No doubt about it. The Patriots most famous losses have all come on nights where the opponent’s DL has eaten the New England OL for lunch. Very tough to watch.
Although the ray of sunshine was last week against KC when the Pats had their full complement of receiving threats back and Brady was able to get rid of the ball in 2 seconds or less as was the case earlier this year when they were rolling teams or even against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Belichick seemed to make a decision to protect certain guys in Week 16 and 17 and it cost them the 1 seed. It paid off last Saturday, but having to go to Denver is now the penalty for that. We’ll see if it comes back to haunt them.
I guess it’s easier to blame Gostkowski than to blame the putrid OL. They were the main reason they lost. Brady didn’t have a good game either, Belichick was outcoached and Gronk (besides the last drive) was non existent.
Woof. The Patriots MO for crushing playoff losses continues. Just utter obliteration of the offensive line by teams that don’t even need to blitz to get pressure. I was laughing my ass off when the Pats brought in a 6th offensive linemen finally and the Broncos still got through like it was a hot knife through butter. When you can pressure Brady with 4 (or jesus even 3 guys)… good night. Their DBs obviously did a tremendous job too.
The fact that the Pats even had a chance to send it to OT at the end was remarkable, it felt like a 60 minute asskicking from start to finish. Gronkowski’s last few plays were absurd, too bad they’ll get lost in history. Felt bad for Gostkowski, he shouldn’t be taking any blame like he was post-game. The irony is that Belichick was the biggest proponent for moving the XP back and it hadn’t bit the Pats all year… until yesterday. Oops!
Yea the blaming of the kicker is such an easy out for sports fans that don’t know anything. It’s a total team loss and he is a fantastic kicker. Would have been amazing if the pats were able to steal that game, nice to see Peyton get one more shot though. Would be nice to see him go out on top. Looks challenging as the Panthers look like they could easily handle anyone they play
NFC game was a joke. I really hoped for more from the Cards. Carson Palmer can’t handle the post-season. Panthers put up a ton of points the last two games. I hope Denver wins and puts that JA, Cam Newton, on his arse.
Right gents, I’m attending my 1st superbowl gathering this weekend with some colleagues. What do I need to know?
Who should I be supporting? being British I feel I should be rooting for the underdog which I gather is the Broncos? They also have the only name I recognise in Payton Manning.
Is there anything that I should/should not say if I want to blend in? I’m already planning a gag about the hosts wifes tits being deflated.
