Ty Law done for the season!

[stevece80]

Patriots don't get past their first round in the playoffs, Foxboro or not without Law, unless someone really steps up, and it'll have nothing to do with coaching. They didn't show the slightest chance of even contesting with the Steelers, either, something's that going to need to change.

 

For all those acting so confident about the Patriots and what's happened since 2001, where was the genius in 2002? The man who has largely made the Patriots look brilliant is out for the playoffs, the people who are oblivious to the fact that it may hurt the team better come down pretty soon unless you are ready to be mentally crushed if they don't win the Super Bowl, which looks like at best a 40/60 shot. Hardly an outside chance, but far from as easy as some people are pretending it to be.

 

There's following your favorite team, and then there's having a team's success go to your head. I think some followers really deserve a letdown, as the lack of respect for other opponents is just ridiculous. Respect the game first. The Patriots are hardly infallible. Sure, they'll probably win, but it's not because they're inherently better than everyone else.

[YanksHater213]

The Patriots didnt contend with the Steelers because Dillon didnt play. We couldnt keep our offense out on the field for a good enough amount of time. Also (ill reiterate this point) we lost Law in the first quarter of that game as well. Im not saying we would have won, but it would have been a much closer game than people give them credit for. It is going to have everything to do with coaching. Belichick is a special coach, he squeezes all of the talent out of people. You also cant think that no one will step up. In 2001 vs. the Rams, Harris or Akins, I forget which one, came in and forced a fumble and Shawn Mayer came in and played a solid game. The Patriots have a history of having people come off the bench and step it way up. Look at the way Gay has been playing all season, he has yet to get torched in a game, and had 2 or 3 interceptions. The only potential game I see the Patriots losing is against the Colts or Steelers. Every other team they can and will beat with ease without Law, like they have since he got hurt. Both Samuel and Gay are solid corners and I am confident in their abilities to do well. I think that Law getting hurt lessens their chances but its not changing my opinion on the outcome.

 

In 2002, it was one of those years, after winning the title, and being confident, and they just didnt play hard all the time. Law is not the man who makes the Pats look brilliant. Its Belichick and Brady. Bradys ability to manufacture long drives and stay cool under pressure is the most underrated quality for any quarterback to have. Belichick simply knows what to do. He knows when to call what plays and when to put what players in. Plus, now that they have Bethel Johnson returning kicks and punts, that is another HUGE gamebreaker for them. With Faulk returning them, s*** happened, but Bethel always can turn nothing into something.

 

I do not have a lack of respect for their opponents. I have acknowledged time and time again the good and underrated teams in the AFC. Indy, Pittsburgh, Denver, Jets, Chargers, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Baltimore. Im not what people like to call a biased fan, and I call it how I see it. The Patriots 14-2 record the last two seasons is simply amazing, and they are getting little credit and recognition for it. Theyve never been a lot better than anyone else. They have never even had the best team. They have had the best role players, such as McGinest, Vrabel, Troy Brown. Those are the types of guys that will be key for the Patriots to win.

 

Also one last note, having a 2 time Super Bowl MVP in there at quarterback with a guy who rushed for over 1600 yards cant hurt either.

[mtac288]

The Pats are definately going to miss Law. One of the best defenders on the team. Honestly, i dont know how they beat the colts on Sunday, without Law

[Zenny]

Honestly, i dont know how they beat the colts on Sunday, without Law

Easily. That vaunted Colts offense scored three points. THREE.

[ang2124]

Well that is a huge blow to the Patriots, but sice they have ridiculous depth they will find a way even whaen Troy Brown is out there lookin like a CB