2016-2017 Patriots' Season Thread

Lol "I had no idea the Patriots were going to do what they have been doing for almost 20 years now, especially against us. Their game plan came out of no where."

It's scary how bad coaching is in the NFL.

Deep in the bawls of Foxboro stadium, Belichick et al planning their next attack. The room is dark. Patricia stirring the caldrum. Smoke curls up in the air. Chanting curses. Humming. Low music in the back round. Toil and trouble. The brew is hot. The answer appears in the mist like a shinning light.

Atlanta's just glad to be there.

Atlanta is a very good team, there offense is a lot like ours. They have a ton of weapons. There D has been playing better, but mainly because of turnovers. They have been getting a ton of them lately.

So for me if both teams play well, Pat's win by a decent amount. Atlanta D can't slow down Pat's unless they get turnovers. While I believe Pat's D can at least slow down Falcons without turnovers. They have the bend but don't break D going on all cylinders.

Or that the 2 weeks prior to the SB are the most obnoxious and excrutiating.

I've noticed that, it's Red Sox, Celtics and then Pat's on this site.

Speaking for myself, I tend to talk about team construction than Xs and Os or who is going to win.

I'm geeked for the game but I'll start posting once roster construction for next year begins.

My interest in the Pats is probably higher than the other 3. I watch every game. Just don't talk much about the on field stuff.

I think the biggest question in this game is how do the Pats slow down the Falcons offense. My best guess is they double Jones with Butler and safety help over the top and some times a linebacker zoning the crossing route. Then they play Sanu with Rowe because of the size. Obviously Ryan could be in those role too.

They could just as easily double Jones with Ryan and safety help then use Butler on Sanu.

Matt Ryan isn't nearly as good under pressure (not shocking I know but if he has a weakness this is it). They need to figure out some creative ways to get to him early. You might see an early Ryan corner blitz. Some creative stunts upfront with linebacker pressure.

The secret to stopping Brady is pressure up the middle. The Giants proved that. Outside pressure just makes him step forward to avoid it. So, the GCG guys have to have a good game. I don't know the secret to stopping Ryan, but I'm sure Belichick will figure it out. I doubt the Atlanta running game is much of a threat. So, taking away his receivers, or at least disrupting them, might be the plan. Running the ball takes time and, in a shoot out, will not win the game.

Anyway, give Belichick and Co. 2 weeks to analyze a team and you can be sure he will have it nailed.

PS. His 2nd half adjustments always amaze me. They seen to be a different team than in the first half. Super Bowl half times are always much longer than the regular season (12 minutes), so they'll be lots of time to figure things out. That's where he's the most dangerous.

I think they'll play nickel or dime most of the game and dare the Falcons to run it and trust the defensive line to hold up. Atlanta's secondary receiving options are good enough that I think they'll put Rowe or Ryan on Jones with safety help rolled over and trust Butler to take Sanu one-on-one. The linebackers and safeties need to be able to cover the RBs/TEs-- Atlanta is not afraid to go for the easy 6 yard completion every time, and it can't just be pitch and catch all day long.

I grew up during the Steve Grogan years when I lived in New England.  No one I knew was much of a Pats fan then.  After I left New England, I lost interest and became an Eagles fan when I lived in Philly for about 10 years.  I've gotten back into the Pats since my girlfriend of 7 years is a Pats fan.  It's pretty insane how good it is having Brady and Belichick on your team.  Brady is the best QB of all time and Belichick might be the best coach in any sport of all time.  I have to imagine interest crashes when they're gone because there is no replacing them.

Atlanta is a very good offensive team, that goes without saying. Both they and the Pats have been getting off to great starts all season meaning they can play with a lead giving them a big advantage. If both offenses get off to fast starts again on Sunday I can see this game being a dogfight and being decided late. Final score being something like 40-37, Pats.
The difference I see in these teams is their defenses and who can comeback from being down early? If the Pats don't get off to a fast start and find themselves down by 2 scores in the first half they wont cave or get nervous in the bright lights of the Super Bowl. They have the defense, QB and the coach to comeback and they know it. Once again something like 37-34, Pats.
On the other hand if Atlanta gets down early I think the Pats have the ability to do what they do to everyone lately, stay comfortably ahead and win by double digits. It will be like most Pats games against good teams. It will seem closer that it is but the Pats will never lead by less than 7 and go on to win 37-27 or worse.
That being said I am really looking forward to this game. Truly think both of these teams are the best in each conference and are peaking at the right time. Can't ask for much more in the SB.

GO PATS!!