(11-13-2015, 09:54 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: [ -> ]With you 100%. I think it was Mo Egger that described the 1990 season for the Reds with the Nasty Boys, starting 9-0, Jack Armstrong, etc. and how much fun that entire season was and how it wasn't ruined by thinking ahead like "there is no way they can win it all", especially against the As.
Back to the original topic, I think the key to beating the Pats is like Rocky in the beginning of his second fight with Apollo Creed. His trainer says right as the fight begins: "If we get through this first round, he's ours!". It seems like the Pats game plan is often to throw a lot of quick punches, looking for the knockout. On defense, some early down and distance blitzes...on offense, some double-moves and a deep shot. They never come out of a locker room lethargic like "we're going to establish the run" or something else. They get ahead early and force you to be one-dimensional. I feel like being ready right from the get go is a key to staying with them. It sounds incredibly easy, and I know it isn't....look no further than how the Redskins were out of the game almost as soon as it started.
I feel like their defense sells out early to make a few big stops. I would attack them. Don't come out conservative. Come out throwing haymakers. Let them know you are going to attack them on every snap, on both sides of the ball. Everyone worships Brady's performances, but he is clearly rattled by pressure in his face. Get those "A" gap blitzes going and get hits on him. Don't play just to avoid a big play...Their offense will just check down, first down, check down, first down you all the way to the end zone.
I'm not going to sit here and hope it isn't them. For the Bengals to make it to the Super Bowl, chances are they will have to go through New England. Fine. If they beat you, they beat you...but make them earn it against a team that is willing to attack. They don't see that very often.