pats chances against the phins

[spinaltap]

I am as optomistic a pats fan as there is. However, I have to say that my optomisim is waining recently. The play on the line of scrimmage has not gotten any better this season. It started out bad and it has gotten worse. The inability to rush the passer has been the most frustrating aspect to me. The cornerback issue is also a huge one. Chad Pennington knew exactly where Leonard Myers was at all times on sunday night. I'm sure Jay Feidler will be looking for him as well. It would be nice if we could cover up his shortcomings by generating some QB pressure....but we can't. Of course I do believe the pats CAN win on sunday. What do you all think? Let's hear some honest opinions. Like I said, I'm usually very optomistic, but right now there is no reason to be.

[Hawg73]

Shurkis,

While I understand that anything can happen, this team has given me no reason other than "ancient" history to think they can beat Miami. We are weak in both O and D lines and each good team we have played this year makes that glaringly obvious.

Let me put it simply. Is there any chance Matt Light can effectively block Jason Taylor? No, and unfortunately for us there are too many similar mismatches.

We lose big and I hate myself for saying it. The weather can't save us this year. It's one thing to support your team and another to delude yourself. We just don't have it right now and we will go into the offseason licking our wounds.

[Peg]

I, too, am usually an optimist and I certainly haven't given up hope for us to pull out a win on Sunday... I am just unsure how we will do it... As Hawg pointed out, I am most concerned about the Matt Light/Jason Taylor match-up... Yikes!!...
To beat Miami on Sunday, we need this TEAM to play with INTENSITY, as if there is no tomorrow! (Which, indeed, would be the case if we lose...)
I believe that games can be won if one team is simply more DETERMINED to win than the other... Regardless of the talent and/or the match-ups... That is why on any given Sunday... :)
So, here's hopin' that our TEAM plays like the Super Bowl Champions that they are! :)

Originally posted by Hawg73
Shurkis,

While I understand that anything can happen, this team has given me no reason other than "ancient" history to think they can beat Miami...Is there any chance Matt Light can effectively block Jason Taylor? No, and unfortunately for us there are too many similar mismatches.

Exactly my thoughts. Jason Taylor alone could win this game. If the Pats decide to go five wide and a naked backfield in this game our first round pick will be a QB because they will be taking Brady out on a stretcher.

In my opinion optimism and pessimism are poor substitutes for observation. All the indicators point to the Pats getting dominated in the trenches as they have been for most of the season. This week will be no different. The offense has been hampered not only by poor protection but by poor design, play calling and game management. Despite that the Pats can still win the game if they score points on defense, special teams, and create significantly more turnovers than they commit. Not likely but possible.

We no longer control our destiny. We need help to get there and few teams that don't "believe" in themselves -- as last year's team did -- succeed.

[pookie]

I haven't had much good to say this past week, so I haven't said anything at all. I hate to conquer with everything said in this thread, but it's true.... Taylor is going to eat Matt Light for lunch. Brady is in trouble. Our sole chance in this game will be to run the ball and this isn't very likely either *sigh*. Defensively, Fiedler is going to go away from Law's side and treat Myers/Buckley like red headed step children. They also have the option to hit Ricky Williams out of the backfield which is a mortifying thought against our LB's in coverage....

[Peg]

Hey, Pook-- :)
I was wondering why you had been so quiet this past week... Guess your Mama taught you that if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all, hmm?...
Well, baby--I know that things look bleak, but I am just not ready for this season to end... The off-season is just too dang long, as it is!! Besides, I "GUARANTEED" that the Pats would make the play-offs... I don't wanna eat that crow, man! So, just think POSITIVE thoughts between now and the end of the game tomorrow, K?! I KNOW you can do this for me... (Remember how strong you were for me during the "just say no to trolls" challenge?!) LOL!!
Hope you and your brother get to watch the game somewhere in the DFW area, my friend... It would suck to have to just listen to it...
p.s.--hope that you & yours had a wonderful Christmas! :)

[pookie]

Originally posted by Peg
Hey, Pook-- :)
I was wondering why you had been so quiet this past week... Guess your Mama taught you that if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all, hmm?...
Well, baby--I know that things look bleak, but I am just not ready for this season to end... The off-season is just too dang long, as it is!! Besides, I "GUARANTEED" that the Pats would make the play-offs... I don't wanna eat that crow, man! So, just think POSITIVE thoughts between now and the end of the game tomorrow, K?! I KNOW you can do this for me... (Remember how strong you were for me during the "just say no to trolls" challenge?!) LOL!!
Hope you and your brother get to watch the game somewhere in the DFW area, my friend... It would suck to have to just listen to it...
p.s.--hope that you & yours had a wonderful Christmas! :)

We had a great Xmas Peg, hope yours was as much fun as mine. With 3 little boys, I have no choice but to have fun on xmas.

Anyway, I'm not ready for the season to end yet either, but I'm also preparing for the worst, so the letdown would be minimal. Keeping positive though. My bro and I get to watch the game on TV believe it or not! It's televised nationally and it's on here in the Dallas area. 'Rock on Peg'!