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Originally Posted by freddyg12
I respect everyone's opinion in going w/NE as the toughest non-div game. On paper I would agree, but sooner or later they've got to slip. A lot of people said it would be last year & it didn't happen.
I don't see them totally falling apart, but I think they're due for a poor season by their standards, say 9-7 or 8-8. I know that sounds crazy given their free agent signings, but that's actually part of the reason I think they'll struggle. Personnel issues are catching up w/them, e.g. Samuel & Branch last year. I think their formula is off & Belicheck will have a hard time keeping things in check.
Now for a crazy call, the Arizone game will be the toughest non-div game. Leinart will play well this year & those recievers are already good. We had a hard time against them in 05. I expect them to be a greatly improved team, glad we have em at home.
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I would argue that NE did "slip" in 2005, but made the playoffs anyway because of the patheticness of that division. They keep replenishing their roster with talent, so at least for the forseeable future, they will continue to be the 4th seed in the AFC playoffs.
However when you talk about the elite NFL teams, NE really isn't in that class anymore. They are a perenial playoff team in a weak division who could win in the playoff if they get some good fortures...just like most teams who make the playoffs.