In my preseason power rankings for the ’04 regular season, I ranked the Eagles at #1 overall and the Patriots 5th overall (2nd in the AFC).
I bemoaned the fact that the Patriots’ D line was “smaller and weaker at the DT position” than it had been in '03 and the addition of RB Corey Dillon as the two biggest factors in this anticipated, small, but significant fall for New England.
I was partly correct.
In ’03 the Pats defense was ranked 7th overall, #1 vs scoring and allowed 238 pts; In ’04 their D was ranked 9th overall, 2nd vs scoring and allowed 260 pts.
But I was completely wrong about what RB Corey Dillon had left in him and how he would affect the Pats offense.
In ’03 the Pats defense was ranked 7th overall, #1 vs scoring and allowed 238 pts; In ’04 their D was ranked 9th overall, 2nd vs scoring and allowed 260 pts.
But I was completely wrong about what RB Corey Dillon had left in him and how he would affect the Pats offense.
In ’03 their O was ranked 17th overall, 12th in scoring and put up 348 pts: In ’04 it was ranked 7th overall, 4th in scoring and put up 437 pts.
In ’03 they went 14-2, had home field advantage throughout the playoffs and won the Super Bowl.
In ’04 they went 14-2, had a bye week in the playoffs but not home field throughout, and won the SB.
See. They slipped. Sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipped.
Why am I sensing that you are not appreciating my prognosticating genius?
Fine, whateva.
Back to ’04.
This is a partial post. For the full article, go HERE
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