They missed him a lot. That being said, they didn't miss him half as much as they did last year. Which means they were better equipped to handle the loss than they were last year.

Still a HUGE boost to the defense.

Now if we could only get Maroney, Wilfork and Watson healthy, everything will go as I've been chirpping about ALL YEAR.

What's the dili with them anyway? Not that Belichick would provide any type info to report on, anyway.

Regardless, all the pieces to the puzzle are going to come together right before your eyes ladies and gentlemen.

Luv your optimism. While I can't say I agree with it, I hope you're right. I've heard Miami is beautiful that time of year!

Your guess is as good as anyone's on the other guys. From the reports about who's been around the locker room and at practice in front of the media, Maroney will probably be the first to return. Wilfork and Watson have been absent, which is usually the case with guys who won't play. Of course, I wouldn't put it past BB to havev those guys hiding till the media is forced to leave.

Is it true that technically the pats could still miss the playoffs altogether? I know it's doubtful, but if we lose our last two and the jets, jacksonville, and denver run the table are we out? Please shed some light Mr. Panos

You are correct Big Ern. The Patriots could miss the playoffs. If they lose the last 2, they would have a worse conference record than the Jaguars and Broncos. They also have a shot to lose the tie-breaker to the Jets for the division crown. (provided, of course, those teams win out, which looking at the schedule is possible)

Cincinnati also poses a threat, but the Bengals and Broncos are playing each other this week, which would knock one of them out of the picture. In fact, a tie in the Bengals-Broncos game would clinch a Pats playoff spot outright.

Why thank you Mr. Panos. I thought I might be wrong, but you have shown me that I shouldn't doubt myself. Quite interesting about the tie as well. Perhaps I was wrong about your lack of sports knowledge. Don't pay yourself on the back however, as that still remains to be seen. What is your prediction as far as the Pats regular season and playoff run is concerned? Can we win in San Diego if need be? Denver?

You're very inquisitive, Big Ern, aren't you?

I'll give you my answers, but perhaps you should put your predictions on the record. This forum is just as much about hearing what you have to say.

You seem kind of new to the blog, so I'll tell you about picking the Patriots to go 12-4 this year. Right now, I wouldn't bet on that happening. I think they're going to lose one of the next two, if not both. (Perhaps the last one intentionally, just like last season's finale against Miami to get a better playoff matchup)

That said, on a one-game basis I think they can beat anybody in the playoff field. I don't think they should be favored, but I wouldn't roll over in shock if the Pats won in San Diego, Indy, Baltimore, or Denver for that matter.

What I don't think they can do is run the table and win three times in a row against quality opponents. They haven't done it in two years..they're not going to start now. I think they're too young and inexperienced in key positions to pull it off....this year.

Ah, so you picked the Pats to go 12 and 4... Well, as far as my predictions are concerned, I will have to give them to you once i get a look at the matchups. As far as the regular season goes, I think they will lose both of the last two games. And since they can possibly miss the playoffs, i don't see them losing the last one on purpose like you foolishly suggested. I agree that they can beat any team they may face in the playoffs, but i am concerned. Brady has been having a mistake riddled year, Receivers and tight ends can't hold on to the football, and they are commiting alot of turnovers and making stupid mistakes. All of these things are uncharaceristic of the Pats which is the main reason for my concern.