11-5 not enough

When is an eleven win season a failure? When it fails to qualify you for the playoffs. I am not about to complain about the weak western division winners making the playoffs. I consider the system fair and balanced and usually takes the best teams. It is a system designed to protect a strong division from beating up on itself and not producing even 1 playoff team. However the reverse can also happen and let let lesser teams sneak in. It is a system that has been in use for years and is more often than not fair.

The Patriots came out and did all they could do this week. Winning in tough conditions in Buffalo. In the end though, it was not enough.
I'm proud of what this team has done in the face of injuries. I'm not proud that they had a few mental lapses cost them the playoffs (receivers dropping the ball, defenses not closing out opponents drives on third down). I'm surprised at the improvement in Miami, but expect them to take a step backwards next year before becoming serious contenders in 2 years. I am also not surprised by the failure of Favre and the Jets. I am happy to see 2 teams (Miami and Baltimore) seize their opportunities and not let the Patriots sneak in. I thought for sure Baltimore would fold under the pressure. Maybe they are contenders after all.

All in all this season is a failure. We have set the bar high in New England. Championships are all that matter. Not winning the title is a failure, but there are many positive signs to be taken from this season. Lots of individual spotlights and accolades. The play of Mayo is a bright spot for this defense going forward. Matt Cassel did well for him self but probably will be doing it for another team next year. Gostkowski has proven himself as a worthy successor to Vinatieri (if he had not already).

Labels: Sports

- posted by Doug @ 11:48:00 PM