Dynasty Is Two-Minute "Drilled"

It looked so promising as the Pats ran the clock down to the two-minute warning in the first half of their 27-13 loss to the Broncos (their first playoff setback in almost 7 years). Things were starting to click. Despite being out-played for the first 20 minutes or so, they were about to take at least a 3-0 lead into the locker room. Or, with a little luck, go in leading 6-0 or 10-0. Then, they got 2-minute drilled.

A Kevin Faulk fumble and a phantom interference call later and they were suddenly down 7-3. Rookie Ellis Hobbs then fumbled the ensuing kick-off and that lead to 50-yard field goal making it 10-3. In barely over one minute, the entire complexion of the game flipped. We didn't know it then, but that was the end.

The second half saw three more turnovers and uncharacteristic failures by the core of this dynastic crew--a Vinatieri missed field goal here, a Brady interception there, a Troy Brown dropped punt. As Brady said, "It's just unfortunate that it was our best players making some of the big mistakes." And, despite one of the most inspiring plays in NFL history, Ben Watson was not able to carry the whole team on his back. It has ended. It was a great run.

Say Hey, Willie!

There was a time--not that many years ago--when the talk shows were questioning whether we'd ever get our money's worth out of one Willie McGinest from Southern Cal. Can we officially put that second-guessing to rest? "Say Hey" McGinest turned in the kind of performance that has been building through his solid play all year, in the 28-3 play-off win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 4.5 sacks (a playoff record) were only the icing on the cake. Willie is once again a force to be feared, a game-changing player, the guy we drafted.

The Patriots, who just a handful of Monday nights ago were plastered by the Colts, have officially found their mojo. And, the victory by the Steelers on Sunday now sets up the possibility (and I do stress it as only a possibility) of an AFC Championship game in Foxboro.

There were many other unlikely heroes in this convincing win. Like Ben Watson and his remarkable dash to glory. Like Andre' Davis' multiple heads-up plays. Like Assante Samuel, whose anticipatory pick atoned for earlier lapses. Like the indescribable Troy Brown, who not only caught a TD pass but made 4 tackles as a cornerback. And how about Kevin Faulk ripping off big 3rd down runs? And the whole linebacking corps kicking Jaguar posterior without Tedi Bruschi. On and on and on. But, you've come to expect this from the World Champs. Expect even more. Don't you get the feeling.....?

Pyrrhic Pigskin Loss

Bill Belichick is a smart guy. He went to Andover's Phillips Academy. He knows his Greco-Roman history. Pyhrrus, a Greek King who battled the Romans in the second century, B.C. became famous winning battles at a very high cost--hence the term, "Pyrrhic Victory". Well, the Pats 28-26 loss to the Dolphins could qualify as a Pyrrhic Loss--a setback that gains you more in the long run than a victory might have. Sure, a win might have secured a #3 seed and a potential second home playoff tilt--but that wasn't really likely. As it is, the "loss" to Miami accomplished two things: first, it rested and kept healthy the core of the team they will need in the next few weeks; second, it gave us a somewhat preferable opponent in Jacksonville (you know, a warm weather team coming North, an injured QB).

A nice "philosophical" win. I'm sure that the newly-thoughtful Ricky Williams would appreciate the irony. After all, in his post-game interview, he gave us this Yoda-like gem:"I don't have a desire to be starter or not a starter. It'd be nice to do anything and be anywhere."