Super prediction

Page 7 of 7 -- A: As a free-agent, there's always a possibility he signs with a team other than Tampa Bay and does go head-to-head with Hochstein.

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Do you think the Globe could motivate the Panthers any more than what it's doing? All John Fox needs to do it post up the sports section every day in the Panther locker room. Carolina obviously has the mistaken belief that they still have to play the game. Has there been any more irresponsible journalism since the Rams Super Bowl? The Globe takes the cake.
-- Lance Mulleneaux, Brookline

A: Lance, I wish I knew what you were trying to say here.

Why does most of the out of town press have no clue to how good the Patriots are?
-- Andres Columna, Boston

A: Why does it matter?

On fourth and 1 on the 1-yard line with the game on the line, do you bring in Ted Washington as a blocking back for Antowain Smith? Trying to keep it light here. Yes, pun intended. Thanks for a great year.
-- Jake, Guilford

A: Why not? They've used Richard Seymour before.

What is the prevailing opinion in Foxborough as to the year Ty Warren has had? His play has been hard to judge which may be a polite way of saying he's been invisible for too long, I don't know. I think the Pats' great season, along with the great play of several of his fellow rookies, may have let him off the hook as far as criticism is concerned. But he wouldn't be the first excellent player to have a solid career after a rookie year of "where am I" type games.
-- Joe Nowlan, Boston

A: He's not Richard Seymour. He had to play quite a bit with Washington out of the lineup, and he's been able to learn different positions on the line. He wasn't great. But they feel they can bring him a long a little more next season.

Not so much a question but an observation. Are the Patriots like "Terminator" or "Jaws?" Certainly, that dates me but what amazes me is that a single person, Belichick, can select personnel who match his personality or agenda. I am amazed how dead-eye these guys -- excuse me, this team -- is. Kinda float beneath the radar screen of the media. I get kind of a chuckle out of this. Even if they lose this game, they still lurk in the shadows or the deep end of the pool. You know, I like that. Imagine, a New England team that actually strokes fear into everyone. Or, perhaps, this is my fantasy. No, actually, it is reality.
-- Meg McKenna

A: I agree with the part that they do strike fear. They do because nobody knows what they're going to do against you. All I hear is, "Well they didn't do anything we didn't expect." I feel like saying "Of course they did. You were totally confused and lost the game!"

Who invited Tom Brady to the State of the Union address? Was it a senator from North Carolina? Seriously, why wasn't he resting up or studying film? It seems like the Patriots are taking the Panthers much too lightly -- just like the Rams took the Patriots in 2001. I am sure coach Fox is motivating the Panthers by saying "look how lightly Tom Brady is taking us". I love Brady but I think this was a poor decision on his part. Don't you agree, Nick?
-- Taha Champsi, San Francisco, Calif.

A: No. It was on his day off. He didn't miss anything.

I'm starting to here chants around title-town that Brady is "the franchise QB." Wouldn't you agree that such a statement puts a little separation between the beloved QB and the rest of the team. There's no question Brady can run this offense, but aren't the fans, and sportswriters for that matter, getting away from the team theme that has made the Patriots so successful? Plug Brady into the 2003 Buffalo Bills offense and please tell Patriot's Nation what you get?
-- Ken Kyle, N. Providence, R.I.

A: Ken, When Bill Walsh describes him as the closest thing to Joe Montana, it's inevitable that separation is going to come. He'll fight it and he'll do and say the right things, but if he wins another Super Bowl, he's very special.

What are the chances the Pats would go after a running back such as Corey Dillon? Does Antowain have a future with the team?
-- Gerson Hernandez, Osan AB, Korea

A: I've always been of the opinion they'll draft a kid rather than sign a free-agent. Antowain is making a bid to stay. He'd have to rework his contract.