Patriots
they’re getting a differentstyle offense into gear. And, defensively they’re trying to see if they can make up for their deficiencies. It’s one thing to do it against the Dolphins, it’s another against the Seahawks. This game will reveal where they are in the process.
Callahan: Except every Sunday, especially through midseason, is about fact-finding. If the only post-game statement that can be made in Seattle is the Patriots progressed or regressed, then by definition it’s just like any other game. Two years ago, the Jaguars beat the Pats in a “Week 2 statement game.” Everyone believed they were contenders. Then the Patriots lost again, fell to 1-2 and were left for dead … until they won the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Jags finished 5-11. Beware of any grand Week 2 “statements.”
Guregian: Just like any other game? Maybe when Brady was quarterback, and you knew what you were going to get. This is different. Are you telling me if the Patriots go into Seattle and beat the Seahawks, that means nothing? They aren’t expected to win. But if Newton is now able to throw the ball and win, just like he was able to run the ball and win, I’m sorry, that speaks volumes. If the Patriots can hang with a contender, or beat that contender in Week 2, it sends a message this ain’t no rebuild.
Callahan: You know there are clear and obvious differences between nothing, a new data point and statement games. We can’t say if Seattle is a title contender yet — just last week they allowed more than 500 yards of offense! September is the preseason now, and every year is a new year. Even in normal seasons, when has an actual September statement ever been made? Never! Because true learning can only be done late in the year from large sample sizes. If the Pats beat Seattle then lay an egg against the Raiders, what’s the statement then?
Guregian: Bill Belichick implied Russell Wilson was the best player in the league. He couldn’t name anyone better. Russell went 31 for 35 for 322 yards and four touchdowns against the Falcons. He’s been an elite quarterback for years.
And you wrote just this week about Pete Carroll’s Hall of Fame credentials. The Seahawks are and have been a perennial contender, just like the Patriots during the Brady era. Don’t tell me we can’t say yet if they’re a title contender. Please. Even without fans, teams don’t just go into Seattle and beat the Seahawks. If the Cam Newton-led Patriots can do that, it puts the rest of the league on notice.
Callahan: And yet, Seattle hasn’t sniffed a Super Bowl since 2015, failing to even make a conference championship since then. The Seahawks have been and are a good team that returned the NFL’S 19thbest defense from last year, which now is surrendering 500-plus yards. This is Week 2 — Week 2! — in an unprecedented season. Sunday should be a fun game, but save the statements for when they can actually be made: after Thanksgiving. That’s when the Pats annually — and correctly — say the real season begins. That’s never been more true than it is now.
Guregian: The Seahawks aren’t in the AFC East. They’ve been in a much tougher division. They haven’t had the benefit of playing three cream puffs every year to help launch them into the playoffs. But I digress. Look, here’s where we agree: Bill Belichick always builds to have his team peaking for the playoffs. So yes, the statements typically come after Thanksgiving. But saying that, this situation is unique. There is no read on this team. We don’t know what they’re building toward. Is it the present, or the future? Going up against one of the better teams in the NFL provides a barometer on the possibilities. Is there something that sets back expectations after Week 1’s performance? Or, do they open a window toward a more promising outcome for 2020?
Either way, they’re making a statement.