It's amazing how things can change. Before the season opener, many fans (not just me) were actually hinting that this patriots team might just flirt with 19-0. Even after losing Edelman, they were just too loaded.
Then they went out and laid an egg.
My goodness, everyone did a 180. This team was overrated! We ignored their flaws! They're just not good anymore!
Now, it's possible that the team was overrated. After all, hard to underrate a team when you're predicting it to go 19-0. But, in theory, the loss to the Chiefs should have been shocking. It's the sort of thing that happens. Teams sometime just don'r match up well, especially early in the season. There's a reason Patriots teams seem to get better as the season goes on. Because they do. As the team gels and everyone learns their job, it's easier for them to do their job. So, Kansas City was the right team at the right time. At least from their perspective.
But, give the Patriots coaching staff that much game film to work with, and they came up with some new plans. New ways to make their limited personnel work for them.
Then they went out and crushed the Saints.
So, which is the real Patriots? Of course, they both are. The Pats have excelled lately at changing their entire approach depending on the game. One week they'll air it out for 500 yards. The next, run the ball almost exclusively. It's what's so fascinating about this dynasty. You never know what you're going to see.
Other than lots of wins.
It wasn't quite long enough, was it? I know I could have used some more time to bask in the glow of the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. I could have watched those highlights a few more times. Heck, Do Your Job 2 just came out. I've only seen it once!
But, it had to happen. Tonight the patriots start the defense of their latest title. And, once again, they seem to be on the way to another one.
Spoiled brats.
Because, just how good is this team going to be? Pretty damn good. Maybe not quite as good as they were a couple weeks ago, but plenty good. I can't imagine picking against them any week they play. They took the team that won the Super Bowl, added Gronk, swapped Edelman for Cooks, and added a star cornerback. Yup. That sounds pretty good to me.
I remember prior to the 2007 season, the EEIdiots were doing their win predictions. Of course, it was hard to find a game they were going to lose. They finally decided that the team would lose a game or two because a team always loses a game or two. They didn't know which one, but there would be one, and it would be a shock when it happens. Which is, of course, exactly how it played out.
That's where I am this year. They'll probably lose a couple games. Maybe their last game after wrapping up home field. Maybe Atlanta will catch them napping in their revenge game. Maybe there will be a few drops in some rainy game. Whatever it it, we'll be surprised when it happens. But, it won't happen a lot.
In fact, I say twice. Which puts them at 14-2 with smooth sailing through the AFC playoffs.
What do you think?
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