never doubt a gut feeling

even as far back as the last weeks of regular season play, i had the sinking feeling that this was not the year for the Patriots. i just didn't have the same confidence that i did during the years they took it all the way. i knew they were going to lose, i just didn't know when...

the only thing is... i wish they hadn't lost *this* game. i could have taken a loss to the Chargers or the Jets or even in the Super Bowl. this one was bitter. but... that's the way it goes. sometimes you lose to your nemesis. it just makes the next time you win that much sweeter.

i know there are a few people who will take great joy in taunting me. i could come back with some sharp retorts, but that's not my style. (i will say this: too bad one of them isn't big enough to apply his name to the comments he leaves here. he can talk smack, but has to do it anonymously. i could name him right now, but... eh. whatever. he can live under the safety of his anonymity.) it's a shame that none of them will get the reaction i am sure they are hoping for. i also know that not a single one of them had better call me a bandwagon fan again though.

just like the Red Sox ended their season with a game that was an appropriate summary of their season -- some pitcher we'd never heard of in a game that got called on account of rain -- so ended the season for the Patriots, with a microcosm of the season playing out like a season in review: no real receivers to speak of, a key defensive injury against Indy in the opening drive (though he somehow dragged himself back out onto the field to play injured, like the trooper that he is) & a Brady interception to seal the deal, sending the Colts on to the big game in Miami.

am i disappointed? sure. but i am also relieved that this roller coaster of a season has finally screeched to a halt & my heart rate can return to something more normal. i never expected them to even make it this far, not with a receiving corp like that. but there are some good things that came out of this season. we saw a strong running game emerge. and we learned to believe in the rookie kicker. there is some work to be done on defense (like teaching Ellis Hobbs *not* to make pass interference penalties!) & we really need a couple of wide receivers who won't let perfect passes fall right through their hands (seriously. with eyes that big, Reche Caldwell really ought to have no problem seeing the ball coming at him.) but the Patriots will be back. of that, i am sure.

two weeks. Miami. and i will live vicariously through every single hit the Indy offense suffers at the hands of Brian Urlacher. go Bears.