<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> blackadder, a question for you...what do you think about this patriots team this year so far? (without all the drama, spygate, and things like that)</p> Can it be ranked with the top ones of all time?</p> </div></p> From what I've gathered, to date, its very likely.But, I have not seen them enough to give an accurate opinion.</p> disclaimer:I am a hard core skeptic of most if not all things & need more tangible proof before I make a judgment like that. </p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder)</div><div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ehmunro)</div><div class='quotemain'>As for Shula, it will warm me to the cockles of my heart to see the corks stuck in the champagne bottles this year.</div></p> This thread has now reached a new high in lows.</p> Maybe, its better that champagne remains unopened. If a cork wereto get stuck Belichicks throat,then we all know theColts, Dwo, or both would get the blame.</p> </p></div> </p> So it turns out that there are circumstances under which it's OK to celebrate failure, eh?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ehmunro)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ehmunro)</div><div class='quotemain'>As for Shula, it will warm me to the cockles of my heart to see the corks stuck in the champagne bottles this year.</div></p> This thread has now reached a new high in lows.</p> Maybe, its better that champagne remains unopened. If a cork wereto get stuck Belichicks throat,then we all know theColts, Dwo, or both would get the blame.</p> </p> </div></p> </p> So it turns out that there are circumstances under which it's OK to celebrate failure, eh? </div></p> A wise man on TV once said, "Everything is conditional. It just depends on the condition." hint: It wasn't Keith Olbermann.</p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> blackadder, a question for you...what do you think about this patriots team this year so far? (without all the drama, spygate, and things like that)</p> Can it be ranked with the top ones of all time?</p> </div></p> You didn't ask me, but I've never let that stop me before. I think you have to wait until the season is over to answer this question. Obviously, they must win the Super Bowl. In fact, I would say they would have to beat the NFC team in a dominate fashion. A close playoff game with the Colts could be overlooked because I think the Colts are a very good team. Please keep your mind open with what I am about to say next. While the passing game has been breathtaking, I'm not sure this is the best style suited for New England. I can't remember a Patriot playoff run, where they have had homefield advantage, that didn't have a game or two played in awful conditions. How is that going to affect the Patriots pass oriented attack? Think about it. In the past, the Colts came in with the pinball offense and the Patriots were more balanced with Corey Dillion running the ball and the slower tempo of the game, partially dictated by the cold, favored the Patriots. This year, it appears the opposite is true. The Colts were rather slow the tempo and, when they did last Sunday, they gave the Patriots the best game the Patriots have had all year. The Patriots rushing stats aren't bad, but Maroney hasn't shown that he can put the Patriots on his back and kill a game clock. My point is that, while the Patriots current air attack is impressive, I think the Patriot offense of a couple of years ago may be better suited for the New England enviroment duringthe post-season.</p> </p>
Whether or not it's right, the Pats will have an asterisk IF they go unbeaten this season (and I'm not convinced they will). It's probably true that they haven't cheated again this season and that one quarter of video taping shouldn't tarnish a great season by a superior group of players ... but it will.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> blackadder, a question for you...what do you think about this patriots team this year so far? (without all the drama, spygate, and things like that)</p> Can it be ranked with the top ones of all time?</p> </div></p> </p> Ill answer.</p> No.</p> Too many weaknesses. One of the great offenses of all time (ignoring the competetive advantage)</p> The defense is avg. It has several weaknesses.</p> Finally, i dont think this team puts fear into any of the top teams in the league. sure it crushes the weak sisters, but vs top teams i dont think there is any fear. They have a great margin but that is mostly by running it vs outclassed teams.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DolfanDale)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> blackadder, a question for you...what do you think about this patriots team this year so far? (without all the drama, spygate, and things like that)</p> Can it be ranked with the top ones of all time?</p> </div></p> You didn't ask me, but I've never let that stop me before. I think you have to wait until the season is over to answer this question. Obviously, they must win the Super Bowl. In fact, I would say they would have to beat the NFC team in a dominate fashion. A close playoff game with the Colts could be overlooked because I think the Colts are a very good team. Please keep your mind open with what I am about to say next. While the passing game has been breathtaking, I'm not sure this is the best style suited for New England. I can't remember a Patriot playoff run, where they have had homefield advantage, that didn't have a game or two played in awful conditions. How is that going to affect the Patriots pass oriented attack? Think about it. In the past, the Colts came in with the pinball offense and the Patriots were more balanced with Corey Dillion running the ball and the slower tempo of the game, partially dictated by the cold, favored the Patriots. This year, it appears the opposite is true. The Colts were rather slow the tempo and, when they did last Sunday, they gave the Patriots the best game the Patriots have had all year. The Patriots rushing stats aren't bad, but Maroney hasn't shown that he can put the Patriots on his back and kill a game clock. My point is that, while the Patriots current air attack is impressive, I think the Patriot offense of a couple of years ago may be better suited for the New England enviroment duringthe post-season.</p> </p> </div></p> Dale said what I did in an equally obtuse, vague, & roundabout manner, but, mine was less verbiage & easier on the eyes.Does that make me the winner?</p> Dale & I are working from the same run sheet; I get confused if I don't carrymine with me.</p> </p>
If you let this crap take hold, you'll find people that'll want to put an * next to the Steelers 1972-73 SB, the one that required the Immaculate Deception. Refs admitted they were wrong, 12 years later !</p> Put an * next to Denver's trip to SB 11 vs Dallas, that was the Rob Lytle "fumble" game. Refs apologized later !</p> Put an * next to the Chiefs SB 4 adventure. The one that included a pass caught by Otis Taylor in the AFL Championship game, when Taylor was clearly 3 yards out of bounds. Refs apologized later !</p> * * * are like Offensive Holding. You could theorhetically call one on every play. Couldn't you ?</p> Sorry I only had Raider examples, but , you guys get the idea. It's out of hand.</p> Please don't take this as defending the Pats. As I have said before, you still gotta beat em on the field.</p> Take it from a guy who's team has had a less than savory reputation over the years.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Old Bob)</div><div class='quotemain'> If you let this crap take hold, you'll find people that'll want to put an * next to the Steelers 1972-73 SB, the one that required the Immaculate Deception. Refs admitted they were wrong, 12 years later !</p></div> Just a note, the year of the Immaculate Reception the Steelers lost the AFC title game to the Dolphins. They did win the Superbowl the following year, though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BearsFan1)</div><div class='quotemain'> No. Too many weaknesses. One of the great offenses of all time (ignoring the competetive advantage). The defense is avg. It has several weaknesses.</p></div> </p> Colts games 1-7 32 p/g Colts game 8 20 points Yeah, pretty goddamned average.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ehmunro)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BearsFan1)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> No. Too many weaknesses. One of the great offenses of all time (ignoring the competetive advantage). The defense is avg. It has several weaknesses.</p> </div></p> </p> Colts games 1-7 32 p/g Colts game 8 20 points Yeah, pretty goddamned average.</div></p> So, now the Colts are only averaging only 30.5 ppg.</p> Looking at this another & probably better way.</p> The APA stands for Average pts allowed. Miami has hung the most on the vaunted Pats D.</p> Its a decent APA before and after but <u>does not</u> comapre w/ the 85 Bears or 2000 Ravens. The APA for both for the <u>entire season</u> was in the single digits if memory serves</p> <table style="width: 89pt; border-collapse: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="118" border="0" x:str=""> <colgroup><col style="width: 52pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2523" width="69"></col><col style="width: 37pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1792" width="49"></col></colgroup> <tbody> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; width: 52pt; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" width="69" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">at Jets</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; width: 37pt; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" width="49" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">14</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">San Diego</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">14</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Buffalo</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">7</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">at Bengals</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">13</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Browns</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">17</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Dallas</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">27</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Miami</font></td> <td class="xl24" style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">28</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Redskins</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">7</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Indy</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num=""><font face="Arial" size="2">20</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent"></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">APA B4</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num="15.875" x:fmla="=AVERAGE(B1:B8)"><font face="Arial" size="2">15.875</font></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt" height="17"> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; height: 12.75pt; background-color: transparent" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">APA after</font></td> <td style="border-right: #e0dfe3; border-top: #e0dfe3; border-left: #e0dfe3; border-bottom: #e0dfe3; background-color: transparent" align="right" x:num="16.625" x:fmla="=AVERAGE(B2:B9)"><font face="Arial" size="2">16.625</font></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Yes, but New England let up on the Dolphins (which they didn't on the Colts). They also surrendered defensive touchdowns to both Miami & Dallas. The Cowboys were able to move the ball on two possessions (the touchdowns to close out the half and the opening drive of the second half), but otherwise couldn't muster much. The Colts weren't really able to put together scoring drives without bogus pass interference penalties. They aren't a Ravensesque defensive squad by any means, but they're a pretty good defensive team whose offense is wearing opponents out. Strictly speaking, the defense only has to be good enough to carry the offense.
They were talking on WEEI today about the '72 Dolphins and which teams they had to beat to have the perfect season. Also gave the record for each team. Not an impressive "perfect season" beating all those weak teams. (pats were one of them) lol</p>
Yes, during the regular season the Dolphins opponents were a combined 70-122-4 (for a .365 winning%). The Patriots opponents will be better when all is said and done, and will need to win two extra games to complete the feat.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ehmunro)</div><div class='quotemain'>Yes, but New England let up on the Dolphins</div></p> You mean there is some mercy & compassion left in the evil empire?</p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ehmunro)</div><div class='quotemain'>Strictly speaking, the defense only has to be good enough to carry the offense.</div></p> I agree to an extent. But, it seems the exception to this may be the Dolphins under Wanny where the D was better than average and the offense was okay.... very very very predictable but okay.</p> </p>
[quote name='blackadder'] [quote name='ehmunro']Yes, but New England let up on the Dolphins [/QUOTE]</p> You mean there is some mercy & compassion left in the evil empire?</p>[/quote] Well, defensively speaking, the Patriots went on cruise control during that drive that resulted in the TD at the start of the fourth quarter. After Matt Cassell threw the TD pass to Jason Taylor they brought Brady back in to kill some time off the clock and score again, and then promptly went back on cruise control . [quote name='blackadder'] [quote name='ehmunro']Strictly speaking, the defense only has to be good enough to carry the offense.[/QUOTE]</p> I agree to an extent. But, it seems the exception to this may be the Dolphins under Wanny where the D was better than average and the offense was okay.... very very very predictable but okay.</p> </p>[/QUOTE] </p> True. There are always exceptions. But I really don't see this being one of those cases. Defensively they were good enough to frustrate the Colts, which isn't an easy task. And their offense is more than good enough to carry it.
