If Tom Brady doesn't get hurt in 08'...

UFgators · Joined: 08 Sep 2011 Posts: 359 Location: The SWAMP

(warning *what-if question)

Everyone knows about the Pats going 18-1 in 07' but the only significant starter they lost after the season (and Pats' fans correct me if I'm wrong) was Asante Samuel in free agency. Cornerstone defenders like Brusci, Seymour and Harrison didn't leave/retire until 2009. For the record New England still were top 10 in total & scoring defense in 08'...

So, question is do the Pats win 15-16 regular season games and go to the SB again. That year Miami won the East and Pittsburg won the AFC...

FourThreeMafia · Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Posts: 40070 Location: East of Sixburgh

Obviously, its very possible. They were a historically good team the year before and they won 10 games with Matt Cassell.

I dont think they wouldve went 16-0 in the regular season again, but I do thin 14 wins was likely and a strong run in the playoffs. Definitely not a lock though.

But there are so many what if's you can play, its pretty pointless in the end.
_________________

Shockey1979 · Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 18263 Location: RI/MA

iknowcool · Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 11417

With the weak schedule they had, I think they'd have at least gotten to 13 wins. I have no idea how they'd do in the postseason though.

If they did finish with only 12 wins and had still lost their game against Pittsburgh, I'm not sold they would have been able to go on the road and beat that Pit defense. Granted Brady had to that point usually had success against that defense but the '08 version was the best of the bunch. Would have been fun to see.
_________________

PatriotsWin! · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 15506

19-0, SB Champs and Greatest Team Ever.
_________________

Elmatic on the sig

JaguarCrazy2832 · Joined: 28 Jun 2008 Posts: 73481

More possible than most teams but like you said, its a big if
_________________

reckless123 · Joined: 02 Jun 2011 Posts: 5602

They have at least 13 Wins probably. But these hypothetical questions annoy me. I can ask the question, What happens if Plaxico doesnt shoot himself?
_________________

Shockey1979 · Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 18263 Location: RI/MA

Harper41 · Joined: 29 Aug 2009 Posts: 11888

I think the bigger thing would've been if Brady doesn't get hurt, does Randy Moss still get traded the next year? It was quite clear he was putting 100% effort into the 07' season and when Brady went down you could tell he turned it down with Cassel. What a crazy effect that injury had.
_________________

Steelerspower · Joined: 13 Jun 2011 Posts: 6540

The patriots would have had a great season, but I think they would have lost against the Ravens in the divisional round

The patriots have very often been the favorites to win the SB since 2007, but they have never won
_________________

dhunt2402 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 16674 Location: The District

11 wins with Cassel actually. There's no way to tell, but I think it would have been in the 14-15 range. 16 is just so damn hard. And the playoffs are always a crapshoot, but I think they'd have at least made the SB
_________________

Yfz01 · Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 8297

lionslicer · Joined: 06 Nov 2010 Posts: 1759

If Brady doesn't get hurt, he doesn't come back as less than stellar as he did in 2009, he stays hot and on track.

Patriots go to 5 straight super bowls, winning 3 of 5, scoring 500+ points every season.
_________________
Kickers are people too

x0x · Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 13906 Location: Oh Canada

Makes you wonder if that team would have been a better or worst matchup for the Cards.
_________________
Legends Never Die. They Breathe Through The New Generation.
100 Greatest Quarterbacks of All Time

Detroitlions703 · Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 9586 Location: Michigan