Another Year, Another Division Title
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by user Xinoph
The 11-4 New England Patriots just clinched another AFC East division title, thanks to a 24-21 win over the 8-7 Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars' loss made their playoff hopes that much dimmer. They were already competing for the Wild Card, rather than divisional, spot - now even if they win next weekend, they need at least one other team to lose to get that.
The Pats' wins also means that for yet another year the many naysayers were proven wrong yet again, as the 6-8 Miami Dolphins (many analyst's preseason pick to challenge for the division title) were proven incompetent and the 8-6 New York Jets were proven incapable. Perhaps a few more people learned this year not to bet against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick; it's an annual lesson each time as the Pats baffle the would-be prognosticators who anoint pretenders to the throne.
Speaking of Tom Brady, he really was terrific today. 28-39 and 249 yards passing, and 31 yards rushing. Needless to say, Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney were not resting on their laurels. Maroney, returning from injury, had 48 yards in 7 attempts. All together, the Patriots got 117 yards against one of the best run defenses in the league.
While winning the division title is not a predictor of postseason success, the Patriots would seem to be well-positioned. Several of their injured players - notably Laurence Maroney - have returned, and others may be on their way back soon. As it stands now, things are looking good for New England, but everything starts again once the postseason begins.
