Spoiled Pats fans get another gift
Patriots fans, myself included, are undeniably spoiled. It shows up during games when Gillette Stadium sounds like a library. And it shows up in the reaction wins.
Multiple articles Monday in Boston are complaining that the Patriots don't face the Colts this week. Bill Simmons comparisons to the '86 Celtics are soon to follow.
Bob Ryan can appreciate the last seven straight hard-fought wins by the Patriots after the pinball scores from earlier in the season. Again, we're comparing how we like to win.
My favorite Pats beat writer, Michael Felger, throws some cold water on the party by pointing out the inconsistencies of the defense. As the reader comments of the article point out, fans of a 17-0 team don't like hearing about its shortcomings. But I agree with everything Felger writes.
If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, it will be with the worst defense of any of their Super Bowl Champions by a wide margin. They are a good unit, but far from great. That's something you can get away with when you have the greatest offense in NFL history, led by a league MVP playing at his very peak.
This team is unbeaten, but they aren't invincible. As odd as it sounds, this Patriots team is no more dominant than the teams in 2003 or 2004. Once again, Pats fans are spoiled enough to compare how the team wins.
And that's why I'm not disappointed at all that the Colts lost. New England's biggest weakness is in the secondary, where Randall Gay and Ellis Hobbs are hurt or struggling. San Diego has shown great resolve, but their passing game is not as scary as facing Peyton Manning. As the '72 Dolphins will tell you, no one really cares who you beat along the way to a perfect season. Just that you finish it.
Comments
Greg,
Just wanted to pass on my conspiracy theory from this past weekend in the NFL.
Question: what matchup has the NFL money machine wanted to see most since last weekend? Answer: Brady vs. Favre. The brash young stallion vs. the old cowboy getting ready to ride off into the sunset. Northeast vs. Midwest.
What's more, Green Bay is the ONLY top notch team left that the Pats haven't beaten. Chargers. Check. Cowboys. Check. Steelers. Got 'em. Colts. Did that. Giants. Yep. Jaguars. Check.
So the NFL released the divisional playoff schedule after the opening round and lookey there -- both Green Bay and New England get the Saturday slot, which means that they both get an extra day of rest for the following week.
Lo and behold the plan is working Mr. Commissioner. And what do you know, there they are both favored in their respective championship games.
Hey, conspiracy or not, it smells a little fishy.
Posted by: Fantasy Phil | January 14, 2008 08:17 PM
I have a lot of respect for the writers on this site, but you certainly just took a step down in my books. Yes, the Pats have been SOMEWHAT vulnerable in the secondary, but to say this team is no more dominant than the 03 or 04 teams is foolish. We are watching the best offense in history and the defense isn't that bad anyway. The problem with being this good, is everyone in the media wants to knock them down. Well, when they lose a game, you can have your day. Until then, honor them for what they are.. the best team in the history of the game.
Posted by: ron | January 15, 2008 12:47 AM
*gasp* fantasy phil!
you may have just stumbled onto the biggest conspiracy theory since JFK!
are you trying to say this whole thing is driven by money????
Posted by: matt | January 15, 2008 04:27 AM
Why don't you ask the Colts #2 ranked pass defense how scary the Chargers pass offense is? What as asinine shortsighted, Pats-homer statement.
Posted by: Robert | January 15, 2008 08:35 AM
Nice. The rare combo of being a Pats-hater and Pats-homer accusation in the same comments.
Honestly, my comment is more out of respect for that 2004 team. You dont get much more dominant than manhandling two great teams: Colts and Steelers in the AFC playoffs. They were peaking.
Posted by: Gregg | January 15, 2008 09:28 AM
In 03/04 playing Carolina and Philly you could not even make a case for either team beating NE. This year if they play GB you could make a very good case as to how and why GB may win. However, with the way the entire season has played out. The Pats are destined to go 19-0 the opponent will probably be the Giants.
Posted by: Blake | January 15, 2008 09:56 AM
greg-
right on the money with everything you said. pats fans on the whole are obnoxious and arrogant- remind me very much of yankee fans - to have you (a pats fan) be able to speak objectively is a rare thing.
Posted by: scott l. | January 15, 2008 10:50 AM