RSS FeedFive Reasons the Patriots Will Not Have the AFC’s Best Record in 2008
Posted by rich on August 19, 2008
The 2007 New England Patriots were arguably one of the best teams the NFL has ever seen, going undefeated in the regular season and running an amazing 18 game winning streak before losing in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants. They torched numerous records on their way to the Super Bowl including a record 50 touchdown passes from Touchdown Tom Brady. Many people are anxious to put the Pats right back in the Super Bowl this year after falling one game short, but I’m hesitant. In fact, I have five good reasons why the Patriots won’t even be the best team in the AFC this season.
1. Copycat League. The NFL is the definition of a copy cat league. If it works, teams are going to adapt to it to either stop it or to use it. Case in point, the Patriots spread offense that torched teams all season and led Tom Brady to throw 50 touchdown passes, 23 to Randy Moss. It took all season for someone to figure it out, but the New York Giants blew Brady and his boys off their blocks in the Super Bowl. The team that was favored by two touchdowns barely scored two touchdowns as the Giants defensive line assaulted Brady. The 30 teams that weren’t playing in that game were paying attention. Everyone is well aware how to beat the Patriots. Hone in on Moss and Welker and get after Brady.
2. Strength of Conference. It’s no secret that the AFC is clearly the more dominant conference, loaded with teams that might not make the playoffs in the AFC but would be playoff locks in the NFC. The other two dominant teams in the AFC, Indy and San Diego, haven’t gotten worse over the course of the off-season and both would like a shot to take down the conference champ if given the opportunity. You can’t tell me LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t chomping at the bit for the week six matchup against New England after watching his team fall to the Patriots while sitting unable to play on the sidelines. Oh and apparently the Jets just added this quarterback, I think his name is Brett Farve, or Brett Favre. He’s supposed to be pretty good.
