FanPost

Pats Facing Ghosts of Their Own Expectations

 

Today's NFL preview features a look at the New England Patriots, a squad which has all the pieces in place ON PAPER.

 

With that said, this is why I love the NFL, as unlike college football at the I-A level, we get to see playoffs and in these postseason matchups, the unexpected often happens.

 

Not many expected to see the 14-2 Patriots stumble in the divisional playoffs against the hated AFC East rival New York Jets last season.

 

Oddly enough, the Pats have not won any postseason games since the 2007 AFC Championship game after which they lost to the New York Giants in that season's Super Bowl, thus ending their unbeaten season.

 

From that time on, the Patriots, with classy owner Robert Kraft, have made numerous acquisitions in hopes of restoring their recently strong legacy, which has seen them win three Super Bowls this century.

 

Oddly enough, weird circumstances have befallen the Patriots in each instance and with tough AFC opponents such as the Jets, Colts, Steelers and Ravens, among others, looming in the wings, New England will have to play their best to exorcise their recent demons.

 

The Patriots' starpower is well known, as signal-caller Tom Brady and receiver Wes Welker, and others, are among the best in the league at their positions.

 

New England's defense features studs such as Patrick Chung, Vince Wilfork and Brandon Merriweather so talent is there, but I've watched too much football to concede anything to the Pats.

 

We shall see, and once again it's nice having football back!


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