Looking Ahead at the Remainder of '09

There is no doubting that today's loss left a very sour taste in the mouths of Patriot fans. This was a game that should've been won, but in the end, it wasn't the case. It's time for the team to go back to the drawing board, and think of other ways to win instead of going for it on every single 4th down. And while they do that, let's look at the remainder of 2009 for the Pats, as well as both the Jets and Dolphins, to see how the division can be winnable.

The remaining schedules for all 3 teams by week, as well as my take on each game, after the jump...

WEEK 14

Patriots vs. Carolina: There is no excuse for the Pats to lose this game. More importantly, regardless of who's the starting QB, the inexperienced Matt Moore or the extremely horrid Jake Delhomme and his 18 interceptions, the Patriot defense should take advantage of Carolina's offense. Not to mention Steve Smith has been far from an effective receiver all season. This game HAS to be won, especially since they're back on home turf.

Dolphins at Jacksonville: This game is a sure-fire coin-flip, as both teams are vying for playoff spots. Miami has gained some new-foundconfidence after today and aren't a team that dies down easily. The Jags, meanwhile, sport a 5-1 record at home and have the tendency to win almost all of their games in a really close fashion. I would feel confident pulling for the Jags. (Aside: My brother is a big-time Jaguars fan, and we went to the same high school with rookie WR Tiquan Underwood, even though we'll probably see him replacing Torry Holt in a couple of years.)

Jets at Tampa Bay: Even though this looks like the perfect set-up for another Gang Green foul up, I don't see it happening. Tampa Bay does next to nothing and are in a rebuilding mode. Plus, the Jets now have to be confident that they can sniff first place. I don't see them missing this opportunity.

WEEK 15

Patriots at Buffalo: This just seems easy. But it's not. I feel that the Patriots should win this one in spite of their road troubles. However, this is a different Buffalo team now that Dick Jauron has been outed. I don't think they'll lay down just like that, not to mention they're thirsty for redemption after that Monday Night embarrassment in Week One. Regardless, this game should be won.

Dolphins at Tennessee: Once again, Miami gets another coin-flip of a game, also on the road, and also could have playoff implications. Both Vince Young and Chad Henne have given their teams new life after each of their respective starts to the season. I'm hesitant about predicting the outcome, as the Titans' home record isn't as bright as the Jags', but I will say that this game should become a dog-fight overall.

Jets vs. Atlanta: I don't see the Jets losing this game, as the Falcons have suffered even more with the absence of Matt Ryan. The fact that their road record is outrageously horrendus doesn't help their cause, or ours.

WEEK 16

Patriots vs. Jacksonville: I think I'm seeing a theme with New England's remaining games. Each one of those games look like they could benefit the Pats, though in the back of my mind, each of their opponents could cause problems. The Pats got the home crowd on their side, but the Jags got the hunger of wanting in on the playoffs. In the end, though, I'm hopeful that the advantage of having the 12th man behind the team proves to be a benefit for the Patriots.

Dolphins vs. Houston: With their road trips over and done with, the Dolphins can cozy up at home, and it starts against a once-promising Texans squad. It may look easy for the Fins, but should the Texans be bumped from playoff contention, they'll be looking to play spoiler. But again, Miami has the home-field and plays well there, so there's no possible way they could foul up in front of their fans.

Jets at Indianapolis: This is a game that should look hard for the Jets. That is, if the Colts can keep themselves unbeaten heading up to this game. Otherwise, they'll just be resting their star-power in preparation for the playoffs. So the level of difficulty for this game depends on how the Colts do in the games leading up to this.

WEEK 17

Patriots at Houston: The Pats return to the site of one of their Super Bowl victories, and one where they've had a hard time making clear victories. Plus, Houston has proven to be a fiesty team that doesn't back down so easily. This one could be a challenge for our boys.

Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh: The Steelers have all but put themselves out of the playoff race, and clearly they are NOT the same team as last year's Super Bowl winners, especially with Troy Polamalu being out with injuries. Surprisingly, this looks to be a gimme game for the Fins.

Jets vs. Cincinnati: Again, the Jets draw a dominant team in the Bengals. And again, it's likely Cincy will rest it's starters depending on how soon they clinch the AFC Central. But being that it's their final home game of the regular season, the Jets don't want to disappoint it's fans regardless of what the Bengals do.

Of course, I am interested in how everyone thinks the Pats would do in the remainder of the season. In my opinion, I think the Pats are capable of winning the division with that kind of a schedule. But to do so, they need to do one simple thing: SHOW UP! That's all I, and every other Patriot fan, ask for.