You make a valid point - but I did remember that stretch. Even in the playoffs they weren't dominant, beating the Jags by 11 and the Chargers (without LT) by 9. But that was late in the season where they seemed to be hitting a wall from playing at such a high level all year long, and also playing against competition probably a little more motivated to beat them and ruin their perfect season. This year, it almost feels like they're hitting that same wall a lot earlier. In games 6, 7, and 8 that year they put up 48, 49, and 52 points, respectively. We'll see what they do against the Phins, but I don't think anyone is expecting 40-or-50-something-plus points tomorrow. I also realize matchups have a lot to do with what they did versus what they did not, but no matter the competition, in the NFL 40 and 50+ points is complete domination. This squad doesn't feel as if they can deliver that same kind of consistency.tims4wins said:H78, I think you also forgot what December looked like for that 2007 Pats team. 3 point win vs. Philly. 3 point win at Baltimore when they nearly lost if not for a penalty on 4th down. 20-10 home win against the Jets. 3 point win in NY against the Giants.
That team was dominant early in the season, but not too much down the stretch. Who knows how this year will play out. I also think this is a 14-2 type of team, but in reality, 2007 may have been too.
I think my overall point is that the media comparisons to 2007 need to stop. It's very obvious what they're trying to do and it's kind of annoying; set the Patriots up with insane expectations by comparing them to possibly the best football team ever, and then flame away if/when the Patriots can't meet those expectations down the road. It's a bunch of media hyperbole to set up easy, critical columns later this year.
This offense is not nearly as consistently good as that offense was, and the defense this year, at least when it comes to PA, is worse; the 2007 D had given up 92 points through the first six games; this year's squad is already up to 126. I'd honestly be totally shocked if they go undefeated. If they did, part of me worries about even higher playoff expectations because I think this team can be beat by a team with a solid quarterback who'll pick apart the secondary, that also has a "good enough" defense to force a few punts out of the Patriots. And I think that team absolutely exists in the NFC - in Green Bay.