4 downs for Bill and his Patriotic football players:
1. New England has made a nice metamorphosis from 'Brady throws to stud WR's' to 'Brady throws to stud TE's.' Especially Gronk, who has become a New England TE offensive terror ala the days of Ben Coates. You said Hernandez was the more athletic guy, but how has Gronk become so superb?
Gronk is as big or bigger than most defensive ends with good speed, it is very difficult for a LB or safety to cover him. Hernandez is more dangerous in the open field, does have a tenancy to drop a pass or 2.
2. What is it about Brady and Belichick that makes them tick and mesh? These two guys have been football freaks of nature (in a good way) for the decade. It's like milk and cookies! They are good by themselves, but together- wow!
I think that they absolutely trust each other and that stems from the 2001 season when Bill decided that the Pats were Brady's team.
3. New England's defense is interesting to say the least. They have some young studs (Mayo, Carter, McCourty), but do have some lapses here and there. Is this a situation which a guy like Richard Seymour could have put them over the top the last two years?
No. Everyone points to the defense, but the defense played well enough to beat the Giants both times. The Oline crapped the bed in both games. John Hannah would of helped more than Seymour.
4. The division features hot-and-cold Buffalo (literally), schizophrenic Miami, and a Jekkyl-and-Hyde Jets team with, media-wise, the most discussed pair of QB's on a team media-wise since Montana and Young were in the Bay Area. Division-wise, is there anything that makes you say 'We GOT to be careful facing them?'
I think the Bills could win 9-10 games, and that's good enough to get them 2nd place in the division. I just think the other QB's in the division are garbage. Jets win 8 and I'll give the Dolphins 3. So maybe the Bills in Buffalo have a chance to be that "careful" game.
Finally, your expectations for this year?