This is one of the most ignorant theories used to discredit Brady’s greatness. Another lazy and tired take. Here’s my rebuttal to the haters who claim Brady’s only good against bad teams.
“Well Brady’s Success is due to the AFC East”
The AFC “Least”- Not quite true
The AFC East is thought to be the worst and most dysfunctional division in the NFL. Believed by many as the reason Brady and the Patriots are any good. My question is, are these teams really that awful and dysfunctional, or do the Patriots make them look that way? Using stats it shows that if you remove each division winner from each division, the AFC “Least” has the highest win percentage in the NFL (.457). Looks like that theory holds no weight.
“But Brady wouldn’t thrive in ANY other division!”
Once again the Tom Brady difference shows otherwise. Brady’s win % in every division proves the haters wrong. Let’s take a look.
Here’s the AFC win percentages. AFCE: 79% AFCN: 81% AFCS: 79% and 65% in the AFCW.
Here’s the NFC win percentages. NFCE: 81% NFCN: 85% NFCS: 75% and the NFCW: 67%
So Brady Vs NFC teams is 76% and 77% against the AFC. Another theory debunked, Tom Brady would be a dominant QB anywhere he played. Case closed.
“Yeah But he Needs to Deflate Footballs to win!”
The proof that Deflategate never happened will be In part 3 of this ‘Brady Difference’ Article. Science, math and evidence will be used, along with studies from the top scientists in the country. They’ve debunked the witch hunt called “Deflategate”
That being said, let’s see what’s happened since the second half of the famous AFC championship game. The footballs were inflated to regulation regarding PSI, and Tom Brady went off on the Colts in route to SB49 against the Seahawks. Two weeks of insanity ensued and the NFL had the game balls under lock and key.
Since The Second half Tom Brady has played the best football of his career, weird huh? With regulation footballs all Brady has done is Win three Super Bowls, two SB MVPs, broke the passing record and then broke his own twice! He was also League MVP, selected to two All Pro’s, 4x Pro Bowl selections, and led the league in passing yards and touchdowns. His record since then is 47-13 with 125 TDs, four SB appearances and three straight trips to the big game. The haters will say he gained an unfair advantage, his stats show he’s only gotten better while being under a microscope.
How about a couple HOF QBs having Brady’s back. Joe Montana’ “It’s a stupid thing to even be talking about because they shouldn’t have the rule anyway.”
Dan Marino said “Every quarterback that has ever played the position understands that getting the footballs the way you like them before a game is part of the game. I mean I did it for years, Jim Kelly up in Buffalo did it, Tom’s doing it, Peyton Manning did it.” There was no unfair advantage at any point.
“Brady Doesn’t Have Any Individual records”
This is the Strangest thing I’ve seen from Brady Haters, so here’s a short list, just to show how nuts people get when talking about the GOAT.
Don’t forget about the 25 point comeback
“Brady Is the check down king”
There is this misconception that Brady doesn’t throw passes further than 5 yards. The problem with this theory is that Brady is 19th in the NFL throwing short passes. His 35.28% of short pass plays is better than quarterbacks like Big Ben, Luck, Ryan, Mahomes and the “Greatest” ever Aaron Rodgers.
The quarterback with the “most talent” Aaron Rodgers, who’s compared to Brady for reasons I don’t understand, throws short more than Tom.
Part 3 will include “Rodgers is better than Brady”, “The science behind Deflategate”, and much more. Feel free to give me any nonsense you’ve heard about Brady and we can put it on the list for the Haters.
Tom Brady theory’s or “myths” claiming he’s not a great QB make me laugh, so I’ve compiled the first edition of Tom vs Truth. I am a fan, yet I am using facts to end these ridiculous claims.
They Love you Until they Don’t
Once upon a time Tom Brady was America’s golden child, beating the greatest show on turf put him on the map. Fast forward to the present day and many things have changed. Six Super Bowl wins, multiple MVPs and a supermodel wife has had the country turned against the GOAT. Let’s start with these theory’s about TB12.
“Tom Is A Product of the Patriots System”
Haters across the country can’t stop calling Brady a system QB. While every team has a system, and 3/4s of the teams using the same style. Why aren’t they playing in February? The answer is Tom Brady. We know his skill, so let’s look deeper. Brady has had numerous Offensive Coordinators. In the beginning it was Charlie Weiss. Charlie’s offenses in NY and NE before Tom Brady were ranked 12th, 5th, 19th and 25th. Compare those numbers with a very green, backup QB in Tom Brady. Charlie’s 4 years with Tom his offenses ranked 6th, 10th, 12th and 4th. This is what I call the Brady difference. Weiss left after 4 years with Brady to coach Notre Dame, ending with a record of 41-49.
McDaniels Makes Brady
Josh McDaniels makes Tom Brady Great. Well no, not at all. He has had success with Tom just like Weiss, but without Brady his numbers declined drastically. Working with Brady, Josh McDaniels offenses have been incredible. The worst those two finished was 10th in points and 11th in yards. Every other season with Brady, New England’s Offense was ranked top 3 in points, with one top 5 finish. McDaniels in St.Louis and Denver running the same system, ranked 20th, 19th and dead last at 32nd. (Brady Difference.)
Bill O’Brien in 2011 must’ve been the reason Brady and the offense was 3rd in points scored right? I don’t think so, since leaving the Pats O’Brien’s offenses in points scored rank 14th, 21st, 28th, 17th and 11th. Quite the drop off without Brady under Center. So if you say “System QB”, I say it’s the Brady difference.
Well What About Bill Belichick? “He makes Tom Brady”
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands alone as the greatest HC, he must be why Brady’s so great
First let me say that while Bill is the best coach of all time, that didn’t really start until Brady came into the mix. In Cleveland Bill went 35-55, along with 5-11 his first year in NE without Tom. There’s that Tom Brady difference again.
2008 Same Team No Brady
But Matt Cassel went 11-5 when Brady was hurt
This argument often made by haters really grinds my gears: “If Brady is so good then how did Matt Cassel go 11-5?”
Well let’s break it down. The 2007 and 2008 teams had the same roster minus Donte Stallworth on offense. In 2007 Tom Brady and his offense set records for TDs, Rec TDs and points scored. The team went 18-0 only to lose the SB just missing the perfect season. The 2007 offense with Tom had a 315 point differential, compared to Cassel’s team dropping 214 points all the way down to a 101 point differential. So the same team, with different QBs went from the best offense ever, to average and missing the playoffs.
2007 Brady- 4,806 yards, 50 TD/8 INTs with a 117 Passer rating along with MVP honors.
2008 Cassel- 3,693 yards, 21 TD/11 INTs with an 89 passer rating with the same offense. (Brady Difference)
In 2010 Matt Cassel made the playoffs and the Pro Bowl with KC. He was no stiff, throwing 27 TDs to just 7 INTs, which was the second best ratio in the league that year. Who could’ve been number 1 I wonder? Tom Brady of course, as he won the only unanimous MVP in league history. Sorry to say again but the Brady Difference is quite obvious in this popular theory among haters.
“Tom Isn’t Good without a Great Defense”
The Patriots had a very good defense in Tom’s early years, and certainly was a huge factor in the first 3 Super Bowls. People say Brady was carried by his defenses, which is not the case. From 2001-2004, with Brady coming in as a backup, he put together 10 4th quarter comebacks and 15 game winning drives. The numbers seem to show he did his part and then some, but that’s not what the haters want you to think.
Brady led the NFL in TD passes in 2002, so it’s not a reach at all to say the Patriots may have not won those Super Bowls without Tom Brady. For example, in Super Bowl 38 the Pats defense gave up 29 points to the Panthers. A young QB named Tom Brady going up against a fierce defense threw for 354 yards, 3 TDs and his second clutch SB game winning drive. Without Brady things could’ve been a lot different that day.
Jumping ahead to Patriots Defenses that weren’t as talented. The four year stretch from 2010-2013, New England’s defense was never better than 25th in total yards allowed. But again Brady in 2010 won MVP and got the #1 seed. 2011 the Pats were back in the Super Bowl despite being 31st in yards against, and that’s due to Tom Brady. In 2012 and 2013, Brady and the Pats went back to the AFC Championship but lost. Some people think going as far as possible in sports and losing is worse than not making the championship game at all. Ridiculous.
In 2017 the defense was ranked 29th. Brady and the offense once again were back in the Super Bowl. Bill Belichick shocked Pats nation by benching Malcolm Butler. The defense got shredded by a backup QB, giving up 41 points. Even in defeat Brady put up historic numbers, throwing for 505 yards with 3 TDs with no INTs.
My conclusion on this theory about his Defenses is that Brady always has done his part to win games and make it to the AFC Championship or Super Bowl. I don’t see him being carried by anything, like the haters do. Another interesting stat: In 17 seasons the Pats Defense was statistically better than the offense only 3 times. In 9 of those 17 seasons with Brady as the starter, the defense was ranked 20th or worse in yards allowed. Defensive “myth” shut down with facts.
“Joe Montana Never Lost in the Super Bowl”
Key Number here is 4
The debate over Montana and Brady has many factors. Joe Montana was the Greatest ever in my eyes, up until Brady’s comeback in Super Bowl 49 against the Seahawks. Since Brady tied Montana with 4 Super Bowl wins, he has gone to 3 straight Super Bowls and won 2. The real crime here is the loss to the eagles. Brady had the best Super Bowl performance of all time.
Some people say Brady can’t be better than Montana because Joe cool never lost in his 4 chances. The fact of the matter is that every athlete would tell you getting to the Championship and losing is better than not making it there at all. As we all know, Brady’s been to 9 Super Bowls with 6 wins. Let’s not forget the amount of Hall Of Fame players Montana had on both sides of the ball. He also had a coach in Bill Walsh who came up with an offense no one had ever seen before. It took years for teams to adjust to this new style of football, a great coach and system that Montana thrived in.
Brady on the other hand did not, and still doesn’t have anywhere close to the number of Hall Of Fame players Joe had. The comebacks alone in Super Bowls favor Brady, having 6 in 6 wins. And did his part in the losses too, by getting the lead, only for the defense to break at the end.
Montana has been bounced twice in the divisional round, twice in the Wild Card and three times in the NFC Championship. Montana in 11 seasons has gone one and done in the playoffs 4 times.
The GOAT Tom Brady in 16 playoff runs is 13-2 in the divisional round, 2-1 in the WC round and 9-4 in the AFC Championship. Brady in 16 seasons has gone one and done just twice in the playoffs.
Is 4-0 better than 6-3 in the Super Bowl? If you’ve never played sports then maybe you’d say yes. The ultimate goal of any athlete is to go as far as you can. That is something Brady’s done better than Montana. Doing so with less talent, an offense that has been seen before (unlike the 49ers), all while getting better with age. Brady wins this round, the numbers don’t lie.
“Montana Played in a Tougher and Better Era”
Again, not taking anything away from Joe Montana, I’m just telling it how it is. Sure the rules for QBs have changed over the years, but Brady played in a tough era of football himself. Rule changes to help offenses didn’t make an ounce of a difference until 2011. QB numbers didn’t go up or benefit Brady for an entire decade. From 2000-2011 only two players had a season with great numbers, Brady in 2007 and Manning in 2004. Since 2011 pretty much every QBs numbers are inflated like never before.
Defining the toughness of different eras contains a few different things:
Free Agency -Montana played when teams didn’t change and Hall Of Fame players typically stayed together. Brady has had a revolving door of players throughout his entire career, mostly castaways who were turned into Champions.
Defensive players -Tom Brady has played and shredded some of the best defenders and all time defensive units and coaches. The 2000 Steelers and Ravens, 2003 Buccaneers, The LOB Seahawks were no match in the Super Bowl, 2015 Broncos, 2017 Jags, the two Giants Super Bowl teams and the 2018 Rams. Just think of the players on those teams, and how if it weren’t for Brady most of them would have Super Bowl rings.
Geography – Joe Montana Played in a sunny warm climate, while Brady’s been playing in the Northeast. Freezing temperatures, snow and rain in a division where he plays in Boston and New York. No problem for #12.
This is the first of my 3 part Myth Busting Brady Hate. Next up will be topics like “The AFC Least”, “Deflategate, “Brady has no records” and my personal favorite: QBs like Rodgers, Marino, Brees and Manning being on Tom Brady’s level. Starting to feel like I’m writing a book, so these next topics plus more will be coming out soon. Hope you Pats fans can use some of these facts when arguing with Brady hating friends.
The way this Patriots team is built and the fact that the Dolphins’ best player, Xavien Howard, is out for the game will help Josh Gordon the most. The one issue is the game is in Miami, a place that always gives New England trouble.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Just in the past 5 years, the team is 1-4 in Miami. Historically the Patriots have not played well at Miami Gardens. The temperature is also expected to be relatively high too which may affect the game as well. The loss in Jacksonville is an example of the heat playing a factor against New England.
Bill Belichick won’t use the weather as an excuse, but we all know since 200, the Patriots have struggled in the heat. Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi said as much on ESPN when asked about why this team struggles in Miami.
Built for Success
The Patriots right now are just built for success. They are extremely healthy, have top 10 players in many categories including one of the best cornerback duos right now. Stephon Gilmore is questionable although Is likely to play, as he flew with the team for this matchup. The Patriots should be able to come out of this with a win. Look for Sony Michel and the running backs to have a big day.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
New England should look to set up the run game early, using all three backs. Rotating the running backs will keep them from cramping up and running out of steam from the heat. Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of the injury riddled Dolphins. The running game will set up play action passes, and more defenders in the box.
Patriots-Dolphins Prediction
The Patriots come in as heavy favorites despite recent history, and I don’t think it will be a blowout. Miami has played well at home this year, at 6-6 they will be looking for revenge from week 4. The rash of injuries to this Dolphins team, along with New England coming in almost at 100% will be the difference today. Not the heat.
The Patriots are really starting to look better on offense, defense and are only missing one player. The Patriots will win the AFC East again today, for the 10th year in a row. The players will get up for this “hat and T-shirt game” as they continue to try and get that number one seed.
The Patriots had a good practice yesterday, as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were both removed from the injury report. Tom Brady has been dealing with a knee injury, and has been limited at practice.
Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through ankle(s), and a a very concerning back injury. The future HOF Tight End has had back issues dating back to his college days, involving multiple surgeries.
Patriots Superstars Not Held Back In Thursdays Practice
Via USA Today
The two Biggest Game-changers on the Patriots have been practicing, but both have been limited and listed on injury reports. Thursday was a nice change of pace for the team and the fans, as both superstars were Full Participants.
Tom Brady’s participation has always been important, although Patriot fans have always known nothing would stop him from playing that week.
The Patriots can always count on Brady, but today’s news that he is completely off the injury report as a Full Participant is great to see.
Getting Healthy at The Perfect Time
Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through injuries his entire football career, this season in particular has been frustrating for him.
Unlike his quarterback, whenever Gronks name shows up on the injury report, the Patriots need to prepare as if he may not play that week.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
The news that both players were full participants today is noteworthy, as New England is looking to clinch the division Sunday.
New England’s track record against Miami away from home has not been great during the Tom Brady era. The Dolphins always play them tough, the Patriots can’t afford to drop a game in Miami as they often have. New England is currently the number 2 seed behind KC, with the tiebreaker on their side. So a win Sunday is very important if the Pats want home field throughout the playoffs.
When it comes to a formula for achieving the success that the New England Patriots have, it goes like this. Be disciplined and professional. Control all the details that could possibly matter in deciding games. Above all, strive to win the games in your division, then your conference, then the others. They’ll say that each game is just the next one and that they are all equally important. But we know that the games against divisional rivals carry a little extra hot sauce and can mean the difference between winning a title or fighting for a wild card spot.
Since the 2003 season when the divisions realigned the Patriots are 26-4 against the Bills, 21-9 against the Dolphins and 24-6 against the Jets. That translates to a .789 win percentage (71-19). Divided among all the seasons they are averaging nearly 4.75 wins every year out of six total divisional games. How do they do it? By knowing their opponents. You have to know them to beat them. Control all the things that can help win you games, right? So we dive into some of the changes that each of these squads underwent from the last time you saw them and how they have fared in the preseason. When the Patriots see them on the field you will have all the information that you need in order to root your team on for their sixth ring.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins underwent a season of change after Head Coach Adam Gase’s sophomore season. I’m sure that Patriots players are glad to see Jarvis Landry and Ndamukong Suh gone. An offensive line shuffle that Mike Pouncey leave and Josh Sitton come in. Patriots fan favorite Danny Amendola joined the aquatic mammals along with the league non-kicker old man – Frank Gore. The Dolphins drafted DB Minkah Fitzpatrick and TE Mike Gesicki with their first two picks and Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is back throwing the ball for the 2018 season.
Preseason
The 2018 preseason has gone, uh, not good. Three close losses against the Buccaneers, Panthers and Ravens have fans wondering if they are going to be any good this season. Despite their struggles on 3rd downs they have scored 24, 20, and 10 points in each game. Unfortunately, their opponents have been better and according to my in-depth analysis, have been scoring more points. This team feels like it’s struggling to find its identity. Perhaps too much flux happened in the offseason?
Outlook
The fish squashing in New England happens on September 30th. The Patriots will get a mini-vacation in the Miami sun on December 9th. Despite the historical record the Dolphins have a weird hex on the Patriots. Miami has split the season series in 3 out of the last 5 seasons and last made the playoffs in the 2016 season. There is most certainly a small fire being lit under Tannehill and Gase without greater success this year.
Buffalo Bills
In case you don’t live near the football Mecca of Buffalo, NY; they are quite pleased with themselves. Ending a playoff drought of 17 seasons and getting that monkey off your back will do that to you. Unfortunately, they also fell victim to a snoozer loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the playoffs. Still, you have some success, keep the core in place for your second year head coach and make some incremental changes for improvements next season, right? Not these guys! Wholesale changes! BUY, SELL, TRADE! EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Tyrod Taylor – GONE! Cordy Glenn – GONE! Throw in some Jordan Matthews, Richie Incognito and Preston Brown and you got yourself a DEAL!
Others of note that are no longer on the team include: E.J. Gaines, Eric Wood, and Mike Tolbert. This is a tremendous amount of turnover. Fortunately, they brought in many more players to begin the job of rebuilding. A.J. McCarron, Chris Ivory, Star Lotulelei, Vontae Davis will all get a chance to make a name for themselves under second year head coach Sean McDermott. Joining valuable draft picks Tremaine Edmunds and the polarizing Josh Allen, they may form a core that will be the team that the coaching staff wants.
Preseason
Beating the Browns and losing to the Panthers and Bengals should do nothing but provide you with optimism heading into the regular season. Yet, it seems that there is growing dread for the fans of this team. The team was riding high following the skills competition that Josh Allen put on in week 2 after an injury knocked out veteran starter McCarron. He seemed poised to seize the job in the dress rehearsal of week 3. It went poorly. The offensive line was a sieve. The quarterback looked slow and harassed. The team looked nothing like a squad ready to take it to the next level and challenge the incumbency for glory.
Outlook
The Patriots make a Halloween weekend trip to Buffalo for some tricks and treats on October 28th. The Bills travel to snowy New England for some playoff gifts on December 23rd. This could get ugly this season. If the new personnel and coaching do not coalesce into a cohesive unit they could be in line for a bad campaign. In the last 6 seasons the Bills have 2 victories against the Patriots, including a week 18 meaningless win in Foxboro when New England had already secured their playoff spot.
NY Jets
Who starts for the Gangrenes? Veteran signal caller with magnificent hair in Josh McCown? My Boy, Teddy B, trying to regain his shine following his freak and horrific knee injury after nearly 2 years? Or the young upstart apprentice in the hair game in Sam Darnold? The head coach Todd Bowles has some decisions to make. Mike Maccagnan also had some decisions to make in the offseason when he JETtisoned (see what I did there?) Demario Davis, Muhammad Wilkerson and Kony Ealy in favor of some new energy in Isaiah Crowell, Terrelle Pryor and Trumaine Johnson among many others. Will it come together for this team in 2018?
Preseason
Weeeellll, it might? And while the coaching staff has to be encouraged by the growth of Darnold and the resilience of Bridgewater, they have gone 1-2 so far in the preseason. There might just not be enough on offense to improve the scoring output of 17, 15, and 16 points. A win against the Falcons sans their talent, and losses against Washington and cross-stadium rivals the Giants didn’t help their case. These games have the fans hoping for some quick improvements once the contests matter.
Outlook
The Patriots look to work off all that turkey by beating the stuffing out of the Jets on November 25th in New Jersey. And the Jets may be clamoring for a playoff spot on the final week of the regular season in Foxboro. It would be fitting if the Patriots were in the position to not rest their starters and deny this team a playoff spot with an easy win. The Patriots generally have good success against this team in the regular season as they have lost just twice in the last seven seasons. This followed the playoff loss to the Rex Ryan squad led by Mark Sanchez. The Patriots will look to continue the success against whoever the jets have slinging the ball in 2018.
Finishing Them Off
There you have it. The Patriot’s divisional opponents for the 2018 season. I believe it was Sun Tzu who once said, “In order to secure your playoff spot, you must beat your divisional opponents” (Probably). The New England Patriots have been death of dreams and destroyers of worlds for fans with championship aspirations in the division and I hope they continue that for the 2018 season.
All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.
Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 27: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 27, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Danny Amendola is now a Miami Dolphin. All the loyalty to the Patriots was just all talk and at the end the NFL is a business. Amendola will sign a two year deal worth $8.25 million and $12 million with incentives. Danny Amendola really played great in the playoffs. He got the nickname Danny ‘Playoff’ Amendola because of his clutch performance when the games mattered the most. The Dolphins just traded Jarvis Landry to the Cleveland Browns to make up for it. Why not get Amendola?
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Amendola played in 69 of 80 regular season games with the Patriots. In 13 playoff games Amendola scored six touchdowns. In the playoffs Amendola had 709 yards. This does hurt the Patriots’ offense though. The Patriots have Julian Edelman coming off an injury, and who knows how long he will be back to normal. We still don’t know if Rob Gronkowski is playing for the Patriots next season or retiring. The Amendola loss is pretty big as he was Brady’s target this season. The top receivers right now on the Patriots are Chris Hogan, and Brandin Cooks. Also they have Malcolm Mitchell coming back.
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Danny Amendola #80 and Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots warm up before Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Amendola told Bryant University at the end of February “I’m a free agent this year, so let’s say—the unknown. We’ll see what happens. I definitely want to be here. To tell you the truth, I don’t want to leave. But it’s a business. I’ve learned that.” Clearly a business choice for Amendola his loyalty to the Patriots was not making him stay there. He wanted to be there but wanted to make more money somewhere else. He knows the Patriots are cheap and will do anything to make more money. With Amendola making a business decision, the Patriots will now have to look at adding a receiver for next season. The Dolphins will never beat the Patriots in the division though.
Well, it’s Week 15 and nearly every game carries playoff implications. In fact, every game aside from the one that already occurred (Denver at Indy) carries playoff implications. Some teams are fighting for the division title, while others desperately try to claw their way into wild card contention. Only two divisions have been clinched thus far as the two teams representing Pennsylvania have clinched their respective divisions. In the rather weak AFC, it seems as though almost every team still has a shot to get it. The Jags and Titans are still battling for the AFC South crown. The AFC West is as hectic as you will ever see. The Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders are all within a game of each other. With a lack of quality teams in the AFC, it appears nine wins will be enough to earn a playoff spot.
Over in the far more competitive NFC, nine wins ain’t going to cut it. I’m not even sure if 10 wins will be enough. The NFC currently contains ten teams with a winning record. Tight battles are still being fought for the NFC West crown as well as the NFC South. Football fans have the luxury of witnessing the Rams roll into Seattle this Sunday. LA will certainly be seeking revenge on their rival as they lost 16-10 at home vs Seattle in Week 5. Also, the three team race for the NFC South ensues as the Falcons, Saints and Panthers are all separated by just one game.
So, which teams face an absolute must win scenario if they wish to keep their playoff hopes alive?
Detroit Lions vs Chicago
The Lions continue to fly under the radar in the NFC. Detroit lurks in the shadows of the NFC bullies such as the Eagles, Saints, Rams and Vikings. However, the fact of the matter is that Detroit (7-6) still has a shot at making the playoffs. Their final lunge into the playoffs will start this week with a very winnable home game against the Bears. Their luck will continue into Week 16 as they will travel to Cincinnati to face a team that will only be playing for pride. Unfortunately, their luck will end there because healthy Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will roll into town, also fighting for a playoff spot. Lions fans: when Week 17 arrives, it’s best you wish for two things:
1. Aaron Rodgers is still a little rusty
2. Stafford will have one final fourth quarter game-winning drives left in the tank.
Green Bay Packers at Carolina
Very tough test here for the Pack. Luckily they have their superstar QB returning this week. Unfortunately, they have to travel to Carolina to face a team that has won five of its last six games. Carolina has been scoring in bunches over their past four games, averaging 33 points during that span. Hopefully for Packers fans, Rodgers will be fully healthy, any signs of rustiness could be the difference this week. Also, much unlike the aforementioned Detroit Lions, the Packers have a harsh schedule to close out the season. After Carolina will be Minnesota at home and then of course at Detroit. Green Bay will need Aaron Rodgers to be Aaron Rodgers if they want to participate in the playoffs this season.
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland
Both teams are featured in bold in the headline because they both MUST win this game to keep playoff hopes alive. It will be a tall task for either team to make the playoffs as they both have tough remaining schedules. Oakland of course starts with Dallas at home then travels to Philadelphia and then to LA to face the Chargers. The Eagles sans Wentz are certainly less intimidating but still a force to be reckoned with. The road tilt in LA will not be any easier as the Chargers are playing as well as almost anyone in the AFC. It will be tough, but if Oakland manages to win out, then they will have a great shot at getting into the playoffs.
It will not be any easier for the Cowboys. Starting with the match up of iconic franchises in Oakland. Dallas will attempt to get by one final time without their superstar running back. If they manage to win in Oakland and get Ezekiel Elliott back for the Seahawks and Eagles then they certainly have a chance. However, never mind Seattle and Philadelphia for now because it is “win or out” for Dallas as they will need 10 wins to make the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo
Well it certainly seems as though the ‘Fins season was over long ago after suffering some embarrassing losses this year. However, their embarrassing losses seem to be cancelled out by impressive wins, most notably their Week 14 win. Miami pulled off what was potentially the upset of the year as they handed New England a 27-20 loss. It is quite remarkable that Miami ranks 27th in the NFL in point differential at -82 but they are still fighting for a playoff spot. It will be a very tough road for Miami as they are at Buffalo, at Kansas City and then back home against Buffalo to wrap up the season. Miami will need to win all three of their remaining games if they wish to be playing in mid-January. Unfortunately, KC and Buffalo are both fighting for a playoff spot as well so Miami will have to be at their very best.
*Follow me on twitter @MLBfromNH (Kevin Civiello)*
Well, that one sucked. Patriots lose 27-20 in the so-called “Magic City” of Miami Florida last night in what can only be described as a lackluster performance. Worried? Not at all. Confused? Yes, I have to say I am.
What is it about our South Beach semi-rivals that we cannot seem to overcome when we visit their City of Skin?
In particular, why can’t Sir Thomas win in “The Birdcage“?
A losing career record when visiting ‘Little Cuba’ (ok, I am officially out of Miami monikers)?
Is Tom Part Porpoise?
Is Miami to TB12 what the NY Yankees were admittedly to Pedro? His ‘Daddy’? Gulp. Nah. Lets not overreact. The Fish have been getting squished by the entire NFL for the better part of this millennium, and a couple regular season losses in the heat by the Patriots do not change that fact. Dan Marino is not walking through that door. Don Shula is not walking through that door…unless of course you order a bone-in ribeye at one of his steak joints. Tommy Boy, and the team at large, will be just fine. Next week Pittsburgh, the push to the post season begins. Frankly, an angry Brady/Belichick combo is just what the doctor ordered, in terms of playing tough after a loss. Look out Big Ben/Parliamen,t that’s not Santa Claus coming to town, it’s a pissed off GOAT. You have been warned.
With that said, I did come up with a list of reasons why this pattern of losing in southeast FL has plagued #12 throughout his career. Best I could come up with anyway…
TOP 10 Reasons Tom Brady Can’t Win in Miami
10. Bad Cuban sandwich
9. Two Words: David Caruso
8. Six more words: Men Rollerblading that look like this.
7. Gronk. Yes, I am, in fact, blaming you for ALL the Miami losses, Big Guy. That’ll learn ya.
6. He is simply weirded out that a place exists where people are (almost) as good-looking as him.
5. Illegal shake down for cocaine by Crockett & Tubbs (won’t get that reference if you are under 35 years old) rattled his confidence.
4. The tropical tans of everyone down there distracts him unlike the pasty, white flabber-messes he has grown so accustomed to in Foxborough.
3. Larry Czonka Mustache Curse
2. Wait, Al Pacino is a Drug Lord AND the head coach of a pro football team…in MIAMI? Mind: Blown
