I'm sorry, but the Baltimore Ravens are a bad team...(sorry Baltimore fans), but they just are. The Patriots were supposed to blow this team completely out of the water...Same with the Eagles...Is there defense showing some aging?...Or are they losing focus...
2007-12-03 23:36:03 · 22 answers · asked by March Madness 5 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
I think teams are giving the Pats their best shot and they may be feeling a little of the pressure of the perfect season. The Eagles and Raven's aren't great, but they're smart veteran teams that came up with a good scheme and rose to the occasion. The Ravens also had the benefit of poor offensive weather, which generally serves to even teams out.
The Pats defense has beend aging all year. It was never great, it's just that they're often playing with a big lead.
2007-12-03 23:44:27 · answer #1 · answered by Rasputin 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I believe it is a culmination of several different factors. First, the Patriots have already clinched the division and Bellichek has toned down the practices to an extent in order to avoid unnecessary injuries. Additionally, the teams who have given the Patriots tough games have been able to move the ball on the ground with an effective run game, keeping the ball out of Brady's hand. But this tactic can only be effective if the Pats do not get a lead. Once that happens, the ground game becomes null and void b/c teams are forced to throw and the pressure from the pats D-line is very good. Also, when a team has nothing left to play for a game against an undefeated team means alot more. It is the silver lining for many of these teams. However, people are forgetting that each team has a deficiency in some aspect. The fact that Patriots have managed to win games in which they have had their backs against the wall and their deficiencies exposed speaks volumes about the character and determination of this team.
2007-12-04 08:28:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isnt that they are letting up but I bet their is some fatigue there at the least. A larger issue is that they have a bullseye on their backs and ever team is stepping it up to be the ones that beat the Patriots and ruin the perfect season. It's a lot like a half butt Miami team that beat the Bears to keep them from going undefeated 20 yrs ago. Teams will play harder than normal for such an honor because they will be remembered forever for it- bad season or not.
2007-12-04 08:56:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think sub-consciously Pats didn't play their best in the last 2 games, they were playing hard but came out a little flat -because of recent success they had an all the blow-outs when they scored 40+ points (they took that for granted a little). Plus, Eagles and Ravens played out of their skin to avoid embarrassment and prove they can play competitive against NE, they were both very close.. 2 bad they didn't take advantage and won, Pats didn't expect such high challenge and they should have been punished 4 that.
2007-12-04 07:51:26 · answer #4 · answered by AIRzig 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that teams get fired up as they want to be the first team to beat them. Maybe the Patriots have been a little complacent as they are so good expecting to win. I believe that we will see the true Patriots team when they play the Steelers who are a legitimate team with skilled players that could cause the Patriots problems. The Patriots will be ready to play come this Sunday in my opinion.
2007-12-04 08:12:49 · answer #5 · answered by toughguy2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No i think they are doing what all other NFL teams do they dont get up for weaker opponents ,the only difference the Patriots are winning these games , Pittsburgh shouldve never lost to Arizona , Denver or the Jets . Do i think they are toning it down because everyone is complaining they are running it up No . i think this late in the season Teams are bringing their A-game because they know that is what its going to take to beat this team . The Patriots are making teams Coach better and Play better . As for Blowing them out i thought they would to i kinda under estimated Kyle Boller ,he is pretty damn good QB . And if thats what its going to take beating the Pats with the teams Back-up QB Pittsburgh better take notice . 2 weeks in a row now the other teams Back-up QB almost got the job done ...
2007-12-04 07:45:37 · answer #6 · answered by Dan M 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Every team wants to be the team that beat the Patriots!! So they are stepping up their game. Plus the Starters have been staying in the game for the entire 1 with the exception of the game against Buffalo!! And their was a couple of minutes during the Miami game but they got put right back in the game. So the team is banged up!! I don't fore see any blow out games or even a perfect season because of these two things.
2007-12-04 07:42:22 · answer #7 · answered by wondermom 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
every team wants to take down the undefeated Patriots. They are playing full force 60 minutes.
Baltimore was a scare for me last night, I thought they looked good.
2007-12-04 07:58:16 · answer #8 · answered by cma80 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so.I think the opposition has finally watched enough tape to figure out a way of holding them back and getting to Brady. The Ravens put them to the test and that's what they need before going into the playoffs.
2007-12-04 08:02:53 · answer #9 · answered by Pat 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Pats aren't underestimating their opponents...They're just really flat for some reason...nowhere near the top of their game...Belichick will figure it out...The D isn't getting any younger, but they're still good...
2007-12-04 09:37:18 · answer #10 · answered by Terry C. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋