rick34125 Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Critical AFC East stretch ahead for Patriots to assert divisional dominanceFOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- After an offseason in which the New England Patriots' three AFC East rivals all made bold, aggressive moves -- and the Patriots themselves had more high-profile defections than additions -- the question was asked: Had the gap finally closed in the division?Miami paid big bucks for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Buffalo hired Rex Ryan as head coach and traded for running back LeSean McCoy. New York hired Todd Bowles as head coach and revamped their secondary with the high-priced acquisition of free-agent cornerback Darrelle Revis. As all three teams appeared to be building momentum, the Patriots seemed to be heading in the opposite direction. Revis was gone. So was fellow cornerback Brandon Browner. Running back Shane Vereen, who saved his best for last in the Super Bowl, was also heading elsewhere. So was defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. All the while, quarterback Tom Brady was fighting his four-game suspension, giving hope to division rivals that perhaps there was an opening to seize. It all made for good sports-radio type banter, but as we have arrived at Week 7 of the 2015 regular season, the reality is that despite all that change, things have essentially stayed the same: It's still the Patriots (5-0) and then everyone else. Now comes the critical stretch for the Patriots to ensure things remain on that course. Bill Belichick's bunch has two AFC East games in a span of five days, both at home -- against the Jets on Sunday Oct. 25 and then versus the Dolphins on Thursday, Oct. 29. If they take care of business, they'd improve to 3-0 in the AFC East, and then look ahead to Nov. 23 at home against the Bills before playing the final two games of the season at the Jets and at the Dolphins (will those teams still have something to play for at that point?). That scheduling dynamic further highlights the importance of the Patriots' next two games. Consider these numbers: The Patriots have won 11 division titles and have 11 playoff berths since realignment in 2002, the most in the NFL. And since 2001, the Patriots are 68-19 in regular-season AFC East games, the best intra-division record in the league over that span. Are the Jets (4-1), Dolphins (2-3) or Bills (3-3) in position to change that in 2015? What looked promising for them in the offseason hasn't unfolded as some thought it would. If they're going to make their move on the Patriots, this is the time on the schedule to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Well this week we get our chance to start to take them down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slats Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Wow, the fish have to travel to NE on a short week while the Pats enjoy a home game the week before? Big disadvantage for them. As for the Jets, if they want to stop hearing about this shit they need to start taking care of business on Sunday. No moral victories, but an actual victory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick34125 Posted October 21, 2015 Author Share Posted October 21, 2015 Wow, the fish have to travel to NE on a short week while the Pats enjoy a home game the week before? Big disadvantage for them. As for the Jets, if they want to stop hearing about this sh*t they need to start taking care of business on Sunday. No moral victories, but an actual victory. I so agree. before i saw the ESPN post, I was thinking i could be satisfied with a moral victory this sunday. but i really can't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 I don't want to have to wait until Brady and Belichick retire for us to take over this division. Let's do it right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetdawgg Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The Pats can't stop the run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The Pats can't stop the run. Don't need to when you are putting up 35 points a game and getting ahead in most games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The source of the pats success is often slapped right to Belli and Brady as the big duo and that certainly is a pretty big factor. The main reason for their dominance? Especially in this division? Turnover ratio. The difference in turnover ratio in the afc east over about the last 10 years is nothing short of mind boggling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmajet Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The source of the pats success is often slapped right to Belli and Brady as the big duo and that certainly is a pretty big factor. The main reason for their dominance? Especially in this division? Turnover ratio. The difference in turnover ratio in the afc east over about the last 10 years is nothing short of mind boggling. its almost like they are using a different (or differently inflated) football than anyone else Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt39 Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The Pats have had like 3 straight Thursday night games in Foxboro. Kraft runs the league... edit, actually I dont think the Pats have ever traveled for a Thursday Night contest. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Network_Thursday_Night_Football_results_(2006–present) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdetroit Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 That's what happens when you have the greatest Qb of all time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UntouchableCrew Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 It is what it is. It's the best QB/HC combo of all time and they'll do every little shady thing to get an advantage. They're the model of consistency and scumbaggery and they pretty much own everyone (I think the cumulative record of the other 30 teams vs the Pats is worse than our W/L record, but I'm not 100% on that.) Just be happy they haven't owned us as bad as they've owned the Bills.... And get excited for a new era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzogtheDefiler Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 NE has drafted better than everyone in the AFC since 2000 hence they are the best team. It is not a mystery as to why they are so good. They also draft lower than everybody so their draft prowess is that much more interesting. Also their limited FA signings work out more often than not. Other teams just need to match their draft success and they'll be fine. Like Seattle, they did a great job and look at them. Same for AZ with PP, TM, Fitz, Floyd, Brown, Ellington, etc. Again not a mystery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rex-n-effect Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 It's still the Patriots (5-0) and then everyone else. F that. We're one game behind coming into week seven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 consider this : the colts used to be in our division imagine if they still were, lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetdawgg Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Don't need to when you are putting up 35 points a game and getting ahead in most games. this is one of those games that they will have to stop the run. The NY Jets are a smash mouth team. In the past two games they have averaged over 200 yards on the ground. That has made them the #1 running team in the NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Jets fan Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 NE has drafted better than everyone in the AFC since 2000 hence they are the best team. It is not a mystery as to why they are so good. They also draft lower than everybody so their draft prowess is that much more interesting. Also their limited FA signings work out more often than not. Other teams just need to match their draft success and they'll be fine. Like Seattle, they did a great job and look at them. Same for AZ with PP, TM, Fitz, Floyd, Brown, Ellington, etc. Again not a mystery Are you for real? One lucky 6th round draft pick is why they are dominant. They draft like crap, no better then anyone else. Put the Jets QB's on that team instead of Brady and they would be just as bad if not worse. BB would have been fired years ago if not for the luck of finding brady. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southparkcpa Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 I don't want to have to wait until Brady and Belichick retire for us to take over this division. Let's do it right now. you didn't come here to kiss Billiceks rings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 NE has drafted better than everyone in the AFC since 2000 hence they are the best team. It is not a mystery as to why they are so good. They also draft lower than everybody so their draft prowess is that much more interesting. Also their limited FA signings work out more often than not. Other teams just need to match their draft success and they'll be fine. Like Seattle, they did a great job and look at them. Same for AZ with PP, TM, Fitz, Floyd, Brown, Ellington, etc. Again not a mystery Up till now you have had some real good post. This is complete and utter dogshit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southparkcpa Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 NE has drafted better than everyone in the AFC since 2000 hence they are the best team. It is not a mystery as to why they are so good. They also draft lower than everybody so their draft prowess is that much more interesting. Also their limited FA signings work out more often than not. Other teams just need to match their draft success and they'll be fine. Like Seattle, they did a great job and look at them. Same for AZ with PP, TM, Fitz, Floyd, Brown, Ellington, etc. Again not a mystery agreed. And when you are locked at QB..it makes the draft that much easier. The better teams draft and develop players. Patriots, Giants, Packers, Steelers..... They also seem to be solid at QB but not always. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzogtheDefiler Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Up till now you have had some real good post. This is complete and utter dogsh*t. I don't mean Brady. I mean recently. Collins, Hightower, Edelman, McCourty, Gronkowski, Chandler Jones, Vollmer, Solder, Gostkowski and even Butler and their current center are FA pick ups. That is not impressive? Look at AZ and Seattle with Chancelor and with Sherman, Russell Wilson, Earl Thomas. It makes a difference. Brady doesn't play defense and the NE D has not been terrible. Maybe I am incorrect but their drafting is pretty good for where they pick? No? I fall on the sword if I am incorrect. Apologies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchmemory Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 I don't want to have to wait until Brady and Belichick retire for us to take over this division. Let's do it right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 I don't mean Brady. I mean recently. Collins, Hightower, Edelman, McCourty, Gronkowski, Chandler Jones, Vollmer, Solder, Gostkowski and even Butler and their current center are FA pick ups. That is not impressive? Look at AZ and Seattle with Chancelor and with Sherman, Russell Wilson, Earl Thomas. It makes a difference. Brady doesn't play defense and the NE D has not been terrible. Maybe I am incorrect but their drafting is pretty good for where they pick? No? I fall on the sword if I am incorrect. Apologies. So not terrible is great drafting? 35+ points a game makes any D look better. Getting lucky with Brady trumps it all. Gronkiowski was an amazing draft pick. Then again so was Darrelle Revis. Every team has its hits and misses. "Come on man!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJets Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 If Skrine plays it's an even matchup IMO, then it's on Fitz to just give us a decent game. Belichick knows Fitz is going to get rid of the ball quickly to make sure Chandler Jones doesn't have a field day... Gonna be a hell of a game IMO, we're 1-3 in the last 4 outings but have had the chance to win each game. The players will show up... 2013 game 1 vs Pats- that rainy thursday night game that was tied 10-10 going into the fourth quarter. Geno threw 3 picks in the fourth quarter. (At foxboro) EDIT: Ducasse's one good game ever! 2013 game 2 vs Pats- the lone victory, AA had the pick six in Gronk's 1st game back that season, we won in OT thanks to that field goal call. 2014 game 1 vs Pats- Ivory ran ALL over these guys, but we couldn't convert in the red zone. Had we scored TDs, could have been a blowout. We should have won that game (in Foxboro) (I think Rex punched a wall after this game because we still had 1 win at this point in October) 2014 game 2 vs Pats- Should have won this game as well. Folk got his game-winning field goal blocked, ended up losing by one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rex-n-effect Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 NE has drafted better than everyone in the AFC since 2000 hence they are the best team. It is not a mystery as to why they are so good. They also draft lower than everybody so their draft prowess is that much more interesting. Also their limited FA signings work out more often than not. Other teams just need to match their draft success and they'll be fine. Like Seattle, they did a great job and look at them. Same for AZ with PP, TM, Fitz, Floyd, Brown, Ellington, etc. Again not a mystery The true test of NE's craftsmanship at drafting is at QB. If Brady was a genius pick and not a lucky pick then surely they have made lightning strike at least twice in fifteen years. We have to be suspect of the genius quality of this pick because if NE knew Brady would be a dominant franchise QB then there's no way they wait until round six to draft him. No team would take the risk that over 160 draft picks would not also take a chance on Brady and that thirty-one other teams had no clue on Brady if they were convinced this guy would be a great QB. Then look at the other QBs NE has drafted since Brady. No hot QBs in that pool. NE drafts about as well as any other team when you adjust for the presence of Brady. They have the benefit of not having to look at each draft as an opportunity to find a franchise QB. Instead, they can draft to build a team around a franchise QB. That is not an opportunity that can be overlooked. You also have to factor in how much better a franchise QB makes everybody else on offense look. (Oh, and cheating.) I'll give NE credit for doing a good job of drafting around their franchise QB to play to his strengths but that doesn't mean they draft better than everybody else if you factor our Brady. Gronkowski is probably a great TE on any team but if Edelman was taking passes from Geno Smith nobody would give two sh*ts who that guy is. Same goes for quite a few offensive players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hael Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The Pats drafted Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallet and Matt Cassell. That's two current starters in the league and another one that might start this week. Now its true that none of these guys are all that good, but then again they were all taken relatively late in the draft. Right now they have an interesting prospect in Garrapolo who was good enough to not renew Mallet, and in all cases they ended up with draft picks back after either trading them or getting compensatory picks. I'd call that pretty good value all things considered. Most teams dont even produce a single starter from the draft, this despite spending many first round picks year in and year out. If you want to criticize BB's drafting, qb is probably not a good position. I'd point to wr and db as his shortcomings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rex-n-effect Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 The Pats drafted Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallet and Matt Cassell. That's two current starters in the league and another one that might start this week. Now its true that none of these guys are all that good, but then again they were all taken relatively late in the draft. Right now they have an interesting prospect in Garrapolo who was good enough to not renew Mallet, and in all cases they ended up with draft picks back after either trading them or getting compensatory picks. I'd call that pretty good value all things considered. Most teams dont even produce a single starter from the draft, this despite spending many first round picks year in and year out. If you want to criticize BB's drafting, qb is probably not a good position. I'd point to wr and db as his shortcomings. What two starters? Hoyer and Mallet are both QBs on the Texans. Cassell is "starting" because he was traded into a team who needs a backup to fill in while the starter is injured. I'll maybe give you that NE drafted three guys who have gone on to be starters at some point but have all flushed out to the bottom of the QB barrel. Had these guys not come from NE where teams hoped they might have a little Brady in them they would all be unseen backups or out of the league. Your point about teams burning first round picks on QBs is good evidence of my later point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMagicRat Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 IMO there are about three reasons for the Pat's dominance. 1. Belichick and Brady. This reason is pretty obvious. I hate Belichick but he just plugs in players and it generally works out. He's not the best drafter but still a very good coach. Brady has generally been healthy his whole career and doesn't seem to be slowing down. 2. The rest of the AFC East. Though Miami won the division in a fluke year in 2008, we have had the most success against the Patriots. At the same time, we have been far from consistent and the rest of the division has barely been a challenge. 3. The new NFL. These new rules that benefit the offense have expanded Brady's career. He's been saved from the brutal hits quarterbacks of previous era endured (part of this is his quick release, but the rules definitely benefit him) and the rules help him still perform at a high level. With the emphasis on quarterbacks, Brady has been able to hide the deficiencies of the rest of the Pats more than other quarterbacks in previous generations. Obviously we can change this. I like Bowles and Mac and think we are heading in the right direction. I'm praying Petty can develop into a solid-upper tier QB in the next few years for us to finally enjoy some consistent success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadFan Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Don't need to when you are putting up 35 points a game and getting ahead in most games. If the Jets not-so-Special Teams don't screw it up.... Ivory will have 200 total yards and the Jets will win. The offense and defense are going to ball out on Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn306 Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Other than the Giants and maybe the Ravens just about everyone else hasn't had alot of success against the Pats either. Garbage article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzogtheDefiler Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 So not terrible is great drafting? 35+ points a game makes any D look better. Getting lucky with Brady trumps it all. Gronkiowski was an amazing draft pick. Then again so was Darrelle Revis. Every team has its hits and misses. "Come on man!!" I didn't say "great" I said better than everyone else and especially in the AFC East. The Bills have been atrocious, the Dolphins, bleh and the Jets very good on D but iffy at best on O. To your point having a franchise QB does make others play better. I concede that point. Still for where the team is scary solid at several positions. I agree that Pitt has drafted very well also. With Pouncey, Antonio Brown, Bryant, Bell, Shazier. They are formidable for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawk Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Don't need to when you are putting up 35 points a game and getting ahead in most games. The way to beat the Pats is by shortening the game, and making Brady hold onto the ball. We can shorten the game by running the ball, frequently, and even more if possible. Make Brady throw outside the numbers, and he will have to hold onto the ball allowing the rush to get him off his spot. Either of which keeps them from scoring 35 points per game. JMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet Nut Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 I don't mean Brady. I mean recently. Collins, Hightower, Edelman, McCourty, Gronkowski, Chandler Jones, Vollmer, Solder, Gostkowski and even Butler and their current center are FA pick ups. That is not impressive? Look at AZ and Seattle with Chancelor and with Sherman, Russell Wilson, Earl Thomas. It makes a difference. Brady doesn't play defense and the NE D has not been terrible. Maybe I am incorrect but their drafting is pretty good for where they pick? No? I fall on the sword if I am incorrect. Apologies. 16 years of drafting and this is your impressive list? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashmouth Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 I don't want to have to wait until Brady and Belichick retire for us to take over this division. Let's do it right now. we are going to do it 80 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzogtheDefiler Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Come on now, I am just looking at this year's team. The early 2000 team had Parcells players like Law, Bruschi, Faulk, etc. I think better drafting is why teams like NE and Pitt are consistently in the hunt. I will grant you that NE has Brady and Pitt has Roethlisberger so they can make up for a lot of ills but Pitt has been very good as well. Do you deny that Antonio Brown, L'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant were very strong picks? In the end I think superior drafting is what separates good teams from mediocre teams. Look at the Bills, they have drafted near the top for 10+ years and their best players are FA's. Mario Williams and Shady McCoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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