I know many people look at Gronk's injury and say New England is vulnerable but not so fast. Again Tom Brady showed why he is Tom Brady with over 400 yards passing in the second half and two TDs, regardless of the pass interference call, he still led them back. And he has done that for the past three or four games which shows a resilient and mentally tough football team and so gives them a mentality of being un-beatable which will make them even more dangerous heading into the post season. My thing is and has always been is that as long as Tom and Bill are at the helm it is going to be a challenge both offensively and defensively for any team they face. Now lets look at what is left which is actually a lot on the offense of the Patriots. The past two games young wide receivers Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins haven't even played and are both much improved from the beginning of the season and have gained Tom Brady's trust.. two very talented young receivers in that offense and both should be back for this game. Additionally, receiver Julian Edelman is currently ranked 7th in the league in receiving and has some pretty good numbers both inside and outside the slot and Danny Amendola and Austin Collie of course, are healthy and have only been quiet due to Julian Edelman's rise in productivity but they can both play with anybody when their name is called. Rookie Josh Boyce has gotten some very good opportunities with Dobson and Thompkin's injuries and looks pretty good, especially in space. He has become a factor in the passing game of the Patriots as well as fullback/H-back James Develin who looks to have some good hands and underrated route running skills. And last but not least, the running game of course with Ridley, Vereen, Blount and Bolden remains one of the most efficient in the league especially with the no huddle offense. LeGarrette Blount has really turned it up, Ridley is explosive as long as he doesn't fumble, Bolden can start on most teams and Vereen can kill you in the passing game better then most receivers can in the NFL. Also keep eyes on Michael Hoomanawanui, an H-Back/TE who is underrated in the vertical passing game. Against Seattle last year he had 5 receptions for 129 yards. He simply needs to be targeted more. Defensively, sure they are missing pieces but they make the timely stops, sacks and interceptions when they need them the most. CB Aqib Talib is still recovering from his injury and is getting healthier and healthier each week and the other players on that defense are underrated and are getting better and better as the post season approaches. They made Peyton Manning look very mortal a few weeks ago. All in all, this thread is meant to warn people that YOU WOULD be foolish to compare the Cleveland game and how it was another clutch comeback from behind win along with Gronk going down and say "this will be easier". Only an idiot would believe that when dealing with a Bill Belichick and Tom Brady led team. Its not like those two aren't elite and first ballot hall of famers because they are. They are still the best at what they do, and know how to get players to raise their play when others go down. There is still a plethora of weapons on that offense and growing players on the defense, under world class leadership, teaching and direction. That's why they are still the biggest threat to Denver and still a mighty tough task for the Dolphins. God bless and take care and hope you have a great day. Very Respectfully, Neuron

 

Tell that to the Cleveland who fell victim to Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola late in that game. And I still say that's very good considering both Dobson and Thompkins weren't playing.

 

Thank you for the welcome.

 

The funny thing and this I say in respect to the highest degree, but everybody says "its going to be hard for Brady to throw on his back" but yet when the game is actually played either that doesn't happen, or he gets sacked 5 or 6 times but still moves the ball, throws for touchdowns and wins the game.

 

Are you serious dude? I am a respectable fan and peaceful fan but that's stupid. You act like he isn't an elite quarterback and a top 3 and you know darn well he is. So what would make you think he can't top 150 yards when most average quarterbacks can top that? >:( he was Tom Brady and a top quarterback BEFORE Gronk so what make you think he is not after Gronk.

 

I'm not underestimating your line but don't underestimate an elite superbowl champion quarterback and first ballot hall of famer. He has played against some pretty elite defensive lines and won. You guys have to go into this game realizing that its still Tom Brady. Tom Brady is still the Tom Brady of old, and no difference. Meaning, he is great enough where he doesn't need refs to win a game for him because he has been shredding defenses and winning games without refs for 14 years now. You guys are a good football team, but he has played against better teams and beaten them in their house.

 

OMG dude, really? He is an ELITE QB just like Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Trust me, he can get 150 yards passing. That's all I'm saying, this is getting stupid. I'm trying to discuss reasonable football about two good teams. And I understand your defense is playing a lot hungrier but damn, we must be playing the 1972 dolphins now :/

 

Zebra influence.. whatever, excuses. Every single team in the league gets calls either against them or for them. And how many times has Tom beaten Miami before Gronk was even in the NFL? Even before Moss and before Welker?

 

Let me complete that for you, just because he makes weapons around him and elevates the level of play in his receivers because that's what great quarterbacks like him do. And when dealing with a team like this, numbers mean nothing and what happened in the first matchup also means nothing. How do you know they won't go shotgun, 4 receiver spread and start slicing and dicing your defense now, and line up in power formation and ram in down your throats on the ground.. they could aways do something different this time around.

 

Will continue to struggle? So he needs Gronk to be an elite quarterback, let me ask you this, what was his record before Gronk came back?????? 7-1
2004 - starting receivers David Patten (average journey man), David Givens (sunk in TEN), Deion Branch (did nothing in Seattle in 06 after leaving the team), and Troy Brown great player but was 33 years old.. starting running backs Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk. Dillon rushed for 1,000 yards, but so did Ridley last year, for a matter a fact, Ridley rushed for over 1,200 yards and LeGarrette Blount is a former 1,000 yard rusher himself, so that's actually two guys. Shane Vereen looks like a better version of Kevin Faulk 2004 - Defense, Ty Law was hurt for the entire year, Roosevelt Colvin - hurt, Rodney Harrison was knicked up but still played, Eugene Wilson - 50% still played, Richard Seymour missed some games.. but in the end Lombardi Trophy was hoisted..

 

Here is a fact to think about, I'm 9-0 in bets this year, and I made a bet with my co-worker that we will put up at least 35 points against Miami.. so I'll make that 10-0 after this Sunday.. Julian Edelman102 yards, TD, Danny Amendola 80yards TD, Shane Vereen 124 yards TD, Stevan Ridley, LeGarrette Blount combine for 80yards and a touchdown, CB Logan Ryans returns one for a pick six, making that his 5 INT and 2nd INT TD. And Tom gets it back after a strip sack by OLB/DE Rob Ninkovich in the 4th quarterback .. because that's how we roll, clutch BOSTON style..

 

Relax, I'm just having a little fun if you haven't notice. I'm not a troll, just love getting a little reaction that's all, just a little fun. Seriously this should be a great game. Good luck to you guys.