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As the season's end draws near, the Patriots are playing better than ever.
NFL Quarterly Report
Ever since that fateful day in early September when Drew Bledsoe felt the force of a season-ending hit, and Tom Brady felt the weight of the franchise resting on his shoulders, the Patriots' specialty has been the last minute victory. There hasn't been a team in the history of the league who's managed to consistently pull out victories in the direst of circumstances. Over the past four years, it's seemed like no injury was too difficult to overcome, no point deficit to large to erase. But on the other hand, it never seemed as if any lead was completely safe. If the Patriots managed to get their opponent down, they always let them get back up. All in all, it's made for some heart-pounding finishes, and even more unforgettable moments. But it seems as if that era might have actually come to an end.
Half a season has passed since the Patriots have played a game where the game was up for grabs in the final seconds. Week seven was the last time with the Jets' last minute drive coming up short, making them the Patriots 21st consecutive victim. In the next game, a decimated Patriots team got blown out by Pittsburgh in what now appears to potentially be a turning point in the history of this franchise. Ever since that streak-ending defeat, the Patriots have consistently gone for the jugular. Gone are the days when a last minute victory was the expectation - total blowouts have become the rule. In the last six games the Patriots have outscored their opponents 197-93, a 104 point margin. Their previous six wins were by a total of 58.
Perhaps after this season's single defeat, the Patriots were faced with the harsh reality that they are not unbeatable. After 21 straight victories, its easy to believe so. Maybe a defense composed of rookies and offensive players don't trust themselves enough to let up a little when they have a lead. You can't expect Troy Brown to make that game-saving interception as if he's Ty Law, even though he currently has the most on the team with three. But I like to think that this is just the next step in the evolution of a dynasty. The Patriots began their run of titles as the ultimate underdog. They then emerged as the ultimate team. Now it appears that they may have become the ultimate champions. They are an unstoppable force driven solely by the pursuit of further excellence.
Maybe I'm reading too much into a few wins over what have been clearly inferior opponents. Maybe the Steelers really are the best team in the league. But I can guarantee you this - If the Patriots make it to Jacksonville this February they won't need a clutch kick by Adam Vinatieri to take home their third Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Predictions:
NFC NORTH:
1. Packers
2. Vikings
3. Lions
4. Bears
NFC SOUTH:
1. Falcons
2. Panthers
3. Buccaneers
4. Saints.
NFC EAST:
1. Eagles
2. Cowboys
3. Giants
4. Redskins
NFC WEST:
1. Rams
2. Seahawks
3. Cardinals
4. 49ers
NFC SEEDING:
1. Eagles
2. Falcons
3. Packers
4. Rams
5. Vikings
6. Panthers
AFC NORTH:
1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Bengals
4. Browns
AFC SOUTH:
1. Colts
2. Jaguars
3. Texans
4. Titans
AFC EAST:
1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Bills
4. Dolphins
AFC WEST:
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Chiefs
4. Raiders
AFC SEEDING:
1. Patriots
2. Steelers
3. Colts
4. Chargers
5. Jets
6. Jaguars
NFC PLAYOFFS:
Wildcard Round:
Panthers over Packers, Vikings over Rams
Divisional Round:
Panthers over Eagles, Falcons over Vikings
NFC Championship:
Panthers over Falcons
AFC PLAYOFFS:
Wildcard Round:
Colts over Jaguars, Chargers over Jets
Divisional Round:
Patriots over Chargers, Colts over Steelers
AFC Championship
Patriots over Colts
SUPERBOWL XXXIX:
Patriots over Panthers
I could have been stubborn and stuck with the Pats/Vikings pick. But I just wanted to show how much I respect this Panthers team. It's the only team in the league that I would be ok losing to. That being said, I'm picking the Pats to win the Super Rematch.
