Siberian said:
I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I never tried to argue that the Patriots werent the best team in football or that Belichick is the best coach in the league. I was simply saying I don't think the Panthers and Fox got enough credit, even after the game, for what they have accomplished this season. While I did agree that Brady is a good quarterback I was saying I think he is largely a product of the system he plays under. IMO his coaches and personnel utilize his talents more effieciently than a lot of teams do with their quarterbacks. Again, thats just MY opinion. I'm not taking anything away from the Patriots, their world champs, what more can you say.
And about the Redskins, I don't seriously think their going to be a contender it was more of a desparate cry from a fan who still has hope through the recent, seemingly endless losing seasons. Like you said though, next season will unfold in time.
On the Redskins.........
I listened to a commentator just today on ESPN say the Redskins are one of the teams to watch for next year, so cast aside your feelings of desperation. There's hope.
On Fox/Panters.......
They DIDN'T have the respect coming into the playoffs. They do now, absolutely. They were tough as nails right through the playoffs, and that was apparent to anyone watching.
On Brady......
The coaching staff develop their own system. But onfield, the QB has to call the plays and execute. Tom Brady is one cool cucumber. With 2 exceptions this season, 1 being your Redskins, ANY TIME the pressure is on, he marches his team downfield and either delivers 6 points or sets up Vinatieri for a field goal. He knows he can do it. His team mates know he can do it. Is it because he is a good or mediocre quarterback? No. He has the arm to deliver a strike, the peripheral vision, the talent, the composure. No one, repeat, NO ONE does it better than Brady. He gets it done. He ALWAYS gets it done when it counts.
He is MUCH better than good. Personal stats don't mean anything when you can't deliver a W for your team. On paper is Payton Manning the better QB? In any event, Manning is a good comparison for this topic.
2 weeks prior to the AFC Championship game, Manning appeared invincible. Then the Patriots defense kicked the snot out of his offense and he came unglued. The Panther's D overall is comparable to New England's. Brady didn't fall apart under pressure, he executed. And he did get pressure, he did throw 1 costly interception. No sacks, but several near sacks. He doesn't get rattled, doesn't come unglued. He has a rare blend of talent that includes calm confidence. He can throw the longer passes from time to time to Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson. But they generally tend to grind down the opposing defense with a short passing game, with Brady moving laterally, and increasingly, some running plays.
Against lesser opponents, Manning will post more yards on passing and probably more points. The Patriots always seem to win in a nail biter. But in the tough games, Brady still gets the W.
Belichick himself said HE was not the person on the field making the calls and executing the plays. He gives his players a plan of attack, the PLAYERS execute it. Not the coaches, not the system, etc.
While Jake Delhomme had a few very exciting pass plays during the game in the 2nd half, Brady was the one who executed consistently all the way through. Brady, with 1 minute 4 seconds remaining with his team suddenly behind, calmly marched his team downfield and set up Adam Vinatieri for the winning field goal. That's been their m.o. all season long. They seem to know they can beat anyone, and then they play that way, Brady driving the show.
He wins...........
repeat
He wins .........
That's what's important to teams, coaches and fans. Winning is everything. Exciting plays are quickly forgotten in light of the Superbowl victor.
The results speak for themselves. He is the best QB in football right now. He has his place among the greats now wherever that is. And in interviews, at least publicly, he doesn't care about that and is almost embarrassed at being put on that pedastal. Practically no bravado in him at all. He said today that this is the most enjoyable year he's had ever playing football. Loves the game, loves the team he plays on, loves practicing, and Summer sessions even.
The Patriots have 2 first round draft picks, 2 second round, and 3 third round picks. They're well within salary cap. I understand Ty Law wants to return next year even if that means he won't be receiving all the salary originally negotiated in his contract. So they should be right back in the thick of the race again next year
Should make for a helluva matchup once again with your Redskins
