Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
In our latest version of “Thought of the Day” in the AFC North, we ask our community if they’re afraid of the New England Patriots (1-0) and San Diego Chargers (1-0) after seeing both conference favorites play Monday night.
Here is a sample of the responses in our division inbox:
Jeff from Arlington, Texas writes: The Patriots were what I thought they were. The Patriots look questionable on defense -- not a Super Bowl defense. The Chargers have not done anything in the past to show me they are a Super Bowl team. Why should I be concerned about them now? Teams need to be concerned about the Pittsburgh Steelers, not vice versa. Right now, I see the closest competition to the Steelers in the AFC as the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. But of course, a lot of things will change before the playoffs.
Roz from Milford, DE writes: As an Steelers fan, I am always worried about the Patriots. Look at our recent history against that team when Tom Brady is playing and that should tell the story. Also you have to remember it’s only the first week of the season. Pittsburgh didn't look great either, i.e. the running game. We can only ride the defense so long, especially now with one of our best defenders sidelined for three-to-six weeks. As for the Chargers, the jury is still out on whether they can actually win in the playoffs consistently.
Austin from Clemson, SC writes: Hey JW. For the “Thought of the Day,” I'd say the Ravens and Steelers are definitely better than the Chargers. They are just the best of the worst in the AFC West. As for the Pats, I think they are better than they played on Monday, as Brady is always a threat. That being said, I think both the Ravens and the Steelers are more COMPLETE than the Patriots. So I would pick us over them any day.
Ryan from Baltimore writes: Hey James, love the blog. I don't want to jinx anything since Baltimore has to play the Chargers this week and the Pats soon enough. Bottom line, though, not impressed.
Todd Povey from Winnipeg, MB writes: Well James, as a Steeler fan I’m certainly not intimidated by what I saw from the Chargers and Pats. I am actually offended by how people think Brady's return makes them automatic favorites to return to the Super Bowl. In my opinion the Steelers haven't been respected by some, and perhaps the folks need to look back through the 2008 schedule of opponents to see just how good the Steelers really are. We still should be the favorites, because as you know this team is solid up and down the roster. The O-line isn't as big a weakness as some think, as evident by our victory in Super Bowl XLIII.
Zach from Chillicothe, Ohio writes: Regarding the “Thought of the Day,” unfortunately for the rest of the league Tom Brady got his swagger back in the fourth quarter Monday night, albeit it against the Buffalo Bills. I think that any team that beats the Patriots from here on out will once again have to out-shoot them. As for the Chargers, well the Ravens have their shot this coming week to prove everyone wrong. Go AFCN!
Johnny D from Baltimore writes: Bring on those Bolts and Pats. They showed they both have holes on defense. To be honest, I wasn't really impressed with the Ravens handling of the Kansas City Chiefs, either. All three teams let below average teams hang in until the end only to avoid an upset. I think if Matt Cassel had started, the Ravens may have lost. The Steelers played an above average opponent and admittedly have issues with running the ball. However they took care of the Titans as they should have – in a close, low-scoring game. Now it's only week 1, so let’s not get too excited. Go Steelers!
Scotty writes: Hey Jdub, as a Steelers fan we aren't afraid of any team. This is the NFL, anything can happen. I do know one thing: Pittsburgh isn’t Buffalo. The Steelers know they can win and won’t lay an egg if they find themselves with a lead and a minute left. I almost threw up after the New England-Buffalo game. Imagine if I was a Bills fan.
John from St. Catherines, ON writes: The Patriots showed why they are among the league’s elite Monday night. Their defense was adequate at best against a sub-par offense in Buffalo, and Brady appeared out of sync at times with his receivers. But good teams find ways to win. Despite a sub-par effort, they still found a way to win. With Brady under shotgun, you always have a chance to win. Their defense is going to have to replace the leadership it lost in the offseason, though. I think the Patriots match up well against the Ravens
Craig from Lwood, Ohio writes: Hey J-Dub. As a Steelers fan there is always a concern when you're talking about Bill Belichick and Tom Brady based on their record versus the Steelers. Brady looked like he's picking up where he left off, but their defense is a glaring weak point. If they meet in the postseason, I think the Steelers will be able to keep Brady under control and off the field. The Pitt offense should be able to produce points. The Chargers? Come on, man! They'll choke again. They'll need "Three (Philip) Rivers" to beat the Steelers!



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