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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Are the Patriots just TOO good???
        
(Message started by: StegRock on Oct 22^nd, 2007, 1:19am)

Title: Are the Patriots just TOO good???
Post by StegRock on Oct 22^nd, 2007, 1:19am

The point being, are they/is their offense just SO good that it diminishes the value of their defense? I mean I think their defense is almost just as good if not better than the '06 Bears, but the way their "run-away" games "play out" (like this week) they still (potentially) end up giving up a lot points and yards, the main two categories in most league formats (in any "good", really well-thought-through, equitable league formats).

What are you guys' thoughts on the matter? I'm not... [smiley=idontknow.gif] But, I am still... [smiley=thinking.gif] on the matter.

Title: Re: Are the Patriots just TOO good???
Post by captainpurple on Oct 22^nd, 2007, 10:03am

I compare them to the 98 Vikings, a team I followed somewhat ::) closely. I still wake up screaming some nights >:(

But anyway, the Vikings did the same thing that year, jumping up huge on teams. The D was rated very highly vs. the run because no one could run on them...they were trying to catch up! Anytime you make a team one-dimensional by mid-2nd quarter, they become VERY easy to defend. So field-wise I'm not sure how great the NE defense really is, as they still seem to give up points even though they almost KNOW what their opponents will do.

Fantasy-wise , I'd say it's a mid-level D. When the weather hits and they have to start running the ball more, and don't have huge leads, we could see NE in some 1 FG games, and then see the true colors of that D.

Another point, how motivated is that D when they're sitting on a 21 pt lead? That could be a factor, but it certainly doesn't help fantasy owners that they've allowed 27 & 28 pts the last 2 weeks even though opposing teams are passing to catch up.

Title: Re: Are the Patriots just TOO good???
Post by steelkings on Oct 22^nd, 2007, 4:05pm

Lets not get carried away!I'm still not convinced. The hype around the Patriots is certainly deserved, however its the same hype the Colts and Payton Manning has gotten the past several years. Rob is right. When you have a sizable lead it certainly makes the defense better. Keep in mind, The Patriots have only played one team the has a record better than 500. So far it has been @NYJ, SD, Buff, @ Cincy, Clev, ***@Dallas**, and Miami. Not exactly playing a bunch of teams to brag about. Until yesterday, New England was the only team with more than one win in the AFC East. Today, If you take out the Patriots that whole division only has 4 wins. The Patriots only have 3 games the rest of the way against teams that are 500 or better.

Title: Re: Are the Patriots just TOO good???
Post by Callie on Oct 22^nd, 2007, 10:12pm

Agreed, SK and CP. (As credentials, you know that I hate the Pats.) But I still see Brady as a guy who would be middling at best on another team. (That's why he turned down a better offer that would make him show up for what he is, in a lesser situation).

Teams are getting film to study. We'll see in the second half of the season, TIVO and all....