Super Bowl 51: Patriots -3 Over ATL

[flyingelvis]

Belichick has always said, rookies are no longer rookies when you get into December and January. I think you are seeing this with the Falcons defense.

 

[Rex Racer]

New England's schedule was soft.

They didn't play Dallas this year.

 

[Rex Racer]

They do have a way of evening things out don't they.

I say the stats don't tell the whole story with the ATL because starting 4 rookies and 3 2nd yr guys they were a bad DEF in Sept and Oct and most of Nov. But they got better even if the stats didn't prove it...by Dec, they are a pretty decent DEF and that's kinda what I think they are now...decent. I actually thought they played really well vs GB.

The Pats defense also started slowly this season, but once the jettisoned Jamie Collins they really settled in to BB and Matt Patricia's scheme. This defense looks pretty solid right now.

 

[GNG]

They didn't play Dallas this year.

If they did they'd have one more loss.

 

[GNG]

The Pats defense also started slowly this season, but once the jettisoned Jamie Collins they really settled in to BB and Matt Patricia's scheme. This defense looks pretty solid right now.

I have to agree with you on this and that's why I'm picking the Patriots to defeat the Falcons.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The Pats defense also started slowly this season, but once the jettisoned Jamie Collins they really settled in to BB and Matt Patricia's scheme. This defense looks pretty solid right now.

While I think Tomlin and Haley called a terrible game in the AFCCG, I too was impressed with NE's DEF.

 

[Hank Kingsley]

While I think Tomlin and Haley called a terrible game in the AFCCG, I too was impressed with NE's DEF.

Somewhere back on the Pats Trade Jamie Collins to Cleveland thread I said they would settle down and get better.

It's just too bad they played Seattle right after it. I think if they played Seattle in week 17 it would have been a different story....

 

[BigKen]

How often have we seen "offensive" teams enter the super against a better defensive team and get their ass handed to them?? Denver's offense against the Seahawks defense, Carolina's offense against the Bronco's defense.

The Flacons have done very well against average defenses, but they have not played against the best defense. They get that chance Sunday. The Patriots on the other hand have played good, better and very solid defenses and beat them.

This game will be determined on which defense can take away the most possessions from the other team. I think the Patriots will take away more possessions from the Falcons, than the Falcons will take away from the Patriots.

That and experience in the "big" games counts. Players who've been there know what to expect and how to handle it. Novices most often get sucked into it and make serious mistakes.

Pats 37 Falcons 23

 

[Hank Kingsley]

They are and should be, but IDK nobody being close (to NE as a Super Bowl contender)...that's not a great DEF with Collins, I can't imagine it will improve w/o him.

Going to have to work on that imagination....

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Somewhere back on the Pats Trade Jamie Collins to Cleveland thread I said they would settle down and get better.

It's just too bad they played Seattle right after it. I think if they played Seattle in week 17 it would have been a different story....

You did and I remember it...I'm still 50/50 on this game, but I was impressed with that effort vs PIT.

I really think both DCs will need to figure out how to get pressure up the middle, or pressure in general, and force a few FGAs.

 

[Rex Racer]

If they did they'd have one more loss.

Brady has had great success against Dallas and BB can coach circles around Jason Garrett with a blindfold on.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Going to have to work on that imagination....

Well, I still don't think it's a great DEF, but like I said earlier, I was impressed in the AFCCG.

 

[PDay8810]

Brady has had great success against Dallas and BB can coach circles around Jason Garrett with a blindfold on.

true...until proven otherwise
maybe it gets better for Dallas in a couple of more seasons.

 

[GNG]

Brady has had great success against Dallas and BB can coach circles around Jason Garrett with a blindfold on.

Only because the Cowboys were just average the past 20 years. Now they're on the verge of being the best in the NFL.

 

[GNG]

You did and I remember it...I'm still 50/50 on this game, but I was impressed with that effort vs PIT.

I really think both DCs will need to figure out how to get pressure up the middle, or pressure in general, and force a few FGAs.

The Falcons defense won't faze the Patriots.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The Falcons defense won't faze the Patriots.

Are you saying the Pats won't punt in this game? LOL

Seriously, I tend to agree, but Quinn is not going to sit back and let them march 80 yds 8 yds at a time...I expect him to come after Brady and maybe get burnt on big chunks.

 

[Rex Racer]

Only because the Cowboys were just average the past 20 years. Now they're on the verge of being the best in the NFL.

I'm on the verge of winning the lottery.

 

[GNG]

Are you saying the Pats won't punt in this game? LOL

Seriously, I tend to agree, but Quinn is not going to sit back and let them march 80 yds 8 yds at a time...I expect him to come after Brady and maybe get burnt on big chunks.

This game won't be close in my opinion.

 

[Rex Racer]

true...until proven otherwise
maybe it gets better for Dallas in a couple of more seasons.

I looks like things are coming around for them. Maybe Jerry can keep his hands off and let them get better without screwing it all up.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

This game won't be close in my opinion.

I hear ya. We shall see.