Patriots will bounce back and win Super Bowl 43

[Death by Willy Wonka]

The Giants wanted it more. Enough said.

But I do believe that the sting of LOSING something great is a huge motivator. A good example of that is that the Patriots lost last year's AFC Championship and the sting of that propelled them to the juggernaut we saw most of this season.

All I'm saying is..........

..........watch out, because my money's on the Patriots to win the Super Bowl next season.

Of course, this time it will be against TONY ROMO instead of Eli. And if he's still bopping J-Sim, you can bet your ass the Pokes will lose.

[rafprop]

How many times in NFL history has the losing SB team returned the next year to win the SB?

Only twice. Miami and Dallas both did it in SB VI and SB VII. So, it hasn't been done in the last 35 Super Bowls. In fact, in recent history, many losing SB teams didn't even make it back to the playoffs. I think the Pats will obviously be contenders, but the motivation from losing won't be the difference.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

Double U Tee Eff?

[Coltsmavs]

Yeah, Like the Bears did this year. Chances are there not gonna pay somebody and i hope it's Samuel.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

Yeah, Like the Bears did this year. Chances are there not gonna pay somebody and i hope it's Samuel.

Did you mean...Like the Colts did this year

[thaderules]

The Giants wanted it more. Enough said.

But I do believe that the sting of LOSING something great is a huge motivator. A good example of that is that the Patriots lost last year's AFC Championship and the sting of that propelled them to the juggernaut we saw most of this season.

All I'm saying is..........

..........watch out, because my money's on the Patriots to win the Super Bowl next season.

Of course, this time it will be against TONY ROMO instead of Eli. And if he's still bopping J-Sim, you can bet your ass the Pokes will lose.

Just wondering why you think the Giants wanted it more this year when both teams didn't win a ring last year.

[Corzaa]

Yeah, Like the Bears did this year. Chances are there not gonna pay somebody and i hope it's Samuel.

The Colts are gonna be in trouble if Peyton does'nt give up some of his 100mil.

[imaginegrafix]

nope, they'll lose some key parts and who knows what is going to happen w/ spygate yet - could still be a distraction next year.

[Hardcore Legend]

They will be another year older, they will lose some key parts and history isn't on their side.

[SmartassBoiler]

Did you mean...Like the Colts did this year

The Colts didn't lose the Super Bowl last year, brainiac.

[Thur34]

How many times in NFL history has the losing SB team returned the next year to win the SB?

Only twice. Miami and Dallas both did it in SB VI and SB VII. So, it hasn't been done in the last 35 Super Bowls. In fact, in recent history, many losing SB teams didn't even make it back to the playoffs. I think the Pats will obviously be contenders, but the motivation from losing won't be the difference.


Since the inception of the Super Bowl:

Raiders lost SB II, made playoffs after 68 season; did not make SB
Vikings lost SB IV, made playoffs after 70 season; did not make SB
Cowboys lost SB V, WON Super Bowl VI after 71 season
Miami lost SB VI, WON Super Bowl VII after 72 season
Washington lost SB VII, made playoffs after 73 season; did not make SB
Minnesota lost SB VIII, made playoffs after 74 season, Lost SB IX
Minnesota lost SB IX, made playoffs after 75 season, did not make SB
Dallas lost SB X, made playoffs after 76 season, did not make SB
Minnesota lost SB XI, made playoffs after 77 season, did not make SB
Denver lost SB XII, made playoffs after 78 season, did not make SB
Dallas lost SB XIII, made playoffs after 79 season, did not make SB
Rams lost SB XIV, made playoffs after 80 season, did not make SB
Eagles lost SB XV, made playoffs after 81 season, did not make SB
Bengals lost SB XVI, made playoffs after 82 season, did not make SB
Dolphins lost SB XVII, made playoffs after 83 eason, did not make SB
Redskins lost SB XVIII, made playoffs after 84 season, did not make SB
Dolphins lost SB XIX, made playoffs after 85 season, did not make SB
Patriots lost SB XX, made playoffs after 86 season, did not make SB
Broncos lost SB XXI, made playoffs after 87 season, Lost SB XXII
Bills lost SB XXV, made playoffs after 91 season, Lost SB XXVI
Bills lost SB XXVI, made playoffs after 92 season, Lost SB XXVII
Bills lost SB XXVII, made playoffs after 93 season, Lost SB XXVIII
Chargers lost SB XXIX, made playoffs after 95 season, did not make SB
Steelers lost SB XXX, made playoffs after 96 season, did not make SB
Patriots lost SB XXXI, made playoffs after 97 season, did not make SB
Packers lost SB XXXII, made playoffs after 98 season, did not make SB
Titans lost SB XXXIV, made playoffs after 00 season, did not make SB
Seahawks lost SB XL, made playoffs after 06 season, did not make SB

So, since the inception of the Super Bowl, the losing team made the playoffs the next year 28 times, out of 41 tries. Only 7 times did they make the Super Bowl; of those 7 times, only twice did they actually win (as aforementioned).

In recent history, the losing team only made the playoffs TWICE in NINE tries, and, in both instances, did they not only NOT make the SB, they were knocked out in the first round.

[Purdue_Pete]

I say they finally flame out...

I honestly hope they don't, becasue it meant even more last year when the Colts finally beat them.

I just think they are finally too old, too distracted from the cheating and congressional investigation and I think some fans and players are finally seeing through Belichick. I think it will complelty collapse next year.

Again, despite being a Hatriot, I hope they don't. I hope it's Colts v Pats in the AFCC. :)

[Thur34]

I say they finally flame out...

I honestly hope they don't, becasue it meant even more last year when the Colts finally beat them.

I just think they are finally too old, too distracted from the cheating and congressional investigation and I think some fans and players are finally seeing through Belichick. I think it will complelty collapse next year.

Again, despite being a Hatriot, I hope they don't. I hope it's Colts v Pats in the AFCC. :)


I read an interesting article on ESPN yesterday, regarding the Pats so called "dynasty". While it IS impressive that they one 3 out of four, and have been to 4 of the last 7 and 5 of the last 12; the 3 that they won were each by a field goal. With all of the "if's" and "what could have been's" surrounding this past Super Bowl, those 3 wins were not exactly Exclamation points to end a season, as some of the Niners and Cowboys were! "IF" the ball bounced just the right way int those games, Belichick would join Levy and Grant as the only 4 time losers...

[Paul755]

I think the Pats will either make the playoffs...or JUST miss them by a game or by tie breakers. But Super Bowl Champs...no. I'd say the early favs to come outta the AFC have to be the Colts and Jags.

Remember the Pats do play in one of the weaker Divisions in the league.

[SmartassBoiler]

I read an interesting article on ESPN yesterday, regarding the Pats so called "dynasty". While it IS impressive that they one 3 out of four, and have been to 4 of the last 7 and 5 of the last 12; the 3 that they won were each by a field goal. With all of the "if's" and "what could have been's" surrounding this past Super Bowl, those 3 wins were not exactly Exclamation points to end a season, as some of the Niners and Cowboys were! "IF" the ball bounced just the right way int those games, Belichick would join Levy and Grant as the only 4 time losers...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the point of football is to win a game. The Patriots have made 4 of the past 7 Super Bowls, winning 3, and they added the first perfect 16-0 regular season.

I could care less how many points they win by. The Patriots are a dynasty.

[RogueRebel]

wishful thinking, but it's not goin to happen

[Paul755]

Not a chance.

This was their one chance to win a legit championship.

My predictions for the next few months following the real Spygate Investigation:
-Bill Belicheck will be suspended for a year.
-The Patriots will be barred from the playoffs for 1-2 years.
-Tom Brady will ask to be traded.
-Their championships will be either outright rescinded, or they will be so tarnished that they will be equally meaningless.

I could see #1 and 4 happening. But they won't recind the Pats previous titles, they will just become totally suspect and tarnished beyond belief. # 2 only has a chance if evidence is uncovered that is too big for the league to deny or cover up. And # 3 pretty much has NO shot of happening, Brady would go down with the ship.

[nathynwest]

The Giants wanted it more. Enough said.

But I do believe that the sting of LOSING something great is a huge motivator. A good example of that is that the Patriots lost last year's AFC Championship and the sting of that propelled them to the juggernaut we saw most of this season.

All I'm saying is..........

..........watch out, because my money's on the Patriots to win the Super Bowl next season.

Of course, this time it will be against TONY ROMO instead of Eli. And if he's still bopping J-Sim, you can bet your ass the Pokes will lose.


I agree that the Cowboys will be in the super bowl next year because they are going to be just like the Giants lose to years in a row and win the third. Romo is going to be under so much pressure next year and I think he will finally realize that this celeb. stuff is not good at the end of the year. but as for the Pats I really think it depends on how spygate plays out because he could be seeing the end of their coach if they can prove he cheated on that super bowl. And the pats if anything will sign Mosss and not samuels. Dallas v. Colts

[nathynwest]

also alot of the mock drafts have the Pats taking a CB so that means that Samuels is gone.

[Goalkeeper]

Not gonna happen...

[nathynwest]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the point of football is to win a game. The Patriots have made 4 of the past 7 Super Bowls, winning 3, and they added the first perfect 16-0 regular season.

I could care less how many points they win by. The Patriots are a dynasty.

idk the word dynasty gets thrown around alot now a days. I mean in each sport it is different I mean the spurs have won what 4 championships in 9 years or something? and no one but the fans consider them a dynasty. but in the NFL it seems they call a franchise a dynasty and not the team playing now. but idk

[Point65]

Why isn't anyone predicting the Patriots will go undefeated again in the regular season, only to lose in the first round in the playoffs next year. I think the Giants could've been the only team this season to beat the Patriots with their defense (Yes, I'm counting the Colts in this...) but they needed a second try to get it right. It just happened their second try was in the Super Bowl.

I'd hate to think the Patriots will run the table again next year and lose in the Super Bowl again.

[Thur34]

I'd hate to think the Patriots will run the table again next year and lose in the Super Bowl again.

I seriously doubt the same group of guys will run the table again. That has GOT to be emotionally draining; week in and week out, the constant pressure. Granted, people weren't SERIOUSLY talking about it until probably like week 6 or 7 (or so), but, IF the Pats win their opener next year, there WILL be talk of a repeat performance. AND, there will be mounting pressure from week 1. I truly feel that most of the guys on the team would not want to have that looming over them for an entire season. I am not saying they will intentionally lose a game, but there will be a sense of relief if and when they do...

[ruggerx]

Like everyone else, I think the age of the defense has caught up to them. I also think teams have figured out how to get pressure on Brady, which spells trouble for the offense. And Randy Moss was either injured at the end of the season or plain worn down, because he had no explosion in the playoffs.

Consider this- the Giants' secondary is nothing special, and their offense is nothing special, so essentially they beat the Pats with their defensive front 7. NE has some retooling to do on defense if they're going to get back on top. I think they'll backslide a little, and either be carried by their offense in the playoffs, or go home early.

[jonsoriano08]

they need speed at linebacker. regardless, the Pats will always be in playoff contention.

[SmartassBoiler]

Consider this- the Giants' secondary is nothing special, and their offense is nothing special, so essentially they beat the Pats with their defensive front 7. NE has some retooling to do on defense if they're going to get back on top. I think they'll backslide a little, and either be carried by their offense in the playoffs, or go home early.

I think the Giants offensive line is pretty special, or at least played on a special level this year. They don't have any big name guys, really, but they blew open holes for every RB they used this season. Not to say the RBs (Jacobs, Ward, Bradshaw) aren't all talented runners, but as you know, the offensive line has a lot to do with the running game's success.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

The Colts didn't lose the Super Bowl last year, brainiac.

Didn't say the Colts lost...It was about what teams did after they went to the superbowl...whether they won or lost...atleast thats what I thought..if I was wrong I'm very sorry Board Vet.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

The Pats will now begin to break apart. Their defense is in trouble because of all of the old key players. They will likely lose their best CB in the off-season and Moss is going to demand a huge amount of money.

I haven't even mentioned the further Spygate investigations ...

Pats will win their incredibly week division, but will lose early in the playoffs.

Pats - 10-6 in '08

How can you say key old players...Richard Seymour is 28...Vince Wilfork is 26...Asante Samuel 26...Eugene Wilson 27...Ty Warren 26...Adalius Thomas 30...Brandon Meriweather 23...Jarvis Green 29...Ellis Hobbs 24...Randall *** 25...WOW this team is frickin old????????...just because Seau...Vrabel (32)...Bruschi and Harrison are old...infact Harrison never plays a complete season anymore...This team has some big time studs at a very young age.

[cniles]

Im thinking Colts vs Dallas next year IMO:D

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

I read an interesting article on ESPN yesterday, regarding the Pats so called "dynasty". While it IS impressive that they one 3 out of four, and have been to 4 of the last 7 and 5 of the last 12; the 3 that they won were each by a field goal. With all of the "if's" and "what could have been's" surrounding this past Super Bowl, those 3 wins were not exactly Exclamation points to end a season, as some of the Niners and Cowboys were! "IF" the ball bounced just the right way int those games, Belichick would join Levy and Grant as the only 4 time losers...

if my aunt had nuts..she would be my uncle...:rolleyes:

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

idk the word dynasty gets thrown around alot now a days. I mean in each sport it is different I mean the spurs have won what 4 championships in 9 years or something? and no one but the fans consider them a dynasty. but in the NFL it seems they call a franchise a dynasty and not the team playing now. but idk

what people have to keep in mind is...the NFL is VERY different from years ago...there was these things added called free agency and salary cap...for what the Patriots have done in this era and time they can certainly be called a Dynasty...if you can't see this or understand this, you need to pull your head out of your bottom

[jonsoriano08]

hopefully next year we finally get Pats Vs Pack SB everyone was expecting this year.

[Brother Grimm]

I'm betting Miami will come out of their slump and will meet the Falcons next season. I mean all these two teams needed this season were better players and they could have been there.

[bigblu89]

I think they'll be int he playoffs at least. In their division, none of those team are ready to step up and prevent them from winning the division.

Where they go from there, no idea, it's way too early to guess, with free agency and the draft still looming.

The 07-08 season is less than 72 hours old, and we're already making prediction for next years Superbowl? Not bad.

[Ghost of AA62]

the dynasty is finished in terms of Superbowl runs IMO, but discount their ability to win. Age, free agency and scandal wil take their toll on the Pats next season. They cannot afford to keep Samuel and Ga-i and Randy Moss will eat up most of their cap room should they choose to franchise him; they are in situation where they will have to bleed out the roster, but at the same time, cannot make significant moves towards players. There is no telling if this was the swan song for Seau, Harrison, Bruschi and Faulk, but chances are they are going to lose at least two of thos four in the offseason (Seau is almost a guarantee). They will be a playoff contender in a terrible division, but they are going to get pasted by San Diego and Indianapolis, who are essentially reloading for next season.

[nathynwest]

Im thinking Colts vs Dallas next year IMO:D

agreed. I think alot of hype next year is going to be all on the Manning boys. I believe the colts will take the AFC and the cowboys will walk in unnoticed(just because) everyone is going to be talking about how they have choked the last to years.

[rafprop]

How can you say key old players...Richard Seymour is 28...Vince Wilfork is 26...Asante Samuel 26...Eugene Wilson 27...Ty Warren 26...Adalius Thomas 30...Brandon Meriweather 23...Jarvis Green 29...Ellis Hobbs 24...Randall *** 25...WOW this team is frickin old????????...just because Seau...Vrabel (32)...Bruschi and Harrison are old...infact Harrison never plays a complete season anymore...This team has some big time studs at a very young age.

Your last sentence explains it. Bruschi, Seau, Vrabel, and Harrison are old and they are big time leaders and players in the Pats defense. Those guys slow down or retire and it will affect the pats defense. Sure they have other players, but those four are and have been big for the Pats.

what people have to keep in mind is...the NFL is VERY different from years ago...there was these things added called free agency and salary cap...for what the Patriots have done in this era and time they can certainly be called a Dynasty...if you can't see this or understand this, you need to pull your head out of your bottom

I'm tired of the argument that what the Pats have done is great especially because of free agency. Sure, free agency tries to make it a level playing field so that teams are more competitive, but it doesn't always work that way. Randy Moss signed with the Pats for less than he would have anywhere else because he wanted a shot at a SB. Seau came out of retirement for the same reason. Moves like that put the Pats at an advantage despite the intention of free agency. Additionally, in the free agency era, although it is tougher to keep your several superstars on one team because of salary cap issues, teams also don't face other teams that are full of superstars either. Todays teams don't face teams like the 1970s Steelers or the 1980s 49ers that have many HOFers on them. So, although teams in the past didn't have the challenges of free agency, they also faced tougher teams that didn't have free agency either.

I'd still call the Pats a dynasty. But they are probably the weakest dynasty of the teams that are mentioned as dynasties. We'll also have to see where spygate leads as well.

[Ghost of AA62]

yeah I also think Colts/Cowboys...will be a high scoring Superbowl....

[Ghost of AA62]

How can you say key old players...Richard Seymour is 28...Vince Wilfork is 26...Asante Samuel 26...Eugene Wilson 27...Ty Warren 26...Adalius Thomas 30...Brandon Meriweather 23...Jarvis Green 29...Ellis Hobbs 24...Randall *** 25...

Samuel and Ga-i will be gone by the start of next season; Ty Warren and Jarvis Green will both be entering into their final contract years; Meriweather is only good enough to use as a dimeback and Adalius Thomas is overrated. Wilfork and Seymour may not have long enough careers given their cheapshot style of play, and a large group of opposing offensive linemen around the league, aching to cut out their knees next season.

[jonsoriano08]

i'd say the pats will be dominant for 2 more years. but then again, i said the a few years ago when the assistant coaches left, and they seem to have gotten better.

[Steelcurtain1980]

Injuries kept the Colts from beating the Pats.

The Colts outplayed them in every aspect of the game, except final score. The Pats were able to win because at the end of the game, the Colts couldnt keep possession because Marvin Harrison was injured, and they didnt get enough pressure because Freeney was out.

Injuries are just excuses that nobody wants to hear.

[fenwayp]

Not a chance.

This was their one chance to win a legit championship.

My predictions for the next few months following the real Spygate Investigation:
-Bill Belicheck will be suspended for a year.
-The Patriots will be barred from the playoffs for 1-2 years.
-Tom Brady will ask to be traded.
-Their championships will be either outright rescinded, or they will be so tarnished that they will be equally meaningless.

You truly are a fool.

[Death by Willy Wonka]

Not a chance.

This was their one chance to win a legit championship.

My predictions for the next few months following the real Spygate Investigation:
-Bill Belicheck will be suspended for a year.
-The Patriots will be barred from the playoffs for 1-2 years.
-Tom Brady will ask to be traded.
-Their championships will be either outright rescinded, or they will be so tarnished that they will be equally meaningless.

Man, that's got to be the absolute, most ignorant, ridiculous, assinine, worthless, uninformed, and otherwise most stupidest (I know that's not a word but I wanted to make sure you understood it) statement I have ever seen on this board.

AND........that's coming from ME.:eek:

[FSUNole28]

Im thinking No, more likely to be Chargers or Jags from the AFC and Packers or Cowboys from the NFC

[sportsnut2006]

Colts vs Pats AFC Championship, Colts win :)

[Sk8er Boy]

They play in the AFC East. Who, the hell, is gonna stop them from taking the division?

[EDBSIP]

Chargers sould of beaten the Pats in the AFC Championship game, so the Chargers will represent the AFC in SBXXLIII ;)

[Corzaa]

Chargers and Jags in the AFC championship game is my prediction

[cniles]

Chargers and Jags in the AFC championship game is my prediction

I think Colts and Boltz but Jags are Ok also:D

[nathynwest]

They play in the AFC East. Who, the hell, is gonna stop them from taking the division?

I'm interested to see what happens in that division. I mean the Fins totally changed everything so far. I mean they wont be a playoff team but will do good. The bills had a good season if it wasnt for injuries they could have taken the Titans spot. And well the Jets have the offseason to get things together and they do have that new QB so it will be interesting.

[nathynwest]

Im thinking No, more likely to be Chargers or Jags from the AFC and Packers or Cowboys from the NFC

the Packers really? I mean I honestly think the Packers wont do as good as this year. I mean maybe if Farve steps aside and lets Rogers step in. I mean he is a great QB but I think this was his year and he just made a bad mistake.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

Your last sentence explains it. Bruschi, Seau, Vrabel, and Harrison are old and they are big time leaders and players in the Pats defense. Those guys slow down or retire and it will affect the pats defense. Sure they have other players, but those four are and have been big for the Pats.

Randy Moss signed with the Pats for less than he would have anywhere else because he wanted a shot at a SB. Seau came out of retirement for the same reason. Moves like that put the Pats at an advantage despite the intention of free agency. Additionally, in the free agency era, although it is tougher to keep your several superstars on one team because of salary cap issues, teams also don't face other teams that are full of superstars either. Todays teams don't face teams like the 1970s Steelers or the 1980s 49ers that have many HOFers on them. So, although teams in the past didn't have the challenges of free agency, they also faced tougher teams that didn't have free agency either.

I'd still call the Pats a dynasty. But they are probably the weakest dynasty of the teams that are mentioned as dynasties. We'll also have to see where spygate leads as well.


Vrabel is only 32..thats far from old, he has atleast 2 to 3 more years of playing left in the tank.and your Randy Moss comment is crazy...there was only 3 teams that were interested in Moss..and I clearly remember almost everybody saying..." MOSS is washed up". Seau should retire, he's half the player he use to be. And your crazy to think that teams in the 70's and 80's faced tougher opponents..there is a reason why a handful of teams had a bunch of HOF's on them...uhhh..because they could pay them more and it was the norm to stay on a team for your career...in 1975 when the Steelers went 12-2 there was 13 teams that had 6 or less wins( 9 teams had 4 or less)...keep in mind there was only 26 teams in the league..and most of those numbers were identical for the rest of the 70's...if the current players could play as dirty as the 70's players...people would be carted off the field every quarter...the current players are MUCH BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER and all around without a doubt more ATHLETIC...I understand people's passion to hold on to the older teams..but give me a break if you actually think they could dominate in this time frame...the average size of a DT back in the 70's would be the average size of a LB today,possible a Safety...name more than 10 OLinemen back in the 70's that were 6'6 and weighed more than 320 pounds...this debate will go on forever...its the people that are intouch with reality that realize today's athletes are just plain and simple...BETTER...I'm sure when I'm in my 50's and hopefully 60's I will be saying the same thing..."Nobody is better than Jordan or Tiger Woods or Jerry Rice"..but don't worry there will be better..it just takes time.

[bluemacaw2]

ahh my 2 cents.........Honestly I could see Pats reaching SB again. They have a great team and makeup. Love them or Hate them....they are gonna be legitimate contenders for the trophy in the up coming years.
Respect the opposition people!!

[SteveMcQueen36]

Arnt the Patriots going to lose Randy Moss and their other reciver?

[Road Wraith]

Moss will stay in New England. Moss isn't looking to command a huge salary. He's been there and done that. Moss wants security now and stability and he'll have that in New England with Brady as his QB. I just don't see him leaving New England, especially with what he was able to accomplish there in only his first year as a member of the Patriots.

With New England retaining Moss, Stallworth won't be coming back. He's due a big roster bonus, and the Pats will choose to spend that on keeping Moss or maybe towards Samuel.

[rafprop]

Vrabel is only 32..thats far from old, he has atleast 2 to 3 more years of playing left in the tank.and your Randy Moss comment is crazy...there was only 3 teams that were interested in Moss..and I clearly remember almost everybody saying..." MOSS is washed up". Seau should retire, he's half the player he use to be. And your crazy to think that teams in the 70's and 80's faced tougher opponents..there is a reason why a handful of teams had a bunch of HOF's on them...uhhh..because they could pay them more and it was the norm to stay on a team for your career...in 1975 when the Steelers went 12-2 there was 13 teams that had 6 or less wins( 9 teams had 4 or less)...keep in mind there was only 26 teams in the league..and most of those numbers were identical for the rest of the 70's...if the current players could play as dirty as the 70's players...people would be carted off the field every quarter...the current players are MUCH BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER and all around without a doubt more ATHLETIC...I understand people's passion to hold on to the older teams..but give me a break if you actually think they could dominate in this time frame...the average size of a DT back in the 70's would be the average size of a LB today,possible a Safety...name more than 10 OLinemen back in the 70's that were 6'6 and weighed more than 320 pounds...this debate will go on forever...its the people that are intouch with reality that realize today's athletes are just plain and simple...BETTER...I'm sure when I'm in my 50's and hopefully 60's I will be saying the same thing..."Nobody is better than Jordan or Tiger Woods or Jerry Rice"..but don't worry there will be better..it just takes time.


1. Noone said that Vrabel couldn't play anymore. Just that the Pats defense is getting old. Thirty-two is getting up there in age in the NFL. You say he still has 2-3 years in him. Why only 2-3 years? Because he's getting young?
2. Moss signed for less with the Pats than he could have got elsewhere. It was reported all over when he signed. He was under contract to make 9.75 million in 2007 and 11.25 million in 2008. He renegotiated his contract with the Patriots and agreed to a 1 year contract for 3 million because he wanted to play for a team that had a shot at the SB.
3. In discussing free agency, the point isn't whether today's athletes are better than those in the past. Some are, some aren't. The point is that without free agency, some teams were able to have a ton of great players and other teams sucked. Free agency tries to make teams more equal. That is why some say that it's more amazing what the Patriots have done. My point is that although the Patriots have to deal with free agency, so do their opponents. And none of those teams are stacked like teams in the past because of that. So, the Patriots aren't facing teams stacked with HOFers like the 70's Steelers and Cowboys, the 80's 49ers, or the 90s Cowboys.

[Gold and Red]

People who compare the Bears to the Pats need to realize that the Bears had no offense. When their D got hurt this year they couldn't win.

[Cardinal]

I am actually more afraid that they get rid of their old players and replace them with new younger players. Pats have proven that they can subsitute just about anyone and be good. Sure Brady didn't throw 50 TDs but even with a 3rd string WR corp he managed to get them into the AFC conf. last year. When Harrison, Teddy, Seymour were out they were almost a no factor.

[SENSin2007]

Stallworth is due a $8mil roster bonus and kelly washington is due $4mil. Don't see either of them getting that and that money going towards Moss. They could re-sign for a different amount and still return. Moss, Welker, and Gaffney will still be a potent passing attack. Defense is the main concern but they should be able to fill in the holes. I think Bruschi and Harrison will return, Samuel is gone. Seau is a question mark but after the SB he said he was still having fun playing and sounded like he'd come back.

2005 lost in divisional round
2006 lost in conference title game
2007 lost in SB
2008 SB winners???

I hope so as long as they keep improving year by year.

[Thee Ultimate Collector]

1. Noone said that Vrabel couldn't play anymore. Just that the Pats defense is getting old. Thirty-two is getting up there in age in the NFL. You say he still has 2-3 years in him. Why only 2-3 years? Because he's getting young?
2. Moss signed for less with the Pats than he could have got elsewhere. It was reported all over when he signed. He was under contract to make 9.75 million in 2007 and 11.25 million in 2008. He renegotiated his contract with the Patriots and agreed to a 1 year contract for 3 million because he wanted to play for a team that had a shot at the SB.
3. In discussing free agency, the point isn't whether today's athletes are better than those in the past. Some are, some aren't. The point is that without free agency, some teams were able to have a ton of great players and other teams sucked. Free agency tries to make teams more equal. That is why some say that it's more amazing what the Patriots have done. My point is that although the Patriots have to deal with free agency, so do their opponents. And none of those teams are stacked like teams in the past because of that. So, the Patriots aren't facing teams stacked with HOFers like the 70's Steelers and Cowboys, the 80's 49ers, or the 90s Cowboys.


case closed

[Xar]

GO PACKERS GO!!!!!!!

:D

[rarechaselimitedvariation]

maybe another dark horse team will win it, it's all speculation :D