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Carroll-Belichick matchup always an entertaining one

By Tom King - Staff Writer | Sep 18, 2020

You’ve gotta love Pete Carroll.

Sure, he didn’t have the success he wanted while coaching in New England from 1997-99, and he made a bonehead call that cost the Seattle Seahawks a Super Bowl title in February of 2015.

But he’s given the Seahawks a Super Bowl crown and a winning tradition. Of course, having Russell Wilson helps.

There’s no reason to go over Carroll’s Patriots feelings, he’s faced New England three times since, winning two of the three (and should have won all three), the last being a 31-24 triumph at Gillette Stadium in 2016.

“Our approach and mentality and how we treat people and expectations of the program all really developed out of the New England experience,”Carroll said. “We’ve had really even matchups and we’ve been fortunate in a couple of them. We’ll see what happens this week.”

“Pete’s done a tremendous job out there,” Belichick said, adding that his success and philosophy is “evident every time you turn on the film.”

“I think the thing we’ve shared over the years is a consistency to stay out in front,” Carroll said. “Philosophically, it’s all about playing the game fundamentally with good basics and with your principles in order.”

We kept our principles last week and it resulted in a mediocre 4-3 record.

Let’s give it another shot:

SEAHAWKS 17, PATRIOTS 13

The games between these two are always close, always entertaining. The Seahawks know Patriots quarterback Cam Newton well; the question is will they recognize him in this offense. Pats catch a break vs. Russell Wilson & Co. with no fans, so that loud atmosphere won’t be present. But it’s still a road game across the country. Keep an eye, too, on the air quality.

DOLPHINS 16, BILLS 10

Yes, we saw how bad Miami looked on offense and against the run. Yes, we saw how great Buffalo looked against the Jets. Consistency is hard to find in the first month from week to week. Fish coach Brian Flores figures out a way.

TEXANS 35,RAVENS 31

Same thing here. Two running quartebacks in an old fashioned Texas shootout. In this one, Deshaun Watson somehow outplays Lamar Jackson.

BUCCANEERS 24, PANTHERS 17

Oh, there’s drama already in Tompa Bay. Tom Brady is being chastised somewhat by his coach, Bruce Arians. Brady “He’s the coach, I’m just trying to win a game” comment says it all. Well, less drama this week with his first victory as a Buc. Gronk with two TD catches in the first half before the Florida heat gets to him.

EAGLES 27, RAMS 17

Two young stud QBs who are declining, Eagles Carson Wentz vs. Rams Jarod Goff. What the heck happened to Philly last week, blowing a 17-0 lead vs. Washington? The Rams aren’t that good, folks; Dallas would have won that game had it not been for an inept call late.

NINERS 26, JETS 14

Are the Jets as bad as they looked last week? Probably not. San Francisco, a stout defensive team, had trouble with Arizona’s college type offense. They have injury woes. The spotlight is on Jimmy Garappolo. But they should be good enough to beat Sam Darnold & Co.

SAINTS 30, RAIDERS 24

Gotta love this matchup between two of the flashiest locations in the NFL, right? The Saints scored 34 points last Sunday (six via defense) with Drew Brees passing for just 160 yards. Raiders got 234 yards in the air from Derek Carr and three TDs from back Josh Jacobs, so they are nothing to sneeze at. Just hate to go against Brees.

LAST WEEK: 4-3

SEASON RECORD: 4-3

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

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