Posted on 01/04/2016 6:44:01 AM PST by Berlin_Freeper
The Patriots (12-4) just had to beat the Dolphins (6-10) to clinch home-field advantage through the playoffs. They couldn't get it done. Here's what we learned from Miami's 20-10 win:
1. The Patriots' offense enters the playoffs a complete mess. We'll see if a bye week and getting a few healthy players back makes the difference. Tom Brady only threw five passes in the first half -- the lowest single-half total of his career...
3. New England's longest pass to a receiver or tight end was a 12-yard throw to Rob Gronkowski.
(Excerpt) Read more at nfl.com ...
Nice. They’ll be out first round.
They are in regardless why risk hurting anyone else. Brady took a hit from Suh that would have been critical. They win when it counts.
I think they will be out first round too. They just don’t have it anymore. The past few weeks have been difficult to watch.
I have been saying that for weeks now. Everyone though I was crazy 4 weeks ago.
But you know what? Too many times while they sat on the throne they waited until the last few minutes (or less) to figure out a way to win. Now, that won't do. You've got quarterbacks and coaches out there who have gotten better at what the Patriots do best.
Maybe it's time for the dynasty to be replaced. That SuperBowl win after "deflategate" last year was a real nice exclamation point.
That being said, GO PATS!
Injuries...offense *and* defense! A reasonably healthy team would be 16-0 right now.
Its all a plan by evil genius Bill Belichick to plant doubt among future opponents.
This must have really deflated the Patriots.
The press has been heaping praise on Tom Brady for years and years.
He is a good QB, not a great QB. Always has been. The success of the Patriots in the past has been due to great kickers, great receivers and very good coaching. Now that a couple of key receivers have been injured, we now get to see that Brady is not the superstar that the press ha made him out to be.
However, the team is expected to be healthy again in two weeks, so they will be the AFC team to beat.
I have a couple of theories:
The main premise is they knew they did not HAVE to win on Sunday. They needed the bye week, and they were not concerned about traveling for the championship against Denver. If Denver loses (a decent chance) then they would stay home.
They wanted to protect their receivers. They are pretty beaten up, and who needs them taking worse hits.
They wanted to get their two running backs some snaps. One of them hasn’t played much, and the other just joined the team two weeks ago. I am sure they don’t know the playbook that well. Playing against the worst running defense in the league gave them a chance to get into the program.
I think Belicheck just did not care. But who can tell the way he gives answers.
I also think there were plenty of Dolphins “playing for their lives.” Whereas the Pats were playing not to get hurt.
Those are the excuses I am using today! ha ha.
I think they make it to the Championship game, but don’t make it past.
A couple of key receivers hurt?
Edelman. Amendola. Gronkowski. LaFell?
All of them were hurt. They used ALL of the linemen from the practice squad.
The fact that they were able to win 12 games is really a testament to Brady and his skill. I am not saying he is the best ever, or he is the MVP, but he did not have “a few” players out this year. HE was the only member of the offense to start every game.
Well SB rings and stats disagree with you.
I was a little worried - until I saw a poor Chargers team nearly beat Denver in Denver.
A (nearly) fully-staffed Pats team will win that game.
Brady just can’t “squeeze” properly inflated footballs like he could the illegally inflated ones!
I hate the Pats but respect what they do. I doubt they were even at 70% throttle yesterday. They have the best brain trust in the NFL still. Until they are out do not COUNT them out.
Tom Brady is just a good QB? The press made him great? You need to look at the facts sir. The guy owns just about every QB record there is. He is arguably one of the top 5 QBs of all time. I’d venture to say, if he gets a 5th championship, which is very possible, there would be no argument.
It takes two people to complete a pass.
Brady has GREAT receivers to throw to. Not only does he have great receivers now, he has had great receivers in the past.
When his great receivers are not playing, the Patriots finish the season at 2-4. A good QB with only one great receiver to throw to sounds a lot like the New York Giants (6-10). And I would never put Eli Manning in a list of the top 5 QBs of all time.
I have to say LOL! to that. Yeah, Brady is only okay like Joe Montana was only okay.
Using your logic Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw would be average QBs. Both are 4 time super bowl champions, along with Brady.
Neither of them had the extended success as Brady.
The only QB who comes close is Peyton Manning. Who, btw, has played two full seasons longer in the NFL.
The thing about great players is they make everyone around them better. You see that trait in all the above mentioned.
To illustrate, what would Cincinati look like with Brady or Manning as QB? If we use your logic, Andy Dalton should be a future hall of famer.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.