Socci: Patriots Meeting & Passing Every Test
BOSTON (CBS) - 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich had on the voice of the Patriots Bob Socci Monday morning following the team's 34-9 win over the Detroit Lions, which marked the team's fourth straight victory of 20 or more points, and seventh straight victory overall.
"It's pretty remarkable. We keep bracing ourselves for tight games that go down to the wire against good teams, teams that have proven themselves against quality competition thus far," Socci said to lead the discussion. "But yesterday, like [Fred] said, ho-hum. The Patriots build a big lead, Detroit continues to hurt itself and New England cruises to an easy win in the end."
The Lions led the NFC North heading into Sunday's game, but after getting defeated the Packers now sit atop that division. The Patriots now travel to Green Bay on Sunday to face Aaron Rodgers and company.
"I think the key phrase for both teams next week is 'slow down' because I don't think you can really stop either offense in its tracks, certainly with the way both are going and especially when you're playing them both at their home stadium. As much as the Patriots enjoy a homefield advantage at Gillette Stadium, we know that Green Bay enjoys a similar advantage, if not more so at Lambeau," said Socci.
Many are calling this game a Super Bowl preview, and because it's on the road it's also considered the toughest test for the Patriots all year -- home or away.
Bob Socci likes New England's odds because he believes in their defense's ability to neutralize the Packers attack.
"And as we've seen during this seven-game winning streak, I think the Patriots do have the kind of secondary that can slow down Green Bay. They may not be able to take Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb completely out of the game like they did Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, but with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner and the way the rest of the defense is playing they can certainly do enough to contain Green Bay. I think the Patriots stand a very good chance to win."
After all, why not? After starting the 2014 season 2-2, the Patriots have passed each test that's been put in front of them.
"The Patriots have now beaten four teams leading their division over the course of this winning streak, and they've done it very convincingly as we know. They've met every test since Kansas City and they've passed with flying colors," said Socci.
Listen below for the full conversation, including Socci's pick to make it out of the NFC:
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