Shula says Patriots could go 19-0 - Page 2

Coach · 10-06-2004, 10:36 PM

Shula says Patriots could go 19-0

By STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer
October 5, 2004
MIAMI (AP) -- Don Shula knows what it takes to achieve a perfect season, and he says the New England Patriots have a chance to do it.

On the other hand, Shula says, the winless Miami Dolphins have a shot at an upset Sunday at New England.

The Hall of Fame coach has a vested interest for two reasons. He led the Dolphins for 26 years and still roots for them, and his 1972-73 teams won 18 consecutive games, an NFL record the Patriots hope to break Sunday.

Four other teams share the record, but only Shula's 1972 Dolphins went 17-0. The Patriots need 16 more wins in a row for the second perfect season in league history, which would be 19-0.

``They've got a real shot at it,'' Shula said Tuesday. ``They've got to win a lot of games to do it, and tough teams down the road. But they certainly are a legitimate threat to do it. They're a team that's solid in every way, from ownership to coaching to the players.''

That's in contrast to the 2004 Dolphins, off to their worst start since their expansion season in 1966 with four consecutive losses.

It's a level of failure foreign to Shula, who holds the NFL record with 328 coaching victories. He never endured an 0-4 start in 33 years as a coach, and 16 times he had four losses or less the entire season.

``Obviously the Dolphins are 0-4 and not happy about that,'' he said. ``They haven't been able to put together any drives offensively. If they can get something together offensively, with the great defense they play, they've got a chance to win some games this year, and they've got a chance against New England.''

Shula has phoned embattled Miami coach Dave Wannstedt to offer encouragement and notes that the unexpected retirement of Ricky Williams and a wave of injuries have contributions to Miami's woes.

``A lot of tough things have happened to Dave,'' Shula said. ``Ricky Williams is a great player, no question. Why he made the decision to do what he's doing right now is something I'll never understand. But he made the decision, and that hurt Dave. He thinks he's set there, and all of sudden he doesn't have Ricky, and then the backups get hurt. And the quarterback situation hasn't been settled.

``It seems like everything that can go wrong is going wrong. Hopefully he'll be able to salvage the season and go from there.''

Maybe Wannstedt's luck is changing. Shortly after Shula spoke came word that Williams wants to rejoin the Dolphins and has asked the NFL how soon he can return.

As for the Patriots, Shula said there's no question they're the NFL's best team. He said their defense reminds him of the 1972 Dolphins, and coach Bill Belichick reminds him of Don Shula.

``The way he teaches and coaches, I believe there are a lot of similarities,'' Shula said. ``I give him credit for not letting all the outside influences interfere with his preparation.''

While Shula will be cheering Sunday for Miami, he said characterizations of the 1972 Dolphins celebrating each year when the last unbeaten team loses have been overblown.

``Our record is the perfect season,'' he said. ``That's a record we're very proud of and protect. But by the same token, if somebody does it, I'm going to be the first guy that calls to congratulate the coach that does it. And I'm sure our players will be the first in line to congratulate the players that do it.''

KingPriest2 · 10-07-2004, 07:13 AM

Come on Dolphins Whip their ass!

ROYC75 · 10-07-2004, 07:16 AM

We better beat them at Arrowhead.....We can't lose another game in Arrowhead , having already dropping 2 games . A 3rd loss @ home, meaning we are best 5-3 @ home meaning we gotta go 6-2, 5-3 on the road .

12 games left, can we 10-2, 9-3 ?

Hope so..........

C-Mac · 10-07-2004, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROYC75

We better beat them at Arrowhead.....We can't lose another game in Arrowhead , having already dropping 2 games . A 3rd loss @ home, meaning we are best 5-3 @ home meaning we gotta go 6-2, 5-3 on the road .

12 games left, can we 10-2, 9-3 ?

Hope so..........

They wont loose to them at Arrowhead. I guarantee you that this game is already on the Patriots minds because 2 yrs ago this same KC offense pounded them at Foxborough and should have won the game. I know the defense will be more improved by then, we will have some players returning like Wilson and honestly do not expect that close of a game. They dont know each other well and thats a plus advantage to KC....and given the fact that I will be there in person just to make sure.

Amnorix · 10-07-2004, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Mac

They wont loose to them at Arrowhead. I guarantee you that this game is already on the Patriots minds because 2 yrs ago this same KC offense pounded them at Foxborough and should have won the game. I know the defense will be more improved by then, we will have some players returning like Wilson and honestly do not expect that close of a game. They dont know each other well and thats a plus advantage to KC....and given the fact that I will be there in person just to make sure.

I guarantee you that the Patriots would not have won 18 in a row if they spent much time looking 6 (or whatever) games down the road.

Don't worry, we'll worry about you when your time comes. Meanwhile -- you boys need to worry about getting back to .500...

Molitoth · 10-07-2004, 08:23 AM

Do the Patriots play The Bengals? Maybe Metal mouth will gaurentee a victory.

C-Mac · 10-07-2004, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I guarantee you that the Patriots would not have won 18 in a row if they spent much time looking 6 (or whatever) games down the road.

Don't worry, we'll worry about you when your time comes. Meanwhile -- you boys need to worry about getting back to .500...

My comment is like that of Guns thoughts when he saw the Colts game on the schedule, I can guarantee its in\on the back of his mind also. The Pats are simply a great team with an even greater coach(I wanted him when Marty left). But I feel that they are beatable and feel that either Miami(because of the legend) or KC will handle that.

Amnorix · 10-07-2004, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Do the Patriots play The Bengals? Maybe Metal mouth will gaurentee a victory.

Yep. Entire AFC North is on our schedule this year.

Amnorix · 10-07-2004, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Mac

My comment is like that of Guns thoughts when he saw the Colts game on the schedule, I can guarantee its in\on the back of his mind also. The Pats are simply a great team with an even greater coach(I wanted him when Marty left). But I feel that they are beatable and feel that either Miami(because of the legend) or KC will handle that.

I've seen them play 3 games and believe me, we're plenty beatable. We need to improve in all phases of the game, but most particular in run defense and special teams. But I'm pretty confident we'll get the major issues straightened out and have a reasonably good season (i.e. first round bye

)

**Iowanian** · 10-07-2004, 09:07 AM

The Pats and Iggles were probably my preseason picks for the big one, but I didn't put any monay on it. It looks very possible.

That said.....In week 4-5, its pretty difficult to know whats going to happen to any team. While the Pats are very solid at most positions and have great depth on Dline.....how good would they be if something were to happen to Brady......Dillon........Brewski..........a couple of Oline...........

A heck of alot can happen

Cntrygal · 10-07-2004, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

I have the ultimate respect for Don Shula as a coach. But he needs to get real. The 'fins have NO chance of beating the Pats this week. I can't think of a team they can beat. Well...OK...I'll give you SF.

I'm sure the Bills could give up a few points and 500 yards in penalties to give the fish a win.

Cntrygal · 10-07-2004, 11:59 PM

As much as I would like for us to beat the Pats in "round 2" - if we don't.... It wouldn't bother me to see them go undefeated (at least not too much) just to shut the '72 jackasses up.

That's why after you all beat us last season, I was rooting for you to go undefeated.... and you all screwed up.

tk13 · 10-08-2004, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

The Chiefs game may have been in the back of minds of a few Pats related people at the start of the season... probably more due to what we did last year, than our head to head match before... but, I'm guessing the first three weeks of the season did a lot to cure that ailment.

Well, in this three year "dynasty" the Pats have had, the highest # of points their defense has allowed was 38 to the Chiefs in 2002. Only problem was they scored 41 and won the game....

Cntrygal · 10-08-2004, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

Heh... that must kinda suck as a Bills fan. The undefeated thing going from one division rival to another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

Hey... look on the bright side. NO ONE is ever gonna take that 4 SB losses in a row thing from you guys.

tk13 · 10-08-2004, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENDelt260

I really should've known better than to make a football post.

**PHOG** · 10-08-2004, 01:53 AM

Let us see, what week do the Chiefs play NE, and what makes everyone(OK, almost everyone) shudder? Chiefs matchup very well against NE. They (NE) are very lucky the Chiefs didn't force a punt last year....Priest FUMBLED!!! .....(and I guess that PHANTOM call against Gonzo didn't have anything to do with the outcome).......anyways...all I'm trying to say as if it hasn't been said 1,000,000,000 times before. I'm pencilling in a Chiefs W in this game, as a statement....DAMN RIGHT

10-06-2004, 10:36 PM
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $3758476	Shula says Patriots could go 19-0 Shula says Patriots could go 19-0 By STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer October 5, 2004 MIAMI (AP) -- Don Shula knows what it takes to achieve a perfect season, and he says the New England Patriots have a chance to do it. On the other hand, Shula says, the winless Miami Dolphins have a shot at an upset Sunday at New England. The Hall of Fame coach has a vested interest for two reasons. He led the Dolphins for 26 years and still roots for them, and his 1972-73 teams won 18 consecutive games, an NFL record the Patriots hope to break Sunday. Four other teams share the record, but only Shula's 1972 Dolphins went 17-0. The Patriots need 16 more wins in a row for the second perfect season in league history, which would be 19-0. ``They've got a real shot at it,'' Shula said Tuesday. ``They've got to win a lot of games to do it, and tough teams down the road. But they certainly are a legitimate threat to do it. They're a team that's solid in every way, from ownership to coaching to the players.'' That's in contrast to the 2004 Dolphins, off to their worst start since their expansion season in 1966 with four consecutive losses. It's a level of failure foreign to Shula, who holds the NFL record with 328 coaching victories. He never endured an 0-4 start in 33 years as a coach, and 16 times he had four losses or less the entire season. ``Obviously the Dolphins are 0-4 and not happy about that,'' he said. ``They haven't been able to put together any drives offensively. If they can get something together offensively, with the great defense they play, they've got a chance to win some games this year, and they've got a chance against New England.'' Shula has phoned embattled Miami coach Dave Wannstedt to offer encouragement and notes that the unexpected retirement of Ricky Williams and a wave of injuries have contributions to Miami's woes. ``A lot of tough things have happened to Dave,'' Shula said. ``Ricky Williams is a great player, no question. Why he made the decision to do what he's doing right now is something I'll never understand. But he made the decision, and that hurt Dave. He thinks he's set there, and all of sudden he doesn't have Ricky, and then the backups get hurt. And the quarterback situation hasn't been settled. ``It seems like everything that can go wrong is going wrong. Hopefully he'll be able to salvage the season and go from there.'' Maybe Wannstedt's luck is changing. Shortly after Shula spoke came word that Williams wants to rejoin the Dolphins and has asked the NFL how soon he can return. As for the Patriots, Shula said there's no question they're the NFL's best team. He said their defense reminds him of the 1972 Dolphins, and coach Bill Belichick reminds him of Don Shula. ``The way he teaches and coaches, I believe there are a lot of similarities,'' Shula said. ``I give him credit for not letting all the outside influences interfere with his preparation.'' While Shula will be cheering Sunday for Miami, he said characterizations of the 1972 Dolphins celebrating each year when the last unbeaten team loses have been overblown. ``Our record is the perfect season,'' he said. ``That's a record we're very proud of and protect. But by the same token, if somebody does it, I'm going to be the first guy that calls to congratulate the coach that does it. And I'm sure our players will be the first in line to congratulate the players that do it.''
Posts: 54,699

10-07-2004, 07:13 AM	#16
KingPriest2 Super Grover Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $8635135	Come on Dolphins Whip their ass! __________________ Quote: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by Taco John If you're not sure who you're voting for at this point in time, you can abandon all connection to the word "smart." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by Taco John ...He asked who I am voting for. I told him, "well, that depends... ."
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10-07-2004, 07:16 AM	#17
ROYC75 Time For Your Wake Up Call !!! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Barn Yard Casino cash: $2227400	We better beat them at Arrowhead.....We can't lose another game in Arrowhead , having already dropping 2 games . A 3rd loss @ home, meaning we are best 5-3 @ home meaning we gotta go 6-2, 5-3 on the road . 12 games left, can we 10-2, 9-3 ? Hope so.......... __________________ Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it. John Lennon
Posts: 37,957

10-07-2004, 08:23 AM	#20
Molitoth Mahomes Fanboi Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $194969	Do the Patriots play The Bengals? Maybe Metal mouth will gaurentee a victory.
Posts: 20,295

10-07-2004, 09:07 AM	#24
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1738454	The Pats and Iggles were probably my preseason picks for the big one, but I didn't put any monay on it. It looks very possible. That said.....In week 4-5, its pretty difficult to know whats going to happen to any team. While the Pats are very solid at most positions and have great depth on Dline.....how good would they be if something were to happen to Brady......Dillon........Brewski..........a couple of Oline........... A heck of alot can happen
Posts: 62,940

10-07-2004, 11:59 PM	#26
Cntrygal Brrrrr..... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: USA!!! :) Casino cash: $9954930	As much as I would like for us to beat the Pats in "round 2" - if we don't.... It wouldn't bother me to see them go undefeated (at least not too much) just to shut the '72 jackasses up. That's why after you all beat us last season, I was rooting for you to go undefeated.... and you all screwed up.
Posts: 4,793

10-08-2004, 01:53 AM	#30
PHOG Dazed and Confused Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Somewhere Out There Casino cash: $-1769500	Let us see, what week do the Chiefs play NE, and what makes everyone(OK, almost everyone) shudder? Chiefs matchup very well against NE. They (NE) are very lucky the Chiefs didn't force a punt last year....Priest FUMBLED!!! .....(and I guess that PHANTOM call against Gonzo didn't have anything to do with the outcome).......anyways...all I'm trying to say as if it hasn't been said 1,000,000,000 times before. I'm pencilling in a Chiefs W in this game, as a statement....DAMN RIGHT
Posts: 20,006