OT - Patriots, again- say it aint so Bill

[ergott]

Marianne Vos
Katie Compton

[William]

Boring, not boring...


I guess that all depends on whether you prefer high scoring games where the offense manhandles the defense, or whether you appreciate a good defense making it difficult for the offense to function?

I think here we had both defenses showing up and making it very difficult for the offenses to get going. One word that was thrown around a lot last night post game was "grinding". The Rams defense was doing a great job at shutting down Brady's options. But the pats do what they do and that is grind. That's why there are predominantly a second half team. Between BB's play choices and adjustments, and the teams ability to execute and grind down the other team they eventually get it done.

I didn't think it was boring at all, both defenses were doing what a good defense does...shutting down the other teams options. The combo of BB, TB, and the rest of the Pats team figured it out and got it done in the end.

As one commentator said last night, "I don't want to see the Pats win, but I'm glad I was here to see them play because I will never see this again (BB, TB, Patriots string of records and wins) in my life time."







W.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by William

Boring, not boring...


I guess that all depends on whether you prefer high scoring games where the offense manhandles the defense, or whether you appreciate a good defense making it difficult for the offense to function?

I think here we had both defenses showing up and making it very difficult for the offenses to get going. One word that was thrown around a lot last night post game was "grinding". The Rams defense was doing a great job at shutting down Brady's options. But the pats do what they do and that is grind. That's why there are predominantly a second half team. Between BB's play choices and adjustments, and the teams ability to execute and grind down the other team they eventually get it done.

I didn't think it was boring at all, both defenses were doing what a good defense does...shutting down the other teams options. The combo of BB, TB, and the rest of the Pats team figured it out and got it done in the end.

As one commentator said last night, "I don't want to see the Pats win, but I'm glad I was here to see them play because I will never see this again (BB, TB, Patriots string of records and wins) in my life time."







W.

+1

I like watching defensive games like this was....every play matters and every gain hard won.

With high scoring games, it just feels like whoever has the ball last is going to win...boring

[pinkshogun]

i also prefer low scoring defensive battles. seemed like fast moving game. i dont recall any challenges to slow it down. no crazy catches, no controversy just an old school type game

[makoti]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Not a football fan at all. But this level of sustained excellence is unprecedented. It's not something we may witness again. I can't think of another athlete - barring MJ - who is as mentally strong.

👏

Seriously? Jackie Robinson

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by makoti

Seriously? Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson is an obvious choice, perhaps the obvious choice. But I was also including sustained excellence in the criteria, which wasn't clear. Robinson played for a decade.

[jlwdm]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

No kidding, and you guys complain about the 'pace' of baseball..The kickers should have been MVPs..

I guess this is true if you don't know football and thus don't appreciate great defense. I am not a soccer fan but it this is like people that do not understand soccer who want the score to be 10 to 9.



Jeff

[unterhausen]

I'm a little surprised that the Rams could mount a good defense.

This is funny https://twitter.com/DavidBegnaud/sta...37809028366338

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Not a football fan at all. But this level of sustained excellence is unprecedented. It's not something we may witness again. I can't think of another athlete - barring MJ - who is as mentally strong.

������

Amazing how long career can last when the defense isn't allowed to touch you.

Also, are we assuming Kareem never played basketball?

[Jeff N.]

If your thing is watching punters, then this SB was for you.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by unterhausen

I'm a little surprised that the Rams could mount a good defense.

This is funny https://twitter.com/DavidBegnaud/sta...37809028366338

Rams got bit by a PI non-call there late and had to settle for a field goal when they could have taken the lead, IIRC....karma I guess

[azrider]

.........

[William]

Originally Posted by Jeff N.

If your thing is watching punters, then this SB was for you.

If you are seeing the punters it means the defense is doing their job.


It was good to see the defenses on both teams pressuring the QB's. Not a lot of sacks, but with receivers getting covered and the line pressuring them to hurry it was throwing them both off their game.







W.

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

Amazing how long career can last when the defense isn't allowed to touch you.

Also, are we assuming Kareem never played basketball?

1) Can't answer that.

2) If the criteria is "winning is everything" does Kareem rank with MJ, Brady, and Russell? He certainly had one of the most unstoppable moves in pro sports. Perhaps his perceived aloofness and intellect worked against him when considering an all-consuming desire to win.

Interesting contrast between Russell and Kareem, who were outspoken on social issues and Jordan/Brady who weren't/aren't. Perhaps it's easier to lionize athletes who were single-minded in their pursuit of greatness. I don't know.

[MattTuck]

Originally Posted by unterhausen

I'm a little surprised that the Rams could mount a good defense.

This is funny https://twitter.com/DavidBegnaud/sta...37809028366338

For most of the game, they held NE to 3 points. And in total, only 13 points. In this offense tilted era, that is a defensive performance that normally wins games.

I saw a few missed (or non-calls) penalties, both ways, but I didn't think they were too egregious and I felt the balance was pretty good.

As a general fan, I loved watching a defensive game. As a NE fan, well aware of how explosive LA can be, it was a little bit nerve wrecking, since NE was never really safe, and one play could have broke it wide open.