Football Patriots still a top team?

Chiefnj2 · 10-01-2009, 03:10 PM

In your opinion, are the Patriots still a top 5 team or is the reign over? I'd say no.

1. Ravens
2. Giants
3. Vikings
4. Colts
5. Saints

ChiefsCountry · 10-01-2009, 03:13 PM

As long as Brady is the QB, they will be a threat.

Brock · 10-01-2009, 03:14 PM

The Steelers get knocked off because they lost to Cincinnati?

keg in kc · 10-01-2009, 03:15 PM

I think a lot depends on how Brady's playing by the end of the season, he's such an integral part of that team. If their defense is as improved from last year as they appear to be, then I think they're a legitimate contender once their offense is back up to speed. If it gets back up to speed.

FD · 10-01-2009, 03:16 PM

Maybe not, but if I were a Ravens, Colts or Steelers fan, I still wouldn't want to meet them in the playoffs.

Amnorix · 10-01-2009, 03:24 PM

They suck ballz!! The reign is over. Brady and Belichick are washed up has-beens. They are NOTHING to worry about for anyone. Really!!!

In all seriousness, the offense isn't on the same page yet. I expect the Patriots to struggle through the early part of the season and then come together well by the 2nd half and be a serious threat in the playoffs if they haven't completely screwed their playoff positioning by then. I note that their sched is much harder than last year also, which will be negatively affecting the entire AFC East this year.

**The Franchise** · 10-01-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

They suck ballz!! The reign is over. Brady and Belichick are washed up has-beens. They are NOTHING to worry about for anyone. Really!!!

In all seriousness, the offense isn't on the same page yet. I expect the Patriots to struggle through the early part of the season and then come together well by the 2nd half and be a serious threat in the playoffs if they haven't completely screwed their playoff positioning by then. I note that their sched is much harder than last year also, which will be negatively affecting the entire AFC East this year.

That will happen when you're two starting WRs are hurt. Brady misses Welker and it shows.

Amnorix · 10-01-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

That will happen when you're two starting WRs are hurt. Brady misses Welker and it shows.

Well, one starting WR. Moss has missed a bit of practice time, but seemed fine on the field last Sunday.

The bigger problem is that Galloway isn't on the same page yet and is playing like a clueless rookie instead of a 13 year or whatever vet. With Welker out, the fourth receiver is really a special teams guy.

And Brady has been uncharacteristically inaccurate.

But yeah, I think our offense will get together by mid-season at the latest.

JD10367 · 10-01-2009, 03:47 PM

It's three games into the season, and Brady is coming back from an injury.

They beat Atlanta, who looked pretty good up until Sunday. The Jets game, I don't know what the hell happened there; there was no gameplanning and no adjustments made. It was as if the coaches all took Stupid Pills.

Once Brady gets healthy and stops overthrowing, and Welker gets healthy, they'll be fine. The D is already showing solid signs of improvement; last week, everyone was talking about how the Falcons would run wild and Matt Ryan would throw for 150 yards just to Tony Gonzalez, and the Pats' D did a decent job. Yeah, yeah, I know, the time of possession was in their favor; still, without Richard Seymour, without last year's DROY Jerod Mayo, and without Vince Wilfork, they still looked pretty good.

However, I do grant you that the injuries are already taking their toll on the powerhouses. Anyone think the Steelers would be 1-2 if Polamalu hadn't gotten hurt? Or that the Chargers wouldn't have a better record? Or that the Pats might not have beaten the Jets with Jerod Mayo and Wes Welker on the field?

Usually, those powerhouse teams are deep enough to withstand injury. Right now, all three of them (Pats, Steelers, Chargers) are staggering a little from the suckerpunch; now it's a question of whether they'll get their second wind and start punching back.

**Nzoner** · 10-01-2009, 03:58 PM

Just off the top of my head the Ravens and Giants have played 2 of the arguably worst teams in the NFL,don't get me wrong,they're very good teams but when I look at a Pats team with a big come from behind win to start the season,a Pats team that visited the Jets and barely lost and a Pats team that convincingly beat a 2-0 Falcons team I still think they belong in the top 5somewhere.

Add in Brady returning from his injury and no Welker and yes,most definitely they are still a top team and one that can secure that even moreso with a win against the Ravens on Sunday.

Basileus777 · 10-01-2009, 03:59 PM

The Pats real problem has been their inability to score in the redzone. They've been able to move the ball on offense, and their defense has mostly done it's job.

**Dylan** · 10-01-2009, 04:17 PM

Brian Billick Answers Your Questions
By The New York Times

Q.Coach, perhaps it’s too soon for this question: What are the best and worst teams you’ve seen so far, and what are the biggest surprises in your mind so far this season? — Walt Bennett

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2...brian-billick/

**Buehler445** · 10-01-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

They suck ballz!! The reign is over. Brady and Belichick are washed up has-beens. They are NOTHING to worry about for anyone. Really!!!

In all seriousness, the offense isn't on the same page yet. I expect the Patriots to struggle through the early part of the season and then come together well by the 2nd half and be a serious threat in the playoffs if they haven't completely screwed their playoff positioning by then. I note that their sched is much harder than last year also, which will be negatively affecting the entire AFC East this year.

Heh. What's interesting is that their first SB and their injury plagued SB, they probably weren't a top 5 team then either. I think they're definitely contenders and I'd be surprised if they missed the playoffs.

Quesadilla Joe · 10-01-2009, 04:18 PM

I think they look pretty average without Josh McDaniels running the show on offense.

**Buehler445** · 10-01-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnowMo2724

I think they look pretty average without Josh McDaniels running the show on offense.

@ YOU

10-01-2009, 03:10 PM
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7873688	Patriots still a top team? In your opinion, are the Patriots still a top 5 team or is the reign over? I'd say no. 1. Ravens 2. Giants 3. Vikings 4. Colts 5. Saints
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10-01-2009, 03:13 PM	#2
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $2308752	As long as Brady is the QB, they will be a threat.
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10-01-2009, 03:14 PM	#3
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	The Steelers get knocked off because they lost to Cincinnati?
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10-01-2009, 03:15 PM	#4
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I think a lot depends on how Brady's playing by the end of the season, he's such an integral part of that team. If their defense is as improved from last year as they appear to be, then I think they're a legitimate contender once their offense is back up to speed. If it gets back up to speed.
Posts: 58,682

10-01-2009, 03:16 PM	#5
FD Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Casino cash: $9482813	Maybe not, but if I were a Ravens, Colts or Steelers fan, I still wouldn't want to meet them in the playoffs.
Posts: 4,579

10-01-2009, 03:24 PM	#6
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	They suck ballz!! The reign is over. Brady and Belichick are washed up has-beens. They are NOTHING to worry about for anyone. Really!!! In all seriousness, the offense isn't on the same page yet. I expect the Patriots to struggle through the early part of the season and then come together well by the 2nd half and be a serious threat in the playoffs if they haven't completely screwed their playoff positioning by then. I note that their sched is much harder than last year also, which will be negatively affecting the entire AFC East this year.
Posts: 43,125

10-01-2009, 03:47 PM	#9
JD10367 Cheaterlover* Join Date: May 2009 Location: RI Casino cash: $10010716	It's three games into the season, and Brady is coming back from an injury. They beat Atlanta, who looked pretty good up until Sunday. The Jets game, I don't know what the hell happened there; there was no gameplanning and no adjustments made. It was as if the coaches all took Stupid Pills. Once Brady gets healthy and stops overthrowing, and Welker gets healthy, they'll be fine. The D is already showing solid signs of improvement; last week, everyone was talking about how the Falcons would run wild and Matt Ryan would throw for 150 yards just to Tony Gonzalez, and the Pats' D did a decent job. Yeah, yeah, I know, the time of possession was in their favor; still, without Richard Seymour, without last year's DROY Jerod Mayo, and without Vince Wilfork, they still looked pretty good. However, I do grant you that the injuries are already taking their toll on the powerhouses. Anyone think the Steelers would be 1-2 if Polamalu hadn't gotten hurt? Or that the Chargers wouldn't have a better record? Or that the Pats might not have beaten the Jets with Jerod Mayo and Wes Welker on the field? Usually, those powerhouse teams are deep enough to withstand injury. Right now, all three of them (Pats, Steelers, Chargers) are staggering a little from the suckerpunch; now it's a question of whether they'll get their second wind and start punching back.
Posts: 12,916

10-01-2009, 03:58 PM	#10
Nzoner a haw haw haw Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: MIZZOU Casino cash: $26365802	Just off the top of my head the Ravens and Giants have played 2 of the arguably worst teams in the NFL,don't get me wrong,they're very good teams but when I look at a Pats team with a big come from behind win to start the season,a Pats team that visited the Jets and barely lost and a Pats team that convincingly beat a 2-0 Falcons team I still think they belong in the top 5somewhere. Add in Brady returning from his injury and no Welker and yes,most definitely they are still a top team and one that can secure that even moreso with a win against the Ravens on Sunday. __________________ *Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.*
Posts: 27,111

10-01-2009, 03:59 PM	#11
Basileus777 MVP Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Jersey Casino cash: $5455958	The Pats real problem has been their inability to score in the redzone. They've been able to move the ball on offense, and their defense has mostly done it's job.
Posts: 9,213

10-01-2009, 04:17 PM	#12
Dylan The Lede Join Date: Aug 2007 Casino cash: $10016591	Brian Billick Answers Your Questions By The New York Times Q.Coach, perhaps it’s too soon for this question: What are the best and worst teams you’ve seen so far, and what are the biggest surprises in your mind so far this season? — Walt Bennett http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2...brian-billick/ Last edited by Dylan; 10-02-2009 at 11:52 AM..
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10-01-2009, 04:18 PM	#14
Quesadilla Joe Abolish The Salary Cap! Join Date: Mar 2008 Casino cash: $4088675	I think they look pretty average without Josh McDaniels running the show on offense. __________________ “(Sean) Payton feels as strongly about Bo Nix as he did Mahomes.“ - Adam Schefter
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