Fella's, Bottom line is WE feel we have more then a reasonable shot to beat them. I NEVER thought we would beat them last year when we played the Pat's..If I remember it was fairly pathtic..That's the difference when you have a coach you feel prepares properly and a you know the game plan will be solid enough to get you their. Tom Brady is Tom Brady, but now Chad looks like Chad again..I can't predict you the future, but I'm feelin fairly confident..I'll be their Sunday making that place as loud as I can...JETS
You?re right. These are not the super bowl champ Patriots. They?re better! Once the receiving core gets straightened out with Doug Gabriel and Chad Jackson in the lineup this team will be deeper (and younger) than any of the past super bowl teams.
How about you see Gabriel and Jackson perform well for more than two consecutive weeks before you proclaim them as good as Brown and Branch, two key guys in your SB run.
He may play tomorrow. They're taking baby steps with him. They may sit him one more week but he will play against Denver next Sunday night. That's a game where you can make some big $$ by betting the house on the Patriots.
I didn't like the guy in college. Also, many rookie WRs struggle. That's why I don't care for Chad Jackson in 2006.
C'mon, man. I give the Pats all the respect in the world in terms of what theyve accomplished and I believe they are legit SB contenders...but i don't think they are any better than some of thier teams in the past. In fact, I think theyve taken a step back. The passing game at this point is severely lacking..Doug Gabriel and Chad Jackson are not the answer. Brady will make his share of plays on short passes to Watson, Graham and Faulk...but the days of unheard of,clutch downfield throws on 3rd and forever are over. Defensively, W/ Mcginest's departure, Law's departure, the health issues of Bruschi and the uncertainty of Rodney Harrison...I believe this D is about to come back to earth from their past success. THey certainly will be a top 15 unit...but no longer will they be capable of shutting out team after team, or creating 3-4 turnovers a game. THey certainly got better in terms of a running game. Mankins and Neal have both improved their run blocking, and Maroney not only gives them another weapon, but makes Dillion that much better. To me, they've traded the elite passing game of the past, for now an elite running game. Offensively, they've treaded water talent-wise. Defensively, they have regressed.
I agree with your analysis on the running game/passing game. But I disagree with you when you say the defense has regressed. Let?s take a look at the D. As much as I think losing McGinest will hurt in the locker room as he was clearly a mentor for the younger players, the Patriots have a knack for letting players go when their play is on the decline. Mike Vrabel has been ready to take Willi?s spot as an OLB. The inside is anchored by Tedy Bruschi (who?s ready to go and will play tomorrow) and Junior Seau. On the other side is the now healthy beast Rosevelt Colvin. The D-line is the best in football. Let?s leave it at that. As for the defensive backfield this is the healthiest and best group in 3 years. Ty Law has not played in 2 years as he was hurt most of the 2004 season. Rodney Harrison is Rodney Harrison. He claims he has lost no speed, but even if he has. He?s the traffic cop of the backfield and he allows Eugene Wilson to go back to his free safety position. The corners are Ellis Hobbs (great rookie season last year, a tremendous athlete) and Asante Samuel (very solid NFL corner). Backing these 4 players up are the players who were forced to start last season. All in all this is one of the strongest D the Pats have had in years (if not the strongest).
The defense maybe solid at all positions..I just dont see as many playmakers.Seau to me is nothing more than a stop gap..and I see some holes in the secondary. I guess we can agree to disagree
Vrabel is no McGinest, and Seau is not even a shell of his former self. I mean, if Saban wanted no part of Seau.... Bruschi, as tough as he is, will still be hampered by the wrist injury.... and injury that usually takes 8 months to heal. I differ on Samuel.... he is a very marginal CB. The losses of Branch and Givens are huge, when combined. That is slightly offset by Maroney, who I think will win several NFL rushing titles before he's done. Gabriel is good, but he hasn't had enough time with Brady yet, and very few rookie recievers do well right out of the gate. That includes rookie kickers, too. Wilson.... the jury is still out.... let's see how he does this year, after being shifted to SS last year and playing poorly. There is simply NO way this defense is better than the unit NE put on the field 2 years ago. That is pure homerism. Still, even with some weak spots, the front 3 makes this a formidable defense to go up against. Belichick's coaching genius is still there though.... I did notice that the Bill's defense wore down in the second half against NE last week.... don't expect to see that happen to a Mangini coached team. I still expect the Pats to win.... but I won't be surprised if the Jets find a way to beat them tomorrow, either.
McGinest was always one of my favorites, but he was a beneficiary of the system. Without getting into comparisons of McGinest and Vrabel, let?s just say Mike Vrabel of today is a better option than McGinest of today at OLB. Yes?Junior Seau is not a shell of what he was. But he was injured all of last year and the fins gave up on him. He?s healthy and hungry for a world championship. He?s a great run stopper and a leader on defense. You?ll see that his play is better than it?s been at any time with Miami. That?s not being a homer as I thought the same as you before I saw him play this season. He?s got a good year left in the tank and he?s a great team player. Can?t argue with you on Samuel as it?s all a matter of opinion. I?m not worried about the wide receivers as long as Tom Brady?s in the huddle. WR?s are a dime a dozen and BB has proven that over the years. Besides?we?re talking D. Again, this is a deep and healthy defense. Don?t listen to the national geniuses ?.see for yourself tomorrow.
The only thing I'm worried about is how succesful their running attack becomes. Is their any chance maroney is playing or is he too injured ? Dillon is getting older (lost a step) but he still pounds when he carries. I am undecided in the outcome but still carry the spirit of optimism. OUTCOME Pats lose by a Nugent last effort for three!
If it comes down to a Nuge field goal I would be very excited. IF I were a Patriots fan, that is...:sad:
McGinest was one of the most talented players the Pats every drafted on D. He was hurt early in his career but to call him a system guy is a joke. He was one of the most physical gifted defensive players in the league when he was healthy.
Willie played at a very high level the last few years because of his football knowledge and the system. He's been past his prime and relying on his football smarts for a few years now. Having said that I have a great deal of respet for Willie and love everything he did for the Patriots.
Willie McGinist and Roman Phifer were absolute studs in the NFL. You can't just plug in guys like Vrabel and Seau who was good 4 years ago and replace that kind of talent. I agree both were done but they were both far more talented than either Seau now or Vrabel ever.
roman Phifer didn't play last year. Our outside linebackers are Vrabel and Rosy Colvin. I'll take those players over todays willie and Phifer. Seau is a 1st and 2nd down inside run stopper. Watch Colvin closely tomorrow. He'll be the one chasing down Chad all day.
