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Page 2 of 5 -- The national media seem relatively underwhelmed by the Patriots' achievement in winning 18 straight games. What do you attribute this to? It seems to me the media is fixated by big names and fails to appreciate the sheer professionalism of this team and its fierce will to win.
Gerald, Boston

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A: Well, first of all, I usually don't pay too much attention to what the national media thinks because their view is from afar. The other reason the streak isn't played up more is because the team itself doesn't recognize it as a big deal. I think this team gets a lot of great publicity nationally, though. I don't think they're under appreciated by any means. In every story you read about them the great team concept is brought out.

Glad to have your forum back. I have a comment and a question. Although most Pats fans are very happy about the 18-game streak, why can't the press ease up a bit? I mean, you already know what the response will be. ... The Pats are looking at winning the next game only. Yes, the streak is impressive, but the season is early, and we've won 3 games, period. I sure wish the media would give this subject a rest. What they are doing works, and that's concentrating on the next game, and how to improve each week. I happen to agree with trying to simply improve on each weeks mistakes ... it sure seems to work. Please enough about the streak already ... it means nothing to me or the players if they don't make the playoffs.
Scott, Ayer

A: I've come around to your way of thinking, Scott. Enough already. The responses are the same week after week. Once they break it this week against Miami, it obviously needs to be re-visited, but after that you probably won't hear too much more about it.

The Parcells-Belichickian philosophy prevents their coordinators from speaking to the media. However, in the past two weeks I have seen Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis give media interviews. Nothing has ever happened by accident in Belichick Land, So, what is your insight as to why he is letting them speak now?
Tom, Dover

A: They were allowed to give press conferences during the bye week when nothing was going on and they were 2-0 and everything was going pretty well. I would suspect we'd hear from them maybe once or twice more before the end of the season (after a win), and then again if the Patriots are in the Super Bowl where the league mandates they must conduct media interviews.

Are you still of the opinion that Tom Donahue is one of the "top 3" general managers in the NFL? You said this in a mailbag two years ago. Also, where do you rank Belichick as a GM?
Jason, Boston   Continued...