I see what you're saying, and it may be true with fans in general, but I think most Patriot fans (as well as fans of other teams when judging their team) do a good job of evaluating their team from season-to-season. It's certainly part of the process, though, there's no disputing that experience helps (how much is subjective, I guess).JFever wrote: ↑Fri Jan 19, 2018 1:36 pmGhosted wrote: ↑Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:52 am I agree that Jacksonville is formidable on defense, but that seems to be where the conversation is being dominated. The fact is, Bortles still has to make enough plays to actually win an AFC championship game, on the road against BB. I'm no more "nervous" as a NE fan than I have been in past AFC championship games, and was definitely more nervous for every time they tilted off against Peyton. Probably more similar to the Pats - Ravens playoff matchups, but the Ravens were much more experienced so they probably worried me more. Sure, Jacksonville can win, but if I was a fan of each 4 remaining teams, NE would be who I had the least amount concern over.
Do you think perhaps that your call here has something to do with past N.E. teams? I'm quite sure that due to the recent dominance of the Patriot organization has a ton to do with how some are looking at this matchup. Now, I don't disagree with anyone thinking that N.E. has the best chance to win out of the 4 remaining playoff teams. I myself lean toward the defensively oriented teams when it comes to championship chances this year. Heck, that Patriot organization is on a historic / never seen before in any professional sport - streak of success. BB is without a doubt the most successful head coach of all time as it pertains to super bowl championships. He is brilliant. But..... on the other side of the field is a coach / consultant by the name of Tom Coughlin. For the record.... Coughlin is responsible for 2 Bill Belichick super bowl losses. I'm not dismissing that.
Now, all past performances aside. Only looking at rosters, strengths, weaknesses, coaches, OC, DC, assistants, etc. I see this as much more of a question than if we looked at just the N.E. Patriots organization and their recent playoff record vs the Jacksonville Jaguars organization and their recent history.
I agree with your point that Bortles will still have to lead his offense, pick up first downs, protect the ball, kill time, etc. No doubt there. It does seem to me though that the Patriot defense is susceptible to the run. Bortles can run. LF can run. As long as Bortles doesn't turn the ball over and give up good field position to Brady, I see it as likely that Jacksonville bucks the odds, and wins this game.
In regards to the run defense, part of what people need to understand with NE is that they have over the years preferred a bend-but-don't-break style of defense; it doesn't always look great if you're looking at box scores, but they script and defend their side of the field as well as anyone in football for the most part (like McCoy going for 90+ yards w/ a 6.3 YPC - yet BUF scores 3 points and loses by 20). It's part of the reason that they're top 5 in PPG allowed, and #1 since week 5. Bortles is going to HAVE to make plays with his arm when they penetrate NE's side of the field. BB isn't going to let LF gut them (look at the Tennessee game); I'd imagine the only way he "goes off" is if he hits a big run early, which NE has been susceptible to at times this year. Bortles going to have to hit tight windows and process things quickly in a hostile environment. Admittedly, Flacco did it when many thought that he could not - maybe Bortles will to. But it's certainly not something that I would bet on, that's for sure.