The element of surprise...

We're certainly more complete this year. We're not handcuffed by Henning anymore. The Pats are super tense right now about being dominant in the opener. Last year was flat out embarrassing for them. If we beat them, they know they'll be criticized harshly as the media jackals feast.

 

We need to put up 40 against them. For once in many years its actually a possibility. I love this new offense.

 

we cannot win a shootout with the pats. If we're going to win, i see a 24-21 score because our defense steps it up and knocks the crap out of Brady and Henne plays well by throwing a couple of TDs with no more than 1 INT.

 

Your getting way ahead of yourself here.
We need to put up 40?

We need to win the game period.
Talking about blowing out the Pats out before we even see what this team is capable of is a little much.
Our defense being able to control the Pats is key in this game.

 

I think the thing is, while I agree that we are not handcuffed by Parcells boy Henning, we are still starting out a new offense with a new coordinator and I might remind everyone an offensive scheme that should be very familiar with the pasties D. I don't think last year has anything to do with this year, it's about coaching and talent. While our talent has improved and other than a few spots, we are pretty even, you'd have to give the edge in coaching to BB and his crew. That first game was a stark reminder that STs are a major part of the team, just like O and D. Have we done much of anything to improve them ?? I don't think so.

I've been a big Henne supporter but it's time for the #7 we saw in the PS to play the regular season in the same improved manner, starting tonight. It's time for the D to show that the top 10 ranking from last year was warranted and still valid this season. A top 10 D doesn't let the pasties run around and thru it like it was a ragdoll, like the last time we faced them. It's time for Marshal to be the guy we traded for and for Bush to be the feature back he says he can be. It's time for Carey and Colombo to get the sticks out of their azzes and play like the seasoned vets they are, because Pouncey will need someone to help him along. It's time for Fasano to also show that this PS wasn't just a fluke and that he can be a dominant TE on a regular basis.

One game will not make the season, good or bad. But if a team ever needed a good, solid, well played game from every player and every coach, this is the team. Even if we lose, they have to show, not only the rest of the NFL, but themselves they belong on the field with the pasties of the NFL... It's too early to say the season hangs in the balance, but given this teams delicate psychy, it could be just that...

 

Actually, Reefer, the way I read his post, he was implying that we need to put up 40 to beat this team because we know they will put up 30 or better....I don't think he was talking about us 'blowing them out', just putting up more points than they regularly put up...