2015 NFL Season

[faldor]

It tough to say what Bill should have done on 4th and 1 in that case... hind sight being 20/20 we know that they got 3 possessions so technically if they just kicked 3 field goals they would have won by 1 point... at the same time if they got the TD with about 5 minutes left and even missed the 2 point conversion they still would probably get one more possession only needing a FG to win if they get a stop on defense, which was likely. Denver punted 9 times in the game and only gained 83 yards in the 4th quarter (with 30 of that coming on a single run). When Peyton could have put the game away with about 2:20 to go, he went 3 and out and only burned 11 seconds off of the clock before punting.

In the past the Patriots have lived and died with their offense because that was their clear strength. This year, and especially on Sunday, their defense was better than their offense. So I would have taken the points and had confidence the D would continue to keep the Broncos in check. Their offense was just so one dimensional and ineffective on Sunday, I didn't have high hopes they could even gain a yard in that situation.

I get the decision. It's far from the worst coaching decision ever made, I just didn't agree with it at the time and I agreed with it even less after they didn't pick up the first and with how the rest of the game played out. But I honestly thought it was a mistake before any of that happened.

I am admittedly a fan of being super aggressive in almost any 4th and short(in opponents territory/field goal range) or 4th and goal situation, especially early in games or when the game has been trying. So part of that is probably why I am in favor of those decisions. With the game on the line, even struggling, I'd much rather have the ball in the hands of Tom Brady then relying on a defensive stop. Not even Tom Brady necessarily, even watching other teams I hate when teams are inside the five and kick field goals early in games. I always say go for the points, you have lots of time to make up for it if you don't get it. Even late in games when teams are up by 3 I hate when they go conservative inside the redzone, kick a field goal and go up by 6. I'm a much bigger fan of going for it, and if you don't get it the team has a long field ahead of them and will most likely play more conservative and for the tie down by only 3.

Even in this game, I see Denver being more aggressive offensively if the Patriots kick field goals as a Patriot touchdown would now win the game. Ahead by 7 or 8, teams are more likely to be conservative and rely on a defensive stop. Though I have probably spent too much time the last couple years reading stuff by guys like Bill Barnwell, following advance anayltics in football with win probabilities, fourth down probabilities and stuff from Football Outsiders, Pro Football Focus and others that have turned me into being a much bigger fan of aggressive play. Which definitely goes against what has been conventional for the NFL over the years.

its an interesting conversation to have.

That's a valid point. If the Pats do kick the FG there and cut the lead to 5, it's possible the Broncos would have been a little more aggressive with the ball. But I think they still would have trusted their defense to make a stop. Both defenses played great that day. Both offenses struggled. Peyton played a smart, safe game. It would have been risky to all of a sudden ask him to take some chances while protecting a 5 point lead.

Again, for the most part I agree with Belichick's decisions and aggressive nature. You really can't argue with he overall results. But the way things were going on Sunday I didn't agree with the call. Points were so hard to come by, and they still had all of their timeouts left. I'm taking the points. Especially since their running game was nonexistent. I didn't really like the play they called either. I would've rather seen a Brady sneak, but maybe they thought since the line was so bad, that wasn't a good option. He's great at picking up that 1 yard though normally. Maybe they figured the Broncos would be looking for it.

Oh well, on to next season. Now I know for sure that I don't want the Pats to play the Giants or at Denver. I really thought this would be the year to get over that hump of losing in Denver. I thought they were the more talented team, by a good margin. It just wasn't meant to be.

[JAEBALL]

Out of curiosity are you patriot guys going to watch Sunday ?

I know Sunday is more of an American holiday rather than a game anymore ...and everybody watches...

But I ask because if the Giants ever lost a NFC title game ... I don't think I could stomach watching the super bowl.

[TheBaconman]

I am headed to Vegas this weekend to catch the game.  I am cheering for Denver, but I don't think they will win.

[JAEBALL]

I am headed to Vegas this weekend to catch the game.  I am cheering for Denver, but I don't think they will win.

Come on bacon... reschedule.. come to vegas April 8th and 9th instead 

I'm also rooting for Denver... would be cool to see Peyton go out in style.

[LongGoneDay]

Out of curiosity are you patriot guys going to watch Sunday ?

I know Sunday is more of an American holiday rather than a game anymore ...and everybody watches...

But I ask because if the Giants ever lost a NFC title game ... I don't think I could stomach watching the super bowl.

In years past, I?d avoid sports talk radio, espn, etc at all costs for weeks after a Boston/New England loss.
Thankfully the defeats don?t sting like they one did. Guess I?m getting old.

I?ll be watching, but my eyes won?t be glued to the screen like they were last year.
And since I don?t really care who wins, should be a hell of a lot less stressful to watch.

Part of me wants to see Peyton go out on top, but the other wants to see that Denver defense get mauled..

[JAEBALL]

Out of curiosity are you patriot guys going to watch Sunday ?

I know Sunday is more of an American holiday rather than a game anymore ...and everybody watches...

But I ask because if the Giants ever lost a NFC title game ... I don't think I could stomach watching the super bowl.

In years past, I?d avoid sports talk radio, espn, etc at all costs for weeks after a Boston/New England loss.
Thankfully the defeats don?t sting like they one did. Guess I?m getting old.

I?ll be watching, but my eyes won?t be glued to the screen like they were last year.
And since I don?t really care who wins, should be a hell of a lot less stressful to watch.

Part of me wants to see Peyton go out on top, but the other wants to see that Denver defense get mauled..

lol

I am the same way... I usually have sports radio on at work all day long.... but after a bad Yankee or Giant loss I can't deal with it.

Also... lets face it... between the Bruins Celtics Red Sox and Pats the past decade or so... you guys are spoiled... so that's also why the loss doesn't sting as much.

[LongGoneDay]

Out of curiosity are you patriot guys going to watch Sunday ?

I know Sunday is more of an American holiday rather than a game anymore ...and everybody watches...

But I ask because if the Giants ever lost a NFC title game ... I don't think I could stomach watching the super bowl.

In years past, I?d avoid sports talk radio, espn, etc at all costs for weeks after a Boston/New England loss.
Thankfully the defeats don?t sting like they one did. Guess I?m getting old.

I?ll be watching, but my eyes won?t be glued to the screen like they were last year.
And since I don?t really care who wins, should be a hell of a lot less stressful to watch.

Part of me wants to see Peyton go out on top, but the other wants to see that Denver defense get mauled..

lol

I am the same way... I usually have sports radio on at work all day long.... but after a bad Yankee or Giant loss I can't deal with it.

Also... lets face it... between the Bruins Celtics Red Sox and Pats the past decade or so... you guys are spoiled... so that's also why the loss doesn't sting as much.

It?s funny how it sets up the week.
Leading up to a big game, I?ll read countless articles, all of which end up saying the same thing in different words.
Or read the ?experts? predictions. I eat it all up.

Then after a big win, get to read all the articles dissecting the game in every was possible.

But after a loss, the last thing I want to hear is what those assholes have to say.
It certainly frees up a lot of time. What am I supposed to do now? My job?
Nah, I?ll see what?s going on over at HTGTH.

Yea, we truly are spoiled of late.
Enjoying the Pats run while it lasts, because I remember the long days of suck before Brady/Belichick arrived.

I used to drink myself stupid, living and dying with each Sox game, but after decades of futility, I?ve got nothing to complain about now.

And I?d put the C?s 2008 Championship up with all of them because that?s the one I never saw coming.
I was perfectly content watching the Jim Obrien?s live by the 3, die by the 3, Antoine shimmy era Celtics.
If you told me I?d get to witness Pierce winning MVP of the Finals, over Kobe?s Lakers to boot? Never would have believed it.

[TheBaconman]

I am headed to Vegas this weekend to catch the game.  I am cheering for Denver, but I don't think they will win.

Come on bacon... reschedule.. come to vegas April 8th and 9th instead 

I'm also rooting for Denver... would be cool to see Peyton go out in style.

Wish I could do both....   I will be doing plenty of travelling I think to see Guns in the near future

[JAEBALL]

Out of curiosity are you patriot guys going to watch Sunday ?

I know Sunday is more of an American holiday rather than a game anymore ...and everybody watches...

But I ask because if the Giants ever lost a NFC title game ... I don't think I could stomach watching the super bowl.

In years past, I?d avoid sports talk radio, espn, etc at all costs for weeks after a Boston/New England loss.
Thankfully the defeats don?t sting like they one did. Guess I?m getting old.

I?ll be watching, but my eyes won?t be glued to the screen like they were last year.
And since I don?t really care who wins, should be a hell of a lot less stressful to watch.

Part of me wants to see Peyton go out on top, but the other wants to see that Denver defense get mauled..

lol

I am the same way... I usually have sports radio on at work all day long.... but after a bad Yankee or Giant loss I can't deal with it.

Also... lets face it... between the Bruins Celtics Red Sox and Pats the past decade or so... you guys are spoiled... so that's also why the loss doesn't sting as much.

It?s funny how it sets up the week.
Leading up to a big game, I?ll read countless articles, all of which end up saying the same thing in different words.
Or read the ?experts? predictions. I eat it all up.

Then after a big win, get to read all the articles dissecting the game in every was possible.

But after a loss, the last thing I want to hear is what those assholes have to say.
It certainly frees up a lot of time. What am I supposed to do now? My job?
Nah, I?ll see what?s going on over at HTGTH.

Yea, we truly are spoiled of late.
Enjoying the Pats run while it lasts, because I remember the long days of suck before Brady/Belichick arrived.

I used to drink myself stupid, living and dying with each Sox game, but after decades of futility, I?ve got nothing to complain about now.

And I?d put the C?s 2008 Championship up with all of them because that?s the one I never saw coming.
I was perfectly content watching the Jim Obrien?s live by the 3, die by the 3, Antoine shimmy era Celtics.
If you told me I?d get to witness Pierce winning MVP of the Finals, over Kobe?s Lakers to boot? Never would have believed it.

How Antoine Walker blew thru 100 million is really mind boggling to me...... ha

[Sober_times]

Its the superbowl so still watch. I get through it by extensive gambling. I'm in a couple more number pools the years patriots lose AFC Championship, bet on more prop bets, regular betting, just all kinds of money flowing this week. 

[JAEBALL]

Its the superbowl so still watch. I get through it by extensive gambling. I'm in a couple more number pools the years patriots lose AFC Championship, bet on more prop bets, regular betting, just all kinds of money flowing this week. 

Im right with you... Monday could be very joyous or i'm scrambling to buy lunch ..one or the other haha

[Sober_times]

Its the superbowl so still watch. I get through it by extensive gambling. I'm in a couple more number pools the years patriots lose AFC Championship, bet on more prop bets, regular betting, just all kinds of money flowing this week. 

Im right with you... Monday could be very joyous or i'm scrambling to buy lunch ..one or the other haha

Right? My wallet will be small come Monday, I'm sure. I'm not a good gambler, haha.

There's an actual prop bet for if there will be an earthquake during the superbowl. You get 10-1 odds. Was thinking of laying 10 bucks but thought rooting for an earthquake is way too fucked up. 

[faldor]

Its the superbowl so still watch. I get through it by extensive gambling. I'm in a couple more number pools the years patriots lose AFC Championship, bet on more prop bets, regular betting, just all kinds of money flowing this week. 

Im right with you... Monday could be very joyous or i'm scrambling to buy lunch ..one or the other haha

Right? My wallet will be small come Monday, I'm sure. I'm not a good gambler, haha.

There's an actual prop bet for if there will be an earthquake during the superbowl. You get 10-1 odds. Was thinking of laying 10 bucks but thought rooting for an earthquake is way too fucked up. 

  That would be a bit messed up. Maybe just cheer for a minor earthquake, or does it have to register a certain level?

[faldor]

Out of curiosity are you patriot guys going to watch Sunday ?

I know Sunday is more of an American holiday rather than a game anymore ...and everybody watches...

But I ask because if the Giants ever lost a NFC title game ... I don't think I could stomach watching the super bowl.

In years past, I?d avoid sports talk radio, espn, etc at all costs for weeks after a Boston/New England loss.
Thankfully the defeats don?t sting like they one did. Guess I?m getting old.

I?ll be watching, but my eyes won?t be glued to the screen like they were last year.
And since I don?t really care who wins, should be a hell of a lot less stressful to watch.

Part of me wants to see Peyton go out on top, but the other wants to see that Denver defense get mauled..

lol

I am the same way... I usually have sports radio on at work all day long.... but after a bad Yankee or Giant loss I can't deal with it.

Also... lets face it... between the Bruins Celtics Red Sox and Pats the past decade or so... you guys are spoiled... so that's also why the loss doesn't sting as much.

It?s funny how it sets up the week.
Leading up to a big game, I?ll read countless articles, all of which end up saying the same thing in different words.
Or read the ?experts? predictions. I eat it all up.

Then after a big win, get to read all the articles dissecting the game in every was possible.

But after a loss, the last thing I want to hear is what those assholes have to say.
It certainly frees up a lot of time. What am I supposed to do now? My job?
Nah, I?ll see what?s going on over at HTGTH.

Yea, we truly are spoiled of late.
Enjoying the Pats run while it lasts, because I remember the long days of suck before Brady/Belichick arrived.

I used to drink myself stupid, living and dying with each Sox game, but after decades of futility, I?ve got nothing to complain about now.

And I?d put the C?s 2008 Championship up with all of them because that?s the one I never saw coming.
I was perfectly content watching the Jim Obrien?s live by the 3, die by the 3, Antoine shimmy era Celtics.
If you told me I?d get to witness Pierce winning MVP of the Finals, over Kobe?s Lakers to boot? Never would have believed it.

Yep. I too read, watch, and listen to everything leading up to a big game and following a win. I avoid all those things like the plague following a loss though. I've just recently started paying attention to football again. The loss didn't hurt as much. I just had this funny feeling that this year just wasn't meant to be with all the injuries, the way the regular season ended, the craziness leading to the divisional round game, etc. There were a lot of things working against them. But, I still felt like they were the better team, should have won, and would have given all of America a better game this Sunday.

I'll be watching. I don't think I'll be pulling for the Broncos, but I also won't be too upset if they win. But I don't see it happening. I think Carolina rolls. Rest easy Broncos fans, I thought the Pats would dispose of them quite easily too. So I could just grossly underestimate them. At least they can hope.

[tim_m]

I just don't see any scenario where the Panthers don't trounce the Broncos. I could be very wrong but based on what they did to a very good Cardinals team i just don't think i am.

[faldor]

I just don't see any scenario where the Panthers don't trounce the Broncos. I could be very wrong but based on what they did to a very good Cardinals team i just don't think i am.

The only thing I can say in Denver's defense is, well a few things. They beat a pretty darn good Patriots team to get here, and they controlled the whole game. Even though they did get trounced two years ago in the SB, they do have the experience of at least preparing for the game. That's probably worth something. Whereas Carolina hasn't played in that many big games over the years. It's also tough to compare the two conferences. On the surface you'd say the NFC is better, and Carolina has been the best team most of the season. But, Arizona limped into the Championship game after barely getting by the Packers at home. And that Packers team wasn't great. Carolina played in a bad division and played the easiest schedule in the NFL this year. Not saying they're not good, just that they may not be AS good as they appear. Denver is playing great defense and if they can run the ball a little and Peyton continues to play smart football, they could have a chance.

So that's my case for an upset. But I don't necessarily see it playing out that way.

[Sober_times]

Its the superbowl so still watch. I get through it by extensive gambling. I'm in a couple more number pools the years patriots lose AFC Championship, bet on more prop bets, regular betting, just all kinds of money flowing this week. 

Im right with you... Monday could be very joyous or i'm scrambling to buy lunch ..one or the other haha

Right? My wallet will be small come Monday, I'm sure. I'm not a good gambler, haha.

There's an actual prop bet for if there will be an earthquake during the superbowl. You get 10-1 odds. Was thinking of laying 10 bucks but thought rooting for an earthquake is way too fucked up. 

  That would be a bit messed up. Maybe just cheer for a minor earthquake, or does it have to register a certain level?

The earthquake has too be mentioned during the broadcast. So if its big enough for a mention, you win. Funny stuff.

[JAEBALL]

I just don't see any scenario where the Panthers don't trounce the Broncos. I could be very wrong but based on what they did to a very good Cardinals team i just don't think i am.

The only thing I can say in Denver's defense is, well a few things. They beat a pretty darn good Patriots team to get here, and they controlled the whole game. Even though they did get trounced two years ago in the SB, they do have the experience of at least preparing for the game. That's probably worth something. Whereas Carolina hasn't played in that many big games over the years. It's also tough to compare the two conferences. On the surface you'd say the NFC is better, and Carolina has been the best team most of the season. But, Arizona limped into the Championship game after barely getting by the Packers at home. And that Packers team wasn't great. Carolina played in a bad division and played the easiest schedule in the NFL this year. Not saying they're not good, just that they may not be AS good as they appear. Denver is playing great defense and if they can run the ball a little and Peyton continues to play smart football, they could have a chance.

So that's my case for an upset. But I don't necessarily see it playing out that way.

Only thing is against Brady... they knew he was never going to hand the ball off... so Miller and Ware could really time the snap and just take off and they beat the hell out of him all game... they can't do that vs the Panther running game. Still... i think that defense is good enough to keep this close... and if it;s close in the 4th...either team can snatch it.

[C0ma]

I just don't see any scenario where the Panthers don't trounce the Broncos. I could be very wrong but based on what they did to a very good Cardinals team i just don't think i am.

The only thing I can say in Denver's defense is, well a few things. They beat a pretty darn good Patriots team to get here, and they controlled the whole game. Even though they did get trounced two years ago in the SB, they do have the experience of at least preparing for the game. That's probably worth something. Whereas Carolina hasn't played in that many big games over the years. It's also tough to compare the two conferences. On the surface you'd say the NFC is better, and Carolina has been the best team most of the season. But, Arizona limped into the Championship game after barely getting by the Packers at home. And that Packers team wasn't great. Carolina played in a bad division and played the easiest schedule in the NFL this year. Not saying they're not good, just that they may not be AS good as they appear. Denver is playing great defense and if they can run the ball a little and Peyton continues to play smart football, they could have a chance.

So that's my case for an upset. But I don't necessarily see it playing out that way.

Only thing is against Brady... they knew he was never going to hand the ball off... so Miller and Ware could really time the snap and just take off and they beat the hell out of him all game... they can't do that vs the Panther running game. Still... i think that defense is good enough to keep this close... and if it;s close in the 4th...either team can snatch it.

BUT in the Pats game the home crowd was so loud they (The Pats) went to a silent count with an inexperienced OLine which allowed Ware and Miller to get into the backfield in some cases before the Offensive Tackles got out of their stance. That will not be an issue in Santa Clara... so I don't think the pressure will be the same as the AFC Championship plus Cam's ability to attack that edge rush with his feet are completely different than what you saw from Tom.

[Axl4Prez2004]

Panthers are going to win big.
I hope it's not a laugher.
Peyton may not finish this game.

That said, it sure would be nice to see Peyton win and retire on top.

Now...how do we get Axl and Slash to replace Coldplay and Beyonce???