Pats clinch East

Vris · 12-18-2005, 03:36 PM

And they do it in dominating fashion. Not that the Bucs are the best team in the NFC, but they were a divisional leader going into the game. The Pats defense responded with 7 sacks, holding the Bucs to under 200 yards total offense (3rd opponent in a row).

With everyone starting to get healthy and finally gelling, this is a team no one wants to play in the playoffs. They have been eating QBs for lunch the past few weeks.

cooper_gd · 12-18-2005, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vris

And they do it in dominating fashion. Not that the Bucs are the best team in the NFC, but they were a divisional leader going into the game. The Pats defense responded with 7 sacks, holding the Bucs to under 200 yards total offense (3rd opponent in a row).

With everyone starting to get healthy and finally gelling, this is a team no one wants to play in the playoffs. They have been eating QBs for lunch the past few weeks.

No bye and a tough road to haul. Beating the Bucs was a good win, but the Pats have been mediocre against good teams this year. They could be dangerous, but this is likely to be that end of a dynasty type of season that all great teams have. They'll lose a tough game in the playoffs, then free agency and age will do the rest. It's a natual cycle. I would have put this team in its prime against any of the last NFL dynasties.

MrJones · 12-18-2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooper_gd

No bye and a tough road to haul. Beating the Bucs was a good win, but the Pats have been mediocre against good teams this year. They could be dangerous, but this is likely to be that end of a dynasty type of season that all great teams have. They'll lose a tough game in the playoffs, then free agency and age will do the rest. It's a natual cycle. I would have put this team in its prime against any of the last NFL dynasties.

Probably what will happen, but I know I wouldn't want to play them. The way it stands right now, they would get the Jags at home in the first round in a game they'd be favored to win, and then travel to Indy. Indy had their way with them earlier, but NE still has to be in their heads a little for the playoff success, plus SD may have helped give a blueprint for how toslow up Indy. I can't see them beating Indy again, but it definitely wouldn't shock me with Belicheck, Brady, & Co.

cooper_gd · 12-18-2005, 05:35 PM

Is Leftwich out no matter what, or could he return for the playoffs? That would be a big factor in a game v the Jags.

MrJones · 12-18-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooper_gd

Is Leftwich out no matter what, or could he return for the playoffs? That would be a big factor in a game v the Jags.

I thought he was out for the year, but I'm not sure. You're correct, that would make a big difference (though I'd still have to favor NE)

Vris · 12-18-2005, 06:49 PM

Wouldn't make that big a difference.

And all kidding aside, the injuries did play a big part in the Pats season. I agree with you, Coop, that's it likely the end. But they are looking like the Patriots again, and at the right time.

QuestGAV · 12-18-2005, 07:50 PM

This is a remarkable season given what they've had to overcome. With everything coming together now this team is primed to do damage in the playoffs. They're certainly not as dominant as the past few years but don't order Indy's rings quite yet.

cooper_gd · 12-19-2005, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vris

Wouldn't make that big a difference.

And all kidding aside, the injuries did play a big part in the Pats season. I agree with you, Coop, that's it likely the end. But they are looking like the Patriots again, and at the right time.

The Jags play everyone tough, even the bad teams. If Leftwich is back in the playoffs, they can pose some physical probs for the Pats. Then again, that is exactly the type of games that the Pats can win right now. They've only been challenged with two good offenses since their bye week (none since their last loss to KC) - and lost both of those games. NE can put a hurt on a team, but once they play a team that can score some points, they're going to be in trouble.

cooper_gd · 12-19-2005, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuestGAV

This is a remarkable season given what they've had to overcome. With everything coming together now this team is primed to do damage in the playoffs. They're certainly not as dominant as the past few years but don't order Indy's rings quite yet.

Or Cincy, the Steelers, or Denver. Actually the Pats are lucky that the Jags keep winning somehow. That puts them in the first w/c slot right now and would put them again the worst division winner in NE. If the Jags lose and Pitt keeps winning, then NE might have a Steelers game which would probably not be a game that NE would want right now.

Teddyballgame · 12-19-2005, 07:50 AM

I can't imagine the Pats going on a long playoff run. Their best bet in the 1st round is the Jags. The way they've faced the run all year,(excluding lately) I can't imagine they'd want Pittsburgh in the first round. But, the way the two teams have been playing, I do give the edge to the Pats.

Overall, I'll predict a first-round win. I think they'll hang actually hang in there the second round but fall. Considering how this season looked at one point, not a terrible way to end it.

12-18-2005, 03:36 PM	#1
Vris Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: somewhere where I don't know where I am Posts: 3,251	Pats clinch East And they do it in dominating fashion. Not that the Bucs are the best team in the NFC, but they were a divisional leader going into the game. The Pats defense responded with 7 sacks, holding the Bucs to under 200 yards total offense (3rd opponent in a row). With everyone starting to get healthy and finally gelling, this is a team no one wants to play in the playoffs. They have been eating QBs for lunch the past few weeks. __________________ None Blog it.

12-18-2005, 05:35 PM	#4
cooper_gd All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: PopBunker.net Posts: 1,011	Is Leftwich out no matter what, or could he return for the playoffs? That would be a big factor in a game v the Jags. __________________

12-18-2005, 06:49 PM	#6
Vris Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: somewhere where I don't know where I am Posts: 3,251	Wouldn't make that big a difference. And all kidding aside, the injuries did play a big part in the Pats season. I agree with you, Coop, that's it likely the end. But they are looking like the Patriots again, and at the right time. __________________ None Blog it.

12-19-2005, 07:50 AM	#10
Teddyballgame Major Leagues Join Date: May 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 332	I can't imagine the Pats going on a long playoff run. Their best bet in the 1st round is the Jags. The way they've faced the run all year,(excluding lately) I can't imagine they'd want Pittsburgh in the first round. But, the way the two teams have been playing, I do give the edge to the Pats. Overall, I'll predict a first-round win. I think they'll hang actually hang in there the second round but fall. Considering how this season looked at one point, not a terrible way to end it. __________________ The roads in America are paved with cheese

12-18-2005, 07:50 PM	#7
QuestGAV Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,008	This is a remarkable season given what they've had to overcome. With everything coming together now this team is primed to do damage in the playoffs. They're certainly not as dominant as the past few years but don't order Indy's rings quite yet.