. :p

The Pats didn't get to the point where they're setting all sorts of records by playing soft. Brady has records he wants to break, why shouldn't he try to?

StormX

11/19/2007, 00:26

My brother thinks they're still cheating, because any team that plays them close gets blown away after halftime, where they'd have the chance to review the tapes they make of opposing signals.

yes, because no other football team ever adjusts their plans during half-time. Ever. That's why they only play one half of the game cause after that it's a foregone conclusion, right? :p

malakim2099

11/19/2007, 00:30

yes, because no other football team ever adjusts their plans during half-time. Ever. That's why they only play one half of the game cause after that it's a foregone conclusion, right? :p

Well, for about 80% of the Pats games... um, that's not too far off. :p

I guess I don't see the huge urgency to run things up in order to break records... I mean, they WILL get broken unless there's a total meltdown of Biblical proportions. Just might happen in Week 15 instead of Week 13, or what have you.

Besides, look at Vinateri these days! Your FG kicker should get some reps too! ;)

StormX

11/19/2007, 00:37

Well, for about 80% of the Pats games... um, that's not too far off. :p

I guess I don't see the huge urgency to run things up in order to break records... I mean, they WILL get broken unless there's a total meltdown of Biblical proportions. Just might happen in Week 15 instead of Week 13, or what have you.

Besides, look at Vinateri these days! Your FG kicker should get some reps too! ;)

Why settle for breaking them when you can set the new standard. ;)

That was the same thing I saw in the game today on the first few 3rd downs.

Bills would try to do enough to get the first, Pats would go for the score.

Moral: Don't settle for the minimum, go big. :p

KitsuShel

11/19/2007, 00:48

Watching the game, I was all like, "Ewww! He pulled the flag out of his sock!" and Shaun said it was because Belichick is a dirty . . . .

:speechles

StormX

11/19/2007, 00:49

Also, I liked when they started showing commercials for next week's SNF and were talking about the undefeated Patriots even though the game hadn't finished.

malakim2099

11/19/2007, 01:20

Also, I liked when they started showing commercials for next week's SNF and were talking about the undefeated Patriots even though the game hadn't finished.

I'm just surprised they're picking the Pats... I mean, really, don't they want games that are somewhat competitive (and thus, ratings grabbers)?

"Hon, what's the score?"
"Um... 28-3 after the first quarter..."
"Well, change it! There's a Seinfeld rerun on channel 415!" :p

(I mean, c'mon... sorry Shel, but the Eagles have about no chance.)

StormX

11/19/2007, 01:24

I'm just surprised they're picking the Pats... I mean, really, don't they want games that are somewhat competitive (and thus, ratings grabbers)?

"Hon, what's the score?"
"Um... 28-3 after the first quarter..."
"Well, change it! There's a Seinfeld rerun on channel 415!" :p

(I mean, c'mon... sorry Shel, but the Eagles have about no chance.)

I dunno, I'd say there's some morbid curiosity in seeing a team get annihilated. :p

Or to see if the Pats can get the score into the triple digits.

And yeah, sorry in advance Shel for what the Pats do to your birds. :speechles

turdburglar47

11/19/2007, 01:25

Yeah but the Dallas Cowboys score the most points in the 2nd half of any team I believe, in particular the 2nd quarter. So they might be the cheaters ;)

Psst. The 2nd quarter is in the first half. ;)

maxwing

11/19/2007, 13:49

Peter King, SI.com:

"Hide the women and children. And Eagles and Ravens. All I can equate this to is Oklahoma and Nebraska under Barry Switzer and Tom Osborne. They'd win eight games every year by 45, then play two or three close ones. We've never seen anything like this in the NFL because there's never been anything like this in the NFL.

The question is not who can beat the Patriots. It's who can give them a game."

maxwing

11/26/2007, 11:03

Patriots 31
Eagles 28

Well, the Eagles came at them darned hard last night. Great game plan, fine execution. Loved the onside kick early on. I think home field meant a lot in this game --When I imagine this in Philly the Eagles emerge with a win.

The consensus seems to be that this game will improve the Pats chances of running the table by bringing them back down to earth. I hope so.

:)

StormX

11/26/2007, 13:02

In my eyes, that was an ugly game for New England, I stopped watching pretty early into the 3rd.

I'm glad they won, but I'm rather disappointed in how ugly it was.

Credit to the Eagles for taking it to them.

KitsuShel

11/26/2007, 13:08

And yeah, sorry in advance Shel for what the Pats do to your birds. :speechles

Ha! Eat it boys! They lost, but it was a good game! If AJ hadn't thrown those two interceptions at the end, they would have won. And Reid would be feeling much more pressure to bench McNabb.

Thawmus

11/26/2007, 13:15

Can someone explain to me why Feeley hates playing good football, unless he's playing the Pats? I mean seriously..... :ermm:

malakim2099

11/26/2007, 13:20

Can someone explain to me why Feeley hates playing good football, unless he's playing the Pats? I mean seriously..... :ermm:

He has a pathological hatred of hoodies? I dunno.

Though this was, in retrospect, a good game for NBC to show at least. I thought it would be a dog, but it was rather close. Just the Eagles making that bad play at the end (seriously, you want to go for the end zone with that much time left? Eek).

StormX

11/26/2007, 13:57

Ha! Eat it boys! They lost, but it was a good game! If AJ hadn't thrown those two interceptions at the end, they would have won. And Reid would be feeling much more pressure to bench McNabb.

Pfft, win is a win. Good enough for me.

maxwing

11/26/2007, 13:58

I thought it would be a dog, but it was rather close. Just the Eagles making that bad play at the end (seriously, you want to go for the end zone with that much time left? Eek).

Well, it's not just the bad play at the end. The Eagles spotted the Pats 7 points to start off remember. 2 turnovers to none seems to have been the difference in the end.

maxwing

11/26/2007, 14:00

Ha! Eat it boys! They lost, but it was a good game! If AJ hadn't thrown those two interceptions at the end, they would have won.

If's and coulda beens. The loser's lament.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Thawmus

11/26/2007, 14:52

Pfft, win is a win. Good enough for me.

Coincidentally, coming within a field goal of the Patriots feels like a win to everyone in the NFL. ;)

I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles play well next week.

Then again, we all thought they'd bounce into a rhythm after their destruction of Detroit earlier this year, and that never happened.

StormX

11/26/2007, 16:46

Coincidentally, coming within a field goal of the Patriots feels like a win to everyone in the NFL.

Hey, if everyone else feels like a winner after losing, good for them. Personally, I'd still be right pissed. :p

NeoShazam

12/09/2007, 12:17

I've decided that the New England Patriots are the Ric Flair of Professional Football. They go in, let the crowd and hometeam think they have a chance to win...and then they pull off the victory and keep the title.

Granite Moose

01/13/2008, 09:39

17-0 after the win over the Jags. I'd guess that vaunted rushing attack was stymied fairly well. As per NE's usual M.O., they made all the right adjustments at halftime to insure the win. Next week should be fun no matter who they face.

darius_dax1

01/14/2008, 16:50

maxwing

01/14/2008, 17:15

...and by right adjustments you mean they pulled out the cheater's handbook.

C'mon over here Darius, let me give you a hug. You sound like you need one. :laugh:

darius_dax1

01/14/2008, 17:39

C'mon over here Darius, let me give you a hug. You sound like you need one. :laugh:
Nah. I need no hugs. What I can't understand is how Billy B. wins coach of the year in the same year he is found guilty of cheating and fined for it too. Granted they had a great season but it makes one wonder. On the other hand...I have less of a problem with Brady winning MVP. I think he actually deserves it (among other Players too).

Zaq

01/14/2008, 18:44

Nah. I need no hugs. What I can't understand is how Billy B. wins coach of the year in the same year he is found guilty of cheating and fined for it too. Granted they had a great season but it makes one wonder. On the other hand...I have less of a problem with Brady winning MVP. I think he actually deserves it (among other Players too).

The Spygate thing was strange, but I think as the game against Jacksonville showed, he's a great coach and is easily one of the main men responsible for the Patriots' ability to change their plan and push through for the win. I'm not saying he deserves Coach of the Year, but it's not every coach that leads his team to 16-0. :)

Granite Moose

01/20/2008, 18:21

Well, it's now 18-0. Brady looked particularly off his game today and I think a lot of the credit has to go to SD's defense. They played a heck of a game. Unfortunately, Maroney was an animal and NE's defense was just that much better -- especially in the red zone.

Looking forward to whoever plays the Pats in the Super Bowl to see if they can make it a perfect year.

maxwing

01/20/2008, 20:29

Looking forward to whoever plays the Pats in the Super Bowl to see if they can make it a perfect year.

Did you hear/see Junior Seau at the awards ceremony and press conference after the game?

"A chance at EVER"

LOVE that.

stark's heir

01/20/2008, 21:12

Did you hear/see Junior Seau at the awards ceremony and press conference after the game?

"A chance at EVER"

LOVE that.

Well, unfortunately, HGH affects one's brain as well as one's body...:cheeky:

KitsuShel

01/20/2008, 22:13

Wow, I don't see the Giants beating the Pats at all.

StormX

01/20/2008, 23:01

Wow, I don't see the Giants beating the Pats at all.

Not if they play like they did today.

GO PATS GO!

tchipley

01/20/2008, 23:22

I want to see perfection! (And then my Saints win a superbowl.)

Those Manning boyz are pretty good but Eli ain't gonna do it.

NeoShazam

01/21/2008, 00:32

I'm hoping for perfection as well, but I'm nervous about the Giants.
They play good on the road, their defense shows up, and they suck up
the injuries and play good enough to win. If the win doesn't
come down to a Tynes kick, they will be dangerous.

Granite Moose

01/21/2008, 09:44

Well, unfortunately, HGH affects one's brain as well as one's body...:cheeky:

Well, I believe he was pointing out that the Pats would then be considered the best team EVER. In which case, his comment makes complete sense.

Granite Moose

01/21/2008, 09:50

Wow, I don't see the Giants beating the Pats at all.

While I'm certainly thinking the Pats will win, I'm not about to write off the Giants that quickly. They've been playing very good ball for quite a while now. Their defense has been stellar and can put some pressure on a quarterback with only four men. And Eli is playing with a lot of confidence right now. I really think how this game goes will be decided upon the first few series. If the Pats score a couple times quick while the Giants go three and out a couple times, it will probably turn into a rout. However, if the Pats start slow like they did against the Chargers and the Giants can put a touchdown in from the red zone, it's going to be a fight to the finish just like in week 17.
That said, it's tough to think that Brady is going to have two sub-par games in a row. You know this game is really bugging him because he's so much of a perfectionist. And Maroney is really showing some great running right now.
I think it should be a good game at least through three quarters, but the Pats will finish out their perfect season with by a margin of about 10 points. However, if the Pats feel like blowing out the Giants, I've certainly got no problem with that. :cool:

DocDoom187

01/21/2008, 11:41

Oh, the Giants are going to be that pats, no question.

My prediction,

28-21 Giants!

maxwing

01/21/2008, 15:13

I think it should be a good game at least through three quarters, but the Pats will finish out their perfect season with by a margin of about 10 points. However, if the Pats feel like blowing out the Giants, I've certainly got no problem with that. :cool:

I agree. I usually go with my gut on these things. I ask myself who I'd rather be a diehard fan for. NE or NY? --Yes, I'm a NE fan, but I'm asking what if I were from NJ, how would I feel about things. Would I feel confident or little worried.

I'd feel a little worried. NY is a fine team, and they proved it, but NE is just better. They really are the best team in football. It's not just talk. You can't get to 18-0 without being the best. NJ should be confident but they know what they're going up against. The Patriots have more talent. Better coaching. More experience. A wider margin for error. NE can lose it sure, but the odds favor them. They just do.

adsekera

01/21/2008, 20:50

Granite Moose

01/22/2008, 12:35

Most of the COUNTRY is against your team!!

That's okay, they have been most of the year and it hasn't affected the team yet.

malakim2099

01/22/2008, 12:54

Man, I'm torn in this one.

On the one hand, I hate the insufferability of the Pats (and quite a few of the Pats fans, though no one in Realms has reached that point). It's a reminder of Yankees fans (unfavorably).

On the other hand, I hate the 72 Dolphins with a passion for getting perfection through a cakewalk schedule. And I have to give it to the Pats for playing pretty much all the beastly teams in the AFC, and some of the best in the NFC (I think the Packers were the only ones they missed).

All that aside... I can see the Giants winning this game, especially if NE plays like they did against San Diego. Frankly, if LDT was in that game, I don't think NE skates like they did (SD would have gotten at least ONE touchdown in the Red Zone if he could go). However, while the Giants CAN win, and they will beat the spread... I can't go against the Patriots on this one. Much as I might like to otherwise. ;)

Pats 27, Giants 23.

adsekera

01/22/2008, 13:32

I was just saying to Storm X to watch what he says about
other people's teams, when his is SOOOO HATED!!

spiderman9797

01/22/2008, 16:08

I was just saying to Storm X to watch what he says about
other people's teams, when his is SOOOO HATED!!
Most of my friends and family don't hate the Patriots at all, just dislike how the Patriot fans act.

But ALL of them hate the '72 Dolphins, and don't even considering them close to the all-time greats (78 Steelers, 85 Bears, 93 Cowboys, 07 Pats), but they had an easy schedule and won a game with horrible calls that they should have lost (against KC).

adsekera

01/22/2008, 16:18

Granite Moose

01/22/2008, 16:41

I don't dispute that the '72 Dolphins were not as good
as the Steelers of the 70's or the 49ERS of the 80's!!

I just hate the team and the attitude of their fans as a whole!!

I am talking Dark Lord of the Sith Hatred!!

Unfortunately, the only "fans" you apparently hear from are the loud, obnoxious ones. I know quite a few who root for their team just like any other fans root for their teams. With pride and defense to some who assume certain things because of what they might hear second- or third-hand.

However, based on your posts, I'm quite sure that no matter what I say, it's extremely doubtful that I could change your mind. That's too bad in my opinion as that sort of hatred is a lot of wasted energy. But that's certainly your option.

adsekera

01/22/2008, 16:45

I guess it is because so many NE fans outside of NE have talked
so much trash to me, that is probably why!!

Thawmus

01/22/2008, 18:45

I guess it is because so many NE fans outside of NE have talked
so much trash to me, that is probably why!!

Judging from the multitude of exclamation points that inundate your postings, I'd say it might also have something to do with your sugar intake.

Breathe. It's air, and it's really good for you.

spiderman9797

01/22/2008, 18:47

I find it funny that you're talking about StormX taking shots at other teams, when you're in a thread titled "The Official New England Patriots Thread" talking down the Patriots.:cheeky: :laugh:

Granite Moose

01/22/2008, 19:27

I guess it is because so many NE fans outside of NE have talked
so much trash to me, that is probably why!!

Well, most of those are probably bandwagon fans that started rooting for them once they won their first Super Bowl, in which case I wouldn't really call them fans. A fan has rooted for them through the many lean years and can now really enjoy the dynasty that has been built under Belichick.

adsekera

01/22/2008, 20:11

malakim2099

01/22/2008, 20:12

I find it funny that you're talking about StormX taking shots at other teams, when you're in a thread titled "The Official New England Patriots Thread" talking down the Patriots.:cheeky: :laugh:

I'm still waiting for him to get a set of Cuckoos modded into the Patriots Cheerleaders. :p

StormX

01/22/2008, 20:39

WATCH IT, Storm X when bad mouthing the Dolphins!!

I HATE NEW ENGLAND WITH A PASSION!!

I HAVE ALOT OF FRIENDS WHO LIKE the Colts, Steelers, Eagles,
Ravens, and Raiders.

Most of the COUNTRY is against your team!!

GO GIANTS!!

See, that's why I like the Patriots so much.

Because everyone else dislikes them. The more everyone dislikes them, the more upset everyone gets that they keep proving they're the best damn team EVER.

I also cheer for most the heels in pro-wrestling.

It's just more fun to like the guys everyone hates.

So please, cheer against them, it just makes me love them that much more, and makes me laugh that much harder when they win and everyone gets upset. :p

StormX

01/22/2008, 20:40

I'm still waiting for him to get a set of Cuckoos modded into the Patriots Cheerleaders. :p

:noid: I could do that....easily......

I'll be right back.

malakim2099

01/22/2008, 20:52

:noid: I could do that....easily......

I'll be right back.

I want pics! :)

spiderman9797

01/22/2008, 21:42

Maybe I am a dipstick for liking a cruddy team.
I have been told I picked the wrong team to like.
But I have loved them since 1988 and maybe people
are right and my team will never win anything.

I appologize to everyone for my rant about NE Patriots!!
Woah, now, man. I'm sure as hell not saying that you picked the wrong team to like. I'm a freaking die-hard Saints fan, so take it from me that people tell me that we aren't worth anything, but I love my Saints none-the-less.

See, it's people like you and me that stick to our "crappy" teams when they're crappy that will be more rewarded when our "crappy" teams win the big one than those who jump on the bandwagon late.

Granite Moose

01/23/2008, 06:07

See, it's people like you and me that stick to our "crappy" teams when they're crappy that will be more rewarded when our "crappy" teams win the big one than those who jump on the bandwagon late.

That was exactly my point about what a real fan is. I dealt with a whole lot of crappy Patriots teams (hey, I was there when they were 1-15) so I totally understand how you can be disappointed in your team. That is the reason I'm enjoying this so much right now.

And adsekera, at least you composed yourself in a decent manner without the usual hater attitude. I for one don't see any reason for you to need to apologize.

malakim2099

01/23/2008, 08:23

See, it's people like you and me that stick to our "crappy" teams when they're crappy that will be more rewarded when our "crappy" teams win the big one than those who jump on the bandwagon late.

As a Vikings fan, I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. And a Twins fan, as well (and boy, was 91 a fun year... especially with everyone bandwagoning the Braves). :cool:

maxwing

01/23/2008, 09:29

All that aside... I can see the Giants winning this game, especially if NE plays like they did against San Diego. Frankly, if LDT was in that game, I don't think NE skates like they did (SD would have gotten at least ONE touchdown in the Red Zone if he could go). However, while the Giants CAN win, and they will beat the spread... I can't go against the Patriots on this one. Much as I might like to otherwise. ;)

Pats 27, Giants 23.

Ifs and coulda beens. Actually I'm a bit mystified by the two championship games. Maybe SD would have done better with LT, but Turner is a fine RB too. The cold weather was a big factor in both, and probably bigger in GB. When I think about the 4th quarter and OT of the NFC game, all I can think of is the lousy football. Interceptions, fumbles, penalties, multiple missed field goals. --I'm willing to put all that down to the cold really getting to the players, but it's hard for me to think that either the Giants or the Packers played up to their potential any better than NE did. It seems like the teams were battling the cold as much as each other. Sure, NY won out, but in what seemed like a comedy of errors. Neither game seems like a good indicator of how the two teams will perform in Glendale.

malakim2099

01/23/2008, 09:31

Ifs and coulda beens. Actually I'm a bit mystified by the two championship games. Maybe SD would have done better with LT, but Turner is a fine RB too. The cold weather was a big factor in both, and probably bigger in GB. When I think about the 4th quarter and OT of the NFC game, all I can think of is the lousy football. Interceptions, fumbles, penalties, multiple missed field goals. --I'm willing to put all that down to the cold really getting to the players, but it's hard for me to think that either the Giants or the Packers played up to their potential any better than NE did. It seems like the teams were battling the cold as much as each other. Sure, NY won out, but in what seemed like a comedy of errors. Neither game seems like a good indicator of how the two teams will perform in Glendale.

Yeah, but I'm thinking that 1. The Patriots are starting to look a little gassed (for good reason, with their season) and 2. The Giants played them very well in Week 17. Hence my pick. And I'm not sure how an extra week off is going to help/hinder in this regard. :)

Granite Moose

01/23/2008, 09:48

Yeah, but I'm thinking that 1. The Patriots are starting to look a little gassed (for good reason, with their season) and 2. The Giants played them very well in Week 17. Hence my pick. And I'm not sure how an extra week off is going to help/hinder in this regard. :)

Well, NE has looked a little slower in the second half of the season, but then the weather has been quite different. I think the warm weather will make a big difference in how NE plays. They've had a number of cold-weather games in a row and their offense this year is definitely more suited to a warm-weather venue.

maxwing

01/23/2008, 10:03

Well, NE has looked a little slower in the second half of the season, but then the weather has been quite different. I think the warm weather will make a big difference in how NE plays. They've had a number of cold-weather games in a row and their offense this year is definitely more suited to a warm-weather venue.

All joking aside, I feel like the Patriots have been in playoff-level games since week 12 against the Eagles. In the early days of the season when people were just starting to think they would run the table, I thought that going 16-0 would be harder than winning the Superbowl. Each game is just more pressure. I think they've held up pretty well, and if they do win their 19th, I would have to say they were the best there ever was (or darned close to it). --I mean look at NY, they come in with almost no pressure, and the chance to be REAL "Giant killers" --They beat the Pats and they have bragging rights for a generation. --They lose, well, NE was supposed to beat them weren't they?

I say giving Belichik two weeks to game plan is a big advantage to NE. This being the second go-around also helps NE as much as it does NY (the Pats also beat the Giants IN the Meadowlands remember). And as noted above, the warm weather helps the Pats passing game a lot. Given the uptick in their ground game and the fact that they have their offensive line back and healthy (they had two substitutes in the last NE/NY contest), I gotta like NE chances, but if they do win, NY will make them earn it.

Granite Moose

01/23/2008, 13:19

the fact that they have their offensive line back and healthy (they had two substitutes in the last NE/NY contest), I gotta like NE chances, but if they do win, NY will make them earn it.

I totally forgot about the missing lineman in that game. Good point, Max.

I stated in an earlier post that my feelings on the game are pretty much right with yours. I certainly don't think this is going to be a blow-out.

And it's almost unfair to give Belichick that long to prepare for a game. Especially with the last game so recently played, I'm thinking the Pats are going to have a very effective game plan. And that's meant as no knock on the Giants who have been playing exceptional ball recently.

spiderman9797

01/23/2008, 17:05

That was exactly my point about what a real fan is. I dealt with a whole lot of crappy Patriots teams (hey, I was there when they were 1-15) so I totally understand how you can be disappointed in your team. That is the reason I'm enjoying this so much right now.
And that's really the beauty of the NFL. The good teams can quickly become bad teams and the bad teams can quickly become good teams.

Remember when the Browns, the Saints, the Vikings, the Bengals, the Cardinals, and I'm sure others were all just absolutely terrible, the worst of the league?

Look at them now. Sure, none of them are the best teams, but each of them has great potential and I believe the Browns, Saints, Vikings, and Cardinals are all uprising teams (Bengals could be, but they really need to get their act together) with great, young talent. That's what the NFL does with it's free agency system and the draft.

StormX

01/23/2008, 19:31

I want pics! :)

Prototype is done, will take some pics once mass production has been completed.

Gentlegamer

01/24/2008, 09:53

(the Pats also beat the Giants IN the Meadowlands remember). Many ticket holders scalped their tickets to Pats fans who wanted to be on hand to see the 16th win.

Granite Moose

01/24/2008, 10:44

Many ticket holders scalped their tickets to Pats fans who wanted to be on hand to see the 16th win.

And that's a factor how? If you're saying that it made it less of a road game for the Pats, I'd agree to a small extent, but not to a large amount. It's not like those fans made the venue seem like a home game for NE.

And what that says about those Giants fans is pretty telling to me. I know their argument: that Pats fans were willing to pay outrageous prices for those tickets. Doesn't matter. You support your team. At least that's my opinion.

maxwing

01/24/2008, 13:03

And that's a factor how? If you're saying that it made it less of a road game for the Pats, I'd agree to a small extent, but not to a large amount. It's not like those fans made the venue seem like a home game for NE.

I know there are plenty of people who think that the Giants performed pretty well during that game, and that it gave the team a boost going into the playoffs (knowing they matched up pretty well against the Pats).

That's true enough as far as it goes. But the Pats still won. It was an away game for the Pats, which was a minor disadvantage. They were without two starting lineman and a tight end (Kyle Brady). They got them back now. I also feel the Pats were a little distracted during that game, what with the "perfect season" record hinging on the game, and the two other passing and receiving records (Brady & Moss) to be broken. Sure, I expect the Pats were gonna test the Giants secondary anyway, but they seemed pretty focused on getting those two completions out of the way before they settled down in their game plan.

All season we've been hearing how the Pats are beatable, how there's a blueprint and how they have these exploitable weaknesses. Now we hear how the Giants are feeling good about their near-win, and how they can turn that into a Superbowl victory. Well, maybe they can but as far as I can tell, that's just pep talk until somebody actually hands NE a loss.

Granite Moose

01/24/2008, 15:57

I also feel the Pats were a little distracted during that game, what with the "perfect season" record hinging on the game,

Bruschi even said that they were aware of the perfect season and thinking about it at the outset of that game.

NeoShazam

01/24/2008, 17:15

I know there are plenty of people who think that the Giants performed pretty well during that game, and that it gave the team a boost going into the playoffs (knowing they matched up pretty well against the Pats)..

It looks quite clear, since the Giants of the past few years fell apart after injuries and came into the playoffs soft.

That's true enough as far as it goes. But the Pats still won. It was an away game for the Pats, which was a minor disadvantage. They were without two starting lineman and a tight end (Kyle Brady). They got them back now. I also feel the Pats were a little distracted during that game, what with the "perfect season" record hinging on the game, and the two other passing and receiving records (Brady & Moss) to be broken. Sure, I expect the Pats were gonna test the Giants secondary anyway, but they seemed pretty focused on getting those two completions out of the way before they settled down in their game plan.

All season we've been hearing how the Pats are beatable, how there's a blueprint and how they have these exploitable weaknesses. Now we hear how the Giants are feeling good about their near-win, and how they can turn that into a Superbowl victory. Well, maybe they can but as far as I can tell, that's just pep talk until somebody actually hands NE a loss.

The NY Giants had the advantage on New England for much of the game and it started to feel , similiar to the game versus the Ravens , that the Patriots were going down. That bomb pass to Moss fails, and they come right back to it and take the lead.

The Patriots are vulnerable to teams that blitz well (Philly, Baltimore) and can run the football (Jax), the Giants can do both. The Giants have a beaten up secondary so the Giants D-Line needs to get to Brady with urgency like they did for the most part in the last meeting. I'm not sure why the Jaguars stopped blitzing Brady in their playoff meeting against them, blitzing is tiring though and if you're team isn't built for it you can't fake it for an entire game.

maxwing

01/24/2008, 17:50

The Patriots are vulnerable to teams that blitz well (Philly, Baltimore) and can run the football (Jax), the Giants can do both. The Giants have a beaten up secondary so the Giants D-Line needs to get to Brady with urgency like they did for the most part in the last meeting.

Greg Cosell of the Sporting News seems to disagree (although he likes the Giants in the Superbowl):

"Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Giants are an attacking defense that has blitzed on more than 35 percent of all called passes this season, including the three playoff wins. In that December 29 matchup against New England, Brady scorched the Giants' blitz, completing 14 of 18 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. His QB rating against the blitz was 144.0."

See: http://www.sportingnews.com (http://http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=341434)

If they're vulnerable, they're vulnerable, but again, this is a perceived weakness that hasn't resulted in a loss yet. That's all I'm saying. :grin:

NeoShazam

01/26/2008, 19:51

Greg Cosell of the Sporting News seems to disagree (although he likes the Giants in the Superbowl):

"Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Giants are an attacking defense that has blitzed on more than 35 percent of all called passes this season, including the three playoff wins. In that December 29 matchup against New England, Brady scorched the Giants' blitz, completing 14 of 18 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. His QB rating against the blitz was 144.0."

See: http://www.sportingnews.com (http://http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=341434)

If they're vulnerable, they're vulnerable, but again, this is a perceived weakness that hasn't resulted in a loss yet. That's all I'm saying. :grin:

They can blitz all day, but they have to get there.
Baltimore lost by 3 ( blitzed like crazy , McGahee had a very good game ).

Indianapolis lost by 4 ( Indy Offense dominated clock for most of the game -- Addai touchdown was a fluke but Wayne dropping a TD was just as unlikely).

Philadelphia lost by 4 ( blitzed like crazy , Westbrooke made outstanding plays ).

Giants lost by 3 ( blitzed and ran the ball well, lead change was given up on a bomb pass which is not a good way to lose).

The remaining opponents lost by an average of 22 points. I expected Indy to beat San Diego and upset New England but the injuries caught up to them.

technohead

02/03/2008, 22:07

Giants Win...!!! Giants Win....!!!

NeoShazam

02/03/2008, 22:07

And NOW the Patriots are beat !!!

I would've loved it both ways but the Patriots came out and didn't play good enough.

Gentlegamer

02/03/2008, 22:10

The Patriots go down as the worst 18 win team in NFL history.

absolutvt69

02/03/2008, 22:12

All I'll say is Bellichek showed his clASS by leaving the field before the game was over. The epitome of a sore loser.

Zaq

02/03/2008, 22:18

The Patriots go down as the worst 18 win team in NFL history.

Eh, it's not so bad. They're still the only 18 win team in NFL history. ;) That's not something done every day, you know.

Gentlegamer

02/03/2008, 22:27

Eh, it's not so bad. They're still the only 18 win team in NFL history. ;) That's not something done every day, you know.The 49ers and Bears beg to differ (and they won the Super Bowl those seasons).

Zaq

02/03/2008, 22:31

The 49ers and Bears beg to differ (and they won the Super Bowl those seasons).

Looks up...

Oh yeah. Ah, well, I'm still proud of them.

Gargantua

02/03/2008, 22:46

The Giants just outplayed them. Pure and simple. The Pats just were not looking like themselves tonight. That fourth quarter drive was a hint of what they could do, but it was too little too late. The Giants defense did their job well. I'm man enough to admit it. I would have liked to have gotten that 19-0 season, but instead I congratulate the Giants fans reading this thread. Well played, guys. See you next year.

bagman04

02/03/2008, 22:59

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xdCrZfTkG1c

Man nothing better than seeing cry baby billick running to the lockers with his tail between his legs.

monkeyshines

02/04/2008, 04:39

The 49ers and Bears beg to differ (and they won the Super Bowl those seasons).

Not a fan of any of these three, but those 18 win games of the 49ers and Bears weren't in a row either.

Granite Moose

02/04/2008, 06:19

but the Patriots came out and didn't play good enough.

While I agree that the Pats didn't play a good game, I think most of the credit for that has to go to the Giants. And as you can tell by my earlier posts on this thread, I am a Pats fan.
Quite frankly, Brady looked flustered for most of the game. The final drive looked good, but as was pointed out by somebody else, it was too little too late. Man, how nice would one little field goal earlier in the game have looked at the end?
That said, if the Pats defense was able to make just one of a handful of plays on the Giants last drive, they could have won. Unfortunately for the Pats, Eli continued his maturation process and played a very good game. Kudos to the Giants coaches for having a very good game plan and kudos to the Giants players for executing that plan very well.
I was disappointed in the outcome, but the game itself was a very exciting game. The type of game I might have enjoyed more had I not been invested in one of the participants.

Gentlegamer

02/04/2008, 08:31

Not a fan of any of these three, but those 18 win games of the 49ers and Bears weren't in a row either.And yet they each won the final game: the Super Bowl.

maxwing

02/04/2008, 10:29

It's all about the Superbowl. It's a weird thing, but losing it is almost worse than not getting there at all.

Truth is, the Patriots had a one-of-a-kind season, but couldn't finish off the perfect run. This was one great team, and IF they had won, they'd be called the best ever (by a lot of people anyway). They didn't, so that's the way it is.

Probably won't see it's like again any time soon.

Congratulations to the Giants for doing what NO ONE ELSE did this season.

charlesx

02/04/2008, 11:33

Congratulations to the Giants for doing what NO ONE ELSE did this season.

You mean, winning the Superbowl? :p

NeoShazam

02/04/2008, 12:04

While I agree that the Pats didn't play a good game, I think most of the credit for that has to go to the Giants. And as you can tell by my earlier posts on this thread, I am a Pats fan.
Quite frankly, Brady looked flustered for most of the game. The final drive looked good, but as was pointed out by somebody else, it was too little too late. Man, how nice would one little field goal earlier in the game have looked at the end?
That said, if the Pats defense was able to make just one of a handful of plays on the Giants last drive, they could have won. Unfortunately for the Pats, Eli continued his maturation process and played a very good game. Kudos to the Giants coaches for having a very good game plan and kudos to the Giants players for executing that plan very well.

Exactly, that Cornerback had the game in his hands when Eli and the WR miscommunicated on that out early in the drive. It hit him in the hands and went out of bounds, that was the game right there. Earlier than that it was Rodney Harrison getting burnt by Boss for that 48 yard gain which brought the Giants and the game to life. Giants D-line played awesome. Kevin Faulk and Wes Welker were playing until the end but the others didn't have that sense of urgency to get to the ball and make plays after they got the ball. Brady got hit and was hitting the turf more in this game than I think the entire season combined.

For a different poster, the difference between this 18-1 team and the '84 49ers and '85 Bears was that both of those teams destroyed the competition in the playoffs, which of course includes the Super Bowl.

It'll be interesting to see what NE does from here. Technically they have really good draft picks for next year. They can resign their big names if they want. They have a REALLY cushy schedule for next year, AFC East and NFC West , so to be honest they could have a perfect regular season next year as well.

Granite Moose

02/04/2008, 13:09

so to be honest they could have a perfect regular season next year as well.

No matter how easy the schedule may or may not be, I would be very surprised if we see any team, including the Pats, challenge this record again anytime soon.
Though I wouldn't mind seeing it happen. ;)

mike_houghton

02/04/2008, 15:08

I heard some interesting titles for the 19 and 0 book the boston herald was preselling last week
19 and 0..NO
If I did it. An ode to OJs last book attempt

stark's heir

02/07/2008, 22:00

Oh - Man. :nervous:

Check this out...various comments from Patsies fans on their message board.

I thought it might be entertaining to read and it was. Starts right after the Moss TD. Enjoy the Melt Down...

"RANDY MOSS!!! We have the lead people!!!

14-10 2:42 away from another SB win

I cant even watch. I feel like I am going to vomit! Please football Gods! Please! After all they have been through, they really deserve this!

IMNSHO, Eli won't have time to air it out here. The D is coming with reckless abandon...!

HOLD THEM!!!

What is going on with the clock? It seems like they are giving them free time!

Once, God, just once, I would like Brady to be able to take a knee on our last possession in a Superbowl. Defense - get the (bad word) ball!

Asante ALMOST had that pick...!

how didnt they sack him?

GOOD GRIEF! WHY WASN'T HE TAKEN DOWN!!! @($(@#*$

WHAT IN THE (bad word)!!!!!!!

HOW DO YOU NOT GET THE SACK FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

Eli is such a s(bad word)(bad word)er.

Oh man this is really killing me

why was he wide open?

[censored]!!!!!!!!

Ohmyword...I think we may have lost.

worthelss [censored] defense couldnt stop a freaking cold with a crate of theraflu hold your head in shame

how do we lose to the s***ty Giants? Huh?

This will be the game I will never be able to talk about.

I would like to see that ###### BAG Goodell investigate the funny stuff with the game clock in the last minute of the game

yoiu have no idea how (bad word)ed i am

What a NIGHTMARE.

Oh my God! What just happened?!? I was bawling...

I must say, I can't enjoy pro football next year. I may well not watch until the play-offs. I have been a die hard Pats fan since 1977, but the problem is, this is a historical loss that will never go away. Even if they win the SB next year (not likely, with this D), this will not go away."

admironheart

02/08/2008, 13:25

Thawmus

02/08/2008, 14:21

As funny as that is, I don't think it's particularly appropriate to post that on the Patriots thread. It's kinda trolling. :ermm:

Granite Moose

02/08/2008, 19:28

As funny as that is, I don't think it's particularly appropriate to post that on the Patriots thread. It's kinda trolling. :ermm:

Ya think? And if you're a "die-hard Pats fan", why are you referring to your fellow fans as "Patsies fans"? And why post a link to an "18-1" shirt on the Giants thread?

Hey, whatever works for you. :tired:

stark's heir

02/09/2008, 20:05

Granite Moose

02/10/2008, 07:38

"Ya think? And if you're a "die-hard Pats fan", why are you referring to your fellow fans as "Patsies fans"? And why post a link to an "18-1" shirt on the Giants thread?"

If this was directed at me:

I'm not a Patsies fan. And...
I thought the 18-1 shirt was funny and G-Men fans might enjoy it.

:rolleyes: No more for me over here.

I'll stop now.

It was directed at you. I misunderstood when the quotes you listed had stopped.
It's seemed clear you're not a Pats fan by your posts, but I wasn't sure. That post just seemed like needless baiting on a Patriots thread. Everybody else posting on both sites (Pats fans on Giants thread and Giants fans on Pats thread) have seemed civil and merely giving good-natured teasing at most. In my opinion, yours crossed the line.

And posting the link to the shirt on the Giants thread was fine (not that you're looking for my approval) based upon my clearer understanding of your thread before.

kontrol

02/10/2008, 17:55

Ya think? And if you're a "die-hard Pats fan", why are you referring to your fellow fans as "Patsies fans"? And why post a link to an "18-1" shirt on the Giants thread?

Hey, whatever works for you. :tired:
Actually the 18-1 shirt is a compliment to the Giants. They beat the previously unbeatable Goliath. I would so wear it. There's a reason it's on back order.

Granite Moose

02/10/2008, 19:38

Actually the 18-1 shirt is a compliment to the Giants. They beat the previously unbeatable Goliath. I would so wear it. There's a reason it's on back order.

Yes, read my post directly above yours. My original comment was made upon the misunderstanding of the final paragraph in stark's heir's post in which I thought he was stating that he was a Pats fan. Hence the dichotomy of the two posts in my mind.