I don't expect anyone to truly threaten NE unless they have an explosive offense. Because even Denver isn't stopping them at this point - especially with NE having HFA.

Not going to be shocked when the "**** you, NFL" Tour 2016 ends in Houston with a 18-1 Patriots team.

That's what we said last year.... the Patriots aren't as talented this season as last, IMO.

When all is said and done, health is going to play a HUGE role. Who knows who teams may or may not have come playoff time. The Chiefs need to finally have their core pieces healthy to have a chance, and if the Patriots are missing a piece or two, it'd go a LONG way.

The Patriots had like 17 guys on IR last year, IIRC.

There are no healthy teams in January, I'm growing very tired of that excuse.

Yes, the NFL keeps tryign to **** the Patriots to create "parity", but it doesn't seem to work too well.

Honestly, I think BB is light years ahead of the other coaches in the NFL, and Brady is the best ever.

Gronk being possibly the best TE ever puts them into the cat-bird's seat, so long as they stay reasonably healthy.

NFL rule changes have eliminated other ways to win, to some degree. Power-rush team a la the 80s Redskins? Too ****ing bad, you're not winning it all. Great on special teams? yeah, well, fewer kickoff returns and no way to rush a field goal kicker really. Great defense? Well, better be REALLY great, because we're neutering defense.

If there were 5 formulas to get to the SB in the 80s, there's like 2 now.

Seems like the Patriots had some important guys, like Brink maybe? Out at the end of the season and got them baxk over the bye week.

It's really not. Indy had the same with the AFC South. Packers with NFC North. Patriots won/loss record outside the division is about the same as inside.

It's Belichick and Brady. People underrate Belichick as GM. Like MASSIVELY underrate him. His salary cap maneuverings and draft pick manipulations are amazing. Does he HIT on a higher percentage of draft picks than most? Nope. But he builds a system that takes advantage of every possible method to acquire talent, and always has enough, plus Tom MF Brady.

Can you name a single one of them for NE? I won't even count Charles, but did they hurt as bad as losing Houston, Maclin, Morse, or LDT?

No...

Pats had stupid bad luck with health last year. They were 10-0 to start, but the injuries piled up and went 6-4 or whatever down the stretch. So far this year, having GOOD luck. If that keeps up, look out NFL!

I was wrong.

It was 19 guys on IR.

Including two starting OL, Jerod Mayo, Blount, Develin, Dion Lewis and Dom Easley.

Sure, just their starting RB, 3rd down back, fullback, two starting OL, Dom Easley and Jerod Mayo.

Just your typical JAG's.

:facepalm:

Spot on.

Eh, they're good players, but at that point, they weren't a huge detriment.

If they were without Gronk and Edelman, and had no Chandler Jones, it would have been different.

But injuries happen and thats a big part of the playoffs, whose the least injured.

They cut Easley this offseason, Mayo was average at best last year, fullbacks are used maybe 10% of the snaps, and they always have a capable 3rd down back.

No one on that list even comes close to Houston or Maclin. Not fucking close.

Yep, the whole team sucks.

Thanks for the conversation!

I would like to see the Chiefs with their full deck go into New England this year (minus the guys already on IR, they aint' coming back).