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New England Patriots -
OnThMove Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Aug 22, 2006
	July 31, 2008 4:33 pm Score: 102
	Would it be a step back if the Pats lose a couple regular season games but win the SB? Actually that's a really good question. The Patriots will always be known for their perfect season super bowl choke. But if they win this year, at least they could say it was a fluke win for the Giants. That would be a step forward. If the Pats don't make it to the superbowl or the playoffs for that matter, then the step backwards would be huge. To save face, New England needs the superbowl win this year. As far as competition goes, there are three elite teams in the AFC. Those teams are the Colts, Chargers and Patriots. The second tier includes the Steelers, Browns and Jaguars. These six teams will make the playoffs. In regard to the elite three teams, barring injuries, no team in my opinion, has an advantage over the other. Home field will be a determining factor. The Patriots have the easier schedule, so have an advantage. The Colts and Chargers will probably need to beat the Pats during the regular season to even the playing field. The best NFC teams would be 2nd tier AFC teams. Those teams include the Giants, Cowboys and Vikings. Add the Seahawks, the NFC south winner and either the Eagles or the Packers, and you've got the NFC playoff representatives. And make no mistake, for Colts fans there are 4 games that we anxiously await for each season. The Jaguars twice, and the Patriots and Chargers.
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New England Patriots -
PatsVictory1 Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Jan 1, 2007
	August 1, 2008 12:31 am Score: 99
	I think if the Pats went 12-4 or 13-3 this year and won the SB people would both consider last years SB less of a choke, and the Giants win more impressive. And make no mistake, Pats - Colts games are never a sure win for either team. I'm confident my team will win every time, so are you. But if you try to tell me you're not worried, than I might consider you insane.
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New England Patriots -
dburleigh1 Reputation:77 Level:Pro Since:Aug 6, 2008
	August 6, 2008 8:30 pm Score: 44
	I think the Patriot's offense showed their vulnerability in several of the games they played at the end of last season. True they do have a very good offense, but they're not as invincible as so many like to believe. If not for the blown call by Baltimore (time out) on Patriots 4th and 1, their offense wouldn't have had the opportunity to score, which led to that win. They also had several other close games at the end of the seaon, including the season ender against the Giants. Several teams showed their ability to get to Brady and put pressure on him (I seem to recall him going down quite a few times), proving he's not as untouchable as some like to believe.
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New England Patriots -
lakeville8 Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Oct 3, 2006
	August 7, 2008 1:19 am Score: 95
	Several teams showed their ability to get to Brady and put pressure on him (I seem to recall him going down quite a few times), proving he's not as untouchable as some like to believe. I'm a Pats fan and i agree with you. Pats O-line had a great year, for them. Indy's line gave up the same amount of sacks but all you heard about is how great the Pats line was. If you go to NFL network.com and watch the highlights of all thier games, there was a couple games where Brady had what looked like all day to throw. By and large however, he was scrambling and moving alot in the pocket to by time a majority of the time. Pats have a deep team, but almost everything I've read and watched here in NE is the Pats have the most area of concern with the O-line and cornerback. That kind of tells you what Belichick thinks of his line.
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