Patriots Headed for a Fall?

[Dam8610]

Originally Posted by Billingsley26

Never, Not with the easiest schedule in the league next year. And especially not with Bellichek at the helm.

"The easiest schedule in the league" is highly subject to change. I'm sure everyone had the Ravens marked down as a L and the Titans marked down as a W on their schedule prior to the season. Things do change though. As for "Belichick at the helm", don't count on that for 2008.

Anyway, in response to the question posed in the thread, it's not only possible, but highly likely that the Patriots are going to suffer a dropoff from this season. In fact, there are only two ways to avoid such an occurence: 1) go 19-0 or 2) win the Super Bowl. Apart from those two results, 2008 will be a dropoff from 2007 for the Patriots. As far as can they suffer a large dropoff, considering their division, it's not very likely, but considering the age of their defense, it's bound to fall off in the very near future.

[luckyjackaubrey]

Any team that endured the pressure of spygate, a 16-0 regular season, and that playoff run would encounter a drop off. If any team is prepared to deal with this it is the Patriots. They are veteran lead, Brady is a true leader and driven to succeed. I can see them with some significant holes to fill do to FA and retirements, but the core is there and although I have no visions of undefeated again, I think they are serious contenders for the title again next year.

The wild card remains any further punishment for BB in spygate. If they do suspend him, I would expect to see Dante Scharnecchia given the reigns as caretaker and the status quo continuing

[SaintsFanForLife]

Originally Posted by luckyjackaubrey

Any team that endured the pressure of spygate, a 16-0 regular season, and that playoff run would encounter a drop off. If any team is prepared to deal with this it is the Patriots. They are veteran lead, Brady is a true leader and driven to succeed. I can see them with some significant holes to fill do to FA and retirements, but the core is there and although I have no visions of undefeated again, I think they are serious contenders for the title again next year.

The wild card remains any further punishment for BB in spygate. If they do suspend him, I would expect to see Dante Scharnecchia given the reigns as caretaker and the status quo continuing

I agree I dont see that big of a drop. If anything this will motovate them.

[ks_perfection]

They'll have a small drop off but I still expect them to get a bye. Their record setting offense is basically intact from last year. The defense will be worse but the team is good at finding low priced players to fill in. No way do they not win the division.

[LonghornsLegend]

Originally Posted by Bengals1690

I seriously can see it happening. The letdown after going almost perfect and getting beat by a wild card team might take a serious psychological toll. That defense is aging, too. Asante Samuel is likely gone, I belive Randy Moss is a free agent (either him or welker, Im not sure). And all of the spygate drama that is undoubtedly going to take place this summer will be wearysome.

at worst they would lose first rd of the playoffs...miami, buffalo, and the jets are not ready to win the division for another 2-3 years, so the pats dont have to worry about not making the playoffs.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by PackerLegend

I dont know about everyone else but I certainly hope so.

I second that.