09-11-2016, 12:33 PM
(09-11-2016, 11:49 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: They kind of have to do that each year, right? We were all blindsided by the 2010 team that laid an absolute egg despite sky-high expectations. I like Dalton having more and more control over the offense. I started seeing what we needed in a QB out of him in his second start (I believe) that was a loss at Denver. He has had 9 wins in his worst season as an NFL QB. He hasn't made the "what was he thinking play" in a long time. I think his consistency and his determination will bring them another AFC North title this year.
As far as the Pats go, everyone is saying how they are going to break all these records, etc. People have said the NFL "poked the bear". I don't know. Those early Pats teams were so dominant because Brady was a very solid QB (not great yet) and was paid next to nothing so a lot of that cap space was used on veterans that made the team so talented. Once Brady got paid, they, like other teams (Seattle after paying Wilson) had weaknesses. Their offensive line has had issues. They haven't drafted particularly well, and despite outstanding coaching and game plans, that will eventually catch up to you. I guess we will see....
What I am basing my feeling on, with the Pats is this, SH, after the Chiefs ripped them apart 2 years ago, and they came back home and handed the Bengals their 'hind-ends', I told my son that they would win the SB, because Brady had something to prove and was on a mission.
Again, I hope I'm wrong, but the suspension, could very well be the fuel to the fire that does the same thing this year.
As you said, time will tell!
