[benza13]

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I am not too worried about SD this year.

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Unlike you, I remember the 60-minute street brawl they played last year in the playoffs--it's what softened up the Pats' D and allowed Peyton to go nuts the following week.

That SD team gained a TON of respect in my eyes after that game. It was the most physical, punishing football game I've ever seen.

Don't forget, SD had to make of ton of mental errors (like dropped passes, dropped interceptions, and bone-headed personal fouls on 3rd downs) to lose that game, and it was still close.

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I remember it. But the Patriots have gotten better while SD has most of the same personnel and a downgrade in their coaching. Therefore I am not as worried about SD this year, especially since it is likely we wouldn't meet them until later in the playoffs, meaning they would have to win some playoff games under Norv.