New England

I haven't talked with my friend Tom about last night's football game between the Ravens and the Patriots. However, I do know that he hates New England. With that in mind, I can't imagine how he feels about them now after grasping victory from the jaws of defeat. New England not only deserved to lose, they should have lost. Baltimore played unbelievable until the last few minutes of the game. It all started with Boller's pointless interception, after he had played one of his best (if not the best) game of his NFL career. The next key play was the 4th and 1 time out by the defensive coordinator just a split second before New England snapped the ball. No one heard the whistle, and so the play was completed with Brady getting stuffed. This would have basically ended the game. After the timeout, New England had a false start on another play that Baltimore crammed down their throat. On the third try, now at 4th and 6, Brady was able to scramble for the first. Later on in the drive, on another 4th down, Baltimore was called for illegal contact to continue the drive (granted this was an obvious call). Finally Brady completed the touchdown pass for the go ahead TD as Baltimore began to implode. In a symbolic moment for both teams, New England kicked off from the Baltimore 35 after two personal fouls and an offsides were called against Baltimore. However, Baltimore still had a glimmer of hope, but it was crushed as their "Hail Mary" was completed, but snuffed at New England's 2 yard line as time ran out.

This fantastic game ended with the expected result...another New England victory. The 1972 Miami Dolphins must be wondering if this is finally the year a team goes undefeated to tie their historic feat. New England has Pittsburgh, Miami, and both New York teams left. Two of these games against the Jets and Dolphins should be gimmies, but the other two against the Steelers and Giants could be pretty tough. For what it's worth, I am not a New England fan (if fact I usually hate them also), and yet I found myself rooting for the Patriots last night.