From "Are They For Real?" to "Who's Going to Stop Them?"
by Greg Knopping on Dec 11, 2010 7:00 AM EST
in Opinion/Analysis
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PrintIt's funny how quickly things change in the NFL. As the Patriots prepared for their week thirteen game against the New York Jets, certain questions among national media were persistent, "Is this 9-2 Patriots team for real? Are they a real contender?" As Patriots fans, we had a pretty good feeling about our team. Even though most of us expected/hoped for a win, I don't think any of us could have predicted the 45-3 beat-down the Patriots put on the Jets.
That being said, with the victory, the question was no longer, "is this team for real?" With the win, the Patriots had proved that they were a legitimate contender. They played a solid 60 minutes and destroyed a team that many had believed was the best the league had to offer. And with that win, the Patriots once again were on top of that pedestal as the league's best team (with due diligence to the Atlanta Falcons as well).
Now on top of the pedestal, the question has now become, "who is going to knock them down?" Who is going to beat the New England Patriots?
This week, Patriots have the Chicago Bears at Soldier field, in a game that is sure to have some adverse weather conditions. The Bears are 9-3, and have found success through a balanced offense led by a dialed-in Jay Cutler, and a resurgent defense led by Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher. Even with their 9-3 record, the Bears have had their fair share of criticism. They've had a couple of convincing wins, one against the Packers, but most recently against the Eagles. But besides those two victories, the only other team they've beaten that's even .500 is the Miami Dolphins. They have losses to the Seahawks, Redskins, and Giants. Only the Giants are above .500.
None of this has deterred the media from going after why the Bears and their cover 2 defense could be the team to slow down Tom Brady and the Patriots. Over at ESPN, Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, Seth Wickersham, Cris Carter (no surprise there... is he finally coming out of his cave?), Herm Edwards, and Mike Ditka all picked the Bears to beat the Patriots.
I'm not saying the Bears can't beat the Patriots, they are more than capable. My message has to do with how the perception is changing on the Patriots. They're no longer that "pretender." Everyone knows they're for real. So get used to it, each week, from now until the end of the Patriots' season, we're going to be hearing why each team on the Patriots' schedule is capable of knocking the Patriots from their perch.
And I like it.
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Reminds me of 07.
Unfortunately, we lost the two games.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by insertscreenname on Dec 11, 2010 9:11 AM EST reply actions
Maybe that shold be a "fortunately"
Takes the pressure off a little bit towards the end, don’t ya think?
by DrJgopatsgators on Dec 11, 2010 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
I'd rather go 18-0 and take my chances in the SB.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by insertscreenname on Dec 11, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
yeah and we could have won those 2 games
by pats r amazing on Dec 11, 2010 10:12 AM EST reply actions
There are a lot of god signs with this team
Obviously having the best record in the AFC is a solid indicator of success. More importantly, I look at the manner in which games were won and lost. We’ve won games in just about ever way imaginable; comebacks, blowouts, down to the wire, whatever else. Our loss to the Jets was due to a poor second half, our loss to the Browns was all about lack of focus. Good teams win games in a variety of ways and only lose games when they don’t play their best.
Looking, for example, at the Jets, the situation is somewhat different. They barely beat poor teams, and their only win over a quality opponent was against us. What is far worse, in my view, is that every time they have an extended break before games they lose. That’s been beat to death a little bit, especially after the MNF game, but I still think it’s a sign of very poor coaching. Why in the world they tried to come out against us in a shotgun, no huddle offense is beyond me. They’re a running team, only down by 3, with the entire game ahead of them. You don’t see teams like Pittsburgh or New England out thinking themselves like that.
On an unrelated note, I wouldn’t be shocked if Indy and SD came back and won their divisions. Kansas City is in good position to take the AFC West, but without Matt for their game this Sunday I don’t like their chances against the Chargers. Indianapolis is like a half game back, technically, on Jacksonville, with a real easy schedule for the final few weeks.
Deep in enemy territory
I ask myself
“Who’s going to stop them”
45-3 against the Jets is for real.
"Don't give up, don't ever give up."
I prefer "Are They For Real"
This way…mediots and rival fans and continue to doubt the capabilities of this team…right up until the season is over.
I don't think so. Homey don't play dat.
Creator of the moniker "DDR©"
right until the seasons over...
and they hoist the Lombardi Trophy :) it is dynasty all over again. fingers crossed lets not forget eve then it came down to the wire every play every second we’ll pray for the next pass the next first down and very possibly the next field goal. lets not get ahead of ourselves but we all know it’s possible. and next year? wow but when its all on the line the beginning of it all we have to ask ourselves is shayne graham the next adam vinatieri? (bites at nails)
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