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This thread will be a *sticky* for the next week. JJG has done tribute threads since day 1 of this message board. The *sticky* will be taken off the Super Bowl LIII thread in a couple days.
The Patriots had an uncharacteristic tumultuous off season. The Patriots had a strange season going 11-5, but unlike the Cassel year with the same record where they missed the playoffs, the losses to all teams who didn't make the playoffs still didn't prevent them from a #2 seed and a bye.
They beat 3 offense that were supposed to win those games - Chargers (although was a Pats home game), Chiefs (at Arrowhead - tough), and the Rams.
They hit stride on the defense later in the season despite the two December losses and a terrible Miami Miracle due to a poor personnel choice. Brady didn't have to put up gaudy numbers to win.
At the end of the day, the intangibles are I believe this team behind the scenes became tighter after the loss to the Eagles, and it kept them strong. Losing Gordon gave up all over the top threats for the Pats, so they adjusted as they do (best in the NFL) and won.
I seem to remember some fans claiming after last season that the Eagles "ruined" the Patriots. So much for that foolish thought.
This team felt like the 2009 team for most of the season. Inconsistent and seemed to just not have it. Who would have thought it would be the Patriots defense that would carry them to a title? Happy that Julian won the MVP. He had a hell of a game, as he typically does in the playoffs, and the defense did the rest.
Kind of bittersweet in the sense that this will most likely be the last we have seen of Rob Gronkowski in the NFL.
Second consecutive decade with 3 titles and at least 4 Super Bowl appearances. The Patriots have made it to the Super Bowl in 4 consecutive decades. 6 titles overall is just unreal.
Patriots are an amazing team with the best coaching.
I think Gilmore or someone on Pats D should've won MVP. They held the Rams O to a measly 3 points. I was shocked at how elite the Pats D played. Wasn't too impressed with the goat's play this SB but Rams D played well.
Don't see anyone from the AFC beating Pats in playoffs when it matters no time soon. Don't see it for the Chiefs (mainly because of Reid), Chargers, Colts, etc.
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Originally Posted by joee5
Boring, boring game. Turned TV off at halftime. Not a fan of either participating teams, but the Saints would have lit that Pats D up.
Pure speculation. The Saints barely beat the Eagles and should have beaten the Rams. Belichick would have adjusted for the team he was playing against, so you can't say what the Saints would have done.
I'm not surprised Pats are favorites next year for Super Bowl champs, which is what I stated.
No matter the opponent, the Patriots just have a way of psychologically demoralizing them, even one that may be superior on paper. Reminds me of the great Chicago Bulls team of the early and late 1990's.
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