Pats Posits: We’re on to the Offseason!
And that’s all she wrote on the 2015 Patriots after getting thoroughly dominated by the Broncos’ defense in Denver. I didn’t think the Broncos could win a straight-up fight. And while there were quite a few fluky dumbass plays by the Pats, it basically came down to the Broncos defense dominating the Patriots offense.
So full credit to them. We’ve see seasons end like this before. Does it mean blow everything up? Not even close. The entire core returns next season, and with players returning from injury like Nate Solder and Dion Lewis, the Patriots offense is already much better today than it was as they walked off the field in Denver.
But this one was every bit as maddening as past season-enders have been. They weren’t as sharp as they needed to be from the outset. That included a stupid headbutt by Stork that backed them up after a big punt return by Amendola.
I do think the Patriots were late to realize the Broncos offense was done, in hindsight taking field goals at the end probably would’ve won the game. They always err on the side of aggression so I can live with it.
What was brutally apparent was that as soon as the Pats punted on their first possession after winning the toss and receiving, they would be playing catchup the rest of the game. The Broncos had their best drive on their first drive, and never came close to a long sustained drive the rest of the game.
Saw plenty of complaints out there about not deferring, but it’s not that uncommon as we think. They received against Denver in 2013 as well, along with two other times that season. It certainly backfired in this one.
The Pats defense deserves a lot of credit too. They didn’t get much help and they forced five punts and let up just a field goal in the second half. They stopped the run. They got to Manning. They did everything a defense needs to do in the playoffs. And they’re all coming back.
Despite the constant catchup, I really liked our chances for most of the game. Even without their best game, the Pats still went down to the wire and went down swinging. They will never be a team that simply folds and it’s a point of pride no matter how the season ends.
Will take a few days to wrap up the season and then it’s on to free agency and the draft. Another offseason is upon us. Ugh.
In honor of today’s honorary captain! Best of Ty Law | Patriot Hall of Famer | Career Highlights – YouTube) Need some Peyton INT mojo from him today!
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/in-honor-of-todays-honorary-captain-best-of-ty/
Which Hoodie Should Bill Belichick Wear in the AFC Championship?
As you’re all probably aware by now, I track Bill Belichick’s game day attire and in recent years as it’s come to light, I believe more and more that somehow I have a direct line to whoever chooses his wardrobe.
Last week was another prime example when I said BB should wear the “Hot Jacket” that he was 9-1 in despite it likely being winter conditions that might require something warmer. Yet there was BB on Sunday, wearing that Hot Jacket and moving to 10-1 in it.
It was similar in both SB46 and SB49 when my pregame picks magically ended up on BB. Let’s see if we can keep that streak going this weekend.
Things are a little more complicated this week because Belichick actually wore that same Hot Jacket the last time the Pats were in Denver for the AFC Championship and they lost. Still, Belichick is now 16-6 in the Hot Jacket, making it his second-most-worn gameday attire only to the famous Gray Reebok Hoodie with the sleeves cut off (he was 31-9 in that).
Here’s a quick look back at what BB has worn in AFC Championships:
BB hasn’t worn gray at all this season and that’s probably for the best since he’s 3-2 in that color. He’s 3-1 in Blue and with temps expected in the 30s/40s it’s likely going to need a hoodie or some layers under the Hot Jacket.
If he goes with a blue hoodie he’s worn three different ones this season:
- 2015 Nike Hoodie: 1-1, Win over Giants, loss in Denver.
- 2014 Nike Hoodie: 1-1, Win over Bills, loss to Eagles
- 2013 Nike Crewneck: 1-1, Win over Tenn, Loss to Jets
Each one has it’s own issues, but all things considered there was only one truly epic, legacy win this season and that came against the Giants. That leads me to pick the 2015 Blue Nike Hoodie.
Yes, they lost in Denver with him in that one, but we also finally got the Eli Manning monkey off our back with it as well. 2015 has been impossible to define outside of its injuries. But wins over the Giants, Chiefs and then pulling this one out over the Peyton/Broncos would truly define this 2015 team. Thus the 2015 hoodie makes the most sense.
The Hot Jacket is still a reasonable second choice, but the weather is likely not going to make that the most comfortable selection. And if he must go with a Blue Winter Jacket, so be it, he’s 1-0 in those, but let’s just hope he keeps the 2015 Hoodie underneath.
So let’s all cross our fingers he’s wearing this hoodie below!
Does it concern you that American Authors are playing at halftime on Sunday? They played at the Winter Classic and the Bruins had a horrific game.
This is the biggest key no one is talking about. Just who is going to have the “Best Day of [Their] Life” this day? Personally I think it will be Patriots fans but I’d bet Broncos fans think it will be about them. Guess we’ll just have to see what unfolds on the field with the football players who are playing the game. Weird.