Patriots 2022 Season

[BitterJim]

I’m getting a little excited about the team. Rebuild may be ahead of schedule. Good to see the two tight ends doing something yesterday. Do people think we have a qb controversy brewing?

Mac hasn't done poorly enough to lose the job, and Zappe hasn't done enough to steal it. While things could change by the end of the season, it's pretty clear to me right now that Mac will be starting once he's healthy, and the offense should take another leap once he does (especially in the red zone)

[Goldstar88]

I’m getting a little excited about the team. Rebuild may be ahead of schedule. Good to see the two tight ends doing something yesterday. Do people think we have a qb controversy brewing?

I think they need to ride the hot hand and stick with Zappe for now. Give Mac as much time as possible to heal. Similar to what the cowboys are doing with Dak, who is now expected to be back next week.

Mac and Zappe are going to push each other which is great.

[Donoghus]

Who knows what Belichick will do. 

3 winnable games until the bye week (CHI, @NYJ, IND).  Do you take it week to week with Zappe right now or play it extra cautious and bring Mac back after the bye?

[Vermont Green]

It is still really hard to get a read on this team.  Our losses are Miami, Baltimore, and Green Bay.  All 3-3 teams but teams that are considered good teams, likely playoff teams (at least at the time we played them).  Our wins are Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland.  All teams that are likely to prove to be not all that good.  We will probably add Chicago to that list.  Don't want to jinx it but I am going to predict we get to 4-3.

The Jets have beat Miami and Green Bay, teams we lost to.  Also beat Pittsburgh and Cleveland (barely).  Teams we also beat.  All the remaining 10 teams after CHI are playoff level teams.  We played well I felt against Miami, Balti, GB, we were in the games but didn't win any of the games.  I think we are getting better each week.  Going 5-5 in the final 10 games is probably most likely but the fact is that to date, we have not beaten a playoff caliber team.  We are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams.  And nearly if not all the final 10 games are playoff caliber teams.

Talking out of the other side of my mouth, none of the remaining games other than the 3 Bills games really seem out of reach.  We probably in general will not be favored in those games but I feel we are going to win our share of them.

[celticsclay]

It is still really hard to get a read on this team.  Our losses are Miami, Baltimore, and Green Bay.  All 3-3 teams but teams that are considered good teams, likely playoff teams (at least at the time we played them).  Our wins are Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland.  All teams that are likely to prove to be not all that good.  We will probably add Chicago to that list.  Don't want to jinx it but I am going to predict we get to 4-3.

The Jets have beat Miami and Green Bay, teams we lost to.  Also beat Pittsburgh and Cleveland (barely).  Teams we also beat.  All the remaining 10 teams after CHI are playoff level teams.  We played well I felt against Miami, Balti, GB, we were in the games but didn't win any of the games.  I think we are getting better each week.  Going 5-5 in the final 10 games is probably most likely but the fact is that to date, we have not beaten a playoff caliber team.  We are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams.  And nearly if not all the final 10 games are playoff caliber teams.

Talking out of the other side of my mouth, none of the remaining games other than the 3 Bills games really seem out of reach.  We probably in general will not be favored in those games but I feel we are going to win our share of them.

I’m sorry why are people (not you the thread in general) not adjusting our backend of the schedule and it’s toughness based on results. Arizona is 2-4 and generally a pretty ugly 2-4. I really don’t think they are making the playoffs. The raiders are 1-4 I really don’t think they are likely make the playoffs. I get people thought these would be good teams at the beginning of the year but they are bad teams right now.

[Vermont Green]

It is still really hard to get a read on this team.  Our losses are Miami, Baltimore, and Green Bay.  All 3-3 teams but teams that are considered good teams, likely playoff teams (at least at the time we played them).  Our wins are Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland.  All teams that are likely to prove to be not all that good.  We will probably add Chicago to that list.  Don't want to jinx it but I am going to predict we get to 4-3.

The Jets have beat Miami and Green Bay, teams we lost to.  Also beat Pittsburgh and Cleveland (barely).  Teams we also beat.  All the remaining 10 teams after CHI are playoff level teams.  We played well I felt against Miami, Balti, GB, we were in the games but didn't win any of the games.  I think we are getting better each week.  Going 5-5 in the final 10 games is probably most likely but the fact is that to date, we have not beaten a playoff caliber team.  We are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams.  And nearly if not all the final 10 games are playoff caliber teams.

Talking out of the other side of my mouth, none of the remaining games other than the 3 Bills games really seem out of reach.  We probably in general will not be favored in those games but I feel we are going to win our share of them.

I’m sorry why are people (not you the thread in general) not adjusting our backend of the schedule and it’s toughness based on results. Arizona is 2-4 and generally a pretty ugly 2-4. I really don’t think they are making the playoffs. The raiders are 1-4 I really don’t think they are likely make the playoffs. I get people thought these would be good teams at the beginning of the year but they are bad teams right now.

I agree.  So if we go 2-0 against Raiders and Cardinals, and 0-2 against the Bills, that leaves 6 games against team that are roughly the same level as Green Bay or Baltimore.  I think we will win some if not many of those 6 games but right now, we are 0-3 against team of that general level.  I probably should have said most of the final 10 games are currently in playoff contention and have legitimate playoff expectations (not all).

[celticsclay]

It is still really hard to get a read on this team.  Our losses are Miami, Baltimore, and Green Bay.  All 3-3 teams but teams that are considered good teams, likely playoff teams (at least at the time we played them).  Our wins are Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland.  All teams that are likely to prove to be not all that good.  We will probably add Chicago to that list.  Don't want to jinx it but I am going to predict we get to 4-3.

The Jets have beat Miami and Green Bay, teams we lost to.  Also beat Pittsburgh and Cleveland (barely).  Teams we also beat.  All the remaining 10 teams after CHI are playoff level teams.  We played well I felt against Miami, Balti, GB, we were in the games but didn't win any of the games.  I think we are getting better each week.  Going 5-5 in the final 10 games is probably most likely but the fact is that to date, we have not beaten a playoff caliber team.  We are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams.  And nearly if not all the final 10 games are playoff caliber teams.

Talking out of the other side of my mouth, none of the remaining games other than the 3 Bills games really seem out of reach.  We probably in general will not be favored in those games but I feel we are going to win our share of them.

I’m sorry why are people (not you the thread in general) not adjusting our backend of the schedule and it’s toughness based on results. Arizona is 2-4 and generally a pretty ugly 2-4. I really don’t think they are making the playoffs. The raiders are 1-4 I really don’t think they are likely make the playoffs. I get people thought these would be good teams at the beginning of the year but they are bad teams right now.

I agree.  So if we go 2-0 against Raiders and Cardinals, and 0-2 against the Bills, that leaves 6 games against team that are roughly the same level as Green Bay or Baltimore.  I think we will win some if not many of those 6 games but right now, we are 0-3 against team of that general level.  I probably should have said most of the final 10 games are currently in playoff contention and have legitimate playoff expectations (not all).

Another difficult thing is we don’t really know how good Green Bay and Baltimore are. Along with Denver, arizona and Oakland they are two of the most disappointing teams in league.

[Donoghus]

It is still really hard to get a read on this team.  Our losses are Miami, Baltimore, and Green Bay.  All 3-3 teams but teams that are considered good teams, likely playoff teams (at least at the time we played them).  Our wins are Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland.  All teams that are likely to prove to be not all that good.  We will probably add Chicago to that list.  Don't want to jinx it but I am going to predict we get to 4-3.

The Jets have beat Miami and Green Bay, teams we lost to.  Also beat Pittsburgh and Cleveland (barely).  Teams we also beat.  All the remaining 10 teams after CHI are playoff level teams.  We played well I felt against Miami, Balti, GB, we were in the games but didn't win any of the games.  I think we are getting better each week.  Going 5-5 in the final 10 games is probably most likely but the fact is that to date, we have not beaten a playoff caliber team.  We are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams.  And nearly if not all the final 10 games are playoff caliber teams.

Talking out of the other side of my mouth, none of the remaining games other than the 3 Bills games really seem out of reach.  We probably in general will not be favored in those games but I feel we are going to win our share of them.

I’m sorry why are people (not you the thread in general) not adjusting our backend of the schedule and it’s toughness based on results. Arizona is 2-4 and generally a pretty ugly 2-4. I really don’t think they are making the playoffs. The raiders are 1-4 I really don’t think they are likely make the playoffs. I get people thought these would be good teams at the beginning of the year but they are bad teams right now.

I agree.  So if we go 2-0 against Raiders and Cardinals, and 0-2 against the Bills, that leaves 6 games against team that are roughly the same level as Green Bay or Baltimore.  I think we will win some if not many of those 6 games but right now, we are 0-3 against team of that general level.  I probably should have said most of the final 10 games are currently in playoff contention and have legitimate playoff expectations (not all).

Another difficult thing is we don’t really know how good Green Bay and Baltimore are. Along with Denver, arizona and Oakland they are two of the most disappointing teams in league.

I don't think Green Bay is that great.  They have some issues on both sides of the ball. They just look out of it and I'm not sure Rodgers greatness will be enough to overcome it.

I think Baltimore is good as in a "divisional playoff as their ceiling" good but they can't get out of their own way.

[Vermont Green]

It is still really hard to get a read on this team. Our losses are Miami, Baltimore, and Green Bay.  All 3-3 teams but teams that are considered good teams, likely playoff teams (at least at the time we played them).  Our wins are Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland.  All teams that are likely to prove to be not all that good.  We will probably add Chicago to that list.  Don't want to jinx it but I am going to predict we get to 4-3.

The Jets have beat Miami and Green Bay, teams we lost to.  Also beat Pittsburgh and Cleveland (barely).  Teams we also beat.  All the remaining 10 teams after CHI are playoff level teams.  We played well I felt against Miami, Balti, GB, we were in the games but didn't win any of the games.  I think we are getting better each week.  Going 5-5 in the final 10 games is probably most likely but the fact is that to date, we have not beaten a playoff caliber team.  We are 0-3 against playoff caliber teams.  And nearly if not all the final 10 games are playoff caliber teams.

Talking out of the other side of my mouth, none of the remaining games other than the 3 Bills games really seem out of reach.  We probably in general will not be favored in those games but I feel we are going to win our share of them.

I’m sorry why are people (not you the thread in general) not adjusting our backend of the schedule and it’s toughness based on results. Arizona is 2-4 and generally a pretty ugly 2-4. I really don’t think they are making the playoffs. The raiders are 1-4 I really don’t think they are likely make the playoffs. I get people thought these would be good teams at the beginning of the year but they are bad teams right now.

I agree.  So if we go 2-0 against Raiders and Cardinals, and 0-2 against the Bills, that leaves 6 games against team that are roughly the same level as Green Bay or Baltimore.  I think we will win some if not many of those 6 games but right now, we are 0-3 against team of that general level.  I probably should have said most of the final 10 games are currently in playoff contention and have legitimate playoff expectations (not all).

Another difficult thing is we don’t really know how good Green Bay and Baltimore are. Along with Denver, arizona and Oakland they are two of the most disappointing teams in league.

Exactly, my very first point was that it is really hard to get a read on where the Pats are right now.  The Bears game is probably not going to tell us much either.  But we have looked good against some bad teams with our 3rd string QB.  Just rolling with it.

[nickagneta]

Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.

The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.

I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.

I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.

[celticsclay]

Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.

The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.

I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.

I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.

If I was forced to pick a number I may say 9-8 but I agree with everything you have said generally especially about the blowouts.

[Moranis]

Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.

The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.

I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.

I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.

The Broncos last year were a 7-10 team, yet had a 3 game stretch in which they won all 3 games by scores of 27-13, 23-13, 26-0.  They also blew out 3 other teams last year winning games 30-16, 28-13, and 38-10 (that was over a 5 game stretch where they got blown out in between those wins). 

The Panthers, also last year, had a 3 game winning streak as well with scores of 19-14, 26-7, 24-9 - so two consecutive blow out wins.  They were 5-5 before losing their last 7. 

Even the Bears last year had consecutive games of 24-14, 20-9, plus a win later in the year of 29-3. 

Heck, the god awful Texans won 2 straight games last year 30-16 and 41-29 and the latter of those was a Chargers team fighting for a playoff birth.

Now those aren't all the same as 29-0 or 38-15 (though if the Browns aren't out of bounds on the on-side they are down 24-15 with the ball and like 7 minutes left), but this idea that bad teams can't put the hurt on other bad teams in consecutive weeks isn't reality.  It happens all of the time.  I mean 4 of the 11 teams with 7 or less wins last year, had at least 2 straight games of consecutive double digit victories.  That doesn't mean it will happen to the Patriots of course, but it isn't something that is uncommon.

[celticsclay]

Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.

The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.

I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.

I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.

The Broncos last year were a 7-10 team, yet had a 3 game stretch in which they won all 3 games by scores of 27-13, 23-13, 26-0.  They also blew out 3 other teams last year winning games 30-16, 28-13, and 38-10 (that was over a 5 game stretch where they got blown out in between those wins). 

The Panthers, also last year, had a 3 game winning streak as well with scores of 19-14, 26-7, 24-9 - so two consecutive blow out wins.  They were 5-5 before losing their last 7. 

Even the Bears last year had consecutive games of 24-14, 20-9, plus a win later in the year of 29-3. 

Heck, the god awful Texans won 2 straight games last year 30-16 and 41-29 and the latter of those was a Chargers team fighting for a playoff birth.

Now those aren't all the same as 29-0 or 38-15 (though if the Browns aren't out of bounds on the on-side they are down 24-15 with the ball and like 7 minutes left), but this idea that bad teams can't put the hurt on other bad teams in consecutive weeks isn't reality.  It happens all of the time.  I mean 4 of the 11 teams with 7 or less wins last year, had at least 2 straight games of consecutive double digit victories.  That doesn't mean it will happen to the Patriots of course, but it isn't something that is uncommon.

You really don’t know when to say “yeah I was probably wrong on this” do you?

[Neurotic Guy]

Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.

The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.

I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.

I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.

I hate to say this because I agree with you about BB teams of the last 20+ years, but I don’t see post-Brady teams (yet) as quite the same in terms of getting it together down the stretch. But, in addition to BB, there are hopeful signs that this team could continue getting better.

[Moranis]

Generally bad teams don't blowout other generally bad teams on consecutive weeks, even more so when those games are on the road.

The Pats' shut out the Lions who were at that point the best offensive team, based on stats, in the league. They then shut down the best performing running back in the league. They made Aaron Rodgers look silly bad for most of that game.

I said it before, if you know anything about football and Belichick teams, there is simply no way this team only wins 6 or 7 games. The defense is too good. Belichick teams always get better as their seasons progress.

I said 10-7 to start the year. I see no reason to change that prediction.

I hate to say this because I agree with you about BB teams of the last 20+ years, but I don’t see post-Brady teams (yet) as quite the same in terms of getting it together down the stretch. But, in addition to BB, there are hopeful signs that this team could continue getting better.

well the 2 seasons post Brady the Patriots have closed each season losing 3 of the last 4 regular season games, so you know the opposite of finishing well.